All I want is to have my peace of mind
Jake | 05/21/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Boston's debut album was one of the fastest-selling albums in the history of the US, selling (to my understanding) multiple millions of copies in its first week. That's an incredible feat, but it's made especially mind-boggling when you consider that this album was a debut album.
From the fade-in effect of "More Than a Feeling" to the final warbling note of "Let Me Take You Home Tonight", Boston's opener really delivers. Tom Scholz's mastery on "More Than A Feeling" is evident, with a guitar hook that is instantly recognizable. "More Than A Feeling" also allows vocalist Brad Delp (RIP) to show us his vocal range. "More Than A Feeling" is a lament about Marianne, sung from the point of view of someone who "closed my eyes and she slipped away." Definitely a well-known (and perhaps slightly overplayed) classic rock tune.
My personal favorite from this album, "Peace Of Mind," reminds us to take it easy, because in the grand scheme of things, life's achievements really don't matter. And all I want is to have my peace of mind, after all; to heck with indecision and falling behind.
"Foreplay/Long Time" is one of the better-known tracks on this album, and the third of the "triumvirate" (if you will) of songs that really boosted this album's sales. Clocking in at 7 minutes, 45 seconds, it is the longest track on this album, with the first two minutes, 45 seconds - called, in this case, "foreplay" - being what kick the song off. A very instrumental jam that I often find myself nodding my head to (and sometimes air-drumming or air-guitaring to). Then, master that he is, Tom Scholz takes the song in a completely other direction, as "Long Time" is a tune about another lost lady.
"Rock And Roll Band," a fairly up-tempo, infectious jam, clocks in at just three minutes - the album's shortest song. It seems to be a brief biography of what Boston went through ("Just another band out of Boston...") in their early days. Delp shows off his incredible vocal range on this song as well. Great guitar on this feel-good tune.
"Smokin'" is another feel-good rocker about the nearly drug-like effects of the music of that time.
The album's pace slows down a bit with "Hitch A Ride", a beautiful, slower tune about leaving everything behind and "heading for the other side"... being free from what's holding you back. Great guitar soloing in this one.
"Something About You" is another personal favorite of mine - a catchy hook leads into this up-tempo song about a lady that catches someone's eye. More catchy guitar, more good singing. All around great song.
"Let Me Take You Home Tonight" is another song about a special lady, who the singer wants to "get high" on love. Good harmonies in this one and more great guitar work from Scholz.
It's easy to see why this debut album is among the greatest of all time. "More Than A Feeling" can be found on any "Greatest Classic Rock Ever!" compilations, but as for the rest of these songs (especially the last four), the best place to find them is on Boston's debut album."
Worth the coins
S. Petraborg | 08/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"All classic rock is not good. Boston has never let me down and this album reminds me why. With a strong vocal set the lead singer keeps you listen to the songs and wanting more. And Boston is one of the few groups that gives me guitar sounds I really enjoy. Some of today's songs are good but there's a reason it's called "classic rock" and it equals Boston."