The Impact Series, Volume 3: Boston (Boston)

If you’ve missed Volumes 1-2 of this series, check them out here.

Boston’s self-titled debut album doesn’t need much introduction. Classic hits like “More Than A Feeling” and “Peace Of Mind” are radio staples today – in fact, the entire album can probably be found on your local classic rock station even today.

Boston remains the defining classic rock band for me. The album may only be 8 songs long, but it was a veritable explosion into a music scene that, at the time, was dominated by disco music.

Uplifting lyrics certainly had a lot to do with it. While music in 2014 is still pretty awesome, a lot of it is filled with negativity and shallow lyrics. Boston’s lyrics may not have been anything life-changing – but on the track “Peace Of Mind”, the overarching message is to keep a good moral compass. It’s definitely one of the best parts of the album.

Another reason why it’s such a beloved album to me is that some lyrics tell a story, especially on the track “Rock N’ Roll Band”. Whether it was an autobiographical story or something observed when writing the song, one thing is clear – it’s one of many instantly identifiable and relatable tracks, which I imagine is why it sold so well.

I owe my dad a lifetime of thanks for introducing me to this album at a young age. Songwriting, great musicianship, an iconic vocalist in Brad Delp – 38 years later it still holds up incredibly well.

If you’ve never listened to the album in full, you should. They’re more than just another band out of Boston.