The Music Review

Boston’s ability to create hard rock songs has never been doubted, but one of their first songs, More Than a Feeling, is often seen as their best. It has become an anthem of hard rock, and has inspired many young musicians. The song can be praised for its complicity and unforgettable rhythm.

The song is anchored by the astounding amount of layers created by the Layer wizard: Tom Scholz. Scholz wrote, and performed almost the entire song in his basement recording studio (except vocals and drums) after spending five years creating the sound. Scholz brought science to music, and layered music like math, and is credited as the genius behind Boston. His devotion ultimately paid off. Released on Boston’s debut, self titled album, More Than a Feeling is one of the singles that made the band so memorable.

The rhythmic chime of the guitars is almost unforgettable, making More Than a Feeling Boston’s most popular song. The song opens with an excellent acoustic riff. The acoustic riff gives the impression, at first, that this will be a quiet song; then it builds through the introduction of drums, followed by vocals. It explodes into pre-chorus with the introduction of the electric guitars and bass. Then there is a shift in rhythm to the chorus, which harbours even more energy. The song follows a similar pattern throughout, and eventually flows into solo. The energy of the song is what gives it its power, the combination of instruments, vocals and rhythm are near perfection.

In addition to the masterful guitar, there is an outstanding vocal performance from Brad Delps. Delp was able to hit the notes perfectly, even the highest ones, without the aid of electronics. For many parts of the song there are two or more vocal tracks. Tom Scholz and Brad Delps are the backbone of Boston, and it’s success. The character in the song, is reminded of a love gone by when he hears a song on the radio. This song is attached to a memory of a woman: Maryanne, who is presumably a lover with whom he has lost touch. It is revealed that he uses music as his way to escape from reality.

The acoustic riff gives the impression, at first, that this will be a quiet song The song brings an energetic feeling, and is one of the greatest hard rock songs ever written. The blend of tracks is wonderfully weaved to create an unforgettable song that, in my opinion, was never surpassed by the band at any time during their career. Ironically, Boston’s first album would be their most successful. Although the songs they have written will never be forgotten, especially More Than A Feeling.



As for suggestion, I would say to take a look at Motion City Soundtrack's album My Dinosaur Life specifically the song "Disappear" and to look at the Color Fred, the songs "Hate To See You Go" and "If I Surrender.


Disapear



Hate To See You Go



If I Surrender