The self-titled debut album from Boston turns 50 on August 25th, and we’re paying tribute with a special Boston weekend..
This anthemic masterpiece broke sales records right out of the gate, becoming the best-selling debut album in the U.S. up to that point, and it remains in the top 10 to this day. The album went gold just two months after it’s release, in October of 1976 and to date has now sold more than 17 million copies in the U.S. alone and at least 20 million worldwide.
Boston arrived with a sound that seemed tailor-made for rock radio: massive guitars, soaring harmonies, huge choruses and meticulously layered production. Much of the album grew out of guitarist and producer Tom Scholz’s home recordings, where he developed the distinctive guitar-heavy sound that would become Boston’s trademark. What makes the album a classic-rock staple is that it manages to sound both polished and powerful, with nearly every track built for big speakers and bigger sing-alongs. Its combination of Scholz’s intricate guitar work and Brad Delp’s amazing vocals gave Boston a sound that became enormously influential on arena rock and has kept the songs alive on radio for decades.
We’ll feature every track with info and insight throughout the weekend, then play the entire album for you on the anniversary of its release date – Tuesday, August 25 at 8pm.