Boston’s debut album, self-titled Boston, is one of the most well-known albums of all time.

There are many great debut albums. Famous bands such as Van Halen, The Doors, and Lynyrd Skynyrd have all had immensely popular debut albums.

But there is one that stands out in the music industry, and it’s from Boston. It sold over a million copies in the first three months, and nearly 20 million overall. Boston‘s debut album took the world by storm. It was praised up and down and was one of the biggest albums of 1976, if not the biggest. The band included lead singer Brad Delp, the two guitarists, Barry Goudreau and Tom Scholz, the mastermind and founder of the band, drummer Sib Hashian, and bassist Fran Sheehan. Though the original members only lasted into the early 80s, this lineup was iconic and solidified themselves into music history.

“More Than a Feeling”

This song is probably the most popular song of the album, and for a good reason. It introduces Boston and its very distinct sound. One band member to highlight is lead singer Brad Dalp. His vocal range is incredible, especially when you just listen to him. Lead guitarist Tom Scholz brought the very recognizable riff, and overall, an amazing song to start the album, to get the listeners hooked. I give it a 10/10.

“Peace of Mind”

This song follows up “More Than a Feeling” great. Once again showcasing Boston’s high-energy feeling. Scholz and Delp combine their guitar playing and vocals once again. Though it does not get as much love as “More Than a Feeling,” it’s on the same level of greatness. I give this song a 9/10.

“Foreplay/Long Time”

This is by far the longest song on this album. But the longevity adds to the buildup of it. Boston also uses a synthesiser to add to the tone of this song. Scholz is really good here as well; his guitar play adds to the slow build up extremely well. I also give this song a 9/10.

“Rock & Roll Band”

This song once again uses the signature Boston sound that is very recognizable. The harmonies as we hear in this song are also iconic. All the harmonies were by Brad Delp, as Scholz layers his voice to create them. This song is seen as a 70s rock anthem, and overall is just a solid inside out. Once again, this song is a 9/10

“Smokin’ “

This is my personal favorite song on this album. “Smokin’ ” once again uses great vocals and guitar play from Delp and Scholz. The best part of this song, however, is the organ solo in the middle of the song. It gives the song much more depth and is a great bridge from the beginning of the song to the end. Overall, this song is a masterpiece, and it deserves a 10/10.

“Hitch a Ride”

Towards the end of this album, the songs become less and less recognizable. Mostly because the radio station never plays them. “Hitch a Ride” is a good example of this. The song itself definitely feels softer than the previous five songs. It still has the hard rock sound, but does not feel the same energy that Boston is really known for. Still a great song though. Scholz delivers a great solo towards the end. With that, I give this song an 8/10.

“Something About You”

While I wouldn’t call this song underrated, it’s definitely underplayed compared to the rest of this album. Delp carried this song. His vocals are beautiful to listen to, parallel to the rest of this album. To me, it’s just a classic Boston song. I give it a 9/10.

“Let Me Take You Home”

This song definitely feels slower than the previous seven songs. Even more so than “Hitch a Ride.” It has a nice build-up, but it feels like it takes a long time to get there. Of course, Delp is once again incredible. But for me, it’s my least favorite song on the album. I give it a 7/10.

To me, there isn’t a “bad” song on this album. Perhaps that’s why the album had so much success. Even my least favorite song is still “good.” This album was a staple in music history, and few albums in music have ever had this much success. With that, I have to give this album a 10/10. Only one song dips under 8, and the first five songs are well known and iconic.

Tom Scholz’s brilliance and Delp’s vocal range brought us one of the best albums we’ve ever seen.