28. Boston

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Published in Rock and Roll
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We remember a bit from Wayne’s World where Wayne Campbell discussed how in the 70’s the Fleetwood Mac album, Rumors (in another bit he inputted Frampton Comes Alive) was shipped to every house. He very well could have inputted Boston’s debut album which likely was found in most turntables in suburbia. No joke, that album really was that big.

Arena Rock is loosely defined as a softer and some cases more of a corporate and commercial version of Hard Rock. Certainly, Boston was slickly produced; they were essentially the brainchild of Tom Scholz who spent years producing what he thought was the perfect “Rock” sound. His vision proved to be right, as Boston seemingly became an overnight success and became the highest debut album of all time. As successful as it was commercially, the label of corporate rock certainly did not fit as Scholz painstakingly labored over the next two Boston albums and fought with his label constantly. If you classify Arena Rock as high production values, catchy hooks and strong harmonies, than absolutely Boston fits the bill and was one of the best of that genre. To those who see Arena Rock as a soulless entity fueled by money; they can certainly find bands that fit that mold; but categorizing Boston like that is so hard when they certainly left so much cash on the table by not making more albums or touring more. Boston’s shot relies totally on how history views the Arena Rock period for which they were always associated with.

www.bandboston.com

Should Boston be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 94.7%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.4%

No opinion. - 0.1%

No way! - 1.1%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2011: #91
2012: #79
2013: #75
2014: #71
2015: #70
2016: #70
Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 2002
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Boston, MA)
Why they will get in: The monster album they had in 1976 still draws in new fans today.
Why they won't get in: The “Arena Rock” label they have does not draw critical acclaim.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums: Boston (1976)
Don’t Look Back (1978)
Third Stage (1986)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: More Than A Feeling (From Boston, 1976)
Peace of Mind (From Boston, 1976)
Rock and Roll Band (From Boston, 1976)
Don’t Look Back (From Don’t Look Back, 1978)
Amanda (From Third Stage, 1986)