It's been long time since I heard
anything new from this classic arena rock band.
Boston has been a trademark of the pompous rock from the successful,
self titled debut album in 1976 and throughout the 80's, and a
quality stamp for melodic hard rock with hit
songs like "More Than a Feeling", "Peace of Mind",
"Foreplay/Long Time", "Rock and Roll Band",
"Smokin'", "Don't Look Back" and "Amanda". Their
discography is as follows 1976: Boston, 1978:
Don't Look Back, 1986: Third Stage, 1994: Walk
On and 2002: Corporate America, so with only 2
releases since the middle of the 80's, they haven't
exactly over-fertilized their faithful fans with discs.
This new album have a rather fresh lineup and
the only remaining 'original' member is, Tom
Scholz. 'Life, Love & Hope' is the first
Boston album to be released following the tragic
death of the former lead vocalist Brad Delp.
Initially, I am unsatisfied with the production.
Weak and unclear audio and moreover I miss the
expected pressure out of my speakers from
Boston. I was longing for the supposed
overwhelming, majestic and progressive arena
rock like the other FM bands are playing. ASIA,
Foreigner, Styx, YES, Queen and Journey feel
like heavy steamrollers in comparison to this
so-so work. A quite sad conclusion to be
honest.
Half the playlist is songs, which have been
re-mastered from 'Corporate America' and somehow
it feels like this album wasn't ready for publication yet. It is sprawling and pointing in
all different directions. I can not find the
right harmony or right emotions in the songs! I
consider this to be a soulless way to blow old
fans out of their money. No, this will not do. I
really wish that they return to the basics and
starts all over again. Too me is this a big
yawn.
Tiring in general and the only acceptable tunes I can
find on the album are: 'Didn't Mean to Fall
in Love', 'You Gave Up on Love', 'Sail Away' and
'Heaven On Earth'. The nice artwork is giving
'Life, Love & Hope' a few extra points on
the overall score.
Current Lineup:
Tom Scholz – lead and rhythm guitar, bass,
keyboards, percussion, backing vocals
(1976–present)
Gary Pihl – rhythm and lead guitar, keyboards,
backing vocals (1985–present)
Curly Smith – drums, percussion, harmonica,
backing vocals (1994–1997, 2012–present)
Tommy DeCarlo – lead vocals, keyboards,
percussion (2008–present)
David Victor – guitar, vocals (2012–present)
Tracy Ferrie – bass guitar, backing vocals
(2012–present)
