Artist: Boston Album: Third Stage

Year: 1986
Duration: 36:22

A Critical Review of Boston's Album: Third Stage

Boston is a rock band that debuted in the mid-70s with their eponymous album, which is considered one of the best-selling albums in the United States. Their music style is a unique blend of hard rock and pop. Their third album, Third Stage, which was released in 1986, was their first album in eight years. While the band retained its classic sound, there were a few innovative parts that have made Third Stage a classic and a must-listen. In this blog post, we will undertake a critical review of the album, discussing the best songs, the most innovative parts, and our critic of the album.

The album begins with Amanda, a love ballad that has now become a Boston classic. In Amanda, the band showcases its mastery of catchy choruses, and this song has stood the test of time. The second song, We're Ready is a classic Boston rock song. From the opening riffs to the harmonized vocals, it is vintage Boston. The Launch is one of the most innovative parts of the album, as it is a synthesizer-heavy instrumental that showcases Boston's versatility beyond their typical guitar-heavy sound.

One of the standout tracks on the album is Cool the Engines, a song that starts with a keyboard riff before transitioning into a hard rock anthem. It is the perfect example of how Boston can combine different music genres to create a unique and refreshing sound. My Destination is another classic song on the album that showcases the band's versatility. The song has a slower pace than most Boston songs, but it's a special song that is unique in its own way.

The final track, Hollyann, was written about Brad Delp's daughter. It has a beautiful and heartfelt melody that is backed up by a keyboard-heavy instrumental. The song is a perfect ending to the album and a testament to the band's ability to create meaningful songs that touch people's hearts.

Now let's talk about our critical thoughts on the album. One criticism is that the album feels a bit too long, with a runtime of over 40 minutes. Some of the songs could have been trimmed down, making the album more concise. Also, the album feels like a continuation of the band's previous work, lacking a fresh take on their sound. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as the album still has plenty of great songs that are worth listening to.

In conclusion, Third Stage is a great album that continues Boston's legacy as a fantastic rock band. The album has some of the band's best songs, such as Amanda and Cool the Engines, and some innovative parts like The Launch. Overall, Third Stage is a must-listen for Boston fans and anyone who loves classic rock. While it's not a perfect album, it is a fantastic addition to the band's discography that is worth checking out.