Boston - Third Stage (1986)

"Third Stage" is the third album by American rock band. The album was recorded at Tom Scholz's Hideaway Studio over a six-year period "between floods and power failures". After rushing their second album "Don't Look Back", Boston took eight years to complete the album Third Stage. The long delay is even more surprising considering that their sound didn't change at all; even though only songwriter/guitarist Tom Scholz and vocalist Brad Delp remained from the original lineup, they were the ones responsible for Boston's sound. As such, it is difficult to avoid comparisons with their landmark debut. "Third Stage" has some strong moments, especially the number one hit "Amanda" where the band blends acoustic and electric guitars to complement the layered vocals. However, the songs are not as strong as those on their debut, and the album is marred by the presence of instrumental fillers and an attempt to cling to a theme of "journey through life's third stage." Thus, rather than focusing on universal topics such as the exuberance and uncertainties associated with youth, the mature lyrics are lost on most of their young rock audience. Given the time between albums and the changes in the pop landscape, it was a little disappointing to find Boston stuck in the same sound. The album still sounds great when it works on all cylinders ("We're Ready," "Cool the Engines. Third Stage went to #1 on the Billboard 200 where it stayed for four weeks.

Track List:

01. "Amanda" (Tom Scholz) - 4:16
02. "We're Ready" (Scholz) - 3:58
03. "The Launch" (Scholz) - 2:55
04. "Cool the Engines" (Scholz, Brad Delp, Fran Sheehan) - 4:23
05. "My Destination" (Scholz) - 2:19
06. "A New World" (Jim Masdea) - 0:36
07. "To Be a Man" (Scholz) - 3:30
08. "I Think I Like It" (Scholz, Jerry English) - 4:06
09. "Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)/Still in Love" (Gary Green, Scholz, Delp) - 5:13
10. "Hollyann" (Scholz) - 5:11

Released: September 23, 1986
Recorded: 1980-1986
Genre: Rock
Length: 36:27
Label: MCA
Producer: Tom Scholz

Personnel:
Brad Delp - lead vocals, harmony vocals
Tom Scholz - guitars, organs, piano, bass, drums, percussion
Jim Masdea - drums, percussion
Sib Hashian - drums, percussion
Fran Sheehan – bass
Gary Pihl - guitar on "I think I like It"