"Boston" is the debut studio album by the American rock band Boston, released on August 25, 1976, by Epic Records. Produced by band guitarist Tom Scholz and John Boylan, the album showcases a distinctive sound that Scholz developed through his background in classical music and early rock influences. Scholz, a multi-instrumentalist and engineer, initially recorded demos in his basement with singer Brad Delp. Despite several rejections from major labels, the demo tape was eventually picked up by CBS-owned Epic Records in 1975.
Epic Records wanted the album recorded professionally in Los Angeles, but Scholz and Boylan managed to deceive the label into believing that the recordings were done on the West Coast. In reality, most of the album was tracked in Scholz's home studio in Massachusetts. The album's tracks were essentially a recreation of the demo tape and included songs composed over several years. The distinctive "Boston sound" was influenced by Scholz's classical training, melodic hooks, and early guitar-heavy rock bands, along with innovative analogue electronic effects developed in his home studio.
Along with Scholz and Delp, other musicians on the album include drummers Jim Masdea and Sib Hashian, guitarist Barry Goudreau, and bassist Fran Sheehan. Masdea did not join the band full-time, while the others became permanent members.
Upon release, the album became a massive commercial success, breaking sales records and earning the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Century Award for the best-selling debut album. Its singles, including "More Than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," and "Foreplay/Long Time," were major hits, and the album continues to receive significant airplay on classic rock radio. Boston has sold at least 17 million copies in the United States and around 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling debut albums of all time.
