"Third Stage" released on September 24, 1986, marked Boston's third studio album and their first with MCA Records. Recorded over six years at Tom Scholz's Hideaway Studio, the process was fraught with challenges, including floods and power outages. While Scholz and vocalist Brad Delp were the only original members involved, the album's themes explore aging and life's stages. Its lead single, "Amanda," became a number one hit and remains one of Boston's signature songs. The album achieved commercial success, eventually being certified 4× platinum by the RIAA.
After winning a legal battle with Epic Records, Tom Scholz moved Boston to MCA Records for their third studio album, "Third Stage," which was released in 1986. The lead track, "Amanda," written in 1980, became the band’s only #1 single, holding the top spot for two weeks. Another hit from the album, "We're Ready," reached #9, while "Cool the Engines" peaked at #4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, and "Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)/Still in Love" hit #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987, marking Boston’s last Top 40 hit.
"Third Stage" quickly climbed to #1 on the Billboard 200, remaining there for four weeks. It was notable as the first CD-album to be certified gold (500,000 copies) by the RIAA, also achieving gold status in LP format, believed to be a first for an album in both formats. Overall, it was certified 4× platinum.
This album introduced electronic drum samples and featured songs not solely written by Scholz or vocalist Brad Delp. Notably, it was the first Boston album without original members Barry Goudreau, Sib Hashian, and Fran Sheehan, although Hashian played drums on several tracks and Sheehan received a writing credit. Jim Masdea drummed on most of the album. "Third Stage" also marked the debut of Scholz’s Rockman guitar processor, with no orchestral sounds or synthesizers included. Critics noted a darker, more somber tone compared to the band’s earlier work.
