500. More Than a Feeling. Boston.

Ok. First thing is, I've heard this song 1000 times in my life. I asked my co-worker, Nick, a punk-rocker, how in the world this song became one of the most played songs on the radio? I mean, More Than a Feeling must earn as much in royalties as Stairway to Heaven just from classic rock radio in the US. Nick's answer was "because it's familiar and comfortable." I think there is something to that. This song has nothing challenging in it. It's technically kind of amazing, however. The guitar solos are really clinical -- it's clear Tom S. spent a lot of time working these solos out. But who cares? There is very little charisma in it, only a lot of careful planning. When I watch live footage of this band, it's clear to me that very little energy is carried by the vocalist, despite his extraordinary voice. He really has a beautiful, melodic classic rock style. And what a range! But the focus isn't on him to carry the energy of the band.

Nick and I agreed that it is easy to hear this song without listening to it. It doesn't challenge you to listen to it. I doesn't evoke any particular emotion except a brainy kind of appreciation. The song easily falls into the background, never demanding anything from the listener.

At the same time, the song is masterfully assembled. Boston is especially good at epic rock guitar breaks: all the instrumentation stops except for the guitar, which carries a rhythmic bottom which marks the song. It's fun in rock music to stop everything and encourage everyone to clap their hands together, and More Than a Feeling makes this possible.

I'm going to give it another listen, and see what emerges.

Wow. My assessment is much more positive now. The guitar work is really amazing. I especially love the screaming glissandos tearing into the beginning of the chorus. I love the way the drums are recorded -- you can hear everything really clearly, especially the ride cymbal. There is a really classic chord pattern, overlayed with a soaring melody which, despite the incomprehensible lyrics, is absolutely singable. How do they do that?

It's true, though, that it's very technical. Where is the heart? It's like a really beautiful and well-made piece of wooden furniture. What do you think?