Tom Scholz has never been known as a prolific producer of albums, but when he does emerge from the studio with a finished product, one can be certain it will be polished and sonically pleasing. Such is the case with “Life, Love & Hope,” the latest offering from Scholz and Boston.
Amazingly, in the 1970’s the eight years between “Don’t Look Back” and “Third Stage” was considered ridiculously long, but even more amazing was the fact that the two years between their mega-platinum selling eponymous debut and “Don’t Look Back” was a mere two years and judged as a “long time”(pun intended).
The time between 2002’s “Corporate America” and “Life, Love & Hope” represents the longest time between albums for just another band out of Boston. For the most part, Scholz sticks to the formula that made the bands eponymous album an instant classic, but “Life, Love & Hope” is not just a rehash of old songs, there are some interesting twists and unique sounds incorporated into the mix.
The formula songs include the opening number “Heaven on Earth” and the title track. “Last Day of School” is reminiscent of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and caused me to realize that Boston was a major influence on bands like TSO. The song “Sail Away” incorporates some unique sounds, and in parts sounds very modern.
The voice of Boston’s late lead singer Brad Delp is found on a couple of tracks, but even though Delp, one of the greatest arena rock singers of all time, is not on all of the tracks, it still maintains that Boston feeling, and in some ways Delp’s absence forced Scholz to be more creative.
Overall, “Life, Love & Hope” is a solid addition to the Boston catalog. It should please longtime fans of the band, and fans of classic rock that are willing to give music recorded after 1977 a listen. It is admirable that Scholz did not decide to ride the Boston legacy out without periodically offering new product.
