Boston – Corporate America (2002)
Release Date: November 5, 2002
Label: Artemis Records
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Rock / Arena Rock / Hard Rock
Length: 52:20
Producer: Tom Scholz
Overview
Corporate America is Boston’s fifth studio album, released 16 years after Walk On, marking one of the longest gaps between Boston albums. This record is notable for its sharp social commentary, addressing corporate greed, media influence, and the changing music industry, while retaining Boston’s signature layered guitars, melodic hooks, and arena-ready sound.
The album includes standout tracks such as “I’m Alive,” “Livin’ for You,” and the title track “Corporate America,” which critique the modern corporate and political landscape. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the album was praised by fans for its classic Boston sound blended with contemporary themes, demonstrating that Tom Scholz remained committed to both musical integrity and social commentary.
Tracklist
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Livin’ for You – 4:17
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Somebody – 3:42
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I’m Alive – 4:33
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I Had a Good Time – 3:56
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Corporate America – 3:45
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If You Were in Love – 4:10
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You Gave Up on Love – 4:04
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It’s Easy – 4:08
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Put Me on Fire – 3:50
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Holy Fool – 4:32
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Time Is the Enemy – 4:38
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Dream – 4:05
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Turn It Off – 3:40
Special Editions / Bonus Tracks:
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Some editions include acoustic versions or alternate mixes of select songs.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Social Commentary: The album’s title and several songs, including “Corporate America,” critique corporate greed and modern business culture—a first for Boston’s studio releases.
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Long Hiatus: Boston had a 16-year gap between studio albums (Walk On in 1994 to Corporate America in 2002*), largely due to Scholz’s perfectionism and production demands.
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Tom Scholz’s Perfectionism: Scholz once again played guitars, keyboards, bass, and drum programming on much of the album, maintaining his hands-on approach.
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Did You Know? “I’m Alive” was one of the few Boston tracks to address modern societal themes, blending classic rock with 21st-century messages.
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Phil X on Guitar: Phil X contributed lead guitar parts, bringing a fresh style while keeping Boston’s signature layered sound.
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Mixed Reception: Critics praised the technical musicianship and songwriting but were divided on the overtly political lyrics.
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Commercial Performance: The album peaked at #42 on the Billboard 200, showing moderate commercial success compared to Boston’s earlier releases.
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Artwork: The cover features Boston’s iconic spaceship logo in a corporate setting, reflecting the album’s themes.
Album Credits
Boston:
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Tom Scholz: Guitar, bass, keyboards, backing vocals, producer, engineer
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Brad Delp: Lead vocals, backing vocals
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Phil X: Lead guitar, backing vocals
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Sib Hashian: Drums, percussion
Production Team:
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Producer & Engineer: Tom Scholz
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Mixing & Mastering: Tom Scholz
Mini Review
Corporate America blends Boston’s classic melodic rock and arena-ready sound with socially conscious lyrics, marking a unique entry in their discography. Tracks like “I’m Alive” and the title track deliver tight guitar harmonies, soaring vocals, and thought-provoking commentary. While the album’s political themes divided critics, the musicianship and layered production reflect Tom Scholz’s meticulous approach. For fans, it’s a modern-era Boston album with both heart and edge.
