Boston – Life, Love & Hope (2013)
Release Date: December 3, 2013
Label: Frontiers Records
Type: Studio Album / Compilation of New and Archival Material
Genre: Rock / Arena Rock / Hard Rock
Length: 62:14
Producer: Tom Scholz
Overview
Life, Love & Hope is Boston’s sixth studio album, blending new recordings with previously unreleased material spanning decades. The album reflects the band’s classic arena rock sound, featuring soaring vocals, layered guitars, and melodic hooks, while also introducing modern production touches.
The record includes standout tracks like “Heaven on Earth,” “Loved by You,” and “Life, Love & Hope,” which showcase Tom Scholz’s signature precision and Brad Delp’s unforgettable vocals. This album is particularly significant as it incorporates recordings from Brad Delp before his passing in 2007, making it a tribute to the late singer’s enduring legacy.
Life, Love & Hope combines nostalgia with fresh energy, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a comprehensive view of Boston’s musical evolution.
Tracklist
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Heaven on Earth – 5:12
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Piece of Mind – 4:41
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Loved by You – 4:55
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Life, Love & Hope – 5:01
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Stars – 4:30
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Someday – 4:27
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Livin’ for You – 4:15
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I Can’t Believe It – 4:22
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Land of the Endless Sun – 4:08
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You Gave Up on Love – 4:36
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Things Will Change – 5:03
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I Had a Good Time – 3:50
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Heaven on Earth (Alternate Version) – 3:54
Special Editions / Bonus Tracks:
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Some editions include demo versions and archival recordings of classic Boston tracks.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Brad Delp Tribute: Several songs feature archival vocal recordings of Brad Delp, making this album a posthumous tribute.
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Longgest Gap: This album arrived 11 years after Corporate America, reflecting Tom Scholz’s meticulous production style.
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Archival Material: Tracks like “Life, Love & Hope” include recordings dating back to the 1980s, carefully remastered and integrated into the new album.
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Did You Know? Scholz spent over a decade selecting and polishing old Boston demos to include alongside new recordings for a cohesive sound.
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Mix of Old and New: The album blends classic Boston songs, unreleased demos, and entirely new material, offering a cross-generational experience.
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Production: Tom Scholz played most guitars, bass, keyboards, and drum programming, keeping the album faithful to Boston’s signature layered sound.
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Fan Favorite: “Heaven on Earth” became a highlight in Boston’s live setlists, demonstrating the band’s ability to create fresh hits decades into their career.
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Artwork: The cover features Boston’s spaceship motif integrated with a symbolic sunrise, representing hope and continuity.
Album Credits
Boston:
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Tom Scholz: Guitar, bass, keyboards, backing vocals, producer, engineer
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Brad Delp: Lead vocals (archival), backing vocals
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Tommy DeCarlo: Lead vocals on new material
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Curly Smith: Drums, percussion
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Gary Pihl: Guitar, backing vocals
Production Team:
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Producer & Engineer: Tom Scholz
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Mixing & Mastering: Tom Scholz
Mini Review
Life, Love & Hope is a heartfelt blend of new material and archival Boston classics, honoring Brad Delp’s legacy while showcasing Tom Scholz’s meticulous production. Tracks like “Heaven on Earth” and “Life, Love & Hope” highlight soaring vocals, layered guitars, and timeless melodies, making the album both nostalgic and fresh. It serves as a tribute, a celebration of Boston’s sound, and a bridge connecting fans across generations.
