Boston – Third Stage (1986)
Release Date: September 23, 1986
Label: MCA Records
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Rock / Arena Rock / Hard Rock
Length: 40:57
Producer: Tom Scholz
Overview
Third Stage is Boston’s third studio album, arriving eight years after their sophomore release, largely due to Tom Scholz’s perfectionism and legal disputes with their label. The album marked a new era for the band, featuring the addition of Sib Hashian on drums and continued dominance of Brad Delp’s signature vocals.
The album introduced Boston’s most famous ballad, “Amanda,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the harder-edged title track “Third Stage.” The record blends classic Boston guitar harmonies, layered vocals, and polished production, while exploring modern ’80s rock sounds, including synthesizers and contemporary recording techniques.
Third Stage was both a commercial and critical success, proving that Boston could maintain relevance in the changing rock landscape of the mid-1980s.
Tracklist
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Amanda – 4:30
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We’re Ready – 5:32
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Cool the Engines – 4:02
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My Destination – 3:52
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‘Til the End of Time – 4:39
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Hollyann – 3:23
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Can’tcha Say (You Believe in Me) / Still in Love – 7:48
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Third Stage – 7:11
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Longest Gap Between Albums: There was an eight-year gap between Don’t Look Back (1978) and Third Stage (1986), due to legal battles and Scholz’s perfectionist recording process.
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#1 Hit: “Amanda” was Boston’s first and only song to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Technological Innovation: Tom Scholz used state-of-the-art digital recording and his own engineered devices, creating the polished, signature Boston sound.
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Did You Know? The title track, “Third Stage,” was inspired by the band’s struggles during the lengthy production period and symbolizes their perseverance.
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Synth Integration: Unlike previous albums, this release incorporated more synthesizers, reflecting mid-80s production trends without losing Boston’s guitar-driven essence.
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Band Lineup Changes: Fran Sheehan (bass) and Barry Goudreau (guitar) did not play on the album; Scholz performed bass, guitar, and keyboard parts himself in addition to his production role.
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Critical Acclaim: The album was praised for maintaining Boston’s classic rock sound while evolving with 1980s production aesthetics.
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Commercial Performance: Third Stage debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 and has sold over 4 million copies in the U.S.
Album Credits
Boston:
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Tom Scholz: Guitar, bass, keyboards, drum programming, producer, engineer
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Brad Delp: Lead vocals, backing vocals
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Sib Hashian: Drums, percussion
Additional Contributions:
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Session musicians contributed minor backing elements, but Scholz performed most instruments himself.
Production Team:
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Producer & Engineer: Tom Scholz
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Mixing & Mastering: Tom Scholz
Mini Review
Third Stage demonstrates Boston’s mastery of polished arena rock while adapting to the 1980s’ sonic landscape. The #1 ballad “Amanda” highlights Brad Delp’s iconic vocals, while tracks like “Cool the Engines” and the title track showcase intricate guitar harmonies and Scholz’s meticulous production. Despite lineup changes and long delays, the album balances emotional depth, technical precision, and melodic hooks, solidifying Boston’s legacy in classic rock history.
