Overview
Third Stage is the 3rd studio album by American rock band Boston, released on September 23, 1986, through MCA Records. After an eight-year hiatus following their second album, Don’t Look Back (1978), Third Stage marked a significant return for the band. The album was a huge commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and achieving quadruple platinum certification in the U.S. It also featured the band's first and only Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single, “Amanda.”
Release Date: September 23, 1986
Label: MCA Records
Genre: Arena Rock, Hard Rock
Album Type: Studio Album
Chart Performance: No. 1 (Billboard 200)
Tracklist:
1. Amanda
2. We’re Ready
3. The Launch: a) Countdown, b) Ignition, c) Third Stage Separation
4. Cool the Engines
5. My Destination
6. A New World
7. To Be a Man
8. I Think I Like It
9. Can’tcha Say (You Believe in Me) / Still in Love
10. Hollyann
Why You Should Listen
Third Stage showcases Boston’s signature layered guitar harmonies, soaring vocals, and arena-ready sound that defined classic rock in the late ‘70s and ‘80s. It’s an album that balances power ballads with hard rock anthems and demonstrates the meticulous perfectionism of founder and producer Tom Scholz. The album’s atmospheric production and thematic journey, including tracks like “The Launch” and “My Destination,” make it an immersive listening experience.
Fun Facts & Trivia
🎸 Tom Scholz’s Perfectionism: The album took nearly six years to complete due to Scholz’s obsessive attention to detail. Much of it was recorded in his home studio using innovative equipment he designed himself, including the famous Rockman guitar amplifier.
🎸 Amanda’s Legacy: “Amanda” was recorded years before the album’s release and sat unreleased for a long time. Despite this, it became Boston’s biggest hit, showing the band’s timeless appeal.
🎸 A Hidden Theme: Scholz often said that the album was meant to be a journey, much like a rocket launch – from ignition to separation and finally to a new world, symbolizing a fresh start for the band.
🎸 A Rare Feat: Third Stage became one of the very few albums to hit No. 1 in the U.S. during the hair metal era, proving Boston’s staying power amid shifting musical tastes.
A Comeback Worth the Wait
Third Stage is more than just a comeback – it’s an album that captures the spirit of classic rock and the unwavering dedication of a band determined to create something timeless. From heartfelt ballads to rock powerhouses, Boston’s Third Stage remains a must-listen for fans of rock and anyone who appreciates music crafted with passion and precision.
