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More Than a Feeling

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"More Than a Feeling" is a song by the American rock band Boston, released as the lead single and the opening track from the band's 1976 debut album by Epic Records in September 1976, with "Smokin'" as the B-side. Tom Scholz wrote the entire song. The single entered the US Billboard Hot 100 on September 18 and peaked at number five.[4] The track is now a staple of classic rock radio, and in 2008, it was named the 39th-best hard rock song of all time by VH1.[1] It was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame list of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll" and was ranked number 212 on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list in 2021, updated from its previous position of number 500 on the 2004 version.[5]

"More Than a Feeling"
Single by Boston
from the album Boston
B-side"Smokin'"
ReleasedSeptember 1976
RecordedOctober 1975 – April 1976
StudioFoxglove (Watertown, Massachusetts)
GenreHard rock[1] · pop rock[2][3]
Length
  • 4:45 (album version)
  • 3:25 (single edit/video version)
LabelEpic
Songwriter(s)Tom Scholz
Producer(s)
Boston singles chronology
"More Than a Feeling"
(1976) 		"Long Time"
(1977)
Music video
"More Than a Feeling (Single edit)" on YouTube

Background and writing

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"More than a Feeling" took Scholz five years to complete.[6][7] Scholz wrote the lyrics based on the idea of losing someone close, and on the way in which music can connect a person to memories of the past.[citation needed] Though not based on any specific event in Scholz's life, he did take the name Marianne from his cousin.[8] It is one of six songs (five of which eventually appeared on the Boston album[9]) that he worked on in his basement from 1968 to 1975, before Boston got its record contract.[7] The drum parts were originally developed by Jim Masdea, although Sib Hashian played the drums on the official release.[9] The song is in compound AABA form.[10]

Content

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"More Than a Feeling"
Chorus, with lead-in
Problems playing this file? See media help.

The Book of Rock Lists suggests that the chorus riff may itself be a subtle homage to the Kingsmen's classic, "Louie Louie." Scholz has stated in multiple interviews his fondness for the James Gang, and in particular that band's 1970s album, James Gang Rides Again.[11][12][13][14] Accordingly, the signature riff for "More than a Feeling" bears a resemblance to that composed by Joe Walsh for the "Rides Again" track "Tend My Garden".[15] Scholz credits "Walk Away Renee" by The Left Banke as the song's main inspiration.[16][17]

Boston's website says the song is about "the power an old song can have in your life",[18] with Scholz elaborating that "it was sort of a bittersweet ballad."[19] Ultimate Classic Rock critic Michael Gallucci points out that this is a common theme in Boston songs.[20]

The lyrics express the author's discontent with the present and his yearning for a former love named Marianne, whose memory is strongly evoked by an old familiar song. In an interview Scholz was asked, "Who is Marianne?" He replied, "There actually is a Marianne. She wasn't my girlfriend." He explained that when he was 8 or 9 years old he had a much older cousin who he thought was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and that he was "secretly in love" with her (laughs),[21] but he has also stated that the lyrics were inspired by his emotions after a school love affair ended, and were influenced by the lyrics of the Left Banke song "Walk Away Renee".[7] Maximum Guitar author Andy Aledort pointed out that the guitar chord progression of G-D/F#-Em7-D that follows the line "I see my Marianne walking away" also comes from "Walk Away Renee."[7] Aledort also explains that the guitar solo is unusual in that it incorporates mordents and inverted mordents, which are more typically used in baroque music.[7]

Reception

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Billboard described "More Than a Feeling" as an "electric guitar-dominated rocker...made commercial with an accessible beat and hand-clap backup and smooth, soaring vocals."[22] Cash Box said "it’s a hard-rock offering, but has a sophisticated melody that makes good use of minor chords" and has "attractive" unison guitar work and powerful vocals.[23] Record World said that with the song Boston "shows it is adept at rocking with a heavy metal fury, yet at the same time builds a dynamic tension around the melody of the tune."[24] Classic Rock critic Paul Elliott rated it as "Boston's all-time greatest song".[25] Los Angeles Times critic Robert Hilburn called it a "marvelously appealing pop-rock single" and said that it ranks with Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" as one of the best singles of 1976.[2] Hilburn also said that the song combines "the graceful splendor and rousing melodic hooks of the Moody Blues, the strident guitar impact of Queen's Brian May and some of the romantic pop-rock consciousness of Eric Carmen and the old Raspberries."[3]

Guitar World states that when the radio plays "More Than a Feeling", "few can resist indulging in fits of fleet-fingered air guitar and a spirited falsetto sing-along."[26] Rolling Stone Album Guide critic Paul Evans states that "as slick as it sounds, 'More Than a Feeling' strikes an uncommonly resonant emotional note."[27] Gallucci rated it Boston's greatest song, as did Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian.[20][28] Ultimate Classic Rock critic Dave Swanson rated it the number-28 all-time classic rock song.[29]

Personnel

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Charts

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Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[47] Gold 45,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[48] Gold 250,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[49] Platinum 50,000‡
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[50] Platinum 60,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[51] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[52] Gold 500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Covers and use in politics and other media

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  • In 1992, when Nirvana performed their breakthrough single, "Smells Like Teen Spirit", at the Reading Festival, they incorporated part of "More Than a Feeling" at the beginning, a reference to the similarities between the two songs' main guitar riffs. This part is included on the DVD version of Nirvana's live album, Live at Reading.[53]
  • In 2008 Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee used the song to promote his campaign. Former Boston band member Barry Goudreau made appearances with Huckabee both live and on YouTube. In February 2008, Scholz wrote to Huckabee requesting that he stop using the song, stating: "While I'm flattered that you are fond of my song, I'm shocked that you would use it and the name Boston to promote yourself without my consent. Your campaign's use of 'More Than a Feeling', coupled with the representation of one of your supporters as a member 'of Boston' clearly implies that the band Boston, and specifically one of its members, has endorsed your candidacy, neither of which is true."[54] Huckabee complied with Scholz's request, and videos featuring Barry Goudreau and the song were subsequently removed by the Huckabee campaign.

Downloadable content for music games

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Vh1 Top 100 Hard Rock Songs". Music.spreadit.org. January 1, 2009. Archived from the original on February 12, 2009. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  2. ^ a b Hilburn, Robert (November 13, 1976). "A Hit Parade Beyond the Top 10". Los Angeles Times. p. 36. Retrieved January 4, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b Hilburn, Robert (September 28, 1976). "Debuts: Discs with a Difference". Los Angeles Times. p. 52. Retrieved January 4, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Boston chart history". Billboard.
  5. ^ "Boston, 'More Than a Feeling'". Rolling Stone. September 15, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  6. ^ "More than a Feeling" profile, Rolling Stone, 2004.
  7. ^ a b c d e Aledort, Andy (September 1997). "The Rock Man". Maximum Guitar. Retrieved May 17, 2017.
  8. ^ "'More Than a Feeling': The making of a rock classic". Ew.com. Retrieved April 23, 2021.
  9. ^ a b Wright, J. "Feelin' Satisfied: An Interview with Tom Scholz of Boston". thirdstage.ca. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  10. ^ Covach, John (2005), "Form in Rock Music: A Primer", in Stein, Deborah, Engaging Music: Essays in Music Analysis, New York: Oxford University Press, p.74-75, ISBN 0-19-517010-5 .
  11. ^ Rides Again - James Gang | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved October 13, 2020
  12. ^ "Tom Scholz Quotes". BrainyQuote. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  13. ^ "A decade in his basement gave Tom Scholz a brand-new Boston album". Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  14. ^ "Tom Scholz of Boston on music & more". San Diego Union-Tribune. July 20, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
  15. ^ "James Gang Rides Again". Classic Rock Review. July 13, 2020.
  16. ^ "The Band Boston Fan Site - Sound & Vision Review of Tom Scholz' Remasters". Gonnahitcharide.com. May 7, 2006. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
  17. ^ "More Than a Feeling by Boston, Song Stories". Rolling Stone Music. Archived from the original on May 29, 2012.
  18. ^ "Boston". Boston. Archived from the original on June 8, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
  19. ^ Boston / Tom Scholz exclusive interview / More Than A Feeling. October 10, 2015 – via YouTube.
  20. ^ a b Gallucci, Michael. "Top 10 Boston songs". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  21. ^ Boston / Tom Scholz exclusive interview / More Than A Feeling. October 10, 2015 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard Magazine. August 28, 1976. p. 84. Retrieved June 12, 2020.
  23. ^ "CashBox Singles Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. August 28, 1976. p. 18. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  24. ^ "Single Picks" (PDF). Record World. September 4, 1976. p. 14. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
  25. ^ Elliott, Paul (March 10, 2016). "The 10 Greatest Boston Songs Ever". Classic Rock. Louder Sound. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
  26. ^ "Boston: Feelin' Satisfied". Guitar World. October 2006. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
  27. ^ Evans, P. (2004). Brackett, N.; Hoard, C. (eds.). The Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. p. 96. ISBN 0743201698.
  28. ^ Kachejian, Brian. "Top 10 Boston Songs". Classic Rock History. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  29. ^ Swanson, Dave. "No. 28: Boston, 'More Than a Feeling' – Top 100 Classic Rock Songs". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  30. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  31. ^ "Radio2 top 30: 8 oktober 2016 | Radio2". Top30-2.radio2.be. Archived from the original on April 9, 2012. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
  32. ^ "Boston – More Than a Feeling" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  33. ^ "Boston – More Than a Feeling" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  34. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 5142a." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  35. ^ "Boston – More Than a Feeling" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  36. ^ Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005 (in Japanese). Roppongi, Tokyo: Oricon Entertainment. 2006. ISBN 4-87131-077-9.
  37. ^ "Boston – More Than a Feeling" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  38. ^ "Boston – More Than a Feeling". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  39. ^ "Boston – More Than a Feeling". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  40. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  41. ^ "Boston Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 17 December 2022.
  42. ^ "Top 100 1976-12-04". Cashbox Magazine. Archived from the original on March 5, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  43. ^ "Kent Music Report No 183 – 26 December 1977 > National Top 100 Singles for 1977". Kent Music Report. Retrieved January 14, 2020 – via Imgur.com.
  44. ^ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  45. ^ "INFINITY CHARTS: German Top 20". Ki.informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de. January 14, 2000. Archived from the original on August 31, 2004. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
  46. ^ "Cash Box Magazine". January 18, 2013. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013.
  47. ^ "Danish single certifications – Boston – More Than a Feeling". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  48. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Boston; 'More Than a Feeling')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  49. ^ "Italian single certifications – Boston – More Than a Feeling" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved February 3, 2022. Select "2019" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "More Than a Feeling" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  50. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Boston – More Than a Feeling". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  51. ^ "British single certifications – Boston – More Than a Feeling". British Phonographic Industry. April 3, 2020. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  52. ^ "American single certifications – Boston – More Than a Feeling". Recording Industry Association of America. April 8, 2020. Retrieved April 8, 2020.
  53. ^ Greene, Andy. "Flashback: Nirvana Play a Bit of Boston's 'More Than a Feeling'". Rolling Stone. No. January 29, 2015. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  54. ^ "'More Than a Feeling'" Writer Says Mike Huckabee Has Caused Him 'Damage'", Rolling Stone website, February 14, 2008.
  55. ^ "Guitar Hero Songs List".
  56. ^ Gaddo, Kyle (February 25, 2011). "Eleven Legacy Rock Band Tracks Getting PRO Upgrades On March 1st". The Gaming Vault. Archived from the original on May 25, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
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