Boston, More Than a Feeling | Throwback Vibez

In the 83^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “More Than a Feeling,” the beloved classic by American rock band Boston.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to get you energized and in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20^th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All music genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 83^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “More Than a Feeling” performed by Boston.

Music is incredibly therapeutic, particularly in adverse situations. “I lost myself in a familiar song / I closed my eyes, and I slipped away.” That song, that rock band Boston references in the second half of the first verse of “More Than a Feeling”, is incredibly nostalgic. Remember this name: MARIANNE.  “More Than a Feeling” is one of those epic, once-and-a-lifetime songs.  It serves as the opener from Boston’s self-titled, diamond-certified 1976 album.  The song features Tom Scholz (b. 1947) playing guitars and bass, Brad Delp (1951 – 2007) singing lead and background vocals, and Sib Hashian (1949 – 2017) holding it down on the drums. “More Than a Feeling” reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2005, the single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Tom Scholz composed this masterpiece.  He produced it with John Boylan.

“More Than a Feeling” fades in with its signature lush, rhythmic acoustic guitar lines (Tom Scholz).  As it progresses, the rest of the instrumental builds up. I love the robustness of the bass line, also played by Scholz. Scholz also delivers some sickening electric guitar playing throughout, including a fab solo.  There are plenty of sophisticated, thoughtful instrumental moments. Scholz brings it from his pen to his playing.  But there’s also another key piece when it comes to the greatness of “More Than A Feeling.” Simply put, the late, great Brad Delp kicks ass and takes names on vocals.  His lead vocals are fantastic, ranging from smooth to commanding; powerful and soaring. His high notes are wicked, in the most celestial way possible.  Beyond the lead vocals, Delp also handles the background vocals, which only up the ante. The chorus is the crowning achievement – the crème de la crème/ This is where Marianne is front and center:

“It’s more than a feeling (More than a feeling)

When I hear that old song they used to play (More than a feeling)

And I begin dreaming (More than a feeling)

‘Til I see Marianne walk away.”

Ooh-wee! Marianne had quite the effect on Tom Scholz, conveyed via Delp, of course.  In the second verse, Brad asserts, “Yet I still recall as I wander on  / As clear as the sun in the summer sky.” In the third, he admits, “I hide in my music, forget the day / And dream of a girl I used to know.”  Those matters of the heart are something else! So much could be analyzed regarding “More Than a Feeling”.  There is a lot of greatness, lyrically and musically.  But, as I say about some of the best songs ever written and performed, the excellence and magnificence speak for themselves without my commentary, or anybody else’s for that matter.  This song right here is the definition of a musical tour de force.

 

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Boston » Boston » Epic Records » 1976

Boston, More Than a Feeling: Throwback Vibez No. 83 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Epic Records; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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