Great Rock Albums of 19787: Boston- Don't Look Back

In America, there is a phrase called the "Sophmore Jinx." It usually applies to sports where a player has a great rookie season, but doesn't do as well in his second season. In music, it applies to a band who puts out a fantastic debut album, but the second album isn't as good. There are many unfortunate examples of this. However, there is no way that the Sophmore Jinx applies to the second album from Boston, "Don't Look Back."

When I posted about the great debut album from Boston, I couldn't sing its praises enough. It has gone down as one of the greatest rock albums in history and there's no way in hell that I am going to debate that fact. Now, their second album is every bit as good as the first, in fact, if anything, "Don't Look Back" is just a continuation from the first. If anyone knows if these two album are available together on one CD, let me know.

The album begins with one of the most mind blowing rhythm guitar riffs which then leads to a mind blowing lead guitar and that's just the start. The brilliant musicianship and the amazing vocals by the late Brad Delp make this album great and proved to many back then that Boston were for real. From the opening title track to such great songs like "It's Easy" and "Party," all the tracks make it a great rock album, one of the best in 1978.

Track Listing:

1. Don't Look Back

2. The Journey

3. It's Easy

4. A Man I'll Never Be

5. Feelin' Satisfied

6. Party

7. Used to Bad News

8. Don't Be Afraid

Boston

Brad Delp- vocals

Tom Shotz- lead guitar, rhythm guitar, piano, organ

Barry Goudreau- lead, slide and rhythm guitars

Fran Sheehan- bass

Boston definitely beat the Sophmore Jinx with "Don't Look Back." This, along with their first album ranks along the all time great rock albums. Not many bands go two for two, so this one is definitely worth a trip down memory lane.

Next post: Great Rock One Hit Wonders of 1978

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