Heaven On Earth

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Heaven On Earth" by Boston, the opening track from their 2013 album Life, Love & Hope, and the Zoo Freaks are loving its classic rock vibes. This song, a standout with its soaring harmonies and infectious chorus, came together in Tom Scholz’s meticulous, drawn-out process. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Scholz shared that the song started with chord changes and intricate guitar licks for both the verse and chorus, which he described as particularly challenging to play. He worked on it as early as 2008, initially recording it with his own vocals to guide the arrangement before settling on David Victor as the lead vocalist, whose voice echoed the late Brad Delp’s iconic style. Scholz noted that the rhythm guitar part was so demanding it took significant effort to master, but once he did, the song came together quickly. Recorded on analog tape using the same equipment as Boston’s early hits, "Heaven On Earth" captures the band’s signature polished sound, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s retro playlist.

Another tidbit about "Heaven On Earth" is its critical reception, which highlighted its quintessential Boston elements. Reviewers like Matthew Wilkening from Ultimate Classic Rock praised its “perfectly infectious chorus” and Scholz’s unmistakable guitar tone, while Rolling Stone’s Chuck Eddy noted the “angelic-choir harmonies and aerosol-guitar crescendos” that make it “spotlessly, unmistakably Bostonlike.” The song’s lyrics, which touch on longing and love with lines like “Once I thought that life was easy / I thought love would be enough,” resonate with the Zoo Freaks’ free-spirited vibe. Fans on Boston’s Facebook page have shared their love for the track, with some calling it a return to the band’s classic sound, though others debated the album’s heavy use of re-recorded tracks from 2002’s Corporate America. The song’s release as the lead single in October 2013, ahead of the album’s December launch, generated buzz among fans, many of whom connect through fan sites like thirdstage.ca to discuss its place in Boston’s discography.

Boston, the brainchild of Tom Scholz, began in the early 1970s in a basement studio in Watertown, Massachusetts. Scholz, an MIT-educated engineer and Polaroid employee, was a tinkerer who built his own recording equipment and spent nights crafting demos after work. His perfectionism and innovative use of multi-track recording laid the groundwork for Boston’s self-titled debut album in 1976, which became a massive hit with songs like “More Than a Feeling.” Scholz recruited vocalist Brad Delp, whose powerful voice defined the band’s sound, along with guitarist Barry Goudreau, bassist Fran Sheehan, and drummer John Hashian. The band’s polished, melodic rock, blending Scholz’s technical prowess with catchy hooks, made them arena rock pioneers. Despite lineup changes and Delp’s tragic passing in 2007, Scholz has kept Boston alive, with Life, Love & Hope showcasing new vocalists like David Victor and Tommy DeCarlo, the latter discovered via YouTube covers of Boston songs.

Fans can stay connected with Boston through their official website, where they share tour updates and merch, or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and throwbacks to their classic era. The band’s Facebook page is particularly active, with fans posting memories of concerts and debates about favorite albums. For deeper fan engagement, thirdstage.ca offers detailed discographies, alternate release info, and news for dedicated Zoo Freaks. There’s also a vibrant community on Boston Fan Forever, a Facebook group where fans share rare photos, bootlegs, and stories about the band’s impact. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, these platforms keep Boston’s legacy rocking.