It's Easy

The Zoo Crew is spinning "It's Easy" by Boston from their 1978 album Don't Look Back, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its nostalgic rock energy. This track, nestled between the atmospheric instrumental "The Journey" and the hit single "Don't Look Back," carries the band's signature sound with pristine production and soaring vocals. According to a 1987 interview, Tom Scholz, Boston's founder, cited "The Journey," which segues into "It's Easy," as his favorite song from the band's first three albums, though he wished it were longer. He described it as evoking a sense of "floating through space, cruising in an airplane over the clouds," hinting at the dreamy transition that sets up "It's Easy." Critics like Paul Grein from Billboard noted the "appropriately jarring" shift from "The Journey" to the fast boogie guitar intro of "It's Easy," showcasing Boston's knack for dynamic tempo changes. The song itself contains reflective lyrics, with lines like "I believe what we achieve will soon be left behind," which some interpret as a nod to a fleeting romance or even Boston's own musical legacy, echoing themes from their earlier hit "More Than a Feeling."

"It's Easy" stands out for its more introspective tone compared to Boston's debut album, as noted by AllMusic critic Tim Sendra. Rolling Stone's Ken Emerson pointed out a nostalgic thread in the song, suggesting it captures a fleeting moment, perhaps a one-night stand, with a bittersweet edge. Fans on Reddit have shared their love for the track, with one user calling it "quite possibly my favorite song of all time" in a 2024 post, praising its seamless flow from "The Journey." The song's production, helmed by Scholz, retains the band's hallmark "humongous orchestral guitars and stupendous vocals," as described by writer Derek Oliver. Despite the rushed production of Don't Look Back—Scholz himself admitted the album felt "ridiculously short" due to pressure from Epic Records—"It's Easy" remains a fan favorite for its catchy riffs and emotional depth. The track's placement on the album, clocking in at just over 33 minutes total, underscores the band's perfectionist approach, even under tight deadlines.

Boston was formed in 1975 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Tom Scholz, a multi-instrumentalist and MIT graduate with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Scholz began writing music in 1969 while at MIT, crafting an instrumental called "Foreplay." During his college years, he joined the band Freehold, meeting guitarist Barry Goudreau and drummer Jim Masdea, who later became part of Boston. In 1970, vocalist Brad Delp joined, bringing his Beatles-influenced, extended vocal range to the mix. After graduating, Scholz worked at Polaroid, using his salary to build a basement recording studio where he meticulously crafted demo tapes. These demos, recorded in professional studios, caught the attention of Epic Records, leading to the release of Boston’s self-titled debut in 1976. The album, with hits like "More Than a Feeling" and "Peace of Mind," became one of the best-selling debut albums in U.S. history, selling over 17 million copies. Scholz’s innovative approach, using handmade equipment like the Rockman for complex guitar harmonies, defined Boston’s "violin-like" sound without synthesizers, influencing bands like Journey and Def Leppard.

Stay connected with Boston’s official website for tour dates and updates. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and throwback posts celebrating their classic rock legacy. Fans can dive deeper at thirdstage.ca, a dedicated fan site with detailed discography and liner notes. Join fellow Zoo Freaks in the Boston Fanatics Facebook group to share stories, rare photos, and love for tracks like "It's Easy." The band’s enduring appeal, driven by Scholz’s perfectionism and Delp’s iconic vocals, keeps the Zoo Crew and their listeners rocking to Boston’s timeless sound.