Someone

The song "Someone" from Boston's 2002 album Corporate America carries the band's signature blend of soaring vocals and intricate guitar work, but it also holds a unique place in their discography. According to a fan discussion on the Gonna Hitch a Ride fan site, the track was written by Tom Scholz, the band's founder, and features lead vocals by Brad Delp, whose emotive delivery elevates the song's heartfelt lyrics. Trivia from the same site notes that "Someone" was later reworked for Boston’s 2013 album Life, Love & Hope as "Someone (2.0)," with Scholz rearranging and re-recording it to refine its sound. This reimagining reflects Scholz’s perfectionist streak, a trait often highlighted in interviews where he’s described pouring years into crafting each album. The Wikipedia entry for the album mentions that Corporate America was a commercial letdown, yet "Someone" stood out for its classic Boston feel, with fans on Amazon reviews praising its emotional resonance and Delp’s vocal prowess.

Another layer of intrigue around "Someone" comes from its production context. The album marked the debut of new band members Anton Cosmo and Kimberley Dahme, and was the last released during Brad Delp’s lifetime, adding a poignant note to his performance. A fan post on the Boston Fanatics Facebook group speculated that the song’s lyrics, which touch on longing and connection, might reflect Delp’s personal struggles, though no direct quotes from the band confirm this. Scholz, in a rare interview snippet shared on Gonna Hitch a Ride, emphasized the album’s politically charged title track but called "Someone" a return to Boston’s melodic roots, designed to connect with longtime fans. The song’s recording process, detailed on the fan site, involved Scholz’s meticulous engineering, with digital transfers by Bill Ryan and mastering by Toby Mountain, showcasing the band’s commitment to sonic clarity even on a less commercially successful release.

Boston’s journey began in the early 1970s, sparked by Tom Scholz, a mechanical engineering graduate from MIT with a passion for music. As detailed in a Britannica biography, Scholz worked as a product designer by day while tinkering in his home studio, crafting demos that blended progressive rock with pop sensibilities. In 1969, he met singer Brad Delp through guitarist Barry Goudreau, and their collaboration laid the foundation for Boston. Scholz’s basement recordings, where he played most instruments himself, caught the attention of Epic Records, leading to the formation of the band Mother’s Milk, a precursor to Boston. The 1976 self-titled debut, featuring hits like "More Than a Feeling," became a monumental success, selling over 17 million copies and setting a record for a debut album. Scholz’s innovative guitar sound, achieved through his engineering expertise and later his invention of the Rockman amplifier, defined Boston’s polished, arena-ready style.

The band’s early years were marked by Scholz’s relentless perfectionism, often causing long gaps between albums, as noted in Wikipedia. Delp’s soaring vocals and Scholz’s layered production became their trademark, with original members including Fran Sheehan, Barry Goudreau, and Sib Hashian. Despite lineup changes and legal battles, Scholz remained the creative force, guiding Boston through decades of music. Fans can connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For deeper fan engagement, the Gonna Hitch a Ride website offers lyrics, forums, and tour updates, while the Boston Fanatics Facebook group and Boston Rock Band Fan Club provide spaces for Zoo Freaks to share their love for the band’s enduring sound.