Life, Love & Hope
Frontiers
In the Myspace/YouTube/Facebook era, it’s not uncommon to find unknown singers suddenly and unexpectedly filling the shoes of the lead singer of their favorite ’70s band (see Journey or Yes). Such is the case with the new Boston album, which features three lead vocalists — including the group’s late original singer, Brad Delp — taking their turns in the spotlight.
The average listener might have trouble discerning between Delp (who committed suicide in 2007) and his two ringers, David Victor and Tommy DeCarlo. Victor previously was in a Boston tribute band, and DeCarlo was a Home Depot credit manager who drew attention after posting himself singing Boston songs on Myspace. The album at first sounds like it’s all one singer, until “If You Were in Love” and “Love Got Away,” featuring lead vocals by touring bassist Kimberley Dahme and founder-leader-guitarist Tom Scholz, respectively.
“Someone (2.0)” and “You Gave Up on Love (2.0)” are rearrangements of songs from predecessor album “Corporate America” (2002), while “Didn’t Mean to Fall in Love” is a remastered track from the same record. Subtract those songs and the two mentioned above, and that leaves six great classic-sounding fresh Boston tunes (minor rap portions of “Sail Away” notwithstanding).
Their sixth album in 37 years, the idea of “Life, Love & Hope” was to have “a completely different sound, just like the other one,” Scholz jokingly told Bob Coburn on syndicated radio show “Rockline.” The excellent “LL&H” accomplishes those seemingly opposite goals, and only could have been improved by a few more new and/or old-school numbers and additional musicians (Scholz plays virtually every instrument).
Tracks
1. Heaven On Earth
2. Didn’t Mean To Fall In Love
3. Last Day Of School (instrumental)
4. Sail Away
5. Life, Love & Hope
6. If You Were In Love
7. Someday
8. Love Got Away
9. Someone (2.0)
10. You Gave Up On Love (2.0)
11. The Way You Look Tonight
Total time: 42:52
External links
artist website
amazon.com
iTunes Store
