“More Than a Feeling” – The Classic Rock Anthem That Never Fades

“More Than a Feeling” is the debut single by the American rock band Boston, released in 1976 on their self-titled debut album. Written and produced by Tom Scholz, the song became an instant classic and helped launch Boston into rock stardom.

The track is known for its soaring guitar riffs, layered harmonies, and the powerful vocals of lead singer Brad Delp. Lyrically, the song captures the experience of hearing a song that brings back vivid memories of a lost love—evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia and emotional reflection.

Musically, “More Than a Feeling” blends hard rock with melodic pop influences, creating a sound that became synonymous with classic rock radio. The song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1970s.

More Than a Feeling

It took years to create: Tom Scholz spent over five years developing and perfecting “More Than a Feeling” in his basement studio before it became a radio hit.

Inspired by a childhood crush: The name “Marianne” mentioned in the song was inspired by a cousin of Scholz’s whom he admired when he was young.

DIY production: Most of the instruments on the track were recorded by Scholz himself at home, making it a pioneering example of home studio production in rock music.

Musical influences: Scholz has cited the 1966 song “Walk Away Renée” by The Left Banke as a key influence in writing “More Than a Feeling,” especially in its chord progressions and emotional tone.

Recognized by critics: The song is consistently ranked in “greatest songs of all time” lists, including Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” where it placed at #212 in 2021.

Video