Home | Songs By Year | Songs from 1976
Peace of Mind (Boston song)
Buy Peace of Mind (Boston song) now from AmazonFirst, read the Wikipedia article. Then, scroll down to see what other TopShelfReviews readers thought about the song. And once you've experienced the song, tell everyone what you thought about it.
Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Peace of Mind
| cover = Peace of Mind (Boston song).jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Boston
| album = Boston
| B-side = Foreplay
| released = April 1977
| recorded = October 1975April 1976
| studio =
| venue =
| genre = Hard rock
| length = 5:02 (album version)
3:38 (single version)
5:31 (full version)
| label = Epic
| writer = Tom Scholz
| producer = John Boylan, Tom Scholz
| prev_title = Long Time
| prev_year = 1977
| next_title = Don't Look Back
| next_year = 1978
|misc=}}
"'Peace of Mind'" is a song by American rock band Boston, written by Tom Scholz, the band's founder, lead guitarist and primary songwriter. It released on their 1976 self-titled debut, and released again the next year as the third and final single from the album. It peaked at number 38 on the U.S. 'Billboard' Hot 100 in 1977, as well as number 33 on the 'Cash Box' Top 100. It received substantial radio airplay, both upon the initial release of the 'Boston' album and subsequently, and has been described as a "rock-radio staple".
Writing and recording
"Peace of Mind" is one of six songs, five of which eventually appeared on the 'Boston' album, that Scholz worked on in his basement in 1974 and 1975, before Boston got its record contract. The demo was specifically finished in 1974. The drum parts were originally developed by Jim Masdea, although Sib Hashian played the drums on the official release. According to 'Ultimate Classic Rock' critic Michael Gallucci, the demo version was "fully formed" and so the album version did not change much except for "[amping] up the guitars and production".
Lyrics and music
The song is about the people Scholz worked with at Polaroid Corporation before getting his recording contract, and about Scholz's lack of interest in climbing the corporate ladder into company management. Dick Nusser of 'Billboard' described the theme of the song being that "Competition and a corporate slot aren't the only choices. Better to turn on, tune in and seek 'Peace Of Mind.'" According to music journalist Chuck Eddy, the lyrics argue that it is unhealthy for people to compete with each other. Paul Elliott commented on the lyrics' "positivity," exhorting people to look past their mundane life to "find deeper meaning". He also noted the song's "uplifting quality," expressed through "its freewheeling riff, its rich melody and dazzling vocal harmonies". AXS contributor Craig James describes the theme as being that it is better to make music and being at peace with yourself is better than corporate aspirations. Vanyaland's Daniel Brockman found irony in the refrain, "I understand about indecision, and I dont care if I get behind/People living in competition, all I want is to have my peace of mind, noting that this was a hit single premised on lyrics stating that one shouldn't take their career too seriously. 'Mojo' magazine cited the lyrics as presenting an alternate view of the American Dream to that described in another song from the 'Boston' album, "Hitch a Ride".
'The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Rock History' described it as being "built around soaring guitars, tight vocal harmonies, and 'huge' hooks," which were part of the band's appeal. Boston lead singer Brad Delp cited "Peace of Mind" as an example of how Scholz was able to combine the vocal harmonies of the Beach Boys with the heavy guitar sound of Led Zeppelin. 'Rolling Stone' commented on how the guitars "feel epic" but also "delicate and intimate". Tom Moon cited "Peace of Mind" and "Long Time" as examples to illustrate how Scholz varied his guitar effects for each 'Boston' song, stating that "Peace of Mind" has a "grittier, less airbrushed attack".
The song is among the earliest ones in popular music to use viIVIV chord progression, a variant of IVviIV progression, widely popular in modern Western music.
Reception
'Cash Box' said "this might be [Boston's] best yet as far as all pop radio stations are concerned, since the record maintains an acoustical feeling despite the electronic thunderbolts crashing in the distance." 'Rolling Stone Album Guide' critic Paul Evans called "Peace of Mind" a "satisfying, if similar, followup" to "More Than a Feeling". Scott Tady of 'Beaver County Times' described "Peace of Mind" as one of the songs that "helped set the foundation for classic-rock radio". Eric Deggans wrote that "Bouncy, slick tracks such as 'More Than a Feeling' and 'Peace of Mind' defined new parameters for rock radio during the 70s, with soaring vocals searing guitars and trite lyrics." Jamie Reno of 'San Diego' magazine described it as an "infectious flick-your Bic staple". MTV's Gil Kaufman similarly described the song as a "rock-radio staple". Brockman called it "one of the most overplayed songs in rock history" but praised Delp's singing, particularly his vulnerability and sincerity, making Brockman believe that Delp really believed the words of the refrain. Gallucci rated it Boston's fifth greatest song, particularly praising the "fuzzy guitar riff" and noting that it has remained a classic rock radio staple. Elliott and Craig both rated it even higher, as Boston's second greatest song behind only "More Than a Feeling". 'Guitar World' magazine selected "Peace of Mind" as one of their 50 greatest rock songs of all time.
Personnel
* Tom Scholz acoustic and electric rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass guitar
* Sib Hashian drums
* Brad Delp vocals
In popular culture
* The song is featured in the enhanced versions of the 2013 game 'Grand Theft Auto V' on the in-game radio station, Los Santos Rock Radio.
Chart performance
Weekly charts
Covers
"Peace of Mind" was covered by Stryper on their 2009 'Murder by Pride' album. Tom Scholz also played guitar on that track. Allmusic critic James Christopher Monger described Stryper's version as "a choice cover of the Boston classic".
References
Category:1976 songs
Category:1977 singles
Category:Boston (band) songs
Category:Song recordings produced by Tom Scholz
Category:Song recordings produced by John Boylan (record producer)
Category:Epic Records singles
Category:Songs written by Tom Scholz
Buy Peace of Mind (Boston song) now from Amazon
<-- Return to songs from 1976