Peace of Mind - Boston (1977) 9/24/22

It's been called a "rock Radio staple," but it's also been called one of the most overplayed songs in rock history.

Boston's "Peace of Mind" is definitely a rock radio staple, but overplayed? I think a better description would be "Great Song of 1977!"

As with many of the songs on Boston's debut album, Toledo's Tom Scholz had worked on "Peace of Mind" in his basement long before he scored a record contract for the group.

The subject matter was autobiographical; it's about the people Tom worked with at the Polaroid Corporation and his lack of interest in climbing the corporate ladder. The overall message was about how unhealthy corporate competition can be, and how "Peace of Mind" is what you should strive for instead. (Personal note: My late brother-in-law Dave knew Tom personally, and could attest to the fact that music was Tom's passion.)

Music critics almost universally praised the song. Rolling Stone felt the guitar work was "epic, but delicate and intimate." Cashbox Magazine said it "maintained an acoustical feeling despite the electronic thunderbolts crashing in the distance."[

Boston lead singer Brad Delp weighed in with this: "Tom was able to combine the vocal harmonies of the Beach Boys with the heavy guitar sound of Led Zeppelin."

FM Rock stations embraced the song. Top 40 stations, as usual, pretty much stayed away from it, mainly because its length (5:06). An edited single was released and garnered some airplay, but on the charts, it barely cracked the Top 40 at #38.

Even so, it's classic piece of Rock & Roll...and still a rock Radio staple. In fact, Guitar World Magazine has it on their list of the "50 Greatest Rock Songs of All Time."

"Peace of Mind" by Boston is, without a doubt, a "Great Song of the '70s!"