Matthew wrote:I've never much liked "Third Stage" except for "We're Ready". They stuck too closely to the template of the first album - but the songs weren't nearly as good...to my ears, anyway.
Same with 5150...I love "Dreams" but I've never understood what the fuss is about overall.
Now Master of Puppets...I can't believe I forgot about that one....definitely in joint first place!
I love "Third Stage". In fact, that was the first Boston album that I got into. I like the debut better now but TS isn't far behind it. It stands to reason that it sounds a lot like the debut or even "Don't Look Back" but much of it was actually written and recorded in the early 80s even though it might not have been released until '86.
"5150" was my favorite album for a long time back in my high school days. I've grown long since tired of "Why Can't This Be Love" but it's still a decent song. The only song I don't like is the closer, "Inside". Other than that, all the songs there are great and the title track has always been my favorite.
You're right about "Master of Puppets". Great album and possibly the greatest metal album of all time.