Some are quick to label Scholz as a perfectionist, but that would likely be an understatement; just look at Boston’s sixth studio album, 2014’s ‘Life, Love & Hope,’ which spent more than a decade under multiple notorious re-imaginings by the founding member.

Boston’s self-titled debut studio album remains one of the definitive breakthrough efforts in rock, however the mastermind behind the band Tom Scholz recently revealed that he initially didn’t have faith in the album. Scholz makes one of his rarely televised appearances as part of the PBS special Nova’s ongoing series, entitled the ‘Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers,’ during which he reveals how his job in engineering led towards his musical career.

The initial leg of the band’s 2014 tour is set to begin on June 5th at the Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, and will carry on through August 12th, where Boston is set to perform at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Illinois. A limited number of exclusive VIP packages will also be made available for the tour, which will include premium seating, a pre-show party, exclusive merchandise and more.

Throughout the course of rock history there have been countless splits, memorable exitings, cringe-worthy breakups and long lasting feuds. When the members of notable groups such as Boston, Queen and Van Halen stepped away from their founding positions within their respective bands, it wasn’t uncommon for these same members to go on and form new projects of their own.

Brad Delp is widely considered to be the one true voice of Boston, which is an understandable description considering the profound impact the lead vocalist had upon the rock community. It was Delp’s uncanny ability to pinpoint the rare moments within Tom Scholz’ masterful musicianship which showed any sign of weakness, and be able to fill these same period with inspiring vocal melody.

These past twelve months have been made even more memorable thanks to the impressive collection of exceptional music. We have seen music surface from everyone ranging from Paul McCartney and Fleetwood Mac to Boston and Deep Purple, with more than a handful of enjoyable albums in between. So without further ado, here is our list of The Best Rock Songs of 2013.

Just days following our list of the Top 10 Rock and Metal Christmas Songs, and Boston have just a standout holiday anthem of their own. “God Rest Ye Metal Gentlemen” is filled with all of the same iconic elements which made such earlier efforts as ‘Third Stage’ and ‘Walk On’ so standout: crashing drum work, soaring group vocal harmonies, and Tom Scholz’ impassible guitar tone.

In many ways ‘Life, Love & Hope’ is a bold followup to ‘Corporate America,’ and would have been considered a more logical musical evolution from ‘Walk On.’ Boston don’t necessarily break into any new territory; instead Scholz tries to remain consistent to the rock group’s earlier efforts, which is one of this album’s strongest qualities.

2013 has proven to be a triumphant year for rock and roll. This year hasn’t been shy of its miraculous comebacks, with such names as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Boston each making their own long awaited returns. Cinderella’s Tom Keifer made his long awaited solo debut, and we had two different Queensryche lineups each issue their own album.

The first track off of Boston’s sixth studio album, ‘Life, Love & Hope’, has just surfaced online. For those Boston fans who followed along as the band transitioned into a more significant distortion-fueled sound during the ‘Walk On’ era, then you are in luck.