Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me) explained

Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)
Cover:Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me) cover.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Boston
Album:Third Stage
B-Side:Cool the Engines
Released:February 1987[1]
Recorded:1981–1983
Studio:Hideaway Studios
Genre:Rock
Label:MCA
Producer:Tom Scholz
Prev Title:We're Ready
Prev Year:1986
Next Title:Hollyann
Next Year:1986

"Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)", also known as "Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)/Still in Love" or "Can'tcha Say" is a song written by Tom Scholz that was released by Boston on their 1986 album Third Stage. It was released as the third single from the album and reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their last Top 40 hit in the United States.[2] It also reached #7 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and #27 on the Cashbox chart.[3] In Canada, the song peaked at #88.[4]

Although not released until 1986, Boston recorded "Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)" over 1981, 1982 and 1983.[5] The released version seamlessly combines what were originally separate songs.[6] According to the Third Stage liner notes, the song is about a reunion.[5] Scholz used the Rockman amplifier he invented to produce an effect in which the electric guitars sound like violins.[5] [7] "Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)" was the first song on which Scholz recorded his guitar part using a Rockman, in conjunction with a ten band equalizer for changing sounds.[8]

Boston Phoenix critic Milo Miles criticizes "Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)" as "tedium."[9] He singles out the line "Where there's a will there's a way" as an example of the song's "prosaic, cliched lyrics."[9] However, Billboard regarded the song as one of the "best bets" to follow up on the success of the #1 single from Third Stage, "Amanda."[10] Cash Box praised Scholz' guitar playing and said that Brad Delp's vocals are "stacked to the sky" to give "an overall rock/choir effect."[11] Los Angeles Times critic Steve Pond praises the "persuasive" sound at the climax, which he likens to the sound of "a couple dozen guitars" revving up.[12] Jerry Spangler of the Deseret News praised the song as a ballad that sounds like a "sure-fire winner".[13] Paul Elliott of TeamRock.com rated it Boston's 8th greatest song.[6] Elliott said that this song along with "Still in Love" are "two great AOR songs in one."[14] Philip Booth of the Lakeland Ledger praises the song's "a cappella vocal opening."[15] Tom Alesia of The Wisconsin State Journal regards the song's title as Boston's worst.[16]

Despite its chart success, "Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)" was omitted from Boston's 1997 Greatest Hits album, for which the San Antonio Express criticized the package.[17]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Billboard entries for Boston.
  2. Boston Chart History: Hot 100. Billboard Magazine. 2019-10-16.
  3. Book: Cash box pop singles charts, 1950-1993. Downey, P., Albert, G. & Hoffmann, F.W.. 34. 1994. University of Michigan. 1563083167. registration.
  4. RPM 100 Singles. May 2, 1987. 46. 4. 2013-08-11. Library and Archives Canada. https://web.archive.org/web/20140810040156/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?&file_num=nlc008388.0804&type=2&interval=20&PHPSESSID=m89iq841abagb37ld9c0fdc1f3. August 10, 2014. dead.
  5. Web site: Third Stage. Boston. 2013-08-11. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120608015731/http://www.bandboston.com/html/album3_html.html. 2012-06-08.
  6. Web site: The 10 Greatest Boston Songs Ever. March 10, 2016. Elliott, Paul. Future plc. 2017-04-06.
  7. News: After Eight Years Boston Delivers More of the Same Old Bombast. Samuels, L.. Dallas Morning News. August 26, 1986. 2013-08-11.
  8. News: Tom Scholz: A Normal Life. Stix, J.. 46–53, 101. Guitar. July 1987.
  9. News: Pop-Pourri. Boston Phoenix. October 21, 1986. Miles, M.. 40. 2013-08-11.
  10. News: Spotlight. Billboard Magazine. 78. October 4, 1986. 2013-08-11.
  11. Single Releases. Cash Box. March 7, 1987. 2022-08-08. 9.
  12. News: Boston Eight Years After. Pond, S.. Los Angeles Times. 76. October 5, 1986. 2013-08-11.
  13. News: Former Musical Kings Attempt to Climb Back to the Top. Spangler, J.. 8W. Deseret News. 2013-08-11. October 31, 2013.
  14. Web site: The Boston albums you should definitely own. Elliott, Paul. Louder Sound. Classic Rock. 2022-06-28. March 9, 2022.
  15. News: Boston Proves a Point. Booth, P.. Lakeland Ledger. October 2, 1987. 12. 2013-08-11.
  16. News: Dinosaurs Rock Festival Near Eau Claire Becomes Haven for Fading Rockers. Alesia, T.. The Wisconsin State Journal. July 13, 2003. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031422/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-105356147.html. dead. March 4, 2016. 2013-08-11. HighBeam.
  17. News: Don't Shoot! Give 'Greatest Hits' a Chance. San Antonio Express. 2013-08-11. August 1, 1997.