"The Book of Rock Lists" suggests that the chorus riff may itself be a subtle homage to the Kingsmen's classic, "Louie Louie." Scholz has stated in multiple interviews his fondness for The James Gang, and in particular that band's 1970s album, "Rides Again,". Accordingly, the signature riff for "More than a Feeling" bears a striking resemblance to that composed by Joe Walsh for the "Rides Again" track, "The Ashes, the Rain and I." Scholz credits "Walk Away Renee" by The Left Banke as the song's main inspiration.