Monday, January 26, 2009

The Boss Is Back

Bruce Springsteen's latest album, Working on a Dream, is to be released Tuesday.

According to the Associated Press, Springsteen believes music can influence society:

"He tells Rolling Stone magazine he doesn't think rockers have a whole lot of influence, but can create a vision of the world as it should be."

We live in a society that is highly populated with avid listeners and musicians, so Bruce’s words hit home. The album's title-track is embedded with his revolutionary message. Springsteen’s lyrics are inspiring: “I'm working on a dream / Though sometimes it feels so far away / I'm working on a dream / And I know it will be mine someday.”



The video for Working on a Dream (posted here, courtesy of Yahoo! Music) runs through various aspects of the writing and recording process. It shows Springsteen deep in thought, often with a smile on his face. His lyrics are simple, and true. Aspiration and effort are without a doubt two essential components of a rocker’s mix, and are also integral to personal achievement.

A sneak preview of Life Itself, thanks to the Irish Times, allowed me to further glimpse into Springsteen's 24th album. A catchy piece, and undeniably a love song, Life Itself carries a pounding rhythm that merges with Bruce's strong chorus: "You were life itself, rushing over me..." The drum and guitar beat also leads the verses, which are slowed with sometimes layered vocals. What sounds like slide guitar riffs carries listeners into the heart wrenching bridge: "Why the things that we treasure most slip away in time / 'Til to the music we grow deaf and to god's beauty blind / Why do the things that connect us slowly pull us apart / 'Til we fall away in our own darkness, stranger to our own hearts.”

Here's the track listing:

  1. Outlaw Pete
  2. My Lucky Date
  3. Working on a Dream
  4. Queen of the Supermarket
  5. What Love Can Do
  6. This Life
  7. Good Eye
  8. Tomorrow Never Knows
  9. Life Itself
  10. Kingdom of Days
  11. Surprise, Surprise
  12. The Last Carnival
Plus, there are two bonus tracks in store -- The Wrestler, and A Night with the Jersey Devil.

Can’t wait for Tuesday? Download Life Itself!

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