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Bruce Springsteen, ‘Working on a Dream’ Mini Review

22 Jan

Thanks to Mlive.com

Bruce Springsteen’s 2nd album in a year set for release next week with sneak peeks at NPR.org

by John Sinkevics | The Grand Rapids Press

Consider this a mini-review of an album that’s not out yet and I haven’t actually gotten my hands on.

I’ve given an introductory listen to Bruce Springsteen’s new CD, “Working on a Dream,” for which tracks are available exclusively online at NPR.org. The CD officially gets released Jan. 27, but you can listen to the album here.

My initial impression? After listening to admittedly chintzy files online, there’s precious little magic in these tracks compared to Bruce and the E Street Band’s impressive “Magic,” released in late 2007.

The first track listed, “Outlaw Pete,” seems almost silly in its melodramatic approach, stretching out to 7-minutes-plus. And while this fortunately gets followed by “My Lucky Day,” which takes an earthier, more-Springsteen-like approach, a saccharine sheen dominates the album:

“Queen of the Supermarket” features (egad) ABBA-like backing vocals; “This Life” is almost unfathomable in its retro-poppy schlockiness and sappy lyrics.

Admittedly, a few tracks such as the raw and bluesy “Good Eye” avoid this disappointing, over-sweetened and schmaltzy Springsteen tea, but I fear the prospects aren’t particularly promising for the physical version of this CD. The album features a dozen new Springsteen songs, plus a bonus track, “The Wrestler,” from the much-ballyhooed film starring Mickey Rourke.

E-mail John Sinkevics: jsinkevics@grpress.com

Bruce Springsteen, Working on a Dream, Hear It First on NPR, January 19th

13 Jan

Exclusive First Listen: Bruce Springsteen Hear A Full Preview Of His New Album, ‘Working On A Dream,’ On Jan. 19springsteen300

NPR.org, January 9, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen’s return to pop production (and the E Street Band) on his 2007 album Magic left him wanting more. Although he hadn’t pushed himself to complete back-to-back albums in more than 30 years, The legendary singer’s longtime producer, Brendan O’Brien, urged Springsteen to keep recording.

“I thought, ‘No, I haven’t done that since my first two records came out in the same year,’ ” Springsteen says. “Usually, I don’t write that quickly. But I went back to my hotel in Atlanta, and over the next week, I wrote several songs that formed the beginning of the new album (Working on a Dream). I found there was more than enough fuel for the fire to keep going.”

Working on a Dream, which will stream in its entirety here starting Jan. 19 — a week before its official release date — is Springsteen’s 24th album. It was recorded with the E Street Band during breaks from the group’s 2007 tour.

“I hope Working on a Dream has caught the energy of the band, fresh off the road from some of the most exciting shows we’ve ever done,” Springsteen says. “All the songs were written quickly. We usually used one of our first few takes, and we all had a blast making this one from beginning to end.”

Working on a Dream contains 12 new Springsteen songs and one bonus track, “The Wrestler,” which is featured over the closing credits of Darren Aronofsky’s 2008 film of the same name. The track also won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.