I’ve been a fan of Bruce Springsteen since “Born to Run” dominated the airwaves back in the Seventies. This new music CD, Springsteen’s 20th studio album, was recorded live in studio, with no demos and only minimal overdubs (such as guitar solos, handclaps and backing vocals). Letter to You features three tracks originally written prior to Springsteen’s 1973 debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N. J.: “If I Was the Priest,” “Janey Needs a Shooter” and “Song for Orphans.” Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed “Ghosts” and “I’ll See You in My Dreams” on the December 12, 2020 episode of Saturday Night Live (check out the video below).
There’s an emerging genre of “Pandemic Songs” and Letter to You fits right in. These songs deal with loss, aging, and dying with dignity. I found them moving. But now I want to play some Motown hits. GRADE: B+
TRACK LIST:
- One Minute You’re Here” – 2:57
- “Letter to You” – 4:55
- “Burnin’ Train” – 4:03
- “Janey Needs a Shooter” – 6:49
- “Last Man Standing” – 4:05
- “The Power of Prayer” – 3:36
- “House of a Thousand Guitars” – 4:30
- “Rainmaker” – 4:56
- “If I Was the Priest” – 6:50
- “Ghosts” – 5:54
- “Song for Orphans” – 6:13
- “I’ll See You in My Dreams” – 3:29
I’m a huge Springsteen fan ever since his first record. I have seen him live at least 20 times. Letter to You is a very good record with my favorite song being House of a Thousand Guitars.
Steve, I like “House of a Thousand Guitars,” too! I’m not usually a fan of live concert CDs, but Springsteen’s sound great!
I’m also a big fan of the boss, we have several DVDs of his concerts – but never seen him live.
I envy you!
Steve, I envy you!
PS:
If I remember correctly Bruce was very angry when D Trump used his songs, especially “Born in the USA” – well now you might have got rid of him after what happened yesterday in DC.
Good riddance!
Wolf, most of us are sickened and dismayed at the wanton invasion of The Capitol yesterday. It was a Dark Day in American History. Many American artists were upset with political campaigns that used their songs without asking for permission. Like you, I’ve enjoyed Springsteen concerts via DVDs.
Springsteen also upset with Reagan using “Born in the USA”…for obvious reason, if one listens to the lyrics.
Is it me or does Bruce look amazingly like Bono (U2, not Sonny) in that group pic?
Deb, I agree! Of course, I’ve been confused with Bono, too.
I’ve gotten the infrequent Gerald Ford. I’m not sure I see it. (A bit flattering, physically, I’d say.)
I haven’t heard this yet, but I will, having been a fan from the beginning. It would be impossible to pick a favorite Springsteen song but one of them would certainly be “The River”, maybe the saddest song I’ve ever heard. It gets me every time.
Michael, I occasionally break out Bruce Springsteen’s GREATEST HITS CD and enjoy the great music he and the E Street Band has made over the past decades. Wonderful music!
Joe introduced me to Bruce all those years ago.
And Bruce still looks good. Stevie looks like a little old Italian mama.
Even after all these years, it’s weird without Clarence.
Beth, Clarence is irreplaceable. Bruce looks to be in good shape, unlike other performers his age.
The sax player is Clarence’s nephew.
Nothing about yesterday’s events?
Rick, the Invasion of the Capitol was predictable given Trump’s frenzy about losing the Election. Hope you’re feeling better.