Tom Warke reviews a weekly album for the music-loving visitors to Aycliffe Today…
Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball
‘The Boss’ is back with a brand new album, Wrecking Ball, in time for his world-wide tour which starts this Sunday (18th March).
Springsteen’s new album this week made it to number 1# in the U.S Album Charts, knocking Adele off the top spot.
Wrecking Ball is also the 17th Springsteen album to make the Top 10. Springsteen, who is known for using his music to express his feelings about events either close to his life or the broader picture, has written tracks in Wrecking Ball to relate to the people listening.
His opening track ‘We Take Care of Our Own’ can be seen as an angered retaliation to the times in America, with the ongoing economic troubles, as well as tracks such as ‘The Depression’.
Throughout most of the album, Springsteen has experimented with the use of a background choir which works well, giving the listener that uplifting feeling.
The theme throughout most of the album is based on the economic despair of America, the song ‘Jack of All Trades’ narrating how a man struggles to find work, however the theme does change midway giving to a more spiritual redemption, song such as ‘Rocky Ground’ and ending on the song ‘We Are Alive’, where Springsteen celebrates the Americans who died fighting for progress.
My personal favourite of the album is a previously heard track, ‘Land Of Hope and Dreams’, re-worked with electronic drums and gospel choir, the song also features a saxophone solo by the late Clarence Clemons.
Overall Wrecking Ball shows Springsteen’s intent to keep to his musical roots and in his 63rd year he intends to rock as hard as he used to.
Wrecking Ball is available to buy on iTunes for £9.99, with individual tracks available for 99p – click on the ad below to buy now.
