I know I'm a little behind on this seeing as this album came out over a week ago but as you can see we've been pretty busy around here lately. Anywho, Springsteen has been on what seemed like an endless world tour, including a stop in Philly (yes I was there, yes it was the most unbelievable thing I've ever witnessed), and he still somehow managed to find the time to release High Hopes. The album is a 12 track collection of studio outtakes, covers, and re-recordings. The title track is a virtually unknown song originally by Tim Scott McConnell that Bruce puts his magic touch on. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello is featured throughout the album and his contribution is well heard on songs like "Harry's Place" and "The Ghost of Tom Joad." This album is most likely just an excuse for Springsteen to tour again, which is never a bad thing. That's not to say this isn't a good album, because it certainly has many high points, but it also certainly doesn't have the cohesiveness and resonance of Wrecking Ball. Essentially the Boss is at the point in his career where anything and everything he does is gold, and this album is no exception. Who else do you know of that can take a bunch of b-sides and covers and turn it into a grade A full-length?
Tracks to check out: "American Skin (41 Shots)", "The Ghost of Tom Joad", "Dream Baby Dream"
3.5/5 Stars
-Jared
Tracks to check out: "American Skin (41 Shots)", "The Ghost of Tom Joad", "Dream Baby Dream"
3.5/5 Stars
-Jared