“High Hopes” for new Springsteen Record Rewarded

Bruce Springsteen’s new album, High Hopes, is a solid collection that again confirms Bruce’s talent. Although this record consists of several older, previously unreleased songs, two rerecorded older songs, and two covers of other people’s songs, it does not sound like a grab bag of outtakes. Instead, it is a coherent record that stands up to comparison with his best works.  And, because some of the basic tracks were initially recorded some time ago, we are treated to two songs that include the late Clarence Clemons' saxophone work.

High Hopes strength is its varied arrangements. These arrangements provide just enough ornamentation to keep the songs from sounding stale.  Yet, the production also shows restraint. This restraint prevents the songs from being buried under a blanket of production effects.  The opening title track ‘High Hopes’ provides a prime example. This track begins with a polyrhythm that is uncharacteristic of a Springsteen composition. This rhythm propels the song and it, along with the track’s horns, keeps this song sounding fresh. Yet, the song retains a traditional Springsteen-esqe core that would be at home on the 1980’s Tunnel of Love.

Throughout his history, Bruce Springsteen has had the services of two outstanding guitarists, Nils Lofgren and Steven Van Zandt, to compliment his own guitar prowess. This record features those East Street Band regulars along with the ex-Rage against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. Tom Morello is featured on all but one of the album’s tracks. Morello’s contributions add an additional texture to the two new versions of previously released tracks, American Skin (41 Shots) and The Ghost of Tom Joad.  The latter song is a studio recording of the arrangement previously available only on the live EP, “Magic Tour Highlights”. The transformation of the originally acoustic Tom Joad by Springsteen and Morello is akin to the transformation by Hendrix of Dylan’s All along the Watchtower.  This new arrangement powerfully expresses the anger, frustration and longing for justice that lies at the heart of this song. It is the highlight of the record.

If you are Bruce Springsteen fan, you should give High Hopes a listen.  You will not be disappointed.