New Springsteen Album Is His Best In Years [REVIEW]

Bruce Springsteen has in some way reinvented himself on every new album since the early 70s. Each album tackles a new issue. Whether it be getting out of your hometown, love for New Jersey, Vietnam, 9-11 or the war in the Middle East, Bruce has taken to his notebook and guitar and become a main voice for what is going on around him, and us, for almost 40 years.

Since 2002, fans of the Boss have been waiting impatiently for the next 'Darkness On The Edge Of Town' or 'Born To Run' album, a sort of album that returns to the sound that gave him worldwide praise.

Fans have a right to be as eager as they are, especially since 'Born In The USA' was the last time he really had that "Bruuuuuuce" sound and that was in 1984! Every album since then has been different and toned down. The 90s were probably the most painful decade of all for Bruce followers to handle. First he fired the E Street Band and simultaneously released two awkward sounding folk albums. Then he reappears five years later with a mustache and an acoustic guitar for an acoustic album, 'The Ghost Of Tom Joad'.  And from 2000 on, the E Street Band has been back in the picture but the music has been toned down, leaving fans wanting more and more and more of what used to be.

Today, I can confidently say that day will never come, and that is not a bad thing. Bruce Springsteen's new album, 'Wrecking Ball' is a collection of political anthems that come straight from the soul. The music and lyrics hit you upon impact, and it doesn't let up until the album is finished. If you are looking for the next loud, uplifting E Street Band sounding album, you're better off going back into your collection and listening to anything from 1973 to 1984. This album contains everything from gospel, drum loops, R&B and even a little hip hop. There's some E Street presence as well, but you don't feel the need to have them their most of the time.

This is hands down the Boss's best album since the early 80s as well as his riskiest. This album is so experimental and different that it could have easily come off as a joke if arrangements and lyrics were even a slight bit different. For a legend to release an album of this caliber in his early 60s is unheard of.

My personal favorites include 'Shackled & Drawn', 'Death To My Hometown', and the big one, 'Land of Hope & Dreams'. You can hear the entire album streaming at his website.

Two words: He's back!

Let me know what you think of Bruce Springsteen's album, 'Wrecking Ball' in the comment section below.