Bruce Springsteen
The essential Bruce Springsteen

THE REVIEW

Well... it seems that the only album by the boss that has yet to be reviewed is this "The Essential Bruce Springsteen". So, I will embark on this operation.

Released in November 2003, just over a year after the great success of "The Rising" album, which saw him return to the studio with the E Street Band after 18 years, this triple album encapsulates the essential, precisely, of 30 years (then) of his career. The first 2 CDs contain tracks from "Greetings from Asbury Park" to "The Rising", while the third CD contains outtakes and covers. I will focus more on the previously unreleased tracks, as they are songs unknown to most; but I also want to say a few words about the first two CDs anyway.

It begins with "Blinded by the Light", "For You", and "Spirit in the Night", three songs from the first album "GFAP". Beautiful songs, with torrential lyrics, showing us a Bruce still unripe but already irresistible. "4^th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)" and "Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)" come from the second album "The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle". These are two cornerstones in the boss's discography. "Sandy", in my opinion, remains Danny Federici's song, as his accordion contribution gave that magic touch for which the song is probably remembered. And also because it was his last song performed live, by his own decision, when the melanoma was about to take him. The second is an absolute masterpiece. When I heard it at San Siro, I was enchanted, eyes and mouth wide open. The epic "Thunder Road", "Born to Run", "Jungleland" follow. Songs that have made history. It's an indescribable sensation to listen to all three in a row. "Badlands", "Darkness on the Edge of Town" and "The Promised Land", another peak of the boss. These are songs still performed live today. "The River" and "Hungry Heart" are taken from the double CD "The River". Choosing 2 songs out of 20 masterpieces is an impossible choice, so we have to settle for these 2, which are the most representative of the album, but not the most beautiful. It closes with the acoustic notes of "Atlantic City" and "Nebraska" from the album that bears the title of the latter track. Songs that know how to thrill with just the voice and a guitar. Impressive.

Second CD: it opens with the incessant drums of "Born in the U.S.A.". an impressive sound difference compared to "Nebraska". "Glory Days" and "Dancing in the Dark" follow, still deriving from the bestseller "Born in the U.S.A.". "Tunnel of Love" and "Brilliant Disguise" from the 1987 album "Tunnel of Love" show a Bruce narrating love relationships. "Human Touch", "Lucky Town", "Streets of Philadelphia" and "The Ghost of Tom Joad" show Springsteen of the '90s. Lyrically serene in the first two tracks, but without the engine of the E Street Band. Oscar-winning with the third (though "The Wrestler" would have deserved it more) and acoustic and narrative in the fourth. "The Rising", "Mary's Place" and "Lonesome Day" from "The Rising" show Bruce once again with the historic band talking about post-9/11 America. "American Skin" and "Land of Hope and Dreams" are two masterful live episodes. Especially the last one, showcasing the whole band in a state of grace.

We come to the CD of rarities. It opens with "From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)". A fun rockabilly dating back to "The River" sessions. "The Big Payback" is a splendid, goosebump-inducing acoustic piece, dating back to home recordings of Nebraska. Once again, Bruce talks about men breaking their back to earn their pay. "Held Up Without a Gun" is a powerful live piece performed in 1980. It lasts just over a minute, but it's enough to convey incredible energy. This happens to be Steve Van Zandt's favorite song, the band's historic guitarist. "Trapped" is a live cover of Jimmy Cliff, later included in the charity album "We Are the World". Chills run down the spine, especially when the music builds during the second chorus and then leads into a beautiful sax solo. The great outtake "None but the Brave" follows, dating back to the "Born in the U.S.A." period. A song that deserved more attention, and especially to be placed in an album of unreleased tracks. It was surely the biggest surprise of the concert at San Siro last June. No one expected it. The song begins and ends with a memorable sax. "Missing" was used by Sean Penn for the movie "Three Days for the Truth". An unusual song due to the somewhat outside-the-box melody for Springsteen. A track that leaves no mark. "Lift Me Up" also used for a film, namely "Limbo", features a more fascinating melody and a curious falsetto. And now a great tribute to the father of rock by the best living rocker; "Viva Las Vegas". When Bruce Springsteen meets Elvis, the result can only be explosive. "County Fair" is another acoustic episode dating back to "Nebraska", and it's a real shame it was excluded from the album. But it seems it was written immediately after the release of "Nebraska", which is not entirely clear. "Code of Silence" is a live track performed during the '99 "Reunion Tour", and it seems it was considered for "The Rising" but then discarded. A piece of deadly energy. With a raging sax solo. In some aspects, it reminds of "Murder Incorporated". "Dead Man Walking", a splendid acoustic piece in line with "The Ghost of Tom Joad", part of the soundtrack for Tim Robbins' film of the same name. And to conclude, an acoustic version of "Countin' on a Miracle", a rock piece featured in "The Rising". Definitely better than the original, even though it's always interesting to hear the initial version of a good song.

To conclude (finally, you might think), I say that this album can be an excellent start for anyone wanting to get acquainted with Bruce Springsteen and delve into his songs. Certainly much better than the Greatest Hits of '95 where over 20 years of career were sacrificed to 14 songs (plus 4 unreleased). It's a CD that never tires: 30 years of pure American rock, preferably listened to while speeding along some "Highway".

So, this CD, in my opinion, is "Essential".

Until next time...