Category | Arts & Living

The Boss is back

Published on January 15, 2008 by The Sentinel

    On his new album “Magic,” Bruce Springsteen continues earning his
keep as America’s favorite song-writing son, taking us down familiar
roads and crafting an album that rivals anything released in 2007.  All
the things that make a Springsteen album a Springsteen album are
present on the new album, but somehow it manages to feel new and
relevant.

    The opening track and first single “Radio Nowhere” is a guitar-heavy lament about the state of U.S. radio waves, and it definitely does its part to help clean them up (appreciate that, Bruce!).  While “Radio Nowhere” is a great single, “Last to Die” is the stand-out track.
 
    Springsteen has never shied away from political issues and this track may be his most rousing, asking “Who’ll be the last to die for a mistake,” apparently in reference to U.S. involvement in Iraq.  The last song on the album, “Terry’s Song,” slows things down, ending the album on a somber but still uplifting note, with Springsteen paying tribute to his long-time friend Terry Magovern.

    Throughout the album, the tiny marvels of production shine.  Brendan O’Brien did a good job with the softer folk of 2005’s “Devils and Dust” and he does a fine job here as well.  The intro on “Radio Nowhere” is particularly reflective of the depth that O’Brien achieves- the percussive sounds of guitar picking is left in the mix, and they really add to the sound. 

    The drums all sound great too; they’re loud and bright (anyone who has seen Max Weinberg drum on Late Night with Conan O’Brien knows he drums like he’s got something to prove).  Other touches are more subtle, like the cello on “Devil’s Arcade” or the soft backing vocals on “Livin’ in the Future,” but they all add up to a great sounding CD.

    The E Street Band backs The Boss for the first time in almost four years on “Magic.”  Max Weinberg’s drumming is crisp and creative, Steven Van Zandt’s guitars soar, and Garry Tallent’s basslines are tight and effective, especially on “Last to Die.” 

    The other members all sound excellent too, whether it be Patti Scialfa on background vocals or Clarence Clemons on saxophone.  Nebraska proved The Boss could handle an album by himself, but with the E Street Band behind him he’s at his best.

    With “Magic,” Bruce Springsteen has come full circle back to his Born in the U.S.A. days, producing epic, pop-tinged rock that is as American as apple-pie.  Somehow he manages to encapsulate it all in 47 minutes and 51 seconds, giving us a sort of soundtrack to our country.