Bruce Springsteen, Western Stars Review
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Bruce Springsteen is a musical icon. His career spans over five decades. Having sold more than 135 million records worldwide and more than 64 million records in the United States, making him one of the world’s best-selling music artists. His songwriting has earned numerous awards, including: 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award (for Springsteen on Broadway). Springsteen was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999, received Kennedy Center Honors in 2009, was named MusiCares person of the year in 2013, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Over the years, Springsteen has solidified his reputation and career as a lyricist that addresses the emotions, stories and struggles of working-class Americans. Springsteen is now releasing his full-length album titled, Western Stars.
Positives:
Outstanding songwriting and production.
Bottom Line:
Western Stars is stunning in its beauty and openness. Springsteen makes a successful cross-over to the country sound while keeping true to his pop hits. The thirteen tracks blend elements of rock, classic pop, folk, and country to produce a laid back and intimate setting that invites the listener into a warm world that is created by Springsteen. The orchestration includes strings, horns, pedal steel and contributions from more than 20 musicians including: Jon Brion (who plays celeste, Moog, and farfisa), as well as guest appearances by David Sancious, Charlie Giordano, and Soozie Tyrell. Springsteen has found a balance of styles and musical settings the pair with his voice in a way that can be characterized as elegance in motion. That’s the short of it!