Written for the decay and subsequent revival of Asbury Park, “My City Of Ruins” has taken on many other roles since its release. For my money, the most moving and powerful context that Springsteen placed it in began with the gospel and horn-drenched unveiling at that legendary Apollo Theater show.Read More

I remember thinking that “Paradise,” written from the point of view of a suicide bomber, was simultaneously haunting and touching. You May Also Like: No related posts.

There are points during nearly all concerts where the emotions and internal language of the music can take over to express something that’s out of the grasp of mere words. You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

When The Rising first came out, the meaning of the songs of pure loss — Empty Sky and You’re Missing in particular — could only come out of the context of the events of 9/11. Though you might be able to take the story of You’re Missing and apply itRead More

Dropping “Waitin’ On A Sunny Day” from consideration, “Mary’s Place” is the worst song Bruce has done since … oh, take your pick You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

The great songwriting tradition of blending opposites gets quite a workout on “The Fuse.” We have the vignette of the (possibly doomed) lovers in the last verse, which seems to leaven the darkness of the earlier verses, where death takes on a heavy presence. You May Also Like: Reevaluating BruceRead More

With that varied styles employed throughout The Rising, it was kind of refreshing to hear “Further On (Up The Road)” come blasting out of my speakers. Very little in the way of violins, mandolins, or anything else that might get in the way of the insistent bombast. But there wasRead More

In the Springsteen catalog, it’s not often that I prefer the studio over the live version of a song, but in the case of “Let’s Be Friends,” it’s the truth. You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

The musical palette employed during “Worlds Apart” — the tablas and the vocals delivered by Asif Ali Khan and Haji Nazir Afridi — was almost shocking. This is a Bruce Springsteen song?! You May Also Like: Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’

“Empty Sky” again takes up the themes of loss, anger, and retribution from both the personal and broader perspectives. You May Also Like: Night Songs by Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, others: Odd Couples Reevaluating Bruce Springsteen’s ‘The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle’ Wilco’s ‘Sky BlueRead More