“Wrecking Ball” 2012/Columbia Records

Today has been circled on my calender for quite some time. Ever since I heard the announcement that Bruce Springsteen was coming back with a new album and tour, I have been anxiously awaiting this day. So I woke up this morning, took a shower, and drove to our local record shop to pick up my reserved “Wrecking Ball” LP. Luckily it came with a CD copy so I could listen to it on the way home. I had previewed some of the record on his website and heard the tracks he played on Jimmy Fallon but I have to say, after listening to this record straight through, I’m pretty speechless. Springsteen has always had a way of speaking to the times and for the people. This album does exactly that. There is more passion and lyrical sweat in the 5:47 of the title track than I’ve heard in a very long time. This is also the first record Bruce has done since Clarence Clemons and Danny Federici passed away. After reading Clarence Clemons’ autobiography this winter, I have a new and better understanding of who he was and the music he wanted the world to hear. Although there hasn’t been much saxophone on the last few Springsteen records, Clemons shines on “Land of Hopes and Dreams” with a solo that will make you cry if you let it. I am so glad that his horn made it on this track. It’s haunting and beautiful as all of the Big Man’s parts were. All in all, this album is an amazing record that will make you thankful that you were alive to hear it. If you are a fan of urgent lyrics and “real” music, this record, from one of history’s greatest songwriters and entertainers is for you. Welcome back, Bruce. You’ve still got it.

Favorite tracks: Wrecking Ball, Land of Hopes and Dreams, Death to My Hometown, You’ve Got It.

*Click on album to buy on iTunes.