Artist: Bruce Springsteen Album: Working on a Dream

Year: 2009
Duration: 55:29

Working on a Dream – A Critical Review of Bruce Springsteen's Album

Bruce Springsteen, also known as The Boss is one of the most iconic musicians of all time. His music carries a message of hope, social justice, and emotional truth that resonates with many. His 2009 album, Working on a Dream, showcases The Boss's passion and raw emotion in a new light. In this blog post, I will discuss the album and offer my take on its stand-out songs, its most innovative parts, and whether the album measures up to Springsteen's extensive discography.

Before we dive into the music, it's essential to understand the artist and the genre of the album. Bruce Springsteen is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist from the USA. Since the 1960s, he's been a prominent figure in the rock, folk, and heartland rock genres. He's sold millions of records, won multiple Grammy Awards, and toured the world, making him a living legend. The album, Working on a Dream, was released in August 2009, following a tour with the E Street Band. The record marked a shift from Springsteen's earlier works, containing more upbeat and celebratory themes.

There are many great songs on this album, some that stand out more than others. My Lucky Day is the opening track, and it's an excellent introduction to the album. It's a catchy rock song that's optimistic, and fits nicely with the overall tone of the record. Outlaw Pete is another standout song, an epic-sounding tune that wouldn't feel out of place in a classic Western movie. It's a standout track on the album because of its vivid storytelling and imaginative lyrics. Kingdom of Days is a beautiful love song that's full of emotion and sincerity. It's one of Springsteen's most tender songs and one of the best on the album.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the sound. While Springsteen's earlier works had classic rock instrumentation, Working on a Dream is much more varied in its sound and style. You can hear influences from pop, country, and soul music, which adds depth and complexity to the record. The album also includes some impressive guest appearances. Elvis Costello contributes background vocals on Tomorrow Never Knows, while long-time collaborator Patti Scialfa adds harmonies to the tracks This Life and Kingdom of Days. Even if you're a long-time Springsteen fan, you can't help but appreciate the fresh and dynamic sound of Working on a Dream.

However, the album isn't without its flaws. While some of the songs are excellent, there are a handful that drag down the LP's overall quality. What Love Can Do feels formulaic and uninspired, with a forgettable melody. Surprise, Surprise has an overly repetitive chorus that quickly becomes tedious. Some of the production choices also muddle the album's sound and detract from what could have been a uniformly strong release.

Overall, Working on a Dream, is a strong addition to Bruce Springsteen's discography. It's a refreshing change of pace from some of his earlier works, as it showcases a more joyful and exuberant side of the artist. The album's standout tracks, innovative sound, and guest appearances make it a must-listen for any Springsteen fan. While there are a few questionable choices that hold the LP back from being perfect, it's still a worthwhile listen that shows that even after decades of performing and creating, The Boss still has something to say.