Although he hasn't released an official album since 2014 ("High Hopes"), the Boss hasn't remained inactive for all that, quite the contrary! Between an EP ("American Beauty" - 2014), a compilation ("Chapter And Verse" - 2016), an autobiography (Born To Run - 2017), a live album ("Springsteen On Broadway" - 2018) and three sets, we can say that he even spoilt his fans. However, in the absence of his E-Street Band, this period is very similar to an introspection phase whose end was announced for the end of 2019 - beginning of 2020 with an opus with his historical formation. In the meantime, Bruce Springsteen still offers a new album entitled "Western Stars" recorded with studio musicians and again produced by Ron Aniello.
The living legend is not known for being trapped in caricature and is accustomed to regularly questioning and endangering himself. "Nebraska" (1982), "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" (1995) or in another genre, "High Hopes" (2014) are the best known examples. With this new opus, the Boss has decided to pay tribute to his idols such as Roy Orbison or Burt Bucharach, while offering an introspective work. The production offers many instrumental flights with sections of strings and brass, giving a very cinematic aspect to the ensemble. The tribute to pop-rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s is obvious but, and how could it be otherwise with this monument, it never falls into plagiarism.
With this "Western Stars", Bruce Springsteen manages to combine the vision of open spaces with stories of bikers ('Hitch Hikin''), trains taking the narrator to his fate ('Tucson Train') or stuntmen from B series ('Drive Fast (The Stuntman)), and more refined and intimate pieces ('Western Stars', 'Somewhere North Of Nashville' or 'Moonlight Motel'). The risk taking is obvious and the Boss is once again out of its comfort zone. To do this, he usually uses a calm and soft song, pushing his legendary organ only with rare exceptions ('There Goes My Miracle'). Allowing to keep a variety in the atmosphere, 'Sleepy Joe's Café' is made playful with its accordion and banjo, while 'Hello Sunshine' is committed to the highways dear to country music.
Once again, the Boss will divide, but at almost 70 years of age, there is little chance that this will upset him more than throughout his career. "Western Stars" is a rich and melancholic new work. The storytelling skills of its author once again took the listener along American roads to cross the fates and the shattered dreams of the less fortunate classes. Of a delicate and sweet beauty, this new opus will take its time to enchant you.