A Bruce Springsteen album is always an event, especially when it's his twentieth for which he has surrounded himself with his faithful E-Street Band. Even though they are musicians who accompany him on all his tours, they hadn't recorded a studio album together since 2014 and "High Hopes". The other important feature of this new opus is that it was recorded under live conditions in The Boss' personal studio in Colts Neck, New Jersey. That's how the classic "Born In The U.S.A." was recorded in 1984, which gives hope for great moments of American rock as the living legend is accustomed to offer us on a regular basis.
However, from 'One Minute You're Here', astonishment is the order of the day. Admittedly, it's not that surprising that the artist begins his album with a poignant ballad with a predominantly acoustic feel. Come to think of it, it's true that for 47 years, he's always been used to doing what he wanted to do without taking into account commercial or artistic rules. On the other hand, it is undeniable that his theme marks the listener, he will even come back on most of the titles. "One minute you're here, next minute you're gone" says the singer who celebrated his 71st birthday in September. After the disappearance of several relatives, the legend became aware that he was not eternal and that time was passing for him and his entourage, and it is a majority of songs with an introspective theme that he will offer here.
'Letter To You', 'Burnin' Train' or 'The Power Of Prayer' are all future anthems that combine rock power and depth of lyrics. Guitars, keyboards and saxophone unite once again to support the rocky voice of a Bruce Springsteen who is beginning to realize the limitations imposed by age on his legendary vocal organ ('If I Was The Priest'). More melancholic but always energetic, 'The Last Man Standing', 'House Of A Thousand Guitars' or 'Ghosts' come to touch your emotions without ever falling into sadness. The first one was inspired by the loss of his friend George Theiss in 2018, the last survivor of the band "The Castiles" with whom The Boss took his first steps. "Brothers and sisters, wherever you are" he moans on 'House Of A Thousand Guitars' before sobs are almost guessed in the finale. As for 'Ghosts', it evokes Danny Federici and Clarence Clemons, his brothers who disappeared from the E-Street Band. "I need you by my side" and "Meet you brothers and sisters on the other side" he tells them. But that doesn't stop him from shouting that he's alive on the chorus ("I'm alive!") for a result that once again marries melancholy and energy for another future anthem to shout out in the stadiums when they'll be frequented again.
All these tracks are completed by a nervous 'Rainmaker' on which the Boss unleashes his rage after a twilight introduction. Finally, three titles were rescued from oblivion after being composed at the time of the first opus, "Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ" (1973). We find this folk-rock very inspired by Bob Dylan which had marked the beginnings of the artist. Harmonica, typical phrasing, energy and feeling are each time spread out over more than six minutes. 'Janey Needs A Shooter' and its bewitching chorus was written with Warren Zevon who recorded it for him in the 80s. If I Was The Priest' was recorded by Allan Clarke in the 1970s and offers a hopeful energy. Finally, 'Song For Orphans' is nostalgic and generous and proves that it would have been a pity if it had never been released.
With 'Letter To You', The Boss strikes again, proving that he is still able to surprise us and that he still has things to say. Keeping his talent and energy intact, he explores new themes inspired by his experience and doesn't hesitate to deliver his most intimate feelings. So while we can understand that he will enjoy meeting his friends in the other world, we can only hope that this will be as late as possible, especially as long as he offers us such monuments.