While Western Stars was released to significant critical acclaim in 2019, it marked a stylistic departure for the Boss and certainly isn’t a rock album by any means. If you are looking for screaming guitars, the usual glockenspiel, and pounding drums, you will not find them here. You will, however, find a compilation of sorts… Continue reading Springsteen’s Western Stars and the most underrated album ever made
Tag: brilliant disguise
Springsteen’s brilliant “Brilliant Disguise” and the inescapable nature of doubt
This is Shakespeare’s Othello in the modern age. Othello is so easily manipulated by Iago because he doubts himself and can’t possibly believe a fair noblewoman would choose him. In Springsteen’s telling, we do not know the speaker’s scars, save that he’s a “lonely pilgrim,” but it doesn’t matter. We don’t need a villain either. … Continue reading Springsteen’s brilliant “Brilliant Disguise” and the inescapable nature of doubt
Bruce Springsteen: A conservative critique of his latter day anthems
It’s easy to conclude “Land of Hope and Dreams” and “We Take Care of Our Own” are fundamentally liberal songs, pushing liberal policy ideas, given Mr. Springsteen’s own far-left leanings, but is that truly the case? As the Boss himself used to say, trust the art, not the artist to unlock an underlying message of… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen: A conservative critique of his latter day anthems
Backstreets: Is this somewhat forgotten classic actually Bruce Springsteen’s best song?
Rich lyrics with interpretations ranging from a heterosexual high school couple sneaking away from their parents to drink beer, to heroin addicts trapped on the outskirts of town, to gay lovers hiding their affair, combine with a melodic, rocking composition to create an unforgettable song. It’s part Shakespearean Sonnet, all rock and roll, a true… Continue reading Backstreets: Is this somewhat forgotten classic actually Bruce Springsteen’s best song?



