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Forbes
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
What ‘The Lost Albums' Say About Bruce Springsteen
SAN SEBASTIAN, GUIPUZCOA BASQUE, SPAIN - JUNE 21: The singer Bruce Springsteen performs during his ... More concert at the Reale Arena, on 21 June, 2025 in San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa, Basque Country, Spain. It is the first of only two dates of the artist in Spain in 2025 (the second will be on Tuesday, June 24, also at the Reale Arena), within the European tour Land of Hope and Dreams with the E Street Band. Bruce Springsteen, nicknamed The Boss, is one of the most influential musicians and composers in rock history. He is best known for his work with the E Street Band, his backing band since 1972, and for being a pioneer of heartland rock, a style that combines classic rock with poetic and socially engaged lyrics that reflect the life of working-class Americans. (Photo By Unanue/Europa Press via Getty Images) 'Two faces have I One that laughs, one that cries One says hello, one says goodbye' Bruce Springsteen, 'Two Faces,' 1987 Taken off Springsteen's brilliant 1987 Tunnel of Love album, this gem is ostensibly written about a troubled relationship. But as someone who has interviewed so many of the greatest songwriters ever – Mike Stoller, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty – the list goes on and on, I can tell you most songwriters will tell you that songs often have multiple meanings and hidden subtext even the writers don't know about. I have had countless songwriters tell me they often don't know what a song is about until years later. So, it is very interesting to revisit this particular track nearly 40 years later with two facts in mind. One, it was on the album that directly preceded Springsteen disbanding the legendary E Street Band for a dozen years. Two, looking at the song in the wake of the massive seven album, 83-song Tracks II: The Lost Albums set coming out Friday (June 27), it could easily be an artistic confession. Because, although unlike Tracks, these are seven complete individual albums, when you look at them as a whole, they very much reveal the duality of Springsteen, the musician. Almost all great artists have multiple artistic sides to them. Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Prince, John Lennon – if you go through their whole bodies of work, you see great detours along what is considered their artistic path. And some, like Waits, their whole career is exploration. So, to say Springsteen has multiple artistic personalities is not unusual. It is recognizing that as a true artist he has the normal wanderlust all great musicians do. In Springsteen's case though it is particularly interesting because he has created a larger-than-life persona. This year is a perfect example. As he gets set to release this incredibly introspective collection he is currently touring overseas, playing stadiums to nearly 100,000 fans a night and again being recognized as an American hero for leading the artistic charge against the current presidential administration. In a way, the Springsteen leading the E Street Band and tens of thousands in anthemic rockers like 'Badlands' and 'Born to Run' is a version of Superman. Well, if that version is Superman, the Springsteen of these seven albums is Clark Kent. Each of the seven albums – LA Garage Sessions '83, Streets of Philadelphia Sessions, Faithless, Somewhere North of Nashville, Inyo, Twilight Hours and Perfect World – has its own vibe and standout songs. LA Garage Sessions '83, the collection that famously bridges Nebraska and Born in the USA, is 18 songs that range from the goofy, fun 'Little Girl Like You' to the story song 'Jim Deer,' a natural continuation of from Nebraska. The standout song is the incredibly sweet 'County Fair,' a song beautiful in its simplicity and innocence. The famed Streets of Philadelphia Sessions does not disappoint. The 10-song album, which opens with the recently released 'Blind Spot' is driven by looping and rhythmic beats like on 'Between Heaven And Hell' and the somber, even a little sinister 'Something In The Well.' The highlight is 'Maybe I Don't Know You,' a powerful statement on insecurity in a relationship. Faithless, the soundtrack to a never-made movie is a gorgeous collection driven by a quest for answers and hope and propelled by religion. The record features at least six noteworthy songs out of the 11, including the Tom Waits-like 'All God's Children,' a screaming mix of blues and gospel, the stunning elegy 'Let Me Ride' and the Johnny Cash-esque title track, a beautiful hymn. The standout though is the breathtaking ballad 'God Sent You.' Somewhere North of Nashville, is, as the name implies, the most country record of the set. From the beautiful 'Poor Side of Town' and 'Delivery Man,' a very up-tempo, almost rockabilly tune, to the lush title track, the record is almost all country. The standout is 'You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone,' a sweet song that feels like '70s era Tom Waits doing country. The largely Spanish and Mexican-influenced Inyo is next. The 10-song record is heavily influenced by both words of music, from 'The Lost Charro,' which is Mexican and unique on the set, to the Spanish-styled 'One False Move.' The highlight is the gorgeous gospel song, 'When I Build My Beautiful House.' The lush Twilight Hours, arguably the strongest individual album in the set, is a masterful work of strings, crooning and gorgeous arrangements. Every track is a standout on this one, including each of the first four; the gorgeous 'Sunday Love' and 'Late in the Evening' and the crooners, 'Two of Us' and 'Lonely Town.' – Finally, the set ends with the more rock-based Perfect World. Heavier in tempo and vibes on songs like 'Blind Man' and the rocking gospel fee of 'You Lifted Me Up,' these 10 songs have more of a grit, led by the slow build of 'If I Could Only Be Your Lover.' So, each of the albums is musically strong and worthy of exploring. Ultimately though the most compelling part about Tracks II: The Lost Albums is what it shows about Springsteen as a complete artist. It shows an artist, like so many other greats, on a journey for an artistic vision that is ongoing and like all true greats, is much more about the quest than the destination.
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Furious Bruce Springsteen refuses to sign autographs for fans as they patiently wait in the rain in Manchester
Bruce Springsteen looked furious as he refused to sign autographs for fans waiting in the rain in Manchester. The music legend, 75, arrived back at his hotel with his security team, who shielded him from the rain with an umbrella. As Bruce walked towards the entrance he said, 'I'm signing nothing' as fans begged him for an autograph, 'Bruce just one please?' In the video, which was taken last week, the Dancing In The Dark hitmaker shook his head as he told them: 'You guys chase me all around town. I'm signing nothing'. Bruce continued to walk inside the building, as one fan replied: 'We didn't we've been waiting here for you'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Last month, Bruce was in Manchester for his Land of Hope and Dreams tour, playing three dates at the Co-Op Arena from May 14 to May 20. During his time in the city, The Boss stayed at the Stock Exchange Hotel, which is owned by former Manchester United stars Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. The legendary songwriter reportedly booked out the entire five-star hotel and its 40 rooms for the week, at an estimated cost of £23,000 per night. Swanky rooms at the stylish hotel, based inside Manchester's former Stock Exchange building, include the £4,000 a night penthouse, the Boardroom Suite at £2,000 a night, while other suites sell from £750 - £1,500 a night. And Bruce must have been a big fan of the Sky Sport pundit's hotel as he decided to stay there while playing gigs in Liverpool at Anfield on June 4 and 7. During his time in Liverpool, Bruce reunited with Paul McCartney for a special visit to the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). The American singer has previously described performing in Merseyside as a long-held dream come true, crediting The Beatles as a major influence on his musical journey. And The Born in the USA singer was reunited with one of his heroes, as Sir Paul, 82, returned to his hometown. The legendary singer appeared in great spirits as he arrived at the institute he co-founded with Mark Featherstone-Witty in 1996. A large crowd of students gathered outside the venue, eagerly waiting for Sir Paul's autograph. Meanwhile, Bruce was reportedly ushered in through a separate entrance before later stepping outside to greet the students. One fan looked visibly emotional as he greeted Sir Paul with a warm hug. Although Paul did not attend LIPA, he played a pivotal role in its founding. In 1992, while preparing for his Liverpool Oratorio, he visited his former school, the Liverpool Institute for Boys, which had been closed since 1985. Upon seeing the building's dilapidated state, he pledged to restore it. Four years later, LIPA was established on the same site, co-founded by Paul and Mark as a hub for aspiring performers. Sir Paul remains actively involved with the institution, serving as lead patron, attending graduations, and hosting masterclasses. In 2022, Bruce famously joined Sir Paul during his headline set at Glastonbury. They've also performed together at Hyde Park and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Bruce Springsteen's ‘Born To Run' Debuts On One Chart Just Before It Turns 50
Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run debuts at No. 92 on the U.K.'s Official Album Downloads chart nearly ... More 50 years after its original release. UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 11: REDBANK Photo of Bruce SPRINGSTEEN, Bruce Springsteen performing on stage - Born to Run Tour, 47 (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) By 1975, Bruce Springsteen was already a rock hero in his home state of New Jersey. He had charted a few successful albums, but had yet to break out and become a certified superstar. His third full-length, Born to Run, changed everything. It helped him achieve remarkable success and reach new career heights. Even five decades later, Born to Run is still regarded as not just a blockbuster, but a masterpiece in its own right. Fans all around the world are spending 2025 celebrating Born to Run and its legacy. The title is once again a bestseller, and for the first time, it appears on one important list in the United Kingdom. This week marks the first time the beloved project appears on the Official Albums Downloads chart, which ranks the top-selling full-lengths and EPs on platforms like iTunes in the U.K. Born to Run narrowly makes it to the list, opening at No. 92. Born to Run marks Springsteen's second new arrival on the Official Album Downloads chart this year alone. Just a few weeks ago, he launched his surprise live EP Land of Hope and Dreams, which debuted inside the top 10 and eventually peaked at No. 6. That project was recorded in mid-May at the opening show of the latest leg of his concert tour of the same name. The performance in Manchester sparked controversy after the rocker spoke out against U.S. President Donald Trump. Springsteen included those remarks on the live EP, which helped make it a bestseller in the U.K. Springsteen's debut on the Official Album Downloads ranking comes nearly 50 years after Born to Run first landed on the Official Albums chart, which tracks the most-consumed projects in the nation. Springsteen earned his first successful full-length in the country in November 1975. Born to Run went on to spend just under a year on the list and peaked at No. 17. At the moment, Springsteen charts six albums on at least one U.K. tally apiece. Born to Run is one of a trio — including Land of Hope and Dreams and The River — that all live on just one ranking apiece. Meanwhile, Best of, Greatest Hits, and Born in the U.S.A. appear on several rosters at once.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Bruce Springsteen's Donald Trump Critiques Earn Him A New Top 10 Bestseller
Bruce Springsteen's Land of Hope and Dreams EP debuts at No. 8 in the U.K., becoming his fourteenth ... More top 10 on the Official Album Downloads chart. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Bruce Springsteen performs during the first night of 'The Land of Hopes and Dreams' tour at Co-op Live on May 14, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by) Bruce Springsteen kicked off the latest leg of his global tour in mid-May, bringing his show to the United Kingdom. The rocker launched the trek under the simple name Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band 2023-2025 Tour, but after a brief hiatus, the musician renamed the run the Land of Hope and Dreams Tour. Springsteen taped his opening night performance in Manchester on May 14 and recently surprise-released an EP featuring half a dozen tracks from that concert. That set has quickly become a bestseller in the United Kingdom, as attendees seek to relive the experience, while others are drawn in not only by the star's name, but by a bit of controversy. The appropriately-titled Land of Hope and Dreams EP opens this week at No. 8 on the Official Album Downloads chart. It becomes a fast top 10 bestseller after less than a full tracking frame. Springsteen earns his fourteenth top 10 on the Official Album Downloads tally with Land of Hope and Dreams. Most of the collections he's placed on the roster have reached the uppermost region, with a total of 22 projects making it to the list. The new EP marks Springsteen's first placement on the Official Album Downloads list in just over a year. His compilation The Best Of arrived in early May 2024. Before that, he last scored a new top 10 several years ago when Only the Strong Survive opened and peaked at No. 2 in November 2022. Part of what has fueled the success of Land of Hope and Dreams is that it includes not only music, but also commentary delivered during the May 14 concert. At the show, Springsteen criticized American President Donald Trump in very blunt terms. Some people love what he said, while others have shunned the musician. His rebuke drew a direct response from Trump, who called the musician 'highly overrated and dumb.' Springsteen doesn't appear fazed by the insult. In fact, he's leaned into the controversy by making his comments a public part of the EP's content, ensuring they are preserved and widely heard.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Bruce Springsteen Barely Misses Hitting The Top 10 With A Major Collaboration
Bruce Springsteen and The Killers' Encore at the Garden nearly returns to the U.K. top 10, landing ... More at No. 11 on the Official Vinyl Singles chart this week. MONZA, ITALY - JULY 25: Bruce Springsteen performs with The E Street Band at Autodromo Nazionale Monza on July 25, 2023 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images) Just a few days ago, Bruce Springsteen surprise-released a new EP titled Land of Hope and Dreams. The six-song set features recordings from the Manchester opening night of the latest leg of his tour with the E Street Band. It arrives just a few weeks before the rocker is set to deliver seven full-lengths at once. Amidst all the excitement surrounding Springsteen's catalog at the moment, the superstar nearly returns to the top 10 on a pair of charts in the U.K. with yet another recently-shared project. Springsteen joined The Killers this past Record Store Day to release a very special short effort, Encore at the Garden. The project was recorded when the rock musician joined the band at a Madison Square Garden concert in October 2022. The vinyl single features just three live tracks: "Badlands," "Dustland," and "Born to Run,' and it becomes a bestseller again in the U.K. this frame. The collaborative project returns to a pair of tallies and nearly climbs into the highest tier on both of them. Encore at the Garden misses the top 10 on the Official Vinyl Singles chart by just one space, landing at No. 11. The same three-song EP, which is credited as a single instead of an album due to its length, reappears at No. 13 on the Official Physical Singles list. The set peaked at No. 3 on both the Official Physical Singles and Official Vinyl Singles charts, debuting in that position in late April. It barely budged in its second frame on the two tallies, dipping just one spot on the physical-only roster and holding steady at No. 3 on the vinyl ranking. Throughout its run, the project has spent just three frames on the Official Vinyl Singles chart and one more on the Official Physical Singles ranking. In just a matter of days, Springsteen might collect a new top-selling album in the U.K. with Land of Hope and Dreams. The EP reached No. 1 on iTunes' Top Albums tally in the country, and though it had only a few days to rack up purchases — since it was released midweek — it may still have managed to perform well enough to appear on a handful of lists. In a little over a month, Springsteen will also release the box set Tracks II: The Lost Albums. The project features seven finished full-lengths that were written and recorded at different points in his career, but never shared with the public.
