Rediscovering Bruce Springsteen’s Hidden Musical Treasures
Decades ago, in a distant era, Bruce Springsteen made a bold move by releasing two entirely separate albums simultaneously. “Human Touch,” a project he meticulously crafted over three years filled with doubts and revisions, contrasted sharply with “Lucky Town,” a quick, spontaneous creation completed in a matter of months. These releases marked his first solo efforts after informing the E Street Band in 1989 that their collaboration was temporarily on hold, signaling a pivotal moment in his career.
Today, Springsteen’s latest compilation, “Tracks II: The Lost Albums,” offers a comprehensive glimpse into his prolific output, unveiling not just two but seven complete albums recorded between 1983 and 2018. This collection spans a transformative period in Springsteen’s life-ranging from his rise as an MTV icon, through a personal crisis that led to a more introspective, bearded balladeer, to his emergence as a revered elder statesman and global ambassador following the events of 9/11 and the revitalization of the E Street Band.
A Journey Through Time, Genre, and Artistic Evolution
These previously unreleased recordings defy simple categorization, transcending eras, musical styles, and personal fashion choices. They also challenge the notion that Springsteen’s career unfolded in clearly defined phases. Instead, they reveal that his creative identity was fluid, shifting according to the mood and message he wished to convey at any given moment.
For instance, the 1995 album “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” with its somber tales of borderlands and social struggles, was supported by a lengthy tour that showcased a different side of Springsteen-more country-infused, lively, and accessible-than the stark, folk-inspired studio recordings. One of the gems in this collection, “Somewhere North of Nashville,” was recorded concurrently with the Joad sessions, featuring the same musicians. It’s a raucous, energetic record that blends country twang with spirited rock, appealing to fans who preferred a more upbeat, rowdy sound over the quieter, introspective material.
Unearthing the Roots: The 1983 Garage Sessions
Among the treasures is “The L.A. Garage Sessions ’83,” a collection of 18 tracks recorded over a decade earlier than most other material here. These recordings, familiar to dedicated fans through rare live performances, B-sides, and bootlegs, capture Springsteen experimenting with home recording techniques on the West Coast after the release of “Nebraska.” Known for his decision to release demos instead of full-band studio versions, these tracks showcase a raw, ghostly sound that reveals his willingness to explore new musical territories without the pressure of studio perfection.
As noted by Springsteen historian Erik Flannigan in the liner notes, these sessions exemplify his desire to experiment independently, without the lengthy studio process that often characterized his earlier work. Some lyrics and melodies from these recordings later found their way into more polished releases, with “My Hometown” (in a notably hoarser version here) eventually appearing on “Born in the U.S.A.” in 1984.
Why Now? The Significance of Sharing These Recordings
It’s intriguing that Springsteen chose to release these era-spanning recordings now, rather than bundling them into a special anniversary edition of “Born in the U.S.A.” A reissue of that landmark album, which catapulted him into mainstream superstardom, would have been a natural choice given the recent trend of deluxe editions of his classic works. Instead, he opts to present a sprawling archive that offers a more nuanced view of his creative process.
Beyond the Main Collection: An Extensive Archive
In addition to the seven albums, the collection includes over four hours of previously unheard material, appealing to die-hard fans and newcomers alike. For example, “The Streets of Philadelphia Sessions” offers a reflective, introspective side of Springsteen, recorded in a minimalist style reminiscent of his Oscar-winning song for the film “Philadelphia.” This set captures a more somber, contemplative Bruce, perfect for those seeking a deeper emotional connection.
Meanwhile, “Faithless” presents a meditative, almost spiritual side of Springsteen, composed for an unmade Western film project. Its haunting melodies evoke images of vast landscapes and introspective journeys, reminiscent of classic directors like Jane Campion or John Ford.
A Musical Persona for Every Mood
Fans seeking a lively, regional flavor can enjoy “Inyo,” which revisits the borderlands of Texas and California, echoing themes from “Tom Joad” but with brighter instrumentation and a more diverse sonic palette. It’s a vivid portrait of migrants, law enforcement conflicts, and lost loves, all set to energetic, evocative music.
Surprisingly, Springsteen’s foray into easy-listening sounds with “Twilight Hours” proves to be a standout. This collection of Bacharach/David-inspired ballads showcases his vocal maturity and emotional depth, standing alongside “Only the Strong Survive,” a 2022 album of soul and R&B covers that emphasizes his seasoned voice. Interestingly, both albums were recorded simultaneously with “Western Stars,” reflecting his comfort in blending country, pop, and soul influences-an evolution from his earlier rock roots.
An Artistic Legacy in the Making
At 83 tracks and over five hours of music, “Tracks II” is more than just a collection; it’s a testament to Springsteen’s relentless pursuit of artistic authenticity. He describes these recordings as imperfect yet inspired, emphasizing that their rawness and authenticity are what make them special. Many of these tracks surpass the quality of some of his official studio albums, especially those from his less celebrated periods.
This extensive archive underscores Springsteen’s meticulous approach to his craft. In his own words, he has always released music thoughtfully, ensuring that each record’s narrative seamlessly connects to the next. The release of these archival recordings, completed during the pandemic, reflects his ongoing dedication to preserving and sharing his musical journey.
A Legacy of Archival Excellence
Over the past decade, Springsteen has been prolific in curating his legacy-releasing live recordings, memoirs like “Born to Run,” stage adaptations such as “Springsteen on Broadway,” documentaries, and even a podcast featuring President Barack Obama. The upcoming film “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” starring Jeremy Allen White as a fictionalized version of himself during the “Nebraska” era, promises to deepen the narrative of his storied career.
The Evolution of Springsteen’s Archival Releases
While the original “Tracks” (1998) focused on material from before and after his E Street Band era, it was primarily a band-centric collection. In contrast, “Tracks II” features contributions from nearly every member of his current band, though the recordings feel more like individual explorations than a cohesive group effort. Many of these recordings are presented in LP-sized formats, emphasizing their collectible and nostalgic value-some spanning four sides of vinyl, appealing to audiophiles willing to invest in high-quality sound.
Reflections on Artistic Imperfection
Springsteen’s own reflection on these recordings highlights their beauty: “The joy of these records to me now are their imperfections.” Indeed, many of these tracks, despite their rough edges, possess a raw emotional power that surpasses polished studio productions. They serve as a reminder that sometimes, the most authentic art emerges from the unrefined and unpolished.
“Tracks II: The Lost Albums” is a monumental collection-an immersive journey through Springsteen’s vast and varied musical landscape. It’s a treasure trove for fans and a testament to his enduring legacy as a storyteller, innovator, and musical icon.