Bruce Springsteen's latest album, Wrecking Ball, is No 1 in the UK this week – the Boss's ninth LP to top the charts.
Critically acclaimed, the album has also met a largely (but not exclusively) positive reception from readers. Here are two reviews posted on the Guardian's Wrecking Ball album page:
CornwallJo
Wrecking Ball arrived on Saturday morning, an early birthday present. Having listened to it repeatedly for most of the weekend I have to say it is one of Bruce's best yet. Here is Bruce in his most raw, authentic, passionate Bruceness. He started as an angry young man with a story to tell, mellowed somewhat in the Philadelphia period and now, like us all, is a more mature activist, with the weight of experience and disillusionment on his shoulders.
I fell in love with Bruce's music in my troubled teenage years. He saw me through motherhood and into middle age. He helped me through the dark times and celebrated with me in the good times. He touches my soul every time he sings. This summer I will finally get to see him live … I have waited almost half a lifetime to see him. On the strength of Wrecking Ball I will not be disappointed.
Luke4minds
Yes, there are good songs on it. The problem is the sound. Since The Rising something (or someone?) has changed in the production room. One cannot live a life of nostalgia, but every time Springsteen has tried to widen his sound palette, the results have always been mixed and unconvincing. It's bombastic without being energetic and galvanizing, it's wide and flat without being rich and soulful. Energetic, rich, soulful and galvanizing was the sound of the Boss until Born in the USA, his last classic album.
What we have now is a legendary live performer, backed by a legendary live band. His records are good, but definitely not to be compared with the ones we loved so much. This summer I'll be seeing him, hoping that the songs from Wrecking ball will not be more than two or three in the song list.
And here's a few responses to the album from @guardianmusic Twitter followers:
some good lyrics but sounds about as angry as a celtic Coldplay. Needed less slick studio gimmicks and more raw rock n roll.
— Vandal (@SamVandal) March 12, 2012
@guardianmusic Wrecking Ball's heart is in the right place, but musically disappointing, too much like paint-by-numbers Springsteen.
— Ian Slater (@isslater) March 12, 2012
@guardianmusic love it... My favourite 'political album' for years and years. And Rocky Ground gives me goosebumps!
— Nic Stevenson (@nicstevenson) March 12, 2012
@guardianmusic - I don't dislike it, but Wrecking Ball is decidedly dull compared to (lyrically & instrumentally) dynamic recent work.
— Josh Sterling (@TrackAlmanac) March 12, 2012
@guardianmusic Just worth it for hearing Clarence's last recordings with the band. Some damn fine tunes too looking forward to the gigs.
— sandra(@gallusgirl) March 12, 2012
Have you been listening to Wrecking Ball? Let us know what you think of it, either by commenting in the thread below, or by submitting a review on our dedicated album page.
