BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
WRECKING BALL
MARCH 6, 2012
The American lives deep within Bruce Springsteen, not afraid to challenge the actions shown on television, decision make throughout the political system and the repercussion faced by those who have no voice. This is the backbone of the composer that, when given a guitar, pen and paper, no one better expresses the views of the American people. "We Take Care of our Own" is a reminder to all Americans that no one takes better care of us than we do, but don't be fooled by politicians who spout this as their truth because clearly it is rhetoric coming from them. "We," says the politician looking for your vote, "can make this country a better place to live...reduce your cost of living while increasing your fortune...our country will be better off if you vote for me." Bruce Springsteen wants you to see through these simple transparencies and not just vote for who you feel is best, but demand with open ears and eyes that you as an American will no longer accept political face value campaigns.
"Death to my Hometown" needs no further research than look look around on your way to the unemployment line, walk to the closest street corner or simply open your front door; the war has come to our shores. No, not with bombs from foreign lands, but from the inside of our financial institution or outside walking in the open campaigning for a political seat while taking money from special interest groups, which include less than savory organizations that rarely run under the radar operations any longer.
Springsteen seems a bit fed up with the direction our country is going, and for good reason. People want to quote his lyrics to inspire a following without understanding where he writes from. "Wrecking Ball" balances hope with fear, encouraging everyone to be their own voice while fighting the good fight against corruption in our own backyard. Do not let the sins of the past reek havoc on the future. Learn by reading and be aware of the dark passenger that travels from generation to generation like a reaper that will leave devastation in its wake.
Minimal lyrical content can be found on "You've got It", but it holds a message of self spirit that lessons need not always be learned in a classroom. Some knowledge lies in the natural state of who you are. On the surface, this is a story that could find a place on any one of the previous Springsteen releases as it borders a love story. Once the hand claps start, the song takes the listener back to The River with a pop sound with radio friendly air wave lyrics.
Michelle Moore lends her chops to "Rocky Ground" with Victorious Gospel Choir, and it seems to be directed at those in a leadership role, begging them to save those drowning by "getting them to higher ground, the floodwater's rising." This song is a complete 360 to anything Springsteen has ever attempted as he indulges his music, breathing freshness with soul furnished layers. Not in your face rap is Moore's approach to taking the reins of the song and letting Bruce ride in the coach as she drives the song home.
"Land of Hope and Dreams" is dispersed with mortality-invoking lyrics as well as a story of survival. Springsteen seems to be not only questioning our leaders, but his own humility to the fact that no matter how hard or far you run there is no escape from death. At 63 years old, the subject has to have crossed his thoughts, so in letting it embody a song with multiple meanings he can dress it up and take it anywhere with no one the wiser.
The two bonus track are musically contradictory with "Swallowed Up" the darkest track on this CD as Springsteen struggles to keep his voice silent as if a baby were sleeping right next to him. "American Land" could have been written by Dave King of Flogging Molly, as Springsteen does not even try to hide the Irish influence that runs uncontrollably throughout the song. His father is of Irish heritage and it can only be a salute to the working man that he was who inspired so much of who Bruce became to be.
I myself have English and Irish ancestry flowing through my veins, only affirming the reasons for my love of Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys. Now when I am in need of the Irish sound, I can mix in "American Land" which will keep me level while injecting a mix of rock 'n' roll with Irish overtones while reminding me whose backs this country was built on.
RUSTY
3/6/12