Okay, so I’m listening to the Boss’ new album for the first time, and I gotta say… this thing is amazing. Granted, this is just a first listen and I haven’t had much time to really delve into the lyrics yet, but this CD really rocks! Standout tracks so far are “Livin’ in the Future” and “Girls in Their Summer Clothes.”
I really liked The Rising — lots of raw emotion on that record — but so far Magic just feels like a much tighter production. More of a “true” E Street Band album… if that makes any sense.
The Seeger Sessions were great too. I mean, Bruce could record just about anything and I would enjoy it, but who are we kidding here? The E Street Band is where it’s at. So yeah, Magic is definitely worth picking up (or “borrowing” from your old man) if you get a chance.
BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!
happy birthday my cutie!
Bruce is lucky I downloaded this on iTunes before seeing the cover up close…I’d have NEVER bought it if I’d known he wasn’t wearing a FLAG PIN on his plain white T!
And what’s up with that look on his face? My early impressions are that “Magic” isn’t anywhere near as dour as that expression might lead you to expect.
Much as I love the growl his voice has accumulated over the years, I enjoy hearing how sweetly he can sing on a song like “Girls In Their Summer Clothes.” I also like all the piano and saxophone on “Magic” after being downplayed on “The Rising”.
My favorite song early on, though, might be “The Last To Die,” which lies to waste all the hacks who managed to turn the war hero John Kerry into the sniveling wimp of the last presidential campaign. Why, oh why, doesn’t Bruce go all Fred Thompson on us and run for office?
Now…to print out that electronic booklet and read the lyrics…