Springsteen Dreams

I've always loved that line from old movies after someone gets shot: 'Try not to speak...save your strength'. I often think that line should be applied to politically active artists...and certain people who always seem to sit next to me at restaurants. Thankfully, Bruce Springsteen has (mostly) figured out that he serves us best as a storyteller over a political analyst or preacher in his CD: 'Working On A Dream'.

First of all, he's working with the E Street Band, which just seems to be his best collaborative environment. Second, he's got a great way of making a syrupy story seem real and compelling. The album opener, 'Outlaw Pete', is a great example. There's a little sap here and there, but in Springsteen's hands, this Americana tale just shines. 'This Life' almost comes off like a Bee Gees harmony throwaway, but again works with the earthy backing of the E Streeters. The Boss's gritty, weathered storytelling voice is in fine form, and there's a feeling of passion here that was sort of missing from some of his previous work.

A peppy, upbeat Springsteen doesn't always work. But this album feels honest and compelling without the preachy corn that usually comes with a politically active artist. Where Bono turned into a softened Mother Theresa Rock Star, some pop preachers never get the message that rock-n-roll is all about the entertainment factor first. We've always sort of liked a restless Springsteen over a chipper Boss, but he's really gotten good at letting us come to our own feelings rather than preaching from the rock-n-roll alter. He's recognized that his best role is 'storyteller', and if he can tell a good story, his listeners will come to their own ideas, feelings and - ultimately - love of his music.

In the end, even Springsteen on a bad day is better than James Blundt, Jewel or name the next one on a good day...and this is far from a bad day for Springsteen. The tapestry that is his career really does benefit from 'Working On A Dream'. It's a solid piece of work from a guy who has always had a solid rock-n-roll work ethic. (Just look at his five and six hour shows of days gone by!) If we can keep him working with his Band and with (producer) Brenden O'Brien (producer, Stone Temple Pilots), we could see some great work from an aging Bruce over the next few decades.