I often wonder what the legacy of Lucky Town would be if it hadn't been released alongside Human Touch. It's not top-tier Springsteen by any means, but it's a much more cohesive, meaningful record, with considerably better songs.
Yeah I am forever baffled by the decision to release two mostly mediocre albums on the same day. They definitely could have been condensed into one decent album.
Yes, agree, both were mediocre and screaming for some help from E Street. Those albums are the low point of his career in my opinion.
At least half of Lucky Town is fantastic. It's not his best record (or even in the conversation), but next to something truly mediocre like Working on a Dream, it's a gem.
I’ve been slowly making my way through his discography. Last week I went through his 90’s albums and even tackled all of the Tracks release last weekend. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy much from Human Touch or Lucky Town but Better Days is a jam. The lyrics are really hitting close to home lately
"The Wrestler" is perfect, but technically a bonus track, right? I really like "Kingdom of Days" and "The Last Carnival," and I have a soft spot for "Outlaw Pete." Most of Dream just runs together for me, though.
"KIngdom of Days" has honestly grown into one of my favorite late-career tracks with "Girls in Their Summer Clothes", "Hunter of Invisible Game", "American Land", "Wrecking Ball" and "Death to My Hometown" That was going to be a shorter list, but I just kept thinking of songs...
I don't remember, honestly. In the category of "great closing songs on latter day Bruce albums", I will also throw out there that Terry's Song is really terrific, and heartbreaking, too.
I'd throw "Land of Hope and Dreams," "The Wall," and "Long Walk Home" onto this list. But yeah, "Kingdom" is up there. I'm not sure there's a song this decade that's punched me in the gut on first listen quite like "Land of Hope and Dreams." The first time I heard that Clarence solo come barreling in... Looks like it's billed as a bonus track: "Terry's Song" is too. Those are both really great "epilogue" tracks after closers that are already very effective. ALSO, holy shit, the second half of Magic is stacked.
I have probably listened to Working on a Dream less than 10 times, which is insane. I can't say I really have a strong opinion on it other than it's mostly forgettable. Should probably check it out again.
"Land of Hope and Dreams" is a bit of an in-between for me because I've known it like the back of my hand since Live in New York. I never know whether to consider it 90s or new millenium.
Land of Hope and Dreams is without question, in my mind, the best Bruce song post-The Rising. And the live version from the Live NYC album is better than the studio version.....
It's been crazy revisiting Tom Joad this week, the lyrics on this album really are so relevant right now.
Tom Joad is still my least favourite. At least Human Touch can just play in the background while I work. Tom Joad requires close listening but doesn't reward it.
I went and downloaded the concert set I think Hyden was referring to from 96 in "Dublin" (the one on Springsteen's site says its Belfast, but whatever) and he's def right - the Joad songs really come alive in that setting vs. the album.
Apologies if this has already been posted but I’m a huge Moreland fan and didn’t know he’d covered this song.
I always get wait listed and then get sent an access code when it's too late to bother. I am sure they will send me one at like 11am today when no affordable tickets are left. Good luck!
Has anyone purchased tickets for his broadway shows through Stubhub? I'm strongly considering saving up enough money to get a ticket off SH.