Bruce Springsteen had a vision with his latest solo record, Western Stars.
He wanted to create a sweeping, sonic portrait of the austere American West while also playing with new musical ideas, drawing inspiration from the likes of Glen Campbell and other “western” singers (and Burt Bacharach).
The 13 song record absolutely meets Springsteen’s vision. Lyrically, Springsteen’s familiar formula of stories set to song works perfectly. His assumption of a new character — a guitar slung across his back, denim jacket-clad wanderer, sipping whiskey and tequila between his sun-cracked lips — is the absolute spot on vessel to tell his stories. Bruce’s lyrics are absolutely evocative. You can find yourself on the dusty dirt roads, sitting at the dingy dive bars, and gazing up at the vast starry desert night.
Musically, the bombastic nature of The E Street Band is traded in for quieter, simpler arrangements. This augments Springsteen’s lyrics, and reinforces his portraits of the austerity of the lands (way) west of Jersey. The record does have some bigger, sweeping numbers for sure — but if you’re looking for that fat horn section, driving backbeat, or classic soul-inspired Jersey Shore sound — this ain’t the Springsteen record for you. The album’s title track is probably the closest you’re going to get to that sound.
Yet, despite all this, there’s something hollow about Western Stars. This album does paint a beautiful, sonic picture of the austere American West — but just because something is beautiful doesn’t mean it has weight. Bruce Springsteen is renowned for creating emotional, relatable, meaningful music that either move you to dance or stir your soul. The lyrical content always has a deeper meaning, connecting somehow to current events, or a relatable emotional state. Not song is a home run, but the fences are always swung for.
Western Stars, oddly enough, feels like a tribute album. The Boss wanted to create a Western/Glen Campbell-esque record, and he did everything he could to make that happen. It’s like watching a cover or tribute band play Bruce’s songs. Sure, they sound great, and they hit all the right qualities of the song being covered — but the soul of the song isn’t there. It’s a facsimile, a replica, a recreation. It’s not the original article, so it doesn’t have the same core emotional connection. And that’s the problem with Western Stars. Nothing sticks with you, and there’s no reason why they should.
Is Western Stars a bad record? Absolutely not. Is a good record? Yes, but. The “but” here comes becomes it is a good record, but it’s not on par for Bruce Springsteen. Outside of the title track, and maybe “There Goes My Miracle” the bulk of these tracks will go the way of The Seeger Sessions songs and either become potential deep cuts on tours, or completely lost to time. The majority of Western Stars’ tracks are all fairly forgettable songs that work in the concept of the record, but don’t have the legs to stand on their.
In the end, Western Stars is a must-listen for Springsteen fans, because let’s face it, Bruce fans love Bruce and they’re going to listen to anything he puts out (and I don’t blame them). However, at the end of the day, this record will be lost in the dust when Bruce and the E Street Band rolls back into the mean streets of Jersey with their next record.
Rating: 6 out of 10
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