By: Hunter Woods (January 18, 2012)
After months of speculation and rumors, Bruce Springsteen has finally announced that he is set to release his 17th studio album on March 6th. The album will feature 9 new tracks on top of the track he debuted in 2009, “American Land,” and the song he first performed on the E Street Band’s reunion tour back in 1999 called “Land of Hope and Dreams.” A deluxe edition of his new record will also be available which will include two bonus tracks, and exclusive photography and artwork. Furthermore, Ron Aniello, who produced work for Patti Scialfa, Springsteen’s wife, Candlebox, and Guster handled the production for Wrecking Ball alongside Springsteen and Jon Landau, the executive producer. Further, a number of musical guests contributed to his upcoming album such as Rage Against the Machine’s guitarist Tom Morello, Matt Chamberlain, the ex-drummer for Pearl Jam, and members of the E Street Band.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Landau told them that the album has “social overtones” and a “very pronounced spiritual dimension.” He continued by adding that, “It extends and deepens the vision that has animated all of Bruce’s work.” This album has plenty of political tension flowing through its core and embodies the current broken spirit of the average American. The recently released track “We Take Care Of Our Own” portrays this political tension. Springsteen asks his listeners on the song, “Where's the spirit that will reign, reign over me? Where's the promise, from sea to shining sea?" Quite patriotic lyrics if you ask me.
“Bruce has dug down as deep as he can to come up with this vision of modern life," said Landau in a statement. “The lyrics tell a story you can't hear anywhere else, and the music is his most innovative of recent years. The writing is some of the best of his career and both veteran fans and those who are new to Bruce will find much to love on Wrecking Ball.” Moreover, a source told the Hollywood Reporter that the album incorporates “unexpected textures – loops, electronic percussion…..influences and rhythms from hip-hop to Irish folk rhythms.” Springsteen appears to desire for this album to strike at the heart and uplift all the cultures and subcultures that comprise America. He couldn’t have chosen a better time to voice these lingering concerns during this election year. Ultimately, his album should be inspiring and well worth the wait. Check out the newly released track “We Take Care Of Our Own”!