Bruce Springsteen - Magic

Genre rock Publisher Sony/Columbia Records External Links Official Bruce Springsteen Website Official Columbia Records

One of the most eagerly awaited releases of the fall was Bruce Springsteen's Magic. Leading the anticipation was the Boss' gathering his E Street Band together to record the album and the reunion made everyone guess that Springsteen was releasing a flat out rock album, maybe even one with epic tracks similar to stuff on Born to Run.

Well, Springsteen, who has thrown a few curve balls here and there in his long career, managed to do it again as Magic is not a proper rock album. It is more of a pop album in which the songs are slick production pieces with bright sounding melodies and choruses. Sure, there are a few tracks like the opener "Radio Nowhere" and "Gypsy Biker" that feature loud guitars but they are few and far between.

That said, Springsteen releasing a record that has a more pop-edge to it is not a bad thing. Remember, this is a man who once sang "We learned more from a three-minute record than we ever learned in school." So, it came as no surprise that many critics praised Magic when it first came out in October. (Then again, it is a bit unexpected because the reviews for his sunnier, pop-influenced solo discs Human Touch and Lucky Town in the 90s were unfairly harsh.)

Still, no matter what those critics say in their praise about Magic, it is not Springsteen's latest masterpiece as some claim. It is fair to say that it is a fine listen but it suffers from a sound that is too predictable at times. For example, the second track "You'll Be Comin' Down" sounds so familiar that you can guess exactly when the sax solo by Clarence Clemens will fade in even before hearing the song once. Also, "Livin' In The Future" sounds like a "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out" retread but it is nowhere near as exciting as that classic song from Born To Run.

As for the addition of the E Street Band, it goes without saying that it is great Springsteen is back with those talented musicians but some tracks were recorded in sessions where band members played alone along to backing tracks. Springsteen has done this numerous times in the past but the band dynamic feels forced this time around like such as in the tracks "Your Own Worst Enemy" and "Girls In Their Summer Clothes."

And yet, Magic is a rewarding listen because the Boss proves once again how talented of a lyricist he is. His songs actually mean something whether he is tackling tough subjects such as war ("Last To Die"), apathy ("Radio Nowhere"), or political trickery (the title cut.) Best of all are the three final tracks which are the most emotional of the CD. "Long Walk Home" is a more complex version of "My Hometown" in which someone returns home only to find out how much things have changed. "Devil's Arcade" tackles a couple preserving together despite one of them suffering from a war injury.

The last song on Magic, the hidden track "Terry's Song," is the simplest but it just might be the best. Springsteen wrote the song as a tribute to a dear departed friend and he performs it alone. Gone is the glimmer and sheen of the previous tracks and the Boss is basically alone on acoustic guitar with piano and harmonica thrown in for good measure. Surprisingly, Springsteen gives his most heartfelt performance here and it is a nice way to