The Magicanada Project

Michael Kras

WORKING ON A DREAM BY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

Bruce Springsteen has been my favourite music artist for a few good years and I can officially say that I am an entirely devoted fan. I can name every studio album he has ever produced and know fair bit about his musical history again. So, you can imagine my excitement when Bruce announced a BRAND NEW album to be released in early 2009. My pre-order was sent in December.

Finally, after what felt like ages of waiting, hearing sneak peeks of some killer album tracks as well as readinf pre-release reviews, my copy of Working On a Dream arrived in the mail. It arrived yesterday, and I have listened to it in its entirety a whole 5 times. I now feel fit to write a review.

Working On a Dream showcases some very different Bruce tunes. Absent are the songs of hoping for a better America and the songs of desperate political voice. Present are a collection of feel-good tracks that only Bruce could havew written. There is nothing political or deep about this album. Many tracks have a hidden and significant meaning to them, but that's about as deep as the album goes as far as the songs are concerned. Switching his focus from war to love and peace, this album seems to be a subtle declaration from Bruce that he's finally starting to feel happy with America. This is probably for one main reason: the election of President Barack Obama, who Bruce supported all theoughout the 2008 presidential election. In fact, a few of the songs were written specifically for the election, for Bruce to express his Obama support through his main mode of expression, his music.

If you like deep, meaningful, political Bruce, you might not like this album. Rolling Stone gave it a perfect Five Stars, but I've seen online reviews giving it significantly less. It's the kind of album you either love or hate. Me... I love this album.

The songs are well written, as usual, the music catchy and powerful as well as being solid. Lyrically, as has been said by many critics, some songs leave much to be desired. But, more of that as I review each individual song.

1. Outlaw Pete- The opening track, oddly enough, is also the most epic. Usually, Bruce would leave this kind of work for the very last song, but this song is right just where it is. At a whopping 8 minutes long (the longest track on the CD), Outlaw Pete tells an epic tale worthy of the Old West itself. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Bruce sings about a rebellious outlaw that, as the story goes, has been committing crimes since he was a little baby. In fact, according the story, Outlaw Pete robbed his first bank wearing nothing but a diaper at six months old. I think you get the picture. The lyrics are very fun, engaging, and the music is beautifully written. As the story progresses, the music changes in a way that completely suits the story that Bruce is singing to the home listener, so much so that you can just visualize every moment of it perfectly. This is a brilliant song, in short. 9/10

2. My Lucky Day- Promotionally, this is the first song that Bruce released publicly for free listening. It is also one of the best songs on the album. Unlike the last track, an epic western melodrama, My Lucky Day has Bruce repeating "Honey, you're my lucky day!" more times than you can count. The repetition is what makes the song so memorable and catchy, and it's definitely a huge feel-good song that is completely enjoyable. 8/10

3. Working On a Dream: The title track takes a break from the heavy epics and bright and shiny work, and focuses on a softer, more mellow track with a great meaning. This song, as I interpret it, is Bruce's way of telling the world that he's still working on the American Dream, using his music to help fix a country he loves and feels great concern for. It's a lovely song, very singable. 8/10

4. Queen of the Supermarket: Here we go. This is THE song, the one that has been making people shake their heads and ask "Bruce, what were you THINKING?". Fear not, it is is not nearly as bad as it has been made out to be. Remember, Bruce's intention was to make a general feel-good album, and this song fits the bill. With, again, exceptionally composed music and a very original sound, Queen of the Supermarket is the story of a man who falls in love with a cashier at a local supermarket. It's not just a sappy love story, but a reminder to the listener that beauty can be found anywhere, even in the places we never look for it. It has a wonderful meaning, and with such an original topic and musical composition (Bruce has even gone to the extent of using the beeping sound the scanner at a checkout counter makes during the song as part of one musical portion), this is a more-than-worthy Bruce tune. So, why do people seem to find it so difficult to like? Well, the lyrics are, simply put, absolutely ridiculous. They make the lyrics to Outlaw Pete sound serious. Here's an example: "I'm in love with the Queen Of The Supermarket, as the evening sky turns blue; A dream awaits in Aisle number two". Get the picture? 7/10

5. What Love Can Do- This is a great song. It sounds like a sentimental, sappy song, but it is far from it... it has a more gritty, dark, desperate sounding to it, one sounding of a love-based conflict searching for a resolution. The song, both lyrically and musically, is powerful and emotional, and one you'll love listening to. 8/10

6. This Life- A positive yet mellow song, this is a straight out love ballad, declaring the subject's undying passionate admiration for his love interest. A good song, no doubt, however unfortunately not a very memorable one. Until you've listened to it a few good times too, you might have trouble even remembering the melody. 6/10

7. Good Eye- One of my favourites... this is like a cross between a blues musician and AC/DC. It's a heavy, gritty, foot-stomper of a song, one which you'll have a hard time getting out of your head. Bruce's vocals switch from a synthesized growl to a smooth, snappy harmonica accompaniment. If this song doesn't get you a-rockin', I don't know what will. 9/10

8. Tomorrow Never Knows- Another softer yet meaningful song, which has a real country-sound to it. If you liked his song "I'm On Fire" off the classic Born In The USA album, you'll love this. Nice and easy. 8/10

9. Life Itself- Undoubtedly the most intense song on the album. Heavy, deep, and again, focused on a passionate proclamation of love. This song, however, sounds hauntingly chilling, and it's not so much a feel-good love song as it is a desperate cry for true passion. One may listen and detect insecurity of love, others will listen and hear about something so strong that a relationship turns from being a fun experience to a dead serious question of passion and dedication. That said, it's a brilliant song with a lot of strength, power, and meaning, just what you would expect from the Boss. 9/10

10.Kingdom of Days- A song about the peak of love, a relationship at its ultimate time of absolute happiness, is strong yet light, talking symbolically about The Kingdom of Days and reminding the listener to cherish them. Despite this, however, the song lacks original musical scoring and as a result, is weakened. This is also partially the fault of some more lyrically weak moments. In this particular song, the worst verse on the entire album is present: "I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, I do". Come on Bruce, you can do better than that! 7/10

11. Surprise Surprise- The only true full feel-good song on the album aside from "My Lucky Day". Maybe I'm not reading into it enough, but the entire song appears to be about the celebration of somebody's birthday. Don't dismiss it because of that, it's a very good song that does what it intends... makes you feel good. Again, though, another lyric mishap: "And when the sun comes out tomorrow, it'll be the start of a brand new day". 7/10

12. The Last Carnival- The penultimate song on Working On a Dream is a sad, touching one, written by Bruce for Danny Federici, the organist and accordionist of the E Street Band that passed away after a battle with cancer last year. This song is a beautiful tribute to him that will touch even the most hardened heart. 9/10

13. The Wrestler- This was included as a bonus track on the album, although it is arguably the best song on it. The Wrestler is a song that Bruce wrote specifically for the movie of the same name, and it recently one him a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in a Movie. It's a fantastic song, and in my personal opinion, the best on the album. This is Bruce at his best. 10/10

Like any album, this one isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn great. Bruce has again succeeded in releasing an album filled with fantastic music and a powerful overall message. He proves he's still got it with another exceptional release. It's not for everyone, not even every Bruce fan, all I can say is that you'll either love it or, well, you won't. The overall album gets an 8/10 from me.

Michael Kras.

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Michael Kras
Forum Administrator