Bruce Springsteen - “Magic”
December 30, 2007 – 7:46 pm35 age as an justifiable rock and roll musician allows Bruce Springsteen an opinion on the state of over-the-air radio receiver, and he accepts it - and accepts the average to the woodshed on the ruthless “Radio Nowhere.” The opening smash adjusts the tone, with the ageless Boss wondering, “Is there anybody out there?” before imploring, “I just want to hear some rhythm.” Then, with E Street Band in tow, Springsteen goes on to retrace every step between here and Greetings from Asbury Park, hand-delivering more could-be, would-be hits than anything he’s done since Born in the USA. Credit producer Brendan O’Brien for the wall of sound that backs “Girls in Their Summer Clothes,” which sets the atmosphere for one of the great vocal performances by Springsteen, who plays the misfit “in the cool of the evening light” watching the girls “pass me by.” With piano, glockenspiel, and infinite guitars, the rocker “I’ll Work for Your Love” recalls The River, with Springsteen even settling for blue-collar hero in matters of the heart. “Livin’ in the Future” could be an out-take from Darkness on the Edge of Town, with shades of Election Day booming outside with the boastful saxophone of Clarence Clemons and Little Steven’s relentless back-vocals. There’s even a hint of Nebraska on “Terry’s Song,” an earnest (and mostly solo) accolade with Springsteen acknowledging the death of a friend: “When they built you, brother/They broke the mold.” The secret track finishes this unforeseen comeback, and for forty-eight minutes the about 60-year-old Bruce Springsteen goes 35 again.
