Bruce Springsteen releases a new single tonight called “Hello Sunshine” and a new solo album on June 14th called “Western Stars.”
Springsteen says, “This record is a return to my solo recordings featuring character driven songs and sweeping, cinematic orchestral arrangements. It’s a jewel box of a record.”
Ron Aniello produced the album with Springsteen and plays bass, keyboard, and other instruments. Bruce’s rocker wife, Patti Scialfa, assists with vocals and contributes vocal arrangements on four tracks. More than 20 other players are involved including Jon Brion (who plays celeste, Moog, and farfisa), as well as guest appearances by David Sancious, who appeared on early Springsteen records, as well as Charlie Giordano, and Soozie Tyrell. The album was mixed by Tom Elmhirst.
No one else from the E Street Band is involved.
Bruce says the record is inspired by music from Southern California in the 60s and early 70s. “Glen Campbell, Jimmy Webb, Burt Bacharach, those kinds of records. I don’t know if people will hear those influences, but that was what I had in my mind. It gave me something to hook an album around; it gave me some inspiration to write. And also, it’s a singer-songwriter record. It’s connected to my solo records writing-wise, more ‘Tunnel of Love’ and ‘Devils and Dust,’ but it’s not like them at all. Just different characters living their lives.”
Will Springsteen tour? My guess is, he will. The word went out after his hit Broadway show ended that there was no touring in 2019– for the E Street Band. That was the loophole.
“Western Stars” tracklist
1. Hitch Hikin’
2. The Wayfarer
3. Tucson Train
4. Western Stars
5. Sleepy Joe’s Café
6. Drive Fast (The Stuntman)
7. Chasin’ Wild Horses
8. Sundown
9. Somewhere North of Nashville
10. Stones
11. There Goes My Miracle
12. Hello Sunshine
13. Moonlight Motel
