Just when I think I couldn't care less about rock anymore, along comes "Magic". It manages to be both contemporary and classic at the same time. The lyrics of these songs talk to an American soul that cares about more than comfort and bling. The sound is straight ahead rock - muddy and coarse when it should be and sharp as glass when it needs to be.
Bruce and the E have fulfilled their promise - mature and vital.Magic

Alright....

Lemme just say that I was really introduced to Springsteen when I went to college in Philly. I grew up in the midwest...so all we really got to hear of Springsteen was Born in the USA and Dancin in the Dark. I was really pleased and impressed to find that the man had so much more in him. I really like a lot of his stuff...but one thing that kind of sets this album aside is that it draws a little bit from almost every album of his...or at least a little bit from the ones where his sound and style seemed to morph a bit. He also manages to do this in fresh way, always familiar, but still original. And...he just kicks a$$ live. I have seen 3 shows and I have saved every ticket stub in my new ticket stub diary (which also is cool by the way...here's a link: http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_236296_ticket_stub_diary_reviews )
Anyway, I think that this album is a must own...and since the album seems to be dying in general (thanks to the IPOD), I recommend that this one be added to any serious Bruce fan or someone who wants to hear what he sounds like without buying a greatest hit album. Also, single tracks here and there do not really do this thing justice. Just get it, spin it, and forget about skipping forward, back, etc. Just listen.

Enjoy,
Dupri

Great album !

He has a surge of voice...

My YOUTUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/poetsloft7
--
"Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you." - James 4:8

Well Bruce is at it again, I have been to every tour since the 1980 with the exception of the "Ghost of Tom Joad" On several of those tours I have attended multiple nights.
Although this album does not grab me immediately, the more I listen the better it gets as with most of his material. I will of course be attending the two shows in LA (if the city does not burn down first.)
I think the political stuff is great. Not only because I agree with him but because he is at a stage in career that he can say what he feels without worrying about the consequences with regard to record sales and such.
An average Bruce Springsteen Record has more going for it (and says so much more) than 90% of popular music these days.
Can I get an Amen!

One of those albums that keeps on growing on you, that you play over and over again.