Only The Strong Survive

It happened in 2006 with 'The Seeger Sessions' and it's happened again now. I bought 'Only the Strong Survive' wondering how much I would like it as it is not the sort of music I normally listen to. I needn't have worried. After a couple of listens I was hooked. It is an album of 15 soul classics, only 2 of which I had even heard of, but any doubts were blown away by the sheer joy of the music and Bruce's delivery. Even though some tracks have melancholy lyrics I would defy anyone not to find themselves tapping their feet and singing along. Bruce Springsteen is a self proclaimed student of popular music roots and history and this album has clearly been crafted with love and care. He wanted to make an album on which he just sang and his wonderful voice gives power and grit to every track. He wanted to introduce these songs to people - like me - who didn't know or appreciate classic soul music. I'm glad he did. The album is labelled Volume 1. If there is to be a Volume 2, I'm definitely up for it. There will be fans who don't like 'Only the Strong Survive', who want endless repetition of 'Badlands' or 'Born in the USA' or 'Jungleland'. I will always love those too but you have to move on and try new things. You also have to accept that you grow older and that change is inevitable. I applaud Bruce for continuing to surprise and delight and hope that doubters will give this great album a chance.

nothis best output but pretty good album

Love this CD it's perfect.

I do look forward to anything new by Springsteen. I am not usually disappointed by his albums but was not so sure about a soul covers album. I am not a big fan of soul and I tend to prefer the originals. It is not the first time; he has done a 'covers' album as he did a brilliant album of Seeger songs some years back. I have felt many of Springsteen's albums have a soul influence, so this perhaps is not the biggest of departures for him. Not all the songs are well known, at least not to me. Some I do recognise. He does make every song he sings a Springsteen song. Maybe, I would have liked to hear a bit more depth to the band and can't help but wonder whether this would have been an even better album with the swaggering e-street band. This though is Springsteen at his most soulful but still rocking away. He is great voice. The backing is perhaps quite 60s in sound. It is for me not my favourite Springsteen album, but it has been on repeat play constantly since receiving it. Whatever he does, he puts his heart and soul into it and almost always does whatever he does well. This he does do well, and I do like this type of soul. It is a great listen and whilst I prefer him rocking, this really is different and very good. He has stayed at the top because he always tries something different and challenges himself. It will be interesting to hear him perform some of this material live with the e-street band. This is fun and I do like it. If you are a Springsteen fan, I think you will enjoy this. Different yes, but maybe not the biggest of departures for him. Another really good Springsteen album.

Love it

Springsteen always good

Bought this for Brother in Law who loves Bruce and seen him live so was well pleased...

Another excellent record from the boss, not his usual, but very well chosen tracks. When in my opinion, black artists were singing, some of the best songs around and Bruce has done a excellent job of singing the songs in his own distinct voice and style