Bruce Springsteen, "Western Stars" (Columbia)Bruce Springsteen's new studio release breaks fresh ground for the veteran rocker, who turns his back not only on the blistering sound of the E Street Band but also abandons the haunting acoustic moods pioneered on "Nebraska" and fine-tuned on later solo efforts. After the soul-searching, confessional tone of his best-selling autobiography and sold-out Broadway show, Springsteen's "Western Stars" relies on an unfamiliar orchestral approach that somewhat masks the singer and is devoid of driving beats, sax solos and rock 'n' roll tropes. There are hints of Roy Orbison's soaring vocals and Brian Wilson's pocket symphonies, but the lyrics are pure Springsteen. "Western Stars" is understated, without over-the-top orchestration or hyperbole. loan/On a sleepy little spot an Army cook could call his own/He married May, the highway come in and they woke up to find they were sitting on top of a pretty little gold mine."

Source: ABC News June 10, 2019 13:36 UTC