The Depths of Bruce Springsteen’s Songwriting: An Exploration of Tracks II: The Lost Albums

As listeners dive into Bruce Springsteen’s expansive collection, Tracks II: The Lost Albums, a realization emerges about three-quarters of the way through: the 83 previously unreleased songs not only showcase his prolific output but also highlight his incredible versatility as a songwriter.

A Journey Through Genres

Springsteen’s work is often characterized by its capacity to traverse various musical styles. In Tracks II, he effortlessly shifts from a late-’60s adult contemporary balladeer to a gritty bar-rocker. The compilation also features elements of mariachi, drum loop-driven romance, and the sweeping orchestration reminiscent of Burt Bacharach. This diversity is a testament to Springsteen’s ability to adapt and explore new artistic territories throughout his career.

The Concept Behind Tracks II

Similar to the 1998 release of Tracks, which compiled outtakes and lesser-known gems, Tracks II presents a new lens on several complete but shelved albums. These records, abandoned for various reasons over the years, include:

• LA Garage Sessions ’83 (recorded in 1983)
• Streets of Philadelphia Sessions (1994)
• Faithless (2005-06)
• Somewhere North of Nashville (mostly 1995)
• Inyo (1997)
• Twilight Hours (2010-18)
• Perfect World (songs spanning the late ’90s through the mid-’10s)

Each album reflects a distinct era in Springsteen’s career, showcasing unique vocal styles, musical arrangements, and songwriting approaches. For example, the raw rockabilly of LA Garage Sessions ’83 starkly contrasts with the lush orchestral pop of Twilight Hours.

Bridging the Gap: Nebraska to Born in the U.S.A.

Tracks II sets the stage for a retrospective journey that begins with Nebraska, the groundbreaking solo acoustic record released in 1982. Many tracks in this collection originated as home demos, particularly evident in the 18-track LA Garage Sessions ’83, which serves as a bridge between Nebraska and the iconic Born in the U.S.A.. Early versions of songs like “My Hometown” reveal the foundational elements that would later become classics, while initial takes on “Johnny Bye Bye” and “Shut Out the Light” offer fresh perspectives on familiar tunes.

Exploring Abandoned Masterpieces

Among the most intriguing entries are those albums that were fully conceived and nearly ready for release before being shelved. Faithless, designed as a “spiritual western,” and Somewhere North of Nashville, recorded alongside The Ghost of Tom Joad, exemplify this phenomenon. Another notable entry, Inyo, showcases Springsteen’s experimentation with a mariachi band, crafted during reflective drives through California.

Highlighted Tracks

Throughout the collection, standout moments emerge, including:

• The dark, hip-hop-inspired “Blind Spot” from the Streets of Philadelphia Sessions
• The breezy, lush “Follow the Sun” from Twilight Hours
• The potent energy of “I’m Not Sleeping” from the Perfect World compilation

The Interplay of Writing and Performance

As a songwriter, Springsteen’s work often intertwines with performance dynamics. This is evident in the collaborative spirit of many tracks, featuring various backing musicians, including members of the E Street Band. With the exception of a reworked Elvis Presley cover and Johnny Rivers’ “Poor Side of Town,” Springsteen wrote or co-wrote every song in this collection. Film references, both direct and indirect, are intricately woven throughout the albums, adding layers to his storytelling that parallels the cinematic landscapes found in westerns and film noir.

Conclusion

Tracks II: The Lost Albums serves as a captivating exploration of Bruce Springsteen’s musical journey, presenting an alternate history of his unreleased works. While many of these songs were rightfully shelved at the time, their inclusion in this expansive collection emphasizes Springsteen’s unwavering commitment to artistic evolution. As fans delve into these tracks, they are reminded of the depth and breadth of Springsteen’s songwriting, showcasing a talent that constantly seeks new paths and creative expressions.

FAQs

What is Tracks II: The Lost Albums?

Tracks II: The Lost Albums is a compilation of seven previously unreleased albums recorded by Bruce Springsteen between 1983 and 2018, featuring a total of 83 songs.

What themes are explored in Tracks II?

The album showcases Springsteen’s versatility as a songwriter, exploring various genres and styles, including rockabilly, orchestral pop, and mariachi influences.

Why were these albums previously shelved?

Each of the seven albums was abandoned for different reasons, such as changes in artistic direction or decisions made during the production process.

How does Tracks II compare to the original Tracks?

While the original Tracks focused on outtakes and lesser-known songs, Tracks II highlights entire albums that were never released, offering a new perspective on Springsteen’s body of work.