Album Review : Bruce Springsteen - We Shall Overcome:The Seeger Sessions

I don't know if you have noticed or not but I am a bit of a Springsteen fan. I have been for the past 22 years and in that time he has never failed to please no matter what direction his music takes.

I have to admit though that I was slightly worried when I heard that his latest effort was to be a covers album. Even more worrying was that all the songs were to be covers of songs made famous by Pete Seeger. I'm English!! I don't know who Pete Seeger is!!

I need not have worried. This album in fantastic.

It does not matter if you are a Springsteen fan or not. I am sure that anyone who likes music will find something to enjoy here.

Rather than stick with the standard band Bruce has put together a group of session musicians. This means the album has a totally different sound produced not only by the different musicians but also by the wider range of instruments on offer. There is Banjo, Harmonica, Double Bass, Violin, Organ and a fantastic horns section (the Miami Horns I believe), all of which add up to a great sound.

Musically the album sounds like an old American folk rock album. The songs are from the last 200 years or so but were made popular by Seeger in the 40's, 50's and 60's. The album brings alive the music with a sound like a cross between big band and a hootenanny. This is a joyous collection of songs!!

It was recorded in just three days with the orchestra and it sounds quite 'loose' and under produced as a result. You can even hear Springsteen sounding out cord changes in one of the tracks as the rest of the band were still learning the songs.

I am sure you can tell, I really like this album. Whether you like Bruce Springsteen or not you should give this a listen.

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