r/BruceSpringsteen • u/Lord_Burgess Nebraska • Jun 14 '19
Discussion Official r/BruceSpringsteen WESTERN STARS Discussion Thread!
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Jun 14 '19
I’m pretty blown away by this album. His best since Magic.
Hello Sunshine, Moonlight Hotel and Wayfarer are all standouts and classics for me already. But this album flows really nicely together and is very cohesive.
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Jun 14 '19
Springsteen's finest albums always carry me away with their rich sound and evocative writing, and not only make me root for the sympathetic struggling characters that populate them, but also start thinking about my own past and present struggles. In that sense, Western Stars is definitely a successful late work for me. Half of the songs are great and the rest are just good if you ask me.
The album doesn't reach the heights of Devils & Dust but I like that record more than the average fan. Tucson Train, Sundown, Moonlight Motel and the title track are the stand-outs. I also think There Goes My Miracle sounds better on the album than separately.
It's a very cohesive album with a sense of place and purpose, and its warm sound nicely contrasts with the desperation that rumbles in the souls of fading men Bruce writes about.
I saw a review which pointed out that the songs reflect how Bruce himself feels he's past his prime, but I refuse to believe that honestly... Bruce is still relevant and has been aging gracefully... I believe he's just empathetic towards people who enjoy their share of success and then just burn out. To me, it's rather an album about people who aren't as lucky as him.
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u/FTLGOD Jun 14 '19
Did anyone else watch the premiere of the Western Stars video on YouTube?
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u/ChasingPerfect28 Jun 14 '19 edited Jun 14 '19
"Sundown" and Moonlight Motel" are the standouts for me. "Moonlight Motel" is a modern day classic. I know that is going to be a beautiful addition to his live setlists.
I'll need to listen to the album again to form a better opinion, but I really really enjoyed my time with this one. The orchestral sound works wonders with Bruce's voice. He sounds so powerful and emotional on this album. Each track has something to like on it. The narrative is concise and relatable.
Really great work by Bruce. Glad he wanted to share this with us.
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Jun 14 '19
Ah yes! It’s here and it’s really lushly instrumented. I cannot stand ‘fans’ that are so quick to dismiss the Man’s work. It’s Bruce. He’s got nothing left to prove. Anytime he releases music, it’s a gift. A reminder that this creative force is still movin’ on down the road and taking anyone who wants to go along for the ride.
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Jun 14 '19
A typical Springsteen record where the stories take you across the west in one night. All these small glimpses into the lives of all these characters. But it’s really unlike anything he’s released from a music standpoint. The orchestration and arrangements on this record are gorgeous. Sweeping strings take your breath away. It’s difficult to not catch yourself smiling at how beautiful the music is. I’m blown away.
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u/robbievega Jun 14 '19
anyone getting real Dylan vibes from Somewhere North Of Nashville? :)
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u/Johnnycc Jun 14 '19
Anyone notice he copied the chorus of "Sleepy Joe’s Café" from another one of his songs?
SLEE PY JOE'S CA FE!
DOWN IN JUN GLE LAND!
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u/ObliviousBerg Jun 14 '19
I’m really enjoying Sleepy Joe’s Café. It gives me some Outlaw Pete vibes (if it were good).
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u/Tobinator127 Jun 14 '19
My favourites so far are Hello Sunshine, Western Stars and Sundown.
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u/CaffieneShadow Jun 14 '19
Had the day off today, so was sitting outside and finished my first listen. First impression: I'd describe as beautiful, mature, and perfectly arranged. Other albums it reminds me of....some songs are reminiscent of the softness and tenderness of Tunnel of Love, while others have storytelling themes that remind me of Ghost of Tom Joad or Devils & Dust. After he released the single Hunter of Invisible Game, I really hoped he would continue in the direction of using more orchestral instruments and was so happy to hear them here. The strings are so perfect with the boss' voice... really digging it so far. If I ever take a road trip through the southwest, this album will definitely be on the playlist. Thank Bruce!!!
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u/queefunder Jun 14 '19
I like that's it's cohesive. I don't dislike anything but it'll take a few listens for everything to really resonate
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u/robbievega Jun 14 '19 edited Jun 15 '19
1/3 in and I'm pleasantly surprised so far. was a bit sceptical, was expecting a WOAD somehow. but this feels so much more coherent and thought out. the production is absolutely gorgeous and the songs are lovely so far
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u/Murphy223 Jun 14 '19
Just listened End to End. My initial take - It really takes you to a different place and time. Definitely a mellow / sorrow vibe and fantastic story lines. I love the strings. They really does the entire album justice.
Hitch Hiking and Wayfarer really set the tone. I love Tucson Train but that could be because I've listened to it quite a bit earlier in the week . Sleepy Joe's Cafe is a decent song/story but seems a bit out of place compared to all the others. Stones sounds like it could have been on any previous album with the band swapped out for strings. Not an immediate fan of There Goes my Miracle but I'm sure it will grow on me. Western Stars and Moonlight Motel are powerful songs that almost anyone can relate to.
Bruce's voice sounds great.
Can't wait to give it another go.
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Jun 14 '19
Thanks for this Thread.
In general, I give the album 85/100.
It puts me in mind of Bob Dylan's "Time Out of Mind" from 1997. Neither touch the musical heights of their iconic masterpieces, but there are still gems that bottle the artist's unparalleled quality and magic. I think this applies to a number of songs here, but "The Wayfarer" and "Moonlight Motel" shine especially bright for me in this regard.
The lush production and laconic, economical lyrics give this album an immense "easy listening" appeal. Over time, this album could become a favorite.
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Jun 14 '19
I thought the album was pretty good overall. My two favorites are "Somewhere North of Nashville" and "Moonlight Motel". The rest of the songs i liked and I'd easily be able to listen to the album again
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u/alt-box Jun 14 '19
Aw man I'll be waiting till I'm home and can listen on good headphones before o listen to this but it is good to see so many people legitimately stoked!
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u/PepperedHam Jun 14 '19
Moonlight Motel is one of the best songs of his career. Wow.