The quintessential rock star Bruce Springsteen has released a new album called “Working on a Dream” on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it does not sound like the singer at all, which is quite an odd sensation considering that when you hear Springsteen's music you are always keenly aware of his persona - his history, his politics, his voice. The album has certain stunning moments, but it also has some uncharacteristic missteps, especially the eight-minute song "Outlaw Pete" that kicks things off.

 

Springsteen is obviously very excited by his new material and he has all the reasons in the world to be. The fiery blues of "Good Eye" is an important surprise, while the first single, "My Lucky Day," follows the path of "Magic," right down to the Clarence Clemons sax solo. And "This Life" turned out to be one of the artist’s best songs of the decade, due to the sweet harmonies from the E Street Band whom he worked with. The theme of "This Life" is an idea Springsteen goes back to on "Queen of the Supermarket," a simple, tender, mostly acoustic ballad.

 

After three albums released during the Bush administration – “The Rising”in 2002, “Devils & Dust”in 2005 and “Magic” in 2007, Bruce Springsteen decided to take a break from political and social commentary on most of his solid new effort. But in spite of the fact that this is not a political album, “Working on a Dream” has an upbeat feel that coincides with Obama's spirit of optimism. It embraces romantic redemption and "the start of a brand-new day."

 

Perhaps "Working on a Dream" may not sound as good as expected, but, as Springsteen himself suggests in "What Love Can Do," sometimes hope and good intentions can be enough.