The quintessential rock star Bruce Springsteen has released a new album called “Working on a Dream” on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it does not sound like it has 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.

 

Nevertheless, it appears that Springsteen is going to run hard with this album as he is headlining the nationally televised Super Bowl halftime next Sunday in Florida. Besides, he was an important presence at the recent festivities celebrating the inauguration of the new President Barack Obama.

 

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."

 

On the other hand, his last album, “Magic,” presented a world of shrinking possibility throughout its tougher sound echoing the guitar-based rock of Springsteen's 1978 "Darkness on the Edge of Town" era.

 

Produced by Brendan O'Brien, “Working on a Dream” turns out to be neither a classic nor a disaster. It has some great songs and some forgettable ones as well.

 

Bruce Springsteen’s latest "Working on a Dream" comes with a DVD on the making of the album for all those who might be curious on how the magic had happened in the artist’s studio.