Not sure if this will ever become a favorite or even be purchased by me, but there are some really rollicking versions of ancient folk tunes on here that may make me reassess my interest in them. It’s probably worth consuming for that alone..

Springsteen hardly does studio recordings of songs he didn’t write—maybe a cover like “Deportee” on a couple of tribute albums here and there, “Jersey Girl” from the live box set, so that doesn’t even count—so this new album was either going to be extra-special or evidence of a creative drought. Thankfully, it’s the former; it’s the most exuberantly angry and joyful music I’ve heard all year. Music to want the wide American earth by.

I am really impressed by this album. Apparently Bruce, feeling and exploring the weight of Pete Seeger’s influence, went to the store and bought all of Pete’s albums. A little while later came this album, Bruce’s reproduction of some of the signature songs. The big-band arrangement really works so well… it makes for a huge, full sound that borders on chaotic at all the right times. I appreciate how Bruce didn’t just replicate the material – he put his own spin on it, e.g. going from major keys to minor keys, and of course bringing his unique raspy Jerseyness to the table. Most of all… these songs are great, and I’m glad that Bruce has brought them back into the fold.

This may not be a Springsteen album for everybody, but I think it is one of his best. My siblings and I have been Springsteen fans for decades, but my sister and I are also huge fans of folk music whereas my brother is not. So it is not to large a leap to realise that my sister and I love The Seeger Sessions, and my brother only listened to the first three songs before declaring he would wait for “the next album”. It’s a shame he didn’t give it a chance though, because the orchestrations are lush and lively… and toe-tappingly vibrant. Bruce sings these songs with a passion that was definitely lacking on “Devils and Dust”, and I only wish I was in the US so I could see the more intimate concerts he has been putting on for this release.