For his 19th album in 46 years the soon to be 70 year old Bruce Springsteen turns his gaze towards the vast expanse of the great American travelogue. Channelling the ghost of Glen Campbell (Gentle On My Mind, Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife) in particular Campbell’s collaborations with celebrated American composer Jimmy Webb (Wichita Lineman, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Galveston) Springsteen spins yarns throughout Western Stars peeking into the lives of vagabond travellers, hitch hikers, Viagra poping ex movie cowboys, broke down hurting old Hollywood stuntmen and other searchers.
At times evoking composer Aaron Copland (Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid, Rodeo) and his mythic landscapes of rolling Americana, the true stars on this 13 track 51 minute work of orchestral based cinematic pop are Rob Mathes (Arranger/Conductor) Scott Tibbs (Conductor) Lisa Kim (Concert Master/Violin) and all their various charges in both the horn and string sections.
Western Stars is neither Born In The USA nor is it Nebraska. Its not Born To Run and its not The River either, yet underneath layers of timpani and trumpet, trombone and saxophone, French horn and flute, oboe and viola, cello and violin, it is unmistakably Bruce Springsteen, unmistakably The Boss.
Rating: 7/10
Star Rating: 3/5
2019 Song Of The Day Club 16/52
Song Of The Day Club 