REVIEW: Working on a Dream

Bruce Springsteen
Working On A Dream
© 2009 Columbia Records

Bruce Springsteen is one of those rare artists who truly, deeply connects with people. Ask almost any fan and they will tell you how his music seems to speak to them directly, how it helped them through hard times, and how it inspires them in the good. The flipside to these people, however, are all those who never formed a connection with “The Boss” and his music. These people may respect him as a musician but, generally, have never seen what is the big deal. (There is a third camp as well; those who can’t stand the man, frequently for political reasons.)

I fall into this second camp, so please take this into account while reading this review of Working On A Dream. If you already are a Springsteen fan, I have it on good authority that this album will not disappoint. Of course, judging by its incredible first-week sales, you probably already have it.

This album is “Classic Springsteen;” he hits all of his signature elements frequently and effectively. Lyrics with a heavy emphasis on stories of the common man’s plight? Check. Emotionally charged choruses? Check. Guitar-driven rock backed by layers of multi-instrumental sound? Ballads? Anthems? Check.

In other words, Springsteen has, in many ways, gone back to basics with this album. This makes for a very accessible album; if you are a fan, this is an excellent album to give someone to get into The Boss. For those who did not care for the darker tone of his previous albums will enjoy the return to classic form.

And those who dislike Springsteen will find nothing new to change their minds.

The album starts with its best foot forward. “Outlaw Pete” is an eight-minute epic (the only one on the album; the other songs max out under five minutes), a story of crime, regret, revenge, and penance that spans the life of its title character. The storytelling of the song is top-notch, the music varied but consistently powerful, and, despite it’s length, engages consistently.

“Outlaw Pete” (no video)


The rest of the album never climbs to the same heights, but still maintains a decent level of quality. One of the weakest songs is the title track “Working On A Dream.” Quite simply, it is boring. The lyrics, instead of being anthemic, are redundant and reductive. The music is unremarkable. The one thing it does have going for it is the sense of hope and perseverance that works through the whole album.

“Working On A Dream” (no video)


Most other songs are a mixed bag. While perfection is always just out of reach, they are not without commendable elements.

For example, the ballad “Queen of the Supermarket”—the tale of a man falling in love with a supermarket employee from afar—manages to maintain a level of sweetness that prevents it from becoming overly melodramatic, silly, or creepy. The end of the song, with its stirring, hopeful crescendo, is one of the highlights of the album—making it all the more a shame that beginning was not stronger.

“Queen of the Supermarket” (no video)


Another strong song is “Tomorrow Never Knows.” The upbeat, acoustic guitar, reflective, yet hopeful lyrics, and the rising strings blend together to form a short, sweet, and encouraging song.

“Tomorrow Never Knows”


“What Love Can Do,” one of the first songs written for this album, was conceived of as a meditation on “"love in the time of Bush." But the overt politics of some of Springsteen’s previous songs is not present. Instead it is a thematic element: though things are tough now, love will see us through. While not a guarantee of safety and improvement, but it is a message of the possibility of hope and change—clearly drawing on contemporary political attitudes as inspiration.

“What Love Can Do” (Fan video)


With its classic sound, inspiring message, and solid songwriting, Working On A Dream is a strong entry in Springsteen’s catalogue. Unfortunately, it is not quite an instant classic; more songs fall just short of their potential than those that meet or exceed it. That said, it is an enjoyable and effective album that is worthy of notice—even if that notice should be given with the same tempered optimism Springsteen encourages.

RECCOMENDED IF… you are looking for something with a bit of grounded optimism. Springsteen’s back-to-basics approach makes this very accessible album and a good starting place in the artist’s decades-long career.

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