aaamusic | On 14, Nov 2010

The Promise has been labeled as Bruce Springsteen lost album: this can perhaps be true if one considers that the 21 tracks comprised in this album have all been written at the same time of Darkness On The Edge Of Town, but they never made it to the final cut. If you think this is yet another collection album containing some rarities and first takes, destined to hardcore fans, think twice: The Promise is an album that can stand on its own two feet.

Some of the tracks are true gems, a living proof of Springsteen pop writing capabilities (think of Because of the Night – a hit thanks to Patti Smith – and Fire – made famous by The Pointers Sisters); and all of them help understanding the complexity of the artist and the man, as if trough the music the listener embarks into a deep journey to meet the man behind the guitar and the worldwide fame.

It is indeed an interesting journey worthwhile taking if you are an old fan or if you are discovering your father’s collection.

Loose yourself in the Buddy Holly influences in tracks such as Outside Looking In or in old school ballads such as Save My Love and get overwhelmed by The Promise and its beautiful lyrics: you won’t be disappointed.

The Boss managed to pull another trick from his magician hat, and thankfully so: it would have been terrible if we’d lost these tracks forever.

Author: Alessia Matteoli