Springsteen channels lush 1960s pop radio balladry (think Neil Diamond, Glen Campbell), nailing its beauty and existential dread. Plus: some hot stray rockers.
I think I like Twilight Hours more than you do (and consider it quite distinct from Western Stars, although of course I see the relationship) - but the huge exception is "I'll Stand By You," which I think is just *terrible, total treacle that sentimentalizes childhood fear and talks down to both its subject and the listener. Possibly the worst Springsteen song of all time.
I love how heartily you loathe it! lol... I do like Twilight Hours, and agree it's quite distinct from Western Stars — he wasn't wrong to cleave them. I like the arrangements and particularly the singing, which is some of his most tender ever. And there's something to be said for lyrics that doesn't aspire to be Steinbeck. It's kinda like alternate reality Springsteen, if he ditched the rock dreams, stayed on the Jersey shore and sang oldies to blue-haired ladies in Atlantic CIty ballrooms.
It's like Dylan's albums of jazz standards - a reconciliation of these older men with a kind of music they secretly loved, but that was set up in false opposition with the "rebel" music of their youths.
Touché, perfect comparison ... btw props for your unpacking of the set in Slate, which is the best thing I've read on it so far (& thanks for the referral to Alejandro Escovedo’s The Crossing.)
I’m so glad that you wrote this and so glad that I decided to read it. As I started going through the new releases on Friday I got to Tracks II and I just couldn’t. I didn’t have the brain space to listen to seven albums by an artist that I’ve never really appreciated. To be clear, that lack of appreciation comes from a lack of exposure to his music and isn’t a judgment on his talent.
The only album of his I ever owned was Born in the U.S.A. and quite honestly that was really the only music of his I’d heard at the time (I was 13). I’ve enjoyed some of his more popular singles since then but I’ve never made the effort to go back and explore his catalog.
Your review of Twilight Hours has prompted me to give it a listen; I’m about halfway through and loving it. I’m now inclined to go back and give Western Stars a listen based on what you’ve said about the similarities in content and style. And it’s probably time for me to go back to at least evaluate his earlier catalog.
I’ve always found Springsteen a bit scream-ey for my tastes and Twilight Hours with its dialed back but beautiful and evocative vocals is refreshing. Thanks for giving me a reason to listen to it!
Thanks for the generous note, Mark, and you're very welcome. As a writer, preaching to the converted has always seemed a waste of effort. So it makes my day to know I refreshed your ears here.
I think I like Twilight Hours more than you do (and consider it quite distinct from Western Stars, although of course I see the relationship) - but the huge exception is "I'll Stand By You," which I think is just *terrible, total treacle that sentimentalizes childhood fear and talks down to both its subject and the listener. Possibly the worst Springsteen song of all time.
I love how heartily you loathe it! lol... I do like Twilight Hours, and agree it's quite distinct from Western Stars — he wasn't wrong to cleave them. I like the arrangements and particularly the singing, which is some of his most tender ever. And there's something to be said for lyrics that doesn't aspire to be Steinbeck. It's kinda like alternate reality Springsteen, if he ditched the rock dreams, stayed on the Jersey shore and sang oldies to blue-haired ladies in Atlantic CIty ballrooms.
It's like Dylan's albums of jazz standards - a reconciliation of these older men with a kind of music they secretly loved, but that was set up in false opposition with the "rebel" music of their youths.
Touché, perfect comparison ... btw props for your unpacking of the set in Slate, which is the best thing I've read on it so far (& thanks for the referral to Alejandro Escovedo’s The Crossing.)
Oh, thank you so much, Will, I really appreciate hearing that. (Btw you have made me doubt myself somewhat on the Inyo material.)
I’m so glad that you wrote this and so glad that I decided to read it. As I started going through the new releases on Friday I got to Tracks II and I just couldn’t. I didn’t have the brain space to listen to seven albums by an artist that I’ve never really appreciated. To be clear, that lack of appreciation comes from a lack of exposure to his music and isn’t a judgment on his talent.
The only album of his I ever owned was Born in the U.S.A. and quite honestly that was really the only music of his I’d heard at the time (I was 13). I’ve enjoyed some of his more popular singles since then but I’ve never made the effort to go back and explore his catalog.
Your review of Twilight Hours has prompted me to give it a listen; I’m about halfway through and loving it. I’m now inclined to go back and give Western Stars a listen based on what you’ve said about the similarities in content and style. And it’s probably time for me to go back to at least evaluate his earlier catalog.
I’ve always found Springsteen a bit scream-ey for my tastes and Twilight Hours with its dialed back but beautiful and evocative vocals is refreshing. Thanks for giving me a reason to listen to it!
Thanks for the generous note, Mark, and you're very welcome. As a writer, preaching to the converted has always seemed a waste of effort. So it makes my day to know I refreshed your ears here.