Things I found out through hard times and good I wrote 'em all out in ink and blood, dug deep in my soul and signed my name true, and sent it in my letter to you.

I called this album the only thing that can save 2020 and I was right. I knew he's the only one where I can have high hopes (see what I did there?) and he will not disappoint. First of all Rob DeMartin, can I just say if jealousy would burn, the world would go up in flames. Those B&W photos taken of the man himself in the studio? Brilliant. Amazing. Perfect. Masterpiece. Think I would explode into uniorns and rainbows and glitter if I ever got the chance to set foot in Bosses studio, never mind photograph him. 

Before I even get into this brilliant perfection of an album, can I just say that this is the absolute worse time to release it? It deserves to be celebrated on each and every one of the world stages, arenas, stadiums and fields. There is literally nothing that would uplift the world more than that would right now. For me anyways. i didn't even realise how badly I needed new music from him till I listened to this and counted all my damn lucky stars to have him in my life. To somehow exist the same time as he does, to have him still make music that matters and music that is every bit as amazing as it was in the begining. Yes, I'm looking at you Jon. 

This is the Bosses 20th album and he hasn't lost his magic. Not even a tiny bit of it. And if anything he brought even more magic with this piece. I didn't think it was even possible, I didn't imagine he can do something like he did this time, but he proved me wrong, he proved me what a brilliant mind he really is. (Not that I ever doubted you love.) Imagine a dark room, nothing but this vinyl on, you get lost in the music, lost in some sort of bubble of happiness and a world which seemed to all but disappear outside your front door. The sound on here is something else, it's so pure, so real, it will make you feel like your breaking quarantine rules. I swear with eyes closed and full volume on, I almost felt it, the excitment, the tingle of the live show, heart racing, the emotions. It's everything I wanted and needed. If you're blessed enough to have seen the Boss and E Street live, you'll know what I'm talking about, if not…shit you're missing out on life.

 

What makes this album so special and different is the fact that although Boss and the band have been playing together since 1972, this is the first time the whole thing is recorded, live, together in the same room. Can you imagine that? I mean yeah that's how albums used to be made, no recording bit by bit and then mashing them together, but actually sitting down and playing and what happens happens. Amazing. And god it makes my hair stand up thinking ''oh to be in that room and see history unfold''. There's not a thing I wouldn't give for that to happen. 

Aparently it was Stevie Van Zandt who asked for no demos but instead just sit the band down and play. Can I literally give him a huge hug for that one? Like for real. Dad and I talked once that maybe the months of demos and going back and forth is what takes it out of the songs, it takes a tiny bit of that magic that songs might have had. And it could possbly be true, because recording these albums with all the demos all the adjustments and so on used to take the band months but this one, the ''lets sit down and play and see what gives'' this album took exactly four days to record. Aparently on the fifth day, they sat down and just listened through. Sounds a bit Biblical doesn't it? ''And on the eight day god created…'' (Harley Davidson and Rock'N'Roll if you must know. Lol.) but not far off anyways, I keep telling people if I had a god, it would most definatelly be The Boss.

Do y'all know how this album came to be in the first place? Bruce was preforming the ''Springsteen on Broadway'' which is btw, something I will never forgive myself, my life, Satan and God himself for not seeing. Yes, Broadway is not exactly close I get it, but I mean…if you love something…anyways he was doing that while his friend ''George Theiss'' was battling cancer. He was the only one besides Bruce that remained from a band that existed way before E Street. That band was called Castile and when George passed away that inspired a song, a song that is now on this album called ''The last man standing''.  What actually matters more is the fact that an ''Italian kid'' gave him a guitar, at the back door of the theatre one night which inspired other songs. Can.you.just.imagine.that? To be the person to say ''I gave Boss this guitar that inspired all of the songs on his new album''? Or vice versa really, being given a guitar by the Boss, a guitar that God himself has touched. Excuse me while I die over here or sob for the entire week. 

The album starts with ''One minute you're here'' and it's a line, just one line, the first line he sings, that's enough to have me crying. Sobbing. Bawling. I love this man so much y'all have no idea.  the voice. Holy hell. It's like…a feeling you know. That feeling of a crisp cold autumn morning. When everything around you is frozen, covered in frost, creating unique and beautiful patterns. The air smells fresh and clear and you're wrapped in your favourite leather jacket, worn but comforting. That's what his voice is like, fresh, clear, beautiful, comforting, like warmth surrounding you on a cold morning. 

The song itself talks about loss, well I suppose that's obvious from the title of the song but, loss itself is sort of a red line flowing though the entire album. Not just loss of people, loss of loved ones but loss of hope as well. I mean, it's not that surprising is it? 2020 being as it is. It's relatable. We all lost someone we cared about at one point or another. Bruce has always been the one talking about sadness, grief, tragedy. I think he found his comfort in the thematics, letting it out on paper, letting it out in music instead of letting it consume him. Brilliant really. I think that's what it is, that's what I love so much about him. Life is terrible, and everything sucks but I can count on him to be there to say it will all be okay in the end. Maybe it isn't. Maybe it wont be, but it's a hell of a lot easier with him around. 

Second song is ''Letter to you'' the title track. I doubt I could find the words to describe how in love with this song I am. The voice on that ''I took all the sunshine and rain, all my happiness and all my pain''. Can I just melt into space? Please? Holy perfection. It's a classic Springsteen song, music and lyrics being exactly what you'd expect from him. Old school rock anthem, a stadium hit. With the best music, that rambling, groovy, rock melody we know and love and the perfect raspy voice with a message of hope. You know, shit's fucked up but hell it's worth trying and it's worth holding on. And I just love how I can feel both Roy Orbison and Bob Dylan in this song. Which is more of a Deja vu if anything. Boss himself said that they as well as  Phil Spector influenced his album ''Born to run''. 

Things go on with ''Burnin' Train''. The drumming in the begining! That beat. I love it so much. That's the real fire here. Have you noticed how often there's things on fire in his songs? Things burning? ''I'm on fire'' the less known ''Fire'' which I love so much more actually. He played it live in Milano on the River tour due to a fan sign request. If you're that fan and reading this now, I love you and I wish you nothing but good things. 

''Janey needs a shooter'' . Lots of Janeys no? I'm not jealous shut up. This is not a new song mind you, it's been recorded and re recorded a couple of times. I think it was actually written in 1973. I'm not sure about that though. I know though it was supposed to be on several albums through the 70's but it never made the cut. I wonder why now. Maybe it was just the right time. It's a very Bob Dylan kinda song.  Maybe that's what made Columbia see him as the ''new Dylan''. Yeah no thank you. I mean I love Dylan but seriously no. 

I heard some reviews saying that ''Letter to you'' due to the song ''Last man standing'' could be a goodbye note. Who ever said that…no, I shouldn't. I will censor myself to ''I hope you spill your coffee every Monday morning''. I don't even want to think about such a thing, much less imagine it happen. Listen I get it, nobody lives forever, and some artists should retire a long while ago coughBonJovicough but just don't. As I wrote above ''Last man standing'' is about being the only remaining member of the old band.  It must weigh heavily on his mind sometimes. I mean he's so open and outspoken about his depression and his songs as well are so open and honest. Despite him being 71 now and lets be honest more fit than I am, I know it makes you stop and think, shit I'm the only one left. Must be rough at times. This song is also the first one we hear the amazing little Clemons on the saxophone. Any Boss fan will know how missed Clarence is, by us and mostly by the man himself. Jake Clemons had real big shoes to fill and I think he did just that brilliantly. It's impressing and amazing how hauntingly alike the sound is to Clarence. 

''Power of prayer'' comes next. While my first thought would be that yes people probably do find the power in their prayers. Or comfort at least. This song seems quite nostalgic to me and I do love that we get to hear more of Clemons in it. It aint easy you know. Playing the saxophone. My dad did it. And quite brilliantly may I add. I tried several times. Holy hell. Nearly blew my lungs out, nothing but mad respect for those who do it for ''a few'' hours on stage. Wild. Did you hear how Jake came to the band anyway? He didn't get in just because he's a Clemons mind you, he had to audition just like anyone else would and he has the balls to come in saying ''I only sorta know a few songs''. Oh my god. You got balls of steel kid. I'd never had the nerve to say that to the Boss, also, hm I kinda only know all of the songs by heart. 

Are we going to guess who the ''House of a thousand guitars'' refers with the ''the criminal clown has stolen the throne, he steals what he can never own''. Yeah I think we all know. He understands the search of inspiration or say the lack of it ''here the bitter and the bored, wake in search of the lost chord''. I doubt he ever struggled with writers block, I doubt he ever came to a point where he had nothing to say or didn't know how to say it but the solidarity with the writers who do is just heartwarming and exactly the kinda thing Bruce would do. What I really love about this song is that line ''so wake and shake off your troubles my friend, we'll go where the music never ends, from the stadiums to the small town bars, we'll light up the house of a thousand guitars''. It's comforting. It almost feels as if he's standing next to you with a hand on your shoulder or a nice warm hug. Hell, maybe this hell will end and we'll smile looking back at it one day when everything is okay again. You know what I mean? No matter how fucked up the world is, you need to remain hopeful. I'm the last person to say that I know but hell I aint losing hope of hearing these songs live someday soon. Or better sob to these songs someday soon. Let's be serious I'll turn into a freaking fountain at the first chord of ''One minute you're here''. 

This album is made to make you forget the troubles for a little bit. It's a little bubble of perfect happiness. And though I expected a more political album from the Boss, kinda a second coming to ''Wrecking ball'' you know? I didn't know this was actually exactly what I needed. Politics is mentioned only briefly in the song ''Rainmaker''. It's an obvious anti Trump song without saying so. It's not a cheap ridiculous line as direct as a ''fuck Trump'' (even if that would of been just fine too) but ''sometimes folks need to believe in something so bad, so bad, so bad''. No need to guess what or who this is about. Boss is not like that, he will not tell you what to do or how to think, he's telling you TO think. To open your eyes and your mind. I love this song, not only the message but jesus the way it starts slow and slowly builds up and that little growl you hear, amazing. 

''If I was the priest''…you best believe I'd be in church every damn day. Sorry. Couldn't help myself. Close your eyes and listen to this song. You can just hear a western movie, he's the priest, Jesus is a sheriff. I think the song is far deeper then it seems in the first listen through. It's about lines being slightly blurry between good and bad, failure and success. If you listen to the begining ''there's a light on younder mountain and it's calling me to shine, there's a girl over by the water fountain asking to be mine.'' (jesus, always, all you gotta do is ask. Lol) to me, that suggests that happiness is near, all you have to do is reach out and grab it but life will always pull you down. You know what I mean? The song ends where it starts which symbolises the ballance between good and bad that much more and come to think of it what you're saying here is giving up happiness for some familiar comfort and have you ever thought how the very things that define happiness are the things a priest must give up? And a priest giving those things up is considered good. Giving up good things in life is considered good. So what is good anyways? Point is. Bruce is not a fan of religion and he makes this very clear once again in this song where he pretty much described the hypocrisy that is the Catholic church. 

How about them ''Ghosts'' you guys? A love letter to rock'n'roll. And I tell you now, when the world is normal again, and concerts are a thing, this is going to be a stadium anthem and no doubt a fan favourite live. Obviously the song is also about those we lost, as I said loss is a prominent key on this album. No doubt Clarence was strongly on his mind when writing this one. He said that this song is about ''beauty and joy of being in a band and the pain of losing one another to illness and time. Ghosts tries to speak to the spirit of the music itself, something none of us owns but can only discover and share together''.  A true genius ladies and gentlemen.  It starts on these classic E Street band melodies we know and love like again in ''Born to run'' or say ''Darkness on the edge of town'' but then it builds up with this new different kind of harmony, one that you would for sure sing along no scream along on a life show. It gives me goosebumps all over you guys. Yes ALL over. 

''Song for orphans'' is another one that was revived so to say. It's been written in the 70's and actually he preformed it in 2005. I'm not sure if it's the same version as it is right now but the one on this album is pretty much perfect. It has a Dylanish vibe and also a tiny bit of Tom Petty. What's not to love obviously. 

The album ends with ''I'll see you in my dreams'' and let me just say something first. There has never been a better ending to any album ever. Ever. That drawl. Those lyrics. Those feelings. I can't breathe. Maybe that much more because there's someone who I can only see in my dreams too. Maybe once you understand the songs pass enjoying the melody, maybe thats when they hit harder, hurt more, maybe that's when you love them more. ''I'll see you in my dreams'' is a beautiful perfectly written and structured song, sang with so much emotion, sincerity and mostly depth. It's comforting like the rest of the album is, but comforting in a different way, as in death is not the end and maybe you do get to see those you love and lost in your dreams.  What matters more is that the Church of E street is strong and is going to go strong. This is not the end you guys. Boss made it clear this time is the time of reflection not conclusion and there's so much more music to come. Sometimes I swear when life gets so hard that's the only reason to keep going. For me I mean. The only reason to have more hope and to be strong and just get through the day, week, month. 

Honestly ''Letter to you'' is exactly what we needed right now, hope and uplift instead of doom and gloom (yes Bon Jovi looking at you again). It's the Boss and it's the E street at it's rawest and actually most perfect state. I love every single second of this album. Like I predicted that it's going to be perfect and that it's going to be the only highlight of 2020, I was right. I feel blessed to have him to fall back on. I know putting my hopes into him wont disappoint like so many others did. (no not looking at Bon Jovi this time. Well partly, but others as well). Can we also take a moment for that album cover, front and back. I mean I hate snow but I might start liking it now. And the booklet with those few transparent pages? Don't even get me started on that etched vinyl, no I aint never seen that before, or actually knew it can be done and holy shit is it perfect? Yes. All of it. Together. Perfection. A true nod to the perfection that is music. A beautiful and carefully put together package. 

You've obviously noticed through this love letter that I am absolutely in love with the man. And several other posts, which through the years there's been plenty of. The Boss is like Batman, he comes when called upon, he comes when we need him most. Take a look over the past 20 years, him and the E Street came together each time we needed them most. Each time their voice, their music gave us more purpose. ''The Rising'' as a reaction to 9/11. ''Wrecking ball'' still one of the best and practically the angriest albums I own and love, a reaction to the people and the ''bastards'' responsible for the financial crisis in 2007. Bruce's music is driven by passion for the music but also by the passion to stir up something in his fans. His audience. Food for thought I'd say. Let's be honest, ''Letter to you'' and it's release is no accident or coincident. Y'all heard that Boss is moving to Australia if Trump gets a second term (babe, should you ever read this, how about Europe instead? I mean I don't want the ginger psycho to win, but should the worst happen…think about Italy aye?), and given how you don't need to think too hard who the ''Rainmaker'' is about…as an addition this album has a black and white movie companion available on Apple TV. It shows his home studio as a museum of sorts, old guitars and old faded pictures littering the walls. All I can think about though is ''heaven''. Heaven right there. I could get lost in the studio for hours. I'd feel blessed just to stroke the strings that gave us so many amazing melodies…sigh. Let a girl dream okay?

I believe ''Letter to you'' is a love letter to fans, love letter to all of us. A letter connecting the past and present. A letter connecting us. A beautiful ode from a beautiful poet. And every second is a magical experience. Do yourself a favor, turn down the lights, put it on loud, and just enjoy. 

This is my confession I need your heart in this depression.

My favorite song has always been Always by Bon Jovi. I guess I'm a romantic at heart. I love the lyrics. I love the song. I love Jon's voice. But that's just one song. There's other bands I love more, other albums I love more. Or at least equally. One of my top favorites being this one...

Now, some people are saying this is not Boss's best work. Let me tell you something. Those people are bloody idiots that are probably not even paying attention to the music. The very same people that probably don't get the point of the song ''Born in the U.S.A.'' let me give you a hint. It's not about blind patriotism.

Wrecking ball is amazing. His 17th album and it's the most confrontational album Bruce ever made. He is angry, he is mad, he's not afraid to pour all that into his music. He is painting a picture of his own country at the time *not that it's any better now*. A picture of America, drowning in lies, cheaters, profiteers...he goes into political affairs, he tackles hypocrisy, corruption and greed. He is exploring the working class territory, which is not hypocritical as some people say it is because if you'd know a bit about his past or even listen to his songs you'd know he knows a thing or two about economic frustrations. This album is this new ''Darkness on the edge of town'' that's gone way past the edge of town, to the heart of the people instead. Don't get me wrong though, good kind of darkness. I think for me this album brings back Nebraska, lives on the edge of collapsing, depression, frustration, same vibe, though of course this one is far more complex.

This is not the first time for Bruce to tackle such a topic of course, Nebraska aside, he's done it plenty of times. His fathers hard working life being an inspiration behind it no doubt. But this one is different. Angrier? Definately. Also more provocative I'd say. Did you notice the parallel between Death to my hometown and My hometown from the 84's Born in the U.S.A. A lot has changed huh? This albums is not just touching the topics I mentioned, this album is full on attacking them. From a point of a devastated man that's been betrayed too many times. ''If I had me a gun, I'd find the bastards and shoot 'em on sight'' in Jack of all trades speaks volumes.

"In America, there's a promise that gets made... called the American Dream, which is just the right to be able to live your life with some decency and dignity. But that dream is only true for a very, very, very few people. It seems if you weren't born in the right place or if you didn't come from the right town, or if you believed in something that was different from the next person, y'know..."

This is what he said, summing up...basically himself, all his music, everything. Searching for the American Dream that always seems to be just out of reach, specially during a time of unemployment and economic crisis. That was back in the 80's. So yea, Bruce has been there before. The two best songs on the album Wrecking ball and Land of hope and dreams were written with the full E street band in mind and they also feature the amazing Clarence Clemons who passed away in 2011. He was just another amazing talent that was gone too soon and we all miss him. Aparently the song Wrecking ball itself was written to pay tribute to a Giants Stadium where the Boss and E street band were the ones who played the venue's last concert before it was torn down in 2009. If you listen to the lyrics you can hear that ''I was raised outta steel here in the swamps of Jersey some misty years ago''. I guess it makes it emotional for the Boss because the stadium was build just about the same time as his career was taking of in the 70's. I guess it's pretty surreal to outlast a stadium?

Land of hope and dreams was written around the time when E street had a reunion tour. Late 90's. It's almost 7 minutes long and it blessed us with two solo's by the amazing Clarence. God I wish I had the chance to see him live. Though his nephew Jake Clemons who replaced him now in the E street band is just as amazing. I think this is just about the kindest thing the Boss could have done, given him the chance to play with them. This is a song with one of Bruce's favorite metaphores if you will. A train. A train that welcomes everyone, no matter what race, color, wealth, age. It's an ideal, a glimer of hope when you need it most and 40 years into Boss's career that's what he does, reminds us of what brings us together when every single little damn thing around us seems to be going against us. Corney? Maybe but the power the song like Land of hope and dreams holds is in it's ability to overcome that. To overcome cynicism. It now feels harder to do then ever. But honestly hard times will come and go, yet a song like this will last forever. It's always there to give you comfort when you need it most.

The album came out on election year and for that it's actually really bold. Going into what the true business of politics is such as responsible governing which let's be honest is completly fucked up right now, not just in America but all over the world. There is plenty of guilt to go around.

So the albums opening song is ''We take care of our own'', patriotic, rocker song. And also Bruce's frustration with the government. The lyrics itself speak volumes ''Wherever this flag is flown, we take care of our own'' a contrast to the rest of the verses with references to the havoc hurricane Katrina left and suggesting that obviously they did not take care of their own.

And then you've got my favorite song ''Death to my hometown''. I love that song, this cd played in the car a lot and each time it came on I turned the volume really high and howled along. Don't ask the weird looks I was getting on every single red light. Hah. I heard it live on both concerts I was at. Amazing moment. Amazing song. It's angry, it's a protest song about the practices of Wall street and economic crisis for which the Boss considers them accountable. What I love most is this Irish folk influence, Celtic tinged melody, and the vocals that sound almost like a battle march. Everything blends together so well.

Another one just like it is Shackled And Drawn, fast, powerful, an anthem against frustration and powerlessness. I can relate so much because I feel the same way, shackled, stuck in this place, in a life that no matter how hard I try, I can't change because there is nothing I can do about economy or politics. There is literally nothing I can do against certain things and they make me so angry. This is why I love the Boss. He understands, he's our voice, he says what the rest of us can't, or are too afraid to.

Then you've got songs such as Easy money with really charismatic vocals and Jack of all trades which is a ballad that was meant to encourage and inspire. Just a man assuring to the one he loves that no matter what he has to do he will, just so they can get by, though he's unsure and he knows bad things can happen ''we'll be alright''. I suppose eventually we will be.

I really admire him for putting on something like This depression. He's battled with it for years, sometimes it's better sometimes it's worse but it takes balls to bare your soul like that. Trust me I know. So I've got nothing but mad respect for the man for doing just that. It's a sad song yes but also beautiful, he never really displays this much vulnerability so doing that is a big deal. Not to mention Tom Morellos guitar work. Magic. As opposed to this song you've got You got it which is light and kinda bluesy and a cool song to put on, windows down and cruise. Alright maybe Dancing in the dark is better for that but you get the point.

Rocky ground...now that one is something else. The vocals, his vocals are right on point, slight gospel vibe and the rap part. Michelle Moore! Respect. It's unlike anything the Boss ever made but holy hell is it perfect or what, the song is absolutely captivating. First time I listened to it I was rather confused that's true but then when it grew on me I was hooked.

The last song, closing track is We are alive. It's a weird one not going to lie, but weird in a good way. Like the Addams family, they're completly bonkers but I'd still have them as my neighbors. Maybe have them adopt me, I doubt I can get any weirder so I'd fit right in. Ha. Anyways the song! It has a credited melody line from Cash's Ring of fire. The song is for the ghosts of the oppressed, protesters, immigrant workers..."I was killed in Maryland in 1877 when the railroad workers made their stand. I was killed in 1963 one Sunday morning in Birmingham, we are alive and though our bodies lie alone here in the dark our spirits rise to carry the fire and light the spark to stand shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart." beautiful.

So while we're on the topic of this album, dear Greg Kot who once wrote that Bruce's music is ''sterile'' and also that he "lost his nerve as a coproducer, going for stadium bombast instead of the unadorned grit these stories of hard times demand." Sincerly Greg, you're an idiot, this is a record with heart, it's right in your face, it's making you face the problems all around you that you're either to ignorant or too stagnant to see. And it's a beautiful tribute to Clarence who is ''too fucking big to die''. So I politely disagree with that statement. And so do the statistics, considering that this album debuted at number 1 in 16 different countries, making it his tenth number 1 album in America and tying him with Elvis Presley for third most sold number one albums of all time. At the moment only Jay Z and the Beatles have more number one albums. Let's not forget that President Obama *yes I refuse to call that...thing...president so do not dare and correct me* used the song We take care of our own as one of his top campaign songs, playing it in his re-election campaigns and of course playing it right after his victory speech on election night. It gave the song a boost in sales for over 400% too.

And of course the album and the single We take care of our own were nominated for three Grammy's. The Boss and the E street band preformed that night but didn't win because let's face it the Grammy's are not what they used to be, when artists such as Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber get nominated and then actually win...well you know. Anyways Rolling Stone ranked this album the number one album of the year on their top 50 albums of 2012 and it went gold in UK, Switzerland, Portugal, France, Canada, Austria and Australia, and of course platinum in Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Sweden.

Wrecking ball tour that promoted the record was Springsteens biggest tour, spreading over 26 countries and it made a whooping 340.6 million dollars in 124 shows all together. It was also the first time I saw him and one of my most precious memories. It was the most I paid for a ticket 105 fucking euros, holy hell, well GN'R topped that now, hah, point is, the most I paid for a ticket but so bloody worth it. He really does put any other young preformer to shame. 3+ hours of nothing but a rock n roll spectacle.

This album is not a 10 it's an 11. You really should get it and listen to it. It's powerful, it's angry, it's emotional, it's a rollercoaster and it's one hell of a ride. Seriously get it and treat it with love it deserves.