Wrecking Ball

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Wrecking Ball · Bruce Springsteen wrote almost all the songs in 2011. The exceptions were older songs: the title song dates from 2009 and was meant as a farewell to Giants Stadium, Land of Hope and Dreams dates from 1998 or 1999. The financial crisis of 2008 had convinced him that he also had to write about the people and forces behind the misery in America. Saxophonist Clarence Clemons, who died in June 2011, still plays on two tracks. Members of the E Street Band and the Sessions Band also took part, plus guitarist Tom Morello.

The record is angry and socially engaged. We Take Care of Our Own sets a patriotic chorus against references to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Death to My Hometown targets the practices of bankers on Wall Street. Musically the album mixes rock bombast with folk, gospel, Irish rhythms and sometimes electronic percussion. Rolling Stone named it the best album of 2012.

Listening

Track list

1. 1We Take Care of Our Own3:53Apple Music ↗
2. 2Easy Money3:37Apple Music ↗
3. 3Shackled and Drawn3:46Apple Music ↗
4. 4Jack of All Trades5:00Apple Music ↗
5. 5Death To My Hometown3:29Apple Music ↗
6. 6This Depression4:08Apple Music ↗
7. 7Wrecking Ball5:50Apple Music ↗
8. 8You've Got It3:49Apple Music ↗
9. 9Rocky Ground4:41Apple Music ↗
10. 10Land of Hope and Dreams6:58Apple Music ↗
11. 11We Are Alive5:44Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗