ALBUM OF THE WEEK

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - WRECKING BALL

A good old- fashioned Springsteen album. The Boss’s blue-collar expressions have always gripped most tightly when he’s tackled specific (personal or political) demons. Now aged 62, Springsteen is still smouldering and has plenty to righteously rail against in the modern world. His 17th album, Wrecking Ball, gets stuck right into themes of economic decline, community strength (rousing opener We Take Care Of Our Own), fat cats (Death To My Hometown) and working man’s blues. His latest collection feels unabashedly sentimental, he’s also solid and passionate enough to make you believe you’re being serenaded by a grizzled old craftsman from Asbury Park, rather than a mega-successful, globe-trotting rock star. On Shackled And Drawn, he growls: ‘I always loved the feel of sweat on my shirt/Stand back, son, and let a man work.’ Springsteen doffs his cap to many inspirations throughout, from Celtic folk to gospel soul and country (We Are Alive borrows from Johnny Cash’s Ring Of Fire), while Rocky Ground unusually features a softly spoken rap from guest Michelle Moore.

Springsteen doing what he does best.