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A lot of
fans and critics were disappointed with The Boss' last acoustic
effort, Devils and Dust. Many
thought it was an uninspired release with uninteresting, sometimes
embarrassing lyrics and weak, non-existent melodies. In comparison,
Springsteen’s
latest, We Shall Overcome, is more focused on creating
fun, harmonious arrangements that take from country, folk and
gospel music. Collected from three, one-day sessions (1997, 2005,
and 2006), We
Shall Overcome was recorded live to tape with no rehearsal
time, and the result is that all 13 tracks feel organic and vibrant.
It helps that Springsteen is backed by a stellar modern-day jug
band featuring accordion, banjo, old time horns (sax, trumpet,
tuba), an enthused bassist and violinist and various
other percussive instruments. We Shall Overcome is also
a Dual Disc release, meaning that it has a DVD side to it and
it should not be missed. The DVD features an insightful 30-minute
look into the making of the recording, some artist
commentary, and live performances of key tracks “John Henry,” “Pay
My Money Down,” “Erie Canal,” and “O
Mary Don’t You Weep.” Even though Springsteen is
covering influential folk hero Pete Seeger here, his worn out,
rough edged voice and unique song arrangements make these songs
of protest and hope all his own. (Columbia)  |
