At 71, Bruce Springsteen unveils his 20th studio album, "Letter to You," departing from fictional tales to delve into personal reflection. Released on November 4, 2020, the album rocketed to the top of the UK charts, a fitting tribute to his nostalgic nod to the influential '70s. Springsteen's unmistakable sound with the E Street Band shines, honoring an era that defined his climb to rock stardom.

Fans will find "Letter to You" evocative of earlier classics like "The River." With gritty guitar riffs, lush keyboard arrangements, and the profound grooves reminiscent of his iconic trilogy—"Born to Run," "Darkness on the Edge of Town," and "The River"—the album reinstates Springsteen’s golden era. In a bid to reconnect with past magic, Springsteen resurrected three tracks from the early '70s archives, integrating them seamlessly. Songs such as "Song For Orphans" and "If I Was A Priest" mirror the epic, esoteric lyrics that once earned him the moniker "The New Dylan."

The recording's urgency infuses it with a raw, live sound—achieved in just five days. This whirlwind approach crafts a ‘70s-style wall of sound, evoking Phil Spector’s legacy. Imagine it as "Letters from My Ranch," a New Jersey take where music, friendship, and brotherhood harmonize—recurring Springsteen themes.

In this deeply introspective work, Springsteen sheds the multitude of personas—from wandering Midwestern souls to disenchanted workers—offering a direct narrative. This self-examination pivots to his life, highlighting a musical renaissance and an unwavering passion for rock ‘n’ roll. His voice, perhaps less potent but more nuanced than in his younger years, enriches this personal voyage.

"Rainmaker," a standout track, metaphorically critiques the political landscape. Although penned before Trump’s presidency, its sharp insights remain pertinent, especially given its release just before the 2020 U.S. election. Springsteen's legacy of political commentary in his music is further exemplified by the title track "Working on a Dream," aligned with Obama’s presidential victory.

"Letter to You" serves as a deeply personal manifesto, reflecting Springsteen’s recent self-exploration through his gripping autobiography "Born To Run" and a celebrated Broadway show chronicling his life. This journey has shifted his focus from fiction to revealing his true self—brimming with joy, anger, musical genius, and sincerity. A testament to his transformation, this album is essential listening and destined to become a classic.

By Belkacem Bahlouli