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Human Touch’ Lucky Town

Bruce Springsteen (Sony)

Wow, what a great way to end the year--two new Springsteen albums. I haven’ t had such high expectations since Achtung Baby. But while Achtung scored big in the artistic integrity categories, it was an emotional let- down. Human Touch and Lucky Town, on the other hand, are just another pair of excellent Bruce Springsteen albums.

Human Touch is a return to Born in the U.S.A, territory. The powerhouse first single, ‘Human Touch,’’ leads off the album much like ‘‘Bornin the U.S.A.”’ did that album. While definitely not as powerful as ‘‘Born,’’ ‘‘Human Touch’’ is the best song on both albums and one of the best of recent memory. The rest consists mainly of E Street-styled rockers. The songwriting is, of course, uniformly excellent. As usual it all echoes classic rock but is defined by Springsteen’s unique vision. *“Soul Driver’’ isreminiscent of an up-tempo **Little Wing’’ and ‘‘Cross My Heart,”’ “‘Real World’’ and ‘‘The Long Good- bye’’ are bar band rock at its absolute best. Helping Bruce out on vocals we have Sam Moore, formerly of Sam & Dave (yahoo!), and Bobby King. Springsteen’s own singing has ad- vanced much since, say, The River, where his lion’s roar sometimes gota bit grating. He’s evolved into quite a soulful vocalist and sings with emo- tional intelligence (if that makes sense).

Lyrically Human Touch breaks little new ground. It’s filled with Bruce’s

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traditional Americana themes. This is Springsteen’s first album since The River to not be a distinct lyrical piece. On Tunnel of Love Bruce managed to come up with an interesting view of luv, rock ‘n’ roll’s thoroughly drained milking cow. I’ll assume his life was quite tumultuous then and now I'll assume he’s quite contented--Human Touch reflects it. Regardless, the sound of Bruce spinning his word-wheels ain’t all that bad.

A testament to Human Touch’s quality is that it actually rivals Born in the U.S.A., possibly Springsteen’s best album (the common choice generally being Born to Run). The reason I prefer Born in the U.S.A. is because it’s far more interesting lyrically and nothing here matches the emotional wallop of **Bornin the U.S.A..’’ Butevencom- paring it to that album, one of the greats, is a huge compliment. This is a great one, folks; the best since J Do Not Want WhatI Haven't Got. (About my hailing of the Junkies, I overrated that one. I mean, it’s really good but not in this territory.)

I’ve gotta mention this, maybe it’s just me, but this album bears a Jot of similarities to Born in the U.S.A.: the opening songs are both epic rockers, the second last are both synthesized rockers, the sixth and last are both acoustic ballads and the rest of both are mainly up-tempo party tunes. Is this a retread? I really don’t care, just thought I’d mention it.

I don’t know for sure, but I’ll bet my blue jeans and ’59 Chevy Lucky Town is the album

he zoomed through. This is the Bruce one- man-show album (only Gary Mallabar assists on drums), more abrasive both instrumentally and vocally and more country- tinged versus

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Human’s soul/rock-tinge. Also different is the background singing--a few women as opposed to the one soul man on Human. Numbers like ‘‘If I Should Fall Behind,’’ ‘‘Book of Dreams’’ and ““My Beautiful Reward’’ are straight off Tunnel of Love. The rest is similar in tone but more up-beat. The songwriting is almost as good and hits highs with ‘‘Living Proof,’ with its gloriously shredded vocal, the ominous ‘Souls of the Departed’’ and one of the few moments of bitterness, ‘‘The Big Muddy.’’

Not at the level of Tunnel, a total triumph in my eyes, Lucky Town is the sound of Bruce Springsteen showing just how easy itis for him. Both of these works are heavenly, inspiring rock ‘n’ roll. Human Touch is abso- lutely the pick of the pair, but if you’re a fan of the Boss, or a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, you’Il need both. Ah, the sun rises, the sun sets and here’s two more great Springsteen albums. It’s nice to have © such regularity in my life. So summer's approaching, enrich your appreciation - of life with these glorious albums.

Well, I guess this is it, y’all. I'd like te thank all the people who’ve read my ~ stuff. Oh yeah, and to Heather: I hear © ya. Anyway, enjoy these Springsteen albums and see ya in the fall.

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