Bruce Springsteen’s Tracks II: The Lost Albums: A Deep Dive into 20 Essential Tracks

Bruce Springsteen’s monumental Tracks II: The Lost Albums boasts 83 songs across seven previously unreleased albums, showcasing the breadth and depth of his songwriting talent beyond his iconic E Street Band sound. This article highlights 20 essential tracks from the collection, exploring their lyrical themes, musical styles, and historical context.

Exploring the Unreleased Gems of Tracks II

Tracks II offers a fascinating glimpse into Springsteen’s creative process, revealing the evolution of his songwriting and the diverse musical landscapes he explored outside of his commercially released albums. The collection encompasses a wide range of styles, from mid-fi bedroom pop to full-blown orchestral ballads, demonstrating Springsteen’s versatility and artistic exploration.

20 Essential Tracks from Tracks II: The Lost Albums

1. Unsatisfied Heart (Fugitives Dream): A noirish tale of a man haunted by his past, reflecting Springsteen’s personal struggles in 1983. The haunting chorus perfectly captures the existential crisis at the song’s core.

2. Farewell Party (The Streets of Philadelphia Sessions): A full-band rendition of a song initially built on drum loops, showcasing the shift in Springsteen’s approach to recording. The lyrics evoke a poignant sense of loss.

3. Under A Big Sky (The Ghost of Tom Joad Sessions): A swelling heartbreak ballad recorded years after its initial conception, featuring the interplay of organ and steel guitar. A lost Springsteen classic.

4. Blind Spot (The Streets of Philadelphia Sessions): The opening track of the Streets of Philadelphia Sessions album, setting a dark and introspective tone. The lyrics explore the hidden darkness within the human psyche.

5. Delivery Man (The Ghost of Tom Joad Sessions): A delightful rockabilly tale, showcasing Springsteen’s influences beyond his typical style. The rhythmic delivery echoes Chuck Berry’s lyrical style.

6. Our Lady of Monroe (The Ghost of Tom Joad Sessions): A cinematic and moving acoustic story song about an ex-cop’s spiritual epiphany. The simple yet powerful storytelling is characteristic of Springsteen’s best work.

7. One Beautiful Morning (The Streets of Philadelphia Sessions): A stark portrait of loss and the search for meaning after death, inspired by the passing of Springsteen’s close friend.

8. Dinner at Eight (Twilight Hours): An opulent orchestral ballad reminiscent of Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach’s collaborations. Springsteen’s impressive vocal performance is a highlight.

9. Inyo (Inyo): A deeply researched story-song detailing the human cost of water development in early 20th-century California. A testament to Springsteen’s historical fidelity in his songwriting.

10. Sugarland (L.A. Garage Sessions 83): A finely crafted tale of the 1980s farm crisis, showcasing Springsteen’s ability to blend acoustic guitar with subtle electronic elements.

11. Blue Highway (Somewhere North of Nashville): A country shuffle reminiscent of Hank Williams, showcasing Springsteen’s twangiest vocal style. The lyrics evoke a sense of peace and stillness.

12. The Little Things (The Ghost of Tom Joad Sessions): An oddly uplifting account of a one-night stand, anticipating the themes and style of Devils and Dust.

13. Detail Man (Somewhere North of Nashville): A light-hearted tune boasting of sexual prowess, showcasing Springsteen’s capacity for playful and less serious works.

14. The Lost Charro (Inyo): A unique and unexpected track recorded with mariachi musicians, showcasing Springsteen’s collaborative spirit and willingness to experiment.

15. High Sierra (Twilight Hours): An achingly tender ballad about a doomed relationship, featuring a lush orchestral arrangement. A highlight of the Twilight Hours album.

16. All God’s Children (Faithless): A full-on chain-gang gospel song showcasing Springsteen’s blues-holler vocals. A standout track from the unreleased Faithless soundtrack.

17. Shut Out the Light (Tracks II): An alternate version of a Born in the U.S.A. B-side, delving deeper into the story of a troubled Vietnam veteran.

18. I’m Not Sleeping (Tracks II): A collaboration with Joe Grushecky, showcasing Springsteen’s songwriting partnership and a different perspective on his usual themes.

19. Late in the Evening (Twilight Hours): A mournful ballad about a widower’s grief and longing, featuring a majestic string arrangement. The lyrics evoke powerful emotions.

20. Perfect World (A Perfect World): A deceptively mournful ballad about regret and the contrast between imagined and real-life scenarios.

Key Takeaways:

• Tracks II reveals Springsteen’s diverse musical styles and songwriting depth.
• The collection features a range of lyrical themes, reflecting personal struggles and societal issues.
• The unreleased tracks provide a fascinating glimpse into Springsteen’s creative process.
• The collection is a must-have for any Bruce Springsteen fan.
• Tracks II reinforces Springsteen’s status as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.