BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
Producer: Bruce Springsteen
Columbia
Release Date: April 25

Just one year after "Devils & Dust," Springsteen offers another acoustic-based set sans the E Street Band, a collection of traditional songs associated with folk hero Pete Seeger, who turned 87 this year. Cut live with 13 local musicians, the Boss' first covers album is a surprisingly upbeat tour de roots, veering from tavern tunes ("Old Dan Tucker") and banjo tales ("John Henry") to swinging gospel ("O Mary Don't You Weep") and boisterous Mardi Gras chants ("Pay Me My Money Down"). Throughout, Springsteen's raucous rasp-often more Tom Waits than Woody Guthrie-soars with lightness and ease, driven by swampy brass, accordion and spontaneous shouts. Even the protest anthem "We Shall Overcome" becomes a relaxed prayer, delivered with a knowing smile. Anxious rock fans can relax, too: This folk album is a loud, energetic, arena-ready fiesta. -- Sven Philipp