When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the live music industry to a grinding halt in 2020, Bruce Springsteen found himself with an unexpected abundance of free time. Rather than allowing this period of isolation to pass idly, he took the opportunity to dive into his extensive vault of unreleased music. This led to the creation of Tracks II: The Lost Albums, a remarkable collection featuring seven complete records that Springsteen had shelved between 1983 and 2018. The box set comprises an astounding 74 songs, many of which hardcore fans have never before encountered.
In a virtual interview from his home in Wellington, Florida, Springsteen shared insights into his creative process during this time. “If you look at them as a group, they’re sort of genres that I haven’t quite dived into as of yet,” he explained. The albums encompass a diverse range of styles, from Western swing to Burt Bacharach-inspired Sixties pop. “They were all these sort of outliers, and what do you do with them? I don’t know. So this is how we ended up solving the problem,” he added, referring to the decision to release this collection.
Many of the songs included in Tracks II: The Lost Albums were recorded in the 1990s, a decade often perceived as a lost period for Springsteen. Between 1992 and 2002, he released only one studio album, The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995). “That was for a variety of reasons,” Springsteen reflected. “Our children were very young at exactly that moment. And also I didn’t have any interest, really, in working with the band. I felt just burned out.” Despite not releasing music during that time, he was continuously creating, although much of it remained unheard.
Springsteen elaborated on Tracks II in a wide-ranging interview, discussing the creative decisions surrounding each project. The box set begins with L.A. Garage Sessions ’83, an album recorded between Nebraska and Born in the U.S.A.. “Nobody knew you recorded an entire album between Nebraska and Born in the U.S.A.,” Springsteen noted. He expressed how the experience of recording Nebraska was liberating, leading him to explore new sounds and ideas in his music.
Springsteen's feelings about Born in the U.S.A. were complex. He admitted, “It was a record I put out. It became the record I made, not necessarily the record that I was interested in making.” While many listeners view the album as a cohesive commentary on America, Springsteen felt he was searching for something darker and more profound. “I suppose maybe I was looking for something darker,” he remarked.
Throughout the interview, Springsteen discussed the evolution of his sound and the impact of production choices on his music. He emphasized how recording without the E Street Band allowed him greater freedom in his creative process, stating, “I was a lot less inhibited, so I was a lot more experimental.” This experimentation led to an album with a unique sound, incorporating elements like drum loops and synthesizers.
Springsteen also touched on his collaborations, such as those with Joe Grushecky, a fellow songwriter. Their partnership has yielded several compelling tracks, demonstrating Springsteen's willingness to engage with other artists. Looking ahead, he hinted at a new album slated for release in the near future. “I have a record finished,” he revealed, although he kept details under wraps for now.
The pandemic has undeniably influenced Springsteen's artistic output, allowing him to revisit old material and share long-hidden gems with his devoted fanbase. He hinted at the potential for a Tracks III and affirmed that while there are no complete albums left in the vault, a wealth of unreleased music remains to explore. “There’s still a lot of music in the vault,” he confirmed, expressing excitement about finally sharing his creative journey with fans.
Despite the challenges of the current political climate, Springsteen maintains a hopeful outlook. "We’re living through an American tragedy," he stated, "but I believe we will come out intact." With a career that spans decades, he continues to focus on the importance of storytelling through music, resonating with themes of family, spirituality, and love that remain timeless.
As Springsteen prepares for his upcoming tour and potential new releases, fans eagerly await what the iconic artist has in store next.
