Bruce Springsteen has set his 19th studio album, Western Stars, for June 14th via Columbia Records. Springsteen’s first new studio album in five years takes his music to a new place, drawing inspiration in part from the Southern California pop records of the late 60’s and early 70’s. The album was recorded primarily at Springsteen’s home studio in New Jersey, with additional recording in California and New York.
“This record is a return to my solo recordings featuring character driven songs and sweeping, cinematic orchestral arrangements,” says Springsteen. “It’s a jewel box of a record.”
The 13 tracks encompass a sweeping range of American themes, of highways and desert spaces, of isolation and community and the permanence of home and hope.
The song “Hello Sunshine” and a video will be released just after midnight ET Friday (Apr 26th).
Ron Aniello produced the album with Springsteen and plays bass, keyboard, and other instruments. Patti Scialfa provides vocals and contributes vocal arrangements on four tracks. The musical arrangements include strings, horns, pedal steel and contributions from more than 20 other players including Jon Brion (who plays celeste, Moog, and farfisa), as well as guest appearances by David Sancious, Charlie Giordano, and Soozie Tyrell. The album was mixed by Tom Elmhirst.
All songs written by Bruce Springsteen.
1. Hitch Hikin’
2. The Wayfarer
3. Tucson Train
4. Western Stars
5. Sleepy Joe’s Café
6. Drive Fast (The Stuntman)
7. Chasin’ Wild Horses
8. Sundown
9. Somewhere North of Nashville
10. Stones
11. There Goes My Miracle
12. Hello Sunshine
13. Moonlight Motel
