7/10

The last few years for Bruce Springsteen have been awash with retrospective and reminiscent releases that have forced his direction away from its usual avenue. With his 2019 solo album 'Western Stars', 2016 memoir 'Born To Run', and his own one-man Broadway show taking up his attention in recent times, he has been more reflective than most at this point in his career, which has seen him pursue new and inventive ideas. But after a quick reunion with The E Street Band, this latest material just seemed to spill out of him as he looks for a new perspective on his twentieth full-length 'Letter To You'.

Recorded during a quick four-day blitz with his band, 'Letter To You' is one of the more spontaneous offerings we have heard from The Boss in decades. Channeling much of the same breezy and distinct aesthetic that his filled so many of his fans with rapturous joy these last near fifty years, he feels more reassured in his sound and persona than ever. Not looking to break new boundaries or showcase his next evolutionary step at any point, this new collection sees him double down into his formative style, creating a collection that is both cohesive and familiar to all those that love him.

At this point in his career, many would argue that Bruce Springsteen could release any old thing and people would lap it up. But never one to disappoint, he has returned with grit and focus on this new full-length, bringing back all the hallmarks of his euphoric persuasion and showing us that he lives and breathes the music that he loves.