Bruce Springsteen will release “Western Stars”, his first studio album in five years, on June 14th.
Springsteen has said he drew inspiration in part from pop records that emerged from Southern California in the late ’60s and early ’70s. “This record is a return to my solo recordings featuring character driven songs and sweeping, cinematic orchestral arrangements,” he noted in a news release. “It’s a jewel box of a record.”
Sessions were primarily held at Springsteen’s home studio in New Jersey, with additional work in New York and California. Western Stars will be available for pre-order beginning tomorrow. “Hello Sunshine,” is the advance single,
Though presented as a solo project, Western Stars has several intersections with the E Street Band. Patti Scialfa provided vocals and vocal arrangements on four tracks. Other guests included David Sancious (who was with the E Street band in the early ’70s), Charlie Giordano (an adjunct member of the group following the death of original E Street Band keyboardist Danny Federici in 2008) and Soozie Tyrell (a longtime touring collaborator).
Ron Aniello returns as producer. He earlier worked with Springsteen on 2012’s Wrecking Ball and 2014’s High Hopes. He also co-produced the 2014 EP American Beauty, which capped a period of renewed studio activity.
The Fat Angel Sings 