Bruce Springsteen – High Hopes (2014)
Release Date: January 10, 2014
Label: Columbia Records
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Rock / Alternative Rock / Folk Rock
Length: 53:46
Producer: Ron Aniello
Overview
High Hopes is Bruce Springsteen’s seventeenth studio album and one of the most unconventional releases in his catalog. Unlike a traditional studio album, it largely consists of reimagined outtakes, covers, and previously unreleased songs, recorded across multiple sessions between 1995 and 2013.
The album features guest appearances by Tom Morello, whose aggressive, effects-heavy guitar work gives the record a modern, confrontational edge. Songs like “High Hopes,” “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” “American Skin (41 Shots),” and “Hunter of Invisible Game” revisit political themes of racial injustice, civil rights, economic struggle, and moral resistance.
Despite its patchwork nature, High Hopes debuted at #1 in over 20 countries, surprising critics and fans alike, and reaffirming Springsteen’s continued relevance and creative restlessness well into his career.
Tracklist
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High Hopes – 4:57
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Harry’s Place – 4:01
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American Skin (41 Shots) – 7:24
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Just Like Fire Would – 3:53
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Hunter of Invisible Game – 4:40
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The Ghost of Tom Joad – 7:24
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Down in the Hole – 4:36
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Heaven’s Wall – 4:00
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Frankie Fell in Love – 3:46
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This Is Your Sword – 2:51
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The Wall – 4:41
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Dream Baby Dream – 3:59
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?
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Outtakes Album: Many songs date back years or even decades, reworked with modern production.
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Did You Know? Tom Morello joined Springsteen after touring with the E Street Band in 2013, significantly shaping the album’s sound.
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Cover Songs: Includes reinterpretations of songs by The Havalinas, Suicide, and The Saints.
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Political Edge: Revisits controversial tracks like “American Skin (41 Shots),” inspired by the Amadou Diallo shooting.
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Sonic Experimentation: Combines industrial textures, loops, folk elements, and arena rock.
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Clarence Clemons’ Presence: Saxophone parts from archival recordings appear on several tracks.
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Critical Divide: Critics were split, praising the energy while questioning the album’s cohesion.
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Legacy: Often seen as a curiosity and companion piece to Springsteen’s more cohesive political albums.
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Title Track Origin: “High Hopes” was originally released as a B-side in the 1990s.
Album Credits
Bruce Springsteen: Lead vocals, guitar, harmonica
E Street Band & Guests:
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Tom Morello – Electric guitar, effects
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Roy Bittan – Keyboards
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Garry Tallent – Bass
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Max Weinberg – Drums
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Steven Van Zandt – Guitar
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Patti Scialfa – Backing vocals
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Clarence Clemons – Saxophone (archival recordings)
Production Team:
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Producer: Ron Aniello
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Engineers: Ron Aniello, Bob Clearmountain
Mini Review
High Hopes is Bruce Springsteen’s most fragmented yet daring release, blending reworked outtakes with fiery political statements. Tom Morello’s aggressive guitar injects urgency into tracks like “The Ghost of Tom Joad” and “American Skin,” while quieter moments add emotional depth. Though lacking the cohesion of a traditional studio album, High Hopes succeeds as a bold, restless, and confrontational snapshot of Springsteen’s ongoing creative evolution.
