Bruce Springsteen – Human Touch (1992)
Release Date: March 31, 1992
Label: Columbia Records
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Rock / Heartland Rock / Pop-Rock
Length: 55:46
Producer: Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Plotkin, Jon Landau
Overview
Human Touch is Bruce Springsteen’s ninth studio album and one of two albums he released in 1992, alongside Lucky Town. Departing from the classic E Street Band sound, Human Touch features a more polished, contemporary rock style, with synthesizers, drum programming, and layered production.
The album explores themes of love, relationships, hope, and emotional resilience, with tracks like “Human Touch,” “Better Days,” “57 Channels (And Nothin’ On),” and “Roll of the Dice.” While it achieved commercial success, reaching #2 on the Billboard 200, critics were divided, noting the absence of the E Street Band’s signature energy but praising Springsteen’s songwriting.
Human Touch reflects a period of personal and professional change for Springsteen, capturing both introspection and optimism in the early 1990s.
Tracklist
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Human Touch – 6:28
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Soul Driver – 4:40
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57 Channels (And Nothin’ On) – 3:57
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Cross My Heart – 5:35
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Glory Days (New Version) – 4:30
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With Every Wish – 4:38
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Roll of the Dice – 4:47
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I Wish I Were Blind – 3:27
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Real Man – 4:31
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All or Nothin’ at All – 5:17
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Man’s Job – 4:58
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I’ll Fall Apart – 3:53
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Split Era: Human Touch was released simultaneously with Lucky Town, reflecting Springsteen’s dual focus on commercial rock and personal introspection.
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E Street Band Absence: Most tracks do not feature the E Street Band, marking a notable departure in sound and production.
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Did You Know? The album’s title track, “Human Touch,” became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Springsteen’s ability to craft mainstream rock hits.
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Themes: Explores relationships, human connection, hope, and resilience amid personal and societal challenges.
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Recording: Sessions took place at Thrill Hill Recording in Los Angeles, featuring a mix of session musicians and guest artists.
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Critical Reception: Critics praised Springsteen’s lyrical depth but noted the slick production and lack of live energy compared to classic E Street Band recordings.
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Music Videos: Videos for “Human Touch” and “57 Channels” received MTV airplay, boosting the album’s commercial appeal.
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Legacy: While not considered one of Springsteen’s strongest albums, it contains standout tracks that continue to be performed live.
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Cultural Impact: The album reflects Springsteen’s early 1990s experimentation with contemporary rock and production techniques.
Album Credits
Bruce Springsteen: Vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass, drum programming
Additional Musicians:
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Roy Bittan: Piano, keyboards
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Jeff Porcaro: Drums
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Randy Jackson: Bass
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Kenny Aronoff: Drums
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Several session musicians contributed guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals.
Production Team:
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Producers: Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Plotkin, Jon Landau
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Engineers: Toby Scott, Dave Thoener
Mini Review
Human Touch marks a transitional period in Springsteen’s career, blending polished 1990s rock production with his signature storytelling. Tracks like “Human Touch” and “Better Days” highlight themes of love, hope, and resilience, while the absence of the E Street Band gives the album a more introspective, studio-driven sound. Though less celebrated than his classic works, it remains an interesting and melodic exploration of Springsteen’s evolving artistry.
