Bruce Springsteen – Magic (2007)
Release Date: October 2, 2007
Label: Columbia Records
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Rock / Heartland Rock / Alternative Rock
Length: 52:10
Producer: Brendan O’Brien
Overview
Magic is Bruce Springsteen’s fourteenth studio album and a powerful return to full-band rock following the acoustic intimacy of Devils & Dust. Reuniting once again with the E Street Band and producer Brendan O’Brien, Springsteen delivers a record that blends anthemic melodies, tight arrangements, and sharp political undercurrents.
Written during the final years of the George W. Bush administration, Magic addresses themes of illusion, manipulation, loss of truth, war, and disillusionment, often cloaked in personal stories rather than overt protest. Tracks like “Radio Nowhere,” “Gypsy Biker,” “Long Walk Home,” and “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” combine urgency with reflection, capturing a nation wrestling with its conscience.
Critically acclaimed upon release, Magic debuted at #1 in multiple countries and is widely regarded as one of Springsteen’s strongest late-career albums, balancing immediacy with depth.
Tracklist
-
Radio Nowhere – 3:20
-
You’ll Be Comin’ Down – 3:42
-
Livin’ in the Future – 3:56
-
Your Own Worst Enemy – 3:47
-
Gypsy Biker – 4:31
-
Girls in Their Summer Clothes – 4:20
-
I’ll Work for Your Love – 3:34
-
Magic – 5:39
-
Last to Die – 3:52
-
Long Walk Home – 4:35
-
Devil’s Arcade – 5:23
-
Terry’s Song – 4:11
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?
-
Political Undercurrent: While not explicitly political, the album reflects Springsteen’s disillusionment with government, war, and media manipulation.
-
Did You Know? “Radio Nowhere” was written as a critique of corporate radio and the loss of meaningful communication.
-
Modern Sound: Brendan O’Brien employed compressed, punchy production, giving the album a contemporary edge.
-
Emotional Centerpiece: “Long Walk Home” is often cited as one of Springsteen’s most poignant modern anthems.
-
Summer Contrast: “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” pairs bright melodies with lyrical melancholy, a classic Springsteen technique.
-
Tour: The Magic Tour was praised for its intensity and evolving setlists.
-
Tribute Track: “Terry’s Song” was written in memory of longtime assistant Terry Magovern.
-
Critical Praise: Frequently listed among the best rock albums of 2007 by major publications.
-
Legacy: Seen as part of Springsteen’s politically engaged trilogy, alongside The Rising and Wrecking Ball.
Album Credits
Bruce Springsteen: Lead vocals, guitar, harmonica
E Street Band:
-
Roy Bittan – Piano, keyboards
-
Clarence Clemons – Saxophone
-
Danny Federici – Organ, keyboards
-
Garry Tallent – Bass
-
Max Weinberg – Drums
-
Steven Van Zandt – Guitar, backing vocals
-
Patti Scialfa – Backing vocals
Production Team:
-
Producer: Brendan O’Brien
-
Engineers: Nick DiDia, Toby Scott
Mini Review
Magic is Bruce Springsteen’s most urgent and politically charged album since The Rising, pairing sharp social commentary with powerful E Street Band performances. Songs like “Radio Nowhere,” “Gypsy Biker,” and “Long Walk Home” blend anger, sorrow, and resolve, while melodic moments like “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” add emotional balance. With modern production and classic songwriting, Magic stands as a vital late-career highlight that proves Springsteen’s relevance in the 21st century.