Bruce Springsteen – We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions (2006)
Release Date: April 25, 2006
Label: Columbia Records
Type: Studio / Traditional Folk Album
Genre: Folk / Americana / Roots / Gospel
Length: 61:06
Producer: Bruce Springsteen
Overview
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions is Bruce Springsteen’s twelfth studio album and one of the most unexpected and joyful releases of his career. Inspired by the music of folk icon Pete Seeger, the album sees Springsteen abandoning his usual songwriting in favor of reinterpretations of traditional American folk, gospel, and protest songs.
Recorded live in the studio with a large ensemble of musicians, the album emphasizes spontaneity, communal performance, and roots authenticity. Songs like “O Mary Don’t You Weep,” “Pay Me My Money Down,” and the title track “We Shall Overcome” are infused with New Orleans rhythms, gospel harmonies, and old-time folk energy, creating a celebratory yet politically resonant atmosphere.
The album was widely praised for its warmth, vitality, and historical respect, introducing traditional folk music to a new generation while reaffirming Springsteen’s deep connection to American musical traditions.
Tracklist
-
Old Dan Tucker – 3:31
-
Jesse James – 4:40
-
Mrs. McGrath – 5:24
-
O Mary Don’t You Weep – 6:01
-
John Henry – 6:43
-
Erie Canal – 4:55
-
Jacob’s Ladder – 4:24
-
My Oklahoma Home – 4:54
-
Eyes on the Prize – 5:53
-
Shenandoah – 4:49
-
Pay Me My Money Down – 3:32
-
We Shall Overcome – 4:45
-
Froggie Went A-Courtin’ – 3:07
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?
-
Pete Seeger Tribute: The album is a direct homage to Pete Seeger, whose activism and folk legacy deeply influenced Springsteen.
-
Live-in-the-Studio Feel: Most tracks were recorded with musicians playing together in one room, capturing raw energy and imperfections.
-
Did You Know? Springsteen originally recorded these songs just for fun, with no intention of releasing an album.
-
Large Ensemble: The sessions featured over a dozen musicians, including horns, banjos, fiddles, tubas, and accordions.
-
Political Resonance: Songs like “We Shall Overcome” and “Eyes on the Prize” became associated with civil rights and protest movements.
-
Touring Impact: The Seeger Sessions Tour transformed Springsteen’s live shows into raucous, folk-driven celebrations.
-
Improvisation: Lyrics and arrangements were often altered on the spot, reinforcing the communal folk tradition.
-
Genre Shift: The album marked a sharp stylistic turn, surprising fans used to Springsteen’s rock-centric sound.
-
Critical Acclaim: Praised as exuberant, heartfelt, and culturally important, the album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200.
Album Credits
Bruce Springsteen: Lead vocals, guitar
The Seeger Sessions Band (selected):
-
Patti Scialfa – Vocals
-
Soozie Tyrell – Violin, vocals
-
Sam Bardfeld – Violin
-
Art Baron – Trombone
-
Clark Gayton – Trombone
-
Eddie Manion – Saxophone
-
Curt Ramm – Trumpet
-
Dan Levine – Tuba
-
Greg Liszt – Banjo
-
Frank Pagano – Percussion
Production Team:
-
Producer: Bruce Springsteen
-
Engineer: Toby Scott
Mini Review
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions is one of Bruce Springsteen’s most joyful and daring albums, trading rock anthems for communal folk celebration. Bursting with energy, spontaneity, and historical reverence, the record brings traditional songs to life through raucous arrangements and heartfelt performances. Rather than nostalgia, it feels vibrant and relevant, reaffirming Springsteen’s deep connection to American roots music and his role as a cultural bridge between generations.
