The first time Joe Grushecky and Bruce Springsteen collaborated, they covered some dark and bloody ground. Joe’s landmark American Babylon was produced by Bruce, who appears on almost every track on the 1995 album.
Their next project together–eleven years later–was a whole lot lighter. Joe’s 2006 album A Good Life was as bright and optimistic as its title suggests.
This time Bruce appeared on four tracks, including the comparatively dark, Grammy-winning “Code of Silence,” a song the pair co-wrote years earlier.
The other songs tapped a different vein, though. “Is She The One” and “A Good Life” are bright, happy songs (“uncharacteristically happy,” Joe noted with a laugh when we discussed the albums several months back), and Bruce chose them specifically for his contributions, which he recorded remotely from his home studio in Rumson.
With a happy riff and sweet backing vocals from Bruce, “Is She The One” came out pure pop confection. Take a listen and see for yourself–and if you’re inclined, pick up the album at Joe’s website.
Is She the One
Recorded: February 2006
Released: A Good Life (2006)
Never performed
