“Atlantic City” ranks high among Bruce’s best songwriting accomplishments. Rooted deeply in time and place, it tells of the hope of resurrection that never quite pans out.
Category: Roll of the Dice
“Bring on the Night” is one of the weaker outtakes on Tracks, but it offers insight into its descendant, “My Love Will Not Let You Down.”
“Lift Me Up” is a delicate, ethereal coda to Limbo, John Sayles’ brilliant film.
A fascinating work-in-progress that eventually led to “Janey, Don’t You Lose Heart.”
“Jesus Was an Only Son” is a quiet reflection on the pain of losing a child. It transcends its religious imagery and resonates with any parent with children on the verge of adulthood.
“Nebraska” is a song of disconnection and alienation. It’s one of Bruce’s most powerful compositions.
“I Need You” and “Ruled by the Gun” — two unreleased works-in-progress with a common melody but very different lyrics. The former is an anti-romantic ballad that never quite gelled.
A Human Touch outtake stronger than much of that album, “30 Days Out” deserves an official album release.
“The Honeymooners,” like “County Fair,” chronicles a single perfect day, time-out-of-time, through a delicate series of fleeting wedding day impressions.
“Mary Mary” is a lovely and melancholy Magic outtake that *almost* made it on High Hopes and ultimately escaped the vault on Record Store Day, 2014.