I’m a huge Springsteen fan. I have to admit I don’t think this is particularly strong work- both lyrically and in vocal delivery. The way he squeezes "Minneapolis” into rhythmic space where it doesn’t quite fit really grates on me (MIN-e-a-’plis).
That said, I’m glad he wrote and released it, I hope it gets play and attention, and I wish more people in positions of wealth and power and cultural influence (well, among a particular demographic) would be half as direct as he is, and would use their platforms in similar ways.
Don’t be too harsh, remember that he wrote it last Sunday, recorded it on Tuesday and released it on Wednesday. I don’t think there ever has been a song released in such a rush, and given this it’s a mighty strong statement.
Totally acknowledged! And I appreciate that he felt like now was the time for a song and made it happen. And am glad he did. But, since it’s Cafe Society, I felt like I should at least mention some of the artistic misses, even if they have good reason. This was a political act more than an artistic one. He’s written some amazing music in response to charged and heavily political moments- to me this one doesn’t make the greatest hits list of Springsteen’s political oeuvre.
Right. Let’s say that with the time difference both news arrived the same day in my neck of the woods. For me both events are inextricably linked together. But yes, I know the nitpicking game, I’ve played it often enough myself. Not complaining.
Not a huge Springsteen fan, more a casual occasional listener, although we did travel to see him in concert in Philly. As a casual listener and not a musician I like this as music more than most of his work. First I prefer his current voice to his older stuff. But more so is its rough edgedness is part of its power. His work is often telling fictional vignettes, and fiction can deliver emotional hits when well delivered; this though is more direct raw emotion and anger. Punk it ain’t but it still gains power in the same way.
Not a song that would benefit from fine tuning and highly producing it. IMHO.
My first reaction was “Helluva song! But… has he ever said the word “Minneapolis” before?”
My comment to the friend who sent me the song was:
Y’know how Donald is tone-deaf to the meaning of songs, like YMCA? Maybe he’ll have Bruce perform this on the White House lawn and proclaim: “Heh, heh. 'King Trump’! Love this song!”
When I saw the title I braced for a Elton John-style reworking of ‘Streets of Philadelphia’, so that was a relief, anyway. Not a huge Bruce fan, or especially impressed by the song musically, but it is impressive that he got it written and recorded and out to the world so quickly.
I’m still working on Squeaky Tank, about the unsung hero of 6/14/25…
I’m glad you said that, because i felt the same. I enjoy a lot of his work. But this one was a little off, especially the way he said the word “Minneapolis”. I sent my husband (who is a huge Springsteen fan) a link with the comment: There a new Bruce Springsteen song out today, on YouTube. It’s not his best musically, imho. But it’s timely. “Streets of Minneapolis”.
But parts of it were very moving. And I’m happy he released it. I hope it helps.
Read about how CSNY put out “Ohio” a great and classic song that is still played on radio today. Young wrote it in about an hour. They recorded it in a couple of takes. Then recorded the B side (Find the Cost of Freedom). It was rushed to print despite the fact that it would be in direct competition with “Teach Your Children” which was charting at the time. Of course it wasn’t as simple as loading to YouTube since vinyl copies had to be pressed and shipped.
With the Springsteen song I can appreciate the sentiment behind the song and still not like it as a song. Personally I think it’s pretty bad. I’ll struggle to get to the end later.
