HIGH HOPES - The new album from the "Boss"

HIGH HOPES: The title track and opener. Know the song already of the "Blood Brothers" DVD. Back then, I was thrilled, now somewhat disillusioned. A number that goes into the ear well, but I did not have socks off. The last Springsteen-opener indeed that was "Radio Nowhere" from the Magic album. So I think succeeded HIGH HOPES not - still a nice entry.
-> 3/5

HARRY'S PLACE: After I read the title, I had jitters that it could be "Mary's Place" a song like. Far from it: This song is very atmospheric and tight therefore. Am positively surprised.
-> 4/5

American Skin (41 shots): Known by the NYC-Live-DVD. I liked because better than now as a studio version. Nevertheless, there remains a great song with a strong statement.
-> 5/5

JUST LIKE FIRE WOULD: Reminded me at first listen somehow to Joe Cocker "Fire it up". Disagree entirely my taste, but is a very nice, quite danceable number.
-> 3/5

DOWN IN THE HOLE: Absolute surprise. Would have fit well on "Magic" in my opinion. Very urgently. The melody is reminiscent of "I'm on Fire".
-> 4/5

HEAVEN'S WALL: Nice pop number, quite melodic. All in all, quite "audible".
-> 3/5

FRANKIE FELL IN LOVE: Reminds me a bit of "My Lucky Day" and likes better than HEAVEN'S WALL me. Texlich though less strongly. Ne nice number.
-> 4/5

THIS IS YOUR SWORD: Ripples for me so there. No song that I would wegspulen, but not one that grabs me. One of the weaker songs.
-> 2/5

HUNTER OF INVISIBLE GAME: Cute pop waltz, which, however, not knocks me. How THIS IS YOUR SWORD a weaker number.
-> 2/5

The Ghost of Tom Joad: New edition in rock garb. The duet me Morello works great. His guitar solos fit very well. Strong number.
-> 4/5

THE WALL: abolute pearl of the album. Very quiet and lyrically great. My personal highlight.
-> 5/5

DREAM BABY DREAM: A cover song at the end. Personally, I like the song umheimlich. Found the live version of the "Devils & Dust" tour already class. Very vividly and as I find it very emotional. Especially when you know to the appropriate video.
-> 5/5

CONCLUSION:
An album from "Boss", which has its downs, especially in the middle. At the end I think coming to 3 very strong pieces that stuck. Recalls at least partly on the rising or MAGIC and is much stronger than WORKING ON A DREAM.

-> 4/5