http://www.viewpoints.com/Magic-10-2-by-Bruce-Springsteen-reviews Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:06:34 GMT Latest reviews about Magic [10/2] by Bruce Springsteen http://www.viewpoints.com/Magic-10-2-by-Bruce-Springsteen-review-19d54 Brendan O' Brien did a better job producing Magic than he did The Rising.  Musically, the album is slick, and not as muddy as The Rising.  Lots of guitar hooks and pop melodies a la Born in The USA and the upbeat songs on The River.  Lyrically, a very dark album.  Maybe like what Born in the USA was meant to be before his career caught fire.  Bruce is the best at what he does, and is an erudite musician and lyricist.  He has his finger on the pulse of what's REALLY going on in America.... Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:06:34 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Magic-10-2-by-Bruce-Springsteen-review-19d54 jmh 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Magic-10-2-by-Bruce-Springsteen-review-b7b71 <p>One can appreciate the changes in direction one <strong>Bruce Springsteen</strong> has taken the last few years.  From the stark, dark, and stripped down tones of 2005's <strong><em>Devils and Dust</em></strong>, to the folksy, triumphant tones of last year's <strong><em>We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions</em></strong>, Springsteen has been unafraid to challenge himself and his listeners.  This is never a bad thing.  Not only does it allow him a break from his E Street Band roots, it also allows him to feel refreshed when he decides to go back there.   </p><p>And on <strong><em>Magic</em></strong>, Springsteen's first album with the <strong>E Street Band</strong> in 5 years, he sounds as refreshed as he has been in a while.  OK, so maybe the lyrics aren't up to par with his legendary work from the 70s and 80s, but it isn't as if he's just jotting random words down either.  The songs have a glossy pop sheen on them, as producer Brendan O'Brien works his hardest to make these tracks the most crossover friendly since the Born in the USA album.</p><p>First single and lead track <em>Radio Nowhere</em> is a lighthearted...</p>... Wed, 10 Oct 2007 22:28:49 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Magic-10-2-by-Bruce-Springsteen-review-b7b71 MattA75 3