Bruce Springsteen Releases 83-Song Box Set Tracks II

Bruce Springsteen's recent release, Tracks II: The Lost Albums, is a comprehensive box set featuring seven albums and 83 unreleased songs spanning 1983 to 2018, showcasing his vast archive of work that didn't make it onto his studio albums. While this collection contains some noteworthy tracks like "Don’t Back Down" and "The Klansman," critics suggest that the best of Springsteen's work remains on his main albums, with many unreleased songs feeling like incomplete ideas or retracing past successes. Despite its depth, Tracks II achieved significant commercial success, debuting at No. 2 on multiple UK charts, though it was edged out by Lorde's Virgin album, and it did secure the No. 1 spot on the UK Official Americana chart. Springsteen’s career highlights also include powerful songs like "Streets of Philadelphia," which won him an Academy Award, and "Secret Garden," both demonstrating his ability to capture deep emotional narratives beyond typical rock themes. Reflecting on his legacy, Springsteen has expressed profound satisfaction with his 2002 album The Rising, which he feels surpasses even the iconic Born to Run in personal significance, especially given its timing post-9/11 and the enduring presence of the E Street Band. Overall, while the new archival release adds to Springsteen's extensive catalog, it reinforces that his marquee albums remain the cornerstone of his artistic impact.