Bruce Springsteen’s Tracks II: The Lost Albums: 20 Essential Tracks to Hear First

Bruce Springsteen’s monumental Tracks II: The Lost Albums boasts 83 songs across seven previously unreleased albums. This guide highlights 20 essential tracks showcasing the breadth and depth of Springsteen’s artistry, spanning various styles and periods of his career.

Exploring the Diverse Soundscapes of Tracks II

Tracks II reveals a Springsteen far beyond the E Street Band’s arena rock anthems. The collection showcases his versatility, ranging from intimate, mid-fi recordings to grand orchestral ballads, from experimental drum-loop driven tracks to classic American songbook styles. The sheer volume of material presents a daunting task for listeners, but this curated selection offers a diverse entry point into the vast collection.

20 Essential Tracks from Tracks II: The Lost Albums

Album: Fugitives Dream

1. Unsatisfied Heart: A noir-ish tale of existential crisis, reflecting Springsteen’s personal struggles in 1983. The chorus’s unanswerable question resonates deeply with listeners. The song shares thematic elements with “Stolen Car” and “Cautious Man.”

2. Fugitives Dream: Two versions of this song, both telling the same story of a man haunted by his past, showcase Springsteen’s songwriting prowess.

Album: The Streets of Philadelphia Sessions

3. Farewell Party: This full-band track, initially built on drum loops, tells a poignant story of a couple facing the end of their relationship. The song’s shift from its initial drum-loop foundation highlights Springsteen’s willingness to evolve his sound.

4. Blind Spot: This dark and introspective opening track of The Streets of Philadelphia Sessions sets a stark tone for the entire album. It explores the hidden darkness of the human psyche.

Album: The Ghost of Tom Joad Sessions

5. Under a Big Sky: A swelling heartbreak ballad showcasing the interplay of Danny Federici’s organ and Marty Rifkin’s steel guitar. The song’s expansive sound and emotional intensity make it a standout track.

Album: Inyo

6. Inyo: A meticulously researched story-song detailing the human cost of water development in early 20th-century California. The song’s historical depth is complemented by a simple, memorable chorus.

7. The Lost Charro: A unique and unexpected track recorded with mariachi musicians, showcasing Springsteen’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles.

Album: L.A. Garage Sessions ’83

8. Sugarland: A finely crafted tale of the 1980s farm crisis, showcasing Springsteen’s ability to create emotional resonance even with simple instrumentation. The song’s demo-like quality adds to its intimacy.

Album: Somewhere North of Nashville

9. Blue Highway: A loping country shuffle showcasing Springsteen’s twangy vocals and Marty Rifkin’s masterful steel guitar. The song’s simplicity and emotional honesty are striking.

10. The Little Things: A surprisingly upbeat and explicit account of a one-night stand, highlighting Springsteen’s ability to tell intimate stories with remarkable detail.

11. Detail Man: A lighthearted tune boasting about sexual prowess using an automotive metaphor. The song’s playful nature contrasts with the more serious tracks on its album.

Album: A Perfect World

12. Perfect World: The title track of this album is a mournful ballad about regret and missed opportunities. The song’s deceptively simple melody and poignant lyrics create a powerful emotional impact.

Album: Faithless

13. All God’s Children: A powerful chain-gang gospel song with Springsteen’s blues-infused vocals.

14. Shut Out the Light: An alternate version of the Born in the U.S.A. B-side, this track delves deeper into the struggles of a troubled Vietnam veteran.

Album: The Reunion Tour Sessions

15. I’m Not Sleeping: A collaboration with Joe Grushecky, this song showcases Springsteen’s ability to connect with other songwriters and create unique musical partnerships.

Album: Twilight Hours

16. Late in the Evening: A poignant ballad about the sorrow of loss and the struggle to carry on after the death of a loved one. The song’s majestic string arrangement adds to its emotional impact.

17. High Sierra: An achingly tender ballad about a doomed relationship, showcasing Springsteen’s ability to craft beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics.

Other Notable Tracks:

18. My Love Will Not Let You Down: A heartfelt love song with a powerful emotional core.

19. The Wish: A song that explores themes of longing and hope.

20. You’re Missing: A tender ballad about the pain of loss.

This selection provides a strong starting point for exploring the vast and diverse musical landscape of Tracks II: The Lost Albums. Each track offers a glimpse into Springsteen’s creative process and his ability to craft compelling narratives through music. The full collection promises years of listening enjoyment.