And Bruce references "wet panties" quite a bit throughout his book so...."mister, if you got the balls" is just bruce.

I would be totally fine with “wet panties”

the phrase "Wet panties" does turn me on

Death to my hometown is fantastic

Yes, this is really the only track I need from WB

Also his autobiography is just a fucking joy to read. I highly suggest it.

We have a copy because my wife read it...maybe I'll get to it someday

Yeah the autobiography is good. There was also a biography called Bruce that is really fantastic.

Another bonus!

The Promise - my overall rating B (this is the collection of somewhat re-recorded/fixed up b-sides from the Darkness on the Edge of Town sessions. It is a nice collection of songs that works best when Bruce is pulling from his influences and cutting some great oldies sounding tunes)

Songs to convert tree_: Racing in the Street ‘78, Because the Night, Ain’t Good Enough For You, Fire

Other good listening: Gotta Get That Feeling, Outside Looking In, One Way Street, Rendezvous, Save My Love, Spanish Eyes, Talk to Me, The Little Things (My Baby Does)

High Hopes - my overall rating C (this is not nearly as good as I remember it, and is really unnecessary. I will take the position, however controversial, that the electric version of The Ghost of Tom Joad works, though I prefer the original. It does not work for 41 Shots. There are a few good songs but this just feels like a lack of inspiration and a need to release something)

Songs to convert tree_: None

Other good listening: Frankie Fell in Love, Just Like Fire Would, Harry’s Place, The Ghost of Tom Joad, Dream Baby Dream

Of the three released versions, that I'm aware of anyway, the High Hopes version of American Skin (41 Shots) is the weakest in my opinion.

Western Stars - my overall rating A (this is a gorgeous album that really explores territory Bruce has only touched upon in the past and he does it exceptionally well. I get the feeling this is a one off attempt at this sound but a great effort nonetheless.)

Songs to convert tree_: The Wayfarer, Tucson Train, There Goes My Miracle, Hello Sunshine

Also good listening: Hitchhiking, Western Stars, Sleepy Joe’s Cafe, Chasing Wild Horses (particularly the outtro), Stones, Moonlight Motel

Okay, I made it in less than 2 weeks. I am coming out of this a much bigger fan of Springsteen than I started. I’ll post my rankings after this journey shortly.

Rankings post Bruce journey:

Born to Run
Darkness on the Edge of Town
The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle
The River
Nebraska
Born in the USA
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
Magic
Western Stars
The Rising
Wrecking Ball
Greetings From Asbury Park
Tunnel of Love
The Ghost of Tom Joad
Devils & Dust
Lucky Town
Working on a Dream
High Hopes
Human Touch

Giving Western Stars an initial listen. While nothing is really standing out on it's own - this is a pretty great album

Yeah I think it's a well made record. I'd even call it a good record. But I'm not sure there's much that'll keep calling and keep me coming back over the years.

Don't you think it is a little too early to be making such a prediction?

Moonlight motel just played 5 times in a row.

What a beautiful tune.

No

I don't see how my "prediction" is any more premature than others who are ranking it in Bruce's top 10.

I've listened to it a couple of times. And I don't feel like listening to it again. How is that too early to call?

Because it's not years from now. Maybe Moonlight Motel will seep into your soul.

I think most people here agree it is the best thing he's done since Magic. That is not exactly a high bar.