Thirty-five years as a justifiable rock musician allows Bruce Springsteen an opinion on the state of over-the-air radio, and he takes it--and takes the medium to the woodshed on the ruthless "Radio Nowhere." The opening smash sets the tone, with the ageless Boss wondering, "Is there anybody out there?" before imploring, "I just want to hear some rhythm." Then, with E Street Band in tow, Springsteen goes on to retrace every step between here and Greetings from Asbury Park, hand-delivering more could-be, would-be hits than anything he's done since Born in the USA. Credit producer Brendan O'Brien for the wall of sound that backs "Girls in Their Summer Clothes," which sets the atmosphere for one of the great vocal performances by Springsteen, who plays the misfit "in the cool of the evening light" watching the girls "pass me by." With piano, glockenspiel, and infinite guitars, the rocker "I'll Work for Your Love" recalls The River, with Springsteen even settling for blue-collar hero in matters of the heart. "Livin' in the Future" could be an out-take from Darkness on the Edge of Town, with shades of Election Day blasting away with the boastful sax of Clarence Clemons and Little Steven's relentless backing vocals. There's even a hint of Nebraska on "Terry's Song," an earnest (and mostly solo) accolade with Springsteen acknowledging the death of a friend: "When they built you, brother/They broke the mold." The hidden track closes this unforeseen comeback, and for 48 minutes the nearly 60-year-old Bruce Springsteen sounds 35 again. --Scott Holter

a music cd. classical rock

Magic, Bruce Springsteen's new studio recording and his first with the E Street Band in five years, is set for release by Columbia records on October 2, 2007. Produced and mixed by Brendan O'Brien, the album features eleven new Springsteen songs and was recorded at southern tracks recording studio in Atlanta, Ga.

Magic, Bruce Springsteen's new studio recording and his first with the E Street Band in five years, is set for release by Columbia records on October 2, 2007. Produced and mixed by Brendan O'Brien, the album features eleven new Springsteen songs and was recorded at southern tracks recording studio in Atlanta, Ga.

this is the BEST album of 1987!

Way to age gracefully, Bruce.

We have both CD and LP, both have poor sound quality-distorted midrange to treble. Previously only played on computer/and MP3 players, did not notice inferior quality until we played both CD and LP on our nicer stereo system.
We love Springsteen, this would be one of his best albums ever except for the sound quality.

Finally got a chance to hear this on loan from my local library. Others might do the same if curious and spare the grief of listening as if Phil Spector's downstairs neighbor. I am terribly disappointed in Mr. Springsteen for this recent entry into his discography as it's merit will forever fail on the overtly compressed production engineering tapped only for the mp3 age. It certainly makes 'Nebraska' and it's living room production a 5 star and the initially flawed mastering on Columbia's first 'Born to Run' compact disc seem just pristine. Now unfortunately producer O'Brian is at the helm of the new 'Working on a Dream'.

As for "C. Perry" review re: >It's overproduced and almost unlistenable. It has violins. Violins on a Springsteen album!!!!! < check Suki Lahav - thems good violins!!!!!

"Magic" is not one of my favorite Springsteen sets. I waited for a year for the price to come down and am glad I bought a used budget copy. My failure to connect with this set is because the songs blend together for me. My favorite track is "Living in the Future" with a great rocking sound that E-Street blows out the roof. Springsteen's vocals on the track are committed, "My faith's been torn asunder, tell me is that rollin' thunder or just the sinkin' sound of somethin' righteous goin' under?" However, the song sounds much better to me in a playlist rotation with other artists rather than in the context of "Magic." The opening track "Radio Nowhere" is also good with its booming throbbing, "Bouncing off a satellite, crushin' the last lone American night." "Your Own Worst Enemy," "Gypsy Biker," & "I'll Work for Your Love" sound like replays of better Springsteen songs from the past. Perhaps Bruce's new "Dreams" CD will be better! Taxi!

This is a great collection of songs. The absolute standout for me is "Girls in their Summer Clothes". It's perfect!