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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.

We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
by Bruce Springsteen


9.0

based on 25 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 63 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album

Devils & Dust

MUSIC:

Official Artist Site

The Boss' first all-covers album contains 13 tracks associated with folkie Pete Seeger.

LABEL:	Sony
RELEASE DATE:	25 April 2006
DISCS:	1 disc
GENRE(S):	Rock

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

E! Online

It's quite possibly his best album since 1982's Nebraska.

Entertainment Weekly

We Shall Overcome lets us revel in the sound of a man who no longer confuses unplugged with uninspiring--and who isn't afraid to mix in some merriment with the message. [28 Apr 2006, p.134]

All Music Guide

Not only does We Shall Overcome feel different than Bruce's work; it also feels different than Seeger's music.... It's a rambunctious, freewheeling, positively joyous record unlike any other in Springsteen's admittedly rich catalog.

PopMatters

But this isn’t a hoary breathing of air into faded songs; this is a sonic transfusion on the order of the Mermaid Avenue records.

Delusions of Adequacy

Springsteen does more than just an adequate job; it’s difficult not to get swept along by the infectious energy of his performance.

Austin Chronicle

It's music-making for the pure joy of it, and that delight overflows in a manner that's truly rare.

Pitchfork

Less an exhumation than a celebration, The Seeger Sessions is the best proof we've got that America's folksongs are also our finest artifacts.

The Onion (A.V. Club)

While this record remains absolutely likeable, it still sounds too much like the soundtrack for a concert that hasn't happened yet.

Billboard

This folk album is a loud, energetic, arena-ready fiesta.

cokemachineglow

It’s wild music, and it’s wildly musical, and, yeah, it’s probably the most wonderfully raw production Springsteen’s talent has ever been channeled through.

Dot Music

Rambunctious and packed with a lust for life, "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Seesions" is not only Springsteen's rowdiest set in years, it's the one that seems likely to win him a whole new audience.

Uncut

A powerful example of how songs reverberate through the years to accrue contemporary meaning. [Jun 2006, p.92]

Rolling Stone

His most jubilant disc since Born in the U.S.A. and more fun than a tribute to Pete Seeger has any right to be.

The Guardian

Unlike many of his recent recordings, this is an addictively exuberant album.

Mojo

Many who don't like Springsteen may love this. Many who love Springsteen may hate this. [Jun 2006, p.100]

Village Voice (Consumer Guide)

We shall overkill, he means.

Stylus Magazine

The Boss’ most lively release since Born in the USA.

Paste Magazine

At long last, Springsteen has realized that not every album has to be an attempted masterpiece. [Jun/Jul 2006, p.111]

Spin

[Springsteen's] loosest, most vigorous album in two decades. [Jun 2006, p.84]

Observer Music Monthly

The problem is that these songs are mostly too corny to have much drama restored to them. This is not folk music as mystery or romance or danger but as communal singalong.

Blender

Most of the album is more fun than a folkie could stand. [Jun 2006, p.147]

ShakingThrough.net

Springsteen sounds natural enough singing many of these songs, but we never forget that that's Bruce Springsteen -- Bruce "Born to Run," "Born in the USA" Springsteen -- singing these songs, and the necessary baggage that the rocker's voice brings with it raises unavoidable questions of intent.

New Musical Express

This is a folk-gospel tribute album with harmony and backing vocals so powerful you'd think it was the population of New Jersey marching in Technicolor over the grey, polluted Hudson singing along. [22 Apr 2006, p.39]

Q Magazine

It might not add up to a must-have, but it's good to hear Springsteen with the pressure off. [Jun 2006, p.112]

NOW Magazine

The gusto with which Springsteen delivers the many verses of Froggie Went A-Courtin' leaves me wondering if the millionaire everyman is simply unaware that his country is at war.

The average user rating for this album is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 63 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

john e gave it a10:
I think this is the best bruce has done it inspired me to pick up my guitar and banjo and play I hope he gives us more

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
Seeger Sessions is a fantastic album (in my opinion, the best Springsteen's put out in years). From the energetic opener Old Dan Tucker I knew I knew I was in for a treat and I wasn't disappointed. One of my top 5 records released this year.

brendan b gave it a5:
It's ok but........... I love Bruce but others have been here before and done this better. Listen to the Pogues 'Red Roses for Me'' or 'Rum Sodomy and the Lash' or anything by the Dubliners for the same or similar songs done with more passion and credibility. Bruce's version of Mrs McGrath seems tortuous. Noel Murphy's comic interpretation is more memorable and has more punch. I don't like the packaging of this album, as if it's a bottle of Jack Daniels, either.

Josh F gave it a10:
Springsteen does an excellent job of reviving some old classics.

Pete gave it a10:
You gotta love it!!!

Tere gave it a10:
I wasn't sure i'd like Springsteen doing folky songs but it is a great album! Am watching PBS special Seeger Sessions in concert and it he is terrific.

[Anonymous] gave it a10:
Fun, poignant, alive. I'll never doubt Bruce again.

We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions by Bruce Springsteen

We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
by Bruce Springsteen