The Promise - Bruce Springsteen
The Promise Image
Metascore
94 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: As a collection of recordings from 1978, The Promise has been heralded as the great lost Springsteen album, comprising previously unreleased B-sides from the Darkness on the Edge of Town sessions.
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Genre(s): Singer/Songwriter, Pop/Rock, Contemporary Pop/Rock, Album Rock, Rock & Roll, Heartland Rock
  • More Details and Credits »

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Mojo
    Dec 20, 2010
    100
    Ultimately, the official album remains the crucible of the artist who flourishes to this day. [Dec 2010, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Hartford Courant
    Dec 23, 2010
    100
    The Promise demonstrates how wide-ranging Springsteen's musical interests and abilities were when he was 27.
  3. BBC Music
    Dec 8, 2010
    100
    The Promise is as compelling an advert for the Boss's beautiful, blue-collar soul as you're likely to find outside of the hits; an indispensible portrait of an artist at the top of his game. File this one under American Greats.
  4. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jan 4, 2011
    80
    In the end, the artificial pop of The Promise makes it, as a whole, a more realistic album.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. jethibea
    10
    Awesome awesome awesome awesome awesome! Listened to the whole thing front to back last night. The vinyl pressing sounds great, so anyone reluctant to throw down almost $50 for it, know at least that you are getting an excellent sounding, very good quality pressing. No extras, just the songs, but that's all that matters. There's also a bonus song at the end making it an even 22 songs.

    There are maybe two just ok tracks on the entire set. The rest are either good, great, or among his best. I've read a couple of mixed reviews stating that there are not many standouts here besides the ones (Because the Night, Fire) that everyone already knows. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are many moments of pop brilliance throughout this set. Anyone who gives this set less than they gave 'Working on a Dream' is out of their freaking mind.

    You'll be listening to this lost album for years and years to come, it's worth it. Go buy it! Now!!!!!!!!    … Expand
  2. patedugan
    10
    This amazing box set is worth it for the full live concert from Houston '78 alone...an absolutely amazing performance showing Bruce & The E Street Band at the height of their powers. Totally scorching. Add in the remastered original album, 2 CDs of unreleased material, the behind-the-scenes documentary, more live/rehearsal footage and the beautiful packaging giving a glimpse into Springsteen's songwriting notebooks and this is a BARGAIN at $80. An absolute must-have for any Springsteen fan.
    Comment    … Collapse
  3. Jimmor
    10
    The deluxe boxed set is a revelation in several ways. First, thereâ
  4. rossboss123
    10
    Bruce Springsteenâ

See all 9 User Reviews

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