We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
by Bruce Springsteen
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Apr 25, 2006
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Q Magazine
    60
    It might not add up to a must-have, but it's good to hear Springsteen with the pressure off. [Jun 2006, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. NOW Magazine
    40
    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.

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best Album of 2006
53
#53 Most Discussed Album of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 71 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 79
  3. Negative: 5 out of 79
  1. Ricko
    Sep 26, 2013
    8
    The Boss indulges himself by taking a trip through time to visit some of his influences. It's a fascinating project that brings a set ofThe Boss indulges himself by taking a trip through time to visit some of his influences. It's a fascinating project that brings a set of classic folk songs (a perhaps artists)to a whole new generation. Parts of this remind me of Billy Bragg and Wilco's "Mermaid Avenue" project in that while this is a modern record its got a sound from another time.
    The majority of the songs on "We Shall Overcome" have a bluster and an energy about them that are tailor made for Springsteen's style and you can really see how this kind of music influenced him on his "Wrecking Ball" album. While I can't say I absolutely love this record (I just prefer Springsteen when he's doing his own thing), I don't think there is a bad track on it and it is an enjoyable listening experience. "Mrs McGrath" and "Pay Me My Money Down" are the standout tracks for me but the whole record is worth getting into.    … Full Review »
  2. johne
    Dec 6, 2006
    10
    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
  3. brendanb
    Jul 28, 2006
    5
    It's ok but........... I love Bruce but others have been here before and done this better. Listen to the Pogues 'Red Roses for 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.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »