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

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  1. EricS
    Apr 28, 2006
    5
    However well crafted it is, I don't listen to Springstein albums expecting to hear tributes to old folk singers. Admittedly, he does a great job with it, but it's just not true to his other albums, and sometimes different isn't a good thing. I know there are many hardcore fans that will eat up anything Mr. Springstein puts out, but as a casual listener looking for the However well crafted it is, I don't listen to Springstein albums expecting to hear tributes to old folk singers. Admittedly, he does a great job with it, but it's just not true to his other albums, and sometimes different isn't a good thing. I know there are many hardcore fans that will eat up anything Mr. Springstein puts out, but as a casual listener looking for the artists trademark rock and roll music, this is a tremendous disappointment. Buy this only if you are familiar with Pete Seeger or a fan of folk music in general… Expand
  2. TomP
    Jun 2, 2006
    5
    the music's uplifting, but the whole thing seems so contrived. i'd have much less trouble believing this whole backwoods, down-home, jugband act if he didn't charge $80 a ticket to his concerts.
  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 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 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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. AllMusic
    90
    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.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    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]
  3. Observer Music Monthly
    70
    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.
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