Western Stars
by Bruce Springsteen
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jun 14, 2019
User Score
7.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 103 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 74 out of 103
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 103
  3. Negative: 19 out of 103
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  1. pedroflores
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    The Boss latest work revolves (both musically and lyrically) around love, wanderlusting, loneliness and nostalgic moments from the past and present, it is truly a masterpiece, full of anecdotes and brave, passionate messages.
  2. Filmix16
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    Western Stars is a masterpiece ! Best album since The Rising ! Magic was really great , working as a Dream , High Hope, Wrecking Ball was really great too ! But Western Stars it’s an instant classic like Nebraska, Tunnel of Love ! Thanks Bruce for this beautiful music !
  3. sicrano
    Dec 11, 2019
    10
    Western Stars is another masterpiece by the boss, is short kind of completely different album by Springsteen, had so many orcherstration, synths lines for me is a very welcome change, beautiful and intimidating songs, Bruce beautiful vocals with some guitar here some orcherstra there and synth lines.
  4. Bigbonesbilly
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    Every 3 or 4 years it's time for a new Bruce album and the obligatory return to form reviews, 3 months later it's all 'what were we thinking?'. Along comes Western Stars, and it begins again - except not this time. It didn't augur well, 3 singles released, good, but to honest, no New York City Serenade, or even Wild Billys Circus. But wait a moment, sitting here in context and inEvery 3 or 4 years it's time for a new Bruce album and the obligatory return to form reviews, 3 months later it's all 'what were we thinking?'. Along comes Western Stars, and it begins again - except not this time. It didn't augur well, 3 singles released, good, but to honest, no New York City Serenade, or even Wild Billys Circus. But wait a moment, sitting here in context and in magnificent company, they not only make more sense, they sound wonderful, as does the rest of the Western Stars. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss (sort of) - We got him back… Expand
  5. Rharney6
    Jun 14, 2019
    9
    So, largely, I lost track of Springsteen after "Born in the USA" (by the way has any musical artist had a better decade than Bruce from "Greetings...." to "Born in the USA"? The Beatles I guess, who did it in eight.) Was I bored? Maybe, and I know how heretical that sounds. With this album I'm interested again. But then I'm old enough to get the '70s cues thrown in here and find theirSo, largely, I lost track of Springsteen after "Born in the USA" (by the way has any musical artist had a better decade than Bruce from "Greetings...." to "Born in the USA"? The Beatles I guess, who did it in eight.) Was I bored? Maybe, and I know how heretical that sounds. With this album I'm interested again. But then I'm old enough to get the '70s cues thrown in here and find their pairing with his traditional storytelling themes evocative. Orchestral arrangements? A vocal that actually goes occasionally into a higher register? For some reason they shake me loose from what I thought I expected of him and that's a good thing.… Expand
  6. Tywwia
    Jun 14, 2019
    9
    If you're looking for Born To Run, this isn't it. It's also not the Wild and Innocent, nor is it Born in the USA, Tom Joad or Tunnel of Love. It's not anything Bruce has done before. What it is, though, is good. 13 short slices from various characters life, with a different sound than you've heard before. If you need a guitar solo or a sax, then there are other Bruce records to listen to.If you're looking for Born To Run, this isn't it. It's also not the Wild and Innocent, nor is it Born in the USA, Tom Joad or Tunnel of Love. It's not anything Bruce has done before. What it is, though, is good. 13 short slices from various characters life, with a different sound than you've heard before. If you need a guitar solo or a sax, then there are other Bruce records to listen to. If you want stories, feelings, people, and sound, this is it.… Expand
  7. eddiepine
    Jun 14, 2019
    0
    Péssimo álbum. Entediante. O Bruce deveria estar aposentado. A crítica "especializada" só está dando uma nota alta pois está recebendo recursos. Nota zero!
  8. Alcave
    Jun 14, 2019
    5
    A closing reminiscent of the spirit of The Ghost of Tom Joad, an album that is conscientiously sober and crude, but never sufficiently valued. There, in that record with a blurry picture on the cover and in which the American West was portrayed by the losers, there was a real atmosphere. The prints did not seem filmed by a superproducer disembarking with a preconceived idea but wereA closing reminiscent of the spirit of The Ghost of Tom Joad, an album that is conscientiously sober and crude, but never sufficiently valued. There, in that record with a blurry picture on the cover and in which the American West was portrayed by the losers, there was a real atmosphere. The prints did not seem filmed by a superproducer disembarking with a preconceived idea but were fragments and vivacious stories of a documentary filmmaker traveling through unknown territory for a boy from New Jersey but also for someone lost in his fame. Then, Springsteen's character was also blurred and he did not pretend to be a thoroughbred as if taken from a poster touched up by Photoshop. Then, the character had not finished devouring Springsteen, that magnificent musician and composer spoiled once more.… Expand
  9. Miguel_mIgs
    Jun 16, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Boring and uninspired, was hoping for a great album from Springsteen but this just sounded very pained. No clear direction which is a pity.… Expand
  10. Bezu68
    Jun 16, 2019
    3
    Cliched, repetitive and overblown orchestrations make this the worst Springsteen album of his career.
  11. Ricko
    Sep 21, 2019
    8
    As a major fan, I always welcome new Springsteen albums with open arms. He no longer can guarantee home runs. I don't count "The Promise" here as it was dug out of his archives but for me, he's released three really great albums in the last 20 years with "Wrecking Ball", "Devils and Dust" and "The Rising". The rest of his output has been quite good, always pleasant and enjoyable butAs a major fan, I always welcome new Springsteen albums with open arms. He no longer can guarantee home runs. I don't count "The Promise" here as it was dug out of his archives but for me, he's released three really great albums in the last 20 years with "Wrecking Ball", "Devils and Dust" and "The Rising". The rest of his output has been quite good, always pleasant and enjoyable but without being close to top table Springsteen. So it is that with "Western Stars", his first collection of new material in 5 years (or 7 if you disregard "High Hopes"), expectations aren't necessarily that high. Springsteen is taking stock and looking back here. The album takes bits and pieces from his hall of fame back catalog and past and channels them into a mature, slow tempo record.

    Opener "Hitchhiker" is up there with some of his best stripped down acoustic songs. "Stones" is a superbly beautiful song and a must hear. "There Goes My Miracle" is another standout while "Tucson Train" with its Bacharach ambitions is also notable. The rest of the album falls into the category of "quite good, always pleasant and enjoyable but without being close to top table Springsteen".    … Expand
  12. LebowskiRams
    Jun 14, 2019
    7
    A solid album overall that will leave you anticipating the next E-Street album. One critic did make a good point about the orchestral arrangements not fitting the mood but said arrangements pay off to some degree. There are some solid lyricism and storytelling that, conceptually, is akin to a much lighter — though not as powerful — Nebraska. There Goes My Miracle is a low valley, butA solid album overall that will leave you anticipating the next E-Street album. One critic did make a good point about the orchestral arrangements not fitting the mood but said arrangements pay off to some degree. There are some solid lyricism and storytelling that, conceptually, is akin to a much lighter — though not as powerful — Nebraska. There Goes My Miracle is a low valley, but Moonlight Motel is a towering peak.… Expand
  13. Pollution
    Jun 20, 2019
    10
    Modern masterpiece. The Boss knows how to tell stories. Western Stars is a beautiful journey through characters that represent some broken Americans dreams.
  14. MrSirGuy
    Jun 17, 2019
    6
    This album is ok. It felt pretty monotonous at times because of the orchestral arrangements lack variety and overall sound pretty "cheesy" throughout the album. There are some tracks with excellent storytelling like "Hitch Hikin'" but also some that are flat. I have to give credit to The Boss because hes 69 years old but that doesnt detract from the fact this album is average
  15. wowee
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    Oh my God ! After all these years and The Boss, oh what I can say IS STILL THE BOSS . Every inch in America the lives, the people everything to be felt in his music. He's the greatest symbol of The United States of America ...........................
  16. Sseliger
    Jun 16, 2019
    4
    This a well-written album, with a solid, although not perfect performance from Springsteen, ruined by some of the sappiest string arrangements ever laid on wax.
  17. Littlegizmo
    Jun 29, 2019
    1
    I am a bruce springsteen fan but this album is honnestly really bad ... the boss can do much better... :(
  18. petrichor1975
    Jun 14, 2019
    7
    Bruce Springsteen's newest record, "Western Stars", is a magnificent blend of country pop and dreamy balladry. "The Wayfarer" sports a shimmering, yet subdued vibraphone, some glorious string and horn arrangements (as do mostly all the songs on the album), and beautiful countermelodies that compliment the simplicity of the song. "Tuscon Train", one of the singles from the record, is aBruce Springsteen's newest record, "Western Stars", is a magnificent blend of country pop and dreamy balladry. "The Wayfarer" sports a shimmering, yet subdued vibraphone, some glorious string and horn arrangements (as do mostly all the songs on the album), and beautiful countermelodies that compliment the simplicity of the song. "Tuscon Train", one of the singles from the record, is a classic and is one of the more appealing songs on "Western Stars".

    "Sleepy Joe's Cafe" and "Chasin' Wild Horses" are among the highlights of the record as well, as they stand out against the curtain of all the country pop on this album. However, mid-record is when Springsteen's mellow western sound becomes a bit tiring. "There Goes My Miracle" is where that feeling of tiredness ends. It is one of the best songs on "Western Stars", with its swaying drum beat, gentle strings, and soaring vocals. "Hello Sunshine" is another highlight, along with the succeeding album closer, "Moonlight Motel". Although most of the songs on this new Springsteen album are quiet and reflective, this song takes that to a new level. Its soft tom hits and cymbal swells really emphasize the silent dignity of the track.

    "Western Stars" is a fine output by the Boss. Even if it gets a bit weary to listen to in the middle, it is still a great work of art.    … Expand
  19. RabbiRizzle
    Jun 24, 2019
    10
    One of Bruce Springsteen's greatest albums. A coherent work of art. This is masterful songwriting and more than we could hope for from an artist approaching 70 years old. Packed with beautiful, evocative songs all wrapped in the orchestral stylings of early 1970's Californian pop music. Wichita Lineman is the benchmark and most of these songs stand comparison.
  20. Jarsel143
    Jun 17, 2019
    9
    I think is one of the most best albums in 2019 so far in my opinion,, every track is cozy,,this album also easy listening
  21. AlexPW
    Jun 14, 2019
    10
    Best one from the Boss this decade, loved Wrecking Ball, High Hopes was good, but this one is great!
  22. ninaevan
    Jun 16, 2019
    10
    Tanto bello quanto inatteso. Una malinconia lo pervade e vieni trasportato in un altro mondo
  23. xingtoto
    Jun 16, 2019
    9
    It is not Born to Run. It has its charm, more alike Nebraska. I won't listen to it 100 times every year but it is certainly enjoyable each time i listen to it
  24. Hampsun
    Jun 17, 2019
    7
    Far from the best album from Bruce, but with his back catalogue that is also quite hard to achieve. A great album it however still is. Best songs are in my opinion Moonlight Motel, Stones, Somewhere North of Nashville and Chasin' Wild Horses. An album worth listening to,
  25. LionzBoy
    Jul 13, 2019
    0
    Western Stars soars and lopes, taking you on an exquisite journey. Each song, a composite of sublime story-telling, characters long-forgotten, will leave breathless and reflective. Moonlight Motel just one example of old and lost love, wrapped around a paper bag of memories. The orchestration harkens to other storytelling masterpieces, think Jimmy Webb, Witichaw Lineman. This is not anWestern Stars soars and lopes, taking you on an exquisite journey. Each song, a composite of sublime story-telling, characters long-forgotten, will leave breathless and reflective. Moonlight Motel just one example of old and lost love, wrapped around a paper bag of memories. The orchestration harkens to other storytelling masterpieces, think Jimmy Webb, Witichaw Lineman. This is not an E Street sound, it stands uniquely alone, which, is how I imagine Bruce wanted it. It's beautiful and sad and is a study of simplicity and depth not easily found in this day and age.… Expand
  26. bartewing
    Aug 24, 2019
    9
    I truly enjoyed this album - Bruce geographically gets out of his Jersey comfort zone but thematically he's consistent. This is a country album for me (Glen Campbell/Jimmy Webb country) with complimenting usage of orchestration and strings. mainly he appears to be writing about the lost, the lonely searching or settling but not always as something to pity. There is a great deal of calmI truly enjoyed this album - Bruce geographically gets out of his Jersey comfort zone but thematically he's consistent. This is a country album for me (Glen Campbell/Jimmy Webb country) with complimenting usage of orchestration and strings. mainly he appears to be writing about the lost, the lonely searching or settling but not always as something to pity. There is a great deal of calm and peace in the music. It has the feel of WW II vet or early Boomer in current times taking a road trip on the old Route 66, a lot of romantic images and notions of Western lore but that world doesn't exist anymore. Those charming hotels are off the main route now The "Marlboro Man" has been replaced by tweakers. The songs are consistent in quality, a few like Sleepy Joe's Cafe really fit but it's fine for what it is. His lyrics are as strong as ever -my top picks; Wayfarer, Western Stars, Chasin' Wild Horses, and Moonlight Motel. Fun note David Sancious plays piano on Wayfarer (possibly others) who was in the E Street Band through Born to Run.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best Album of 2019
55
#55 Most Discussed Album of 2019
43
#43 Most Shared Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Record Collector
    Jun 27, 2019
    80
    Western Stars is Springsteen at his most novelistic, scratching out pocket portraits that owe as much to the printed word of John Steinbeck, Raymond Carver or even Jack Kerouac as they do a lineage that would boast weather-beaten troubadours like Kris Kristofferson, Jimmy Webb, or his younger self.
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  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 26, 2019
    90
    It's getting late, but Springsteen's dusty art shows no sign of fading. [Summer 2019, p.84]
  3. Mojo
    Jun 25, 2019
    80
    Bruce Springsteen began making this album in 2010--like golden reflections late in the day, it's been worth the wait. [Aug 2019, p.88]
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