A Treasure Trove of “Lost” Albums

Bruce Springsteen, 75, has announced the release of Tracks II: The Lost albums, a sequel to his acclaimed 1998 Tracks box set. This new collection promises a comprehensive look into Springsteen’s creative process, featuring 83 songs, the vast majority of which have never been released.

The genesis of this project lies in springsteen’s extensive archives. He describes the collection as comprising seven lost albums, each representing a distinct period and style in his career.

Springsteen’s Perspective: Revisiting the Vault

The COVID-19 pandemic provided Springsteen with the opportunity to delve back into his vast collection of recordings. He explains that thes tracks weren’t simply discarded demos, but rather fully realized projects that, for various reasons, didn’t make the cut at the time.

The Lost Albums are records that were full records, some of them even to the point of being mixed and not released. For one reason or another, something I felt was missing from some of them, or they just didn’t feel complete at the time.

Bruce Springsteen

This statement offers insight into Springsteen’s meticulous approach to his craft, highlighting his commitment to releasing only the work he feels is truly ready for the world.

Release Details and Formats

Tracks II: The Lost Albums is scheduled for release on June 27 and will be available in various CD and LP formats. Some editions will also include a 100-page hardcover book, offering further context and insights into the music.

The announcement was preceded by a teaser campaign on Springsteen’s social media, with a short video on Instagram hinting at the unearthing of forgotten material, accompanied by the text: What was lost has been found.

Diving into the Content: From Born in the U.S.A. Sessions to the ’90s

The collection spans a wide range of eras in Springsteen’s career.it begins with material from the 1983 Los Angeles sessions, including an alternate take of My Hometown and a version of Johnny Bye-Bye, previously available as a B-side.

The 1990s are particularly well-represented, a period Springsteen addresses directly. Despite releasing three studio albums during that decade, it’s often perceived as a less prolific time in his career, especially after 1995’s The Ghost of Tom Joad.

I often read about myself in the ’90s as having some lost period or something. Not really — I was working the whole time.

Bruce springsteen

Springsteen’s home studio in Monmouth, N.J., served as a creative hub during this period, allowing him to continuously explore new musical directions.

A Glimpse into the Sound: Orchestra, Country, and Philadelphia

The box set promises a diverse sonic landscape, including orchestra-driven pieces, country-tinged songs, and a dedicated disc featuring material from the Streets of Philadelphia sessions. This track, which won an Oscar in 1993, highlights Springsteen’s ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.

A more conventional rock track from the set, Raised on the River, has already been released to streaming platforms, offering a taste of what’s to come.

Looking Ahead: Touring and Biopic

This release marks the frist collection of original Springsteen material since 2020’s Letter to You. In 2022, he released Only the Strong Survive, a collection of soul covers.

Springsteen and the E Street Band recently concluded thier North American tour and are set to embark on a European and U.K. tour, beginning May 17 in Manchester, england, and concluding July 3 in Milan, Italy.

Springsteen’s Story on the Big Screen

Adding to the excitement, a trailer for the upcoming Springsteen biopic, Deliver Me from Nowhere, was recently previewed. Jeremy Allen White, known for his role in the FX show The Bear, will portray Springsteen in the film, which is slated for release later this year.