Bruce Springsteen fans have shared their hopes of a follow-up to Only the Strong Survive.
The Boss’ latest album release, a set of covers put out in 2022, had Reddit users asking whether there would be a second volume to follow. Springsteen’s set of covers featured covers of Diana Ross, Sam Cooke and Frankie Valli. A fan took to r/BruceSpringsteen and asked: “Will there be a Volume Two?” While no announcement has been made regarding new studio material from Springsteen, fans remain hopeful. One user suggested there were rumours a second volume had been recorded, though these have not been confirmed. Springsteen has previously commented on recording “three-quarters” of a new album of covers, but has made no further comment since 2022.
Fans are hoping for further material, though seem somewhat disappointed that it will not be a set of new originals. They wrote: “I’m guessing that if he releases another studio album, it’ll be Covers Volume Two. I, myself, am not expecting any original material when he’s released just one-and-a-half albums of original material in the past ten years.
“Should mention that this is not based on any factual information and I hope he proves me wrong, because I far prefer when he writes his material himself.” Another wrote: “It is his first cover album yes, though I’m guessing the reason why Covers Volume One was even put on the Only the Strong Survive album at all was because it’s a long-term project that Bruce wants to do a lot more of and this is the first instalment of that.”
Others were not as keen on the suggestions of an Only the Strong Survive. One wrote: “Please God let this be a one and done… or maybe do an album of garage rock covers with a couple of soul numbers thrown in. [Bob] Dylan did two covers LP’s right before coming back in a big way so who knows. Those Dylan albums were really great though and mostly traditional folk/blues, not a sad oldies revue thing.”
Will there be a volume 2?
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Another wrote: “It’s a hallmark Christmas movie version of a soul cover album. The premise was intriguing but the execution was paint by numbers.” A third added: “Really hope not. I’ve been a massive fan for nearly forty years now. I never thought I’d say it about a Bruce album but I never even got through the whole thing.
“I don’t really understand why he did it. Made me feel like the glory days are indeed over. I genuinely hope not and I’m sure he will release some pure gems in the future..but this is not one of them.”
Some were more positive of Springsteen’s cover work. One wrote: “I’d rather hear his music. I didn’t but the other one tho Night Shift was excellent live.” Another replied: “To each his own. I just didn’t feel like the songs I heard fit his voice all that well. But I don’t mind artists that try different things in their careers.”
