Bruce Springsteen fans have called a song from Western Stars one of The Boss’ best.
The album, which released in 2019, has become a seemingly overlooked piece of his discography but was warmly received by his most dedicated listeners. Taking to the r/BruceSpringsteen subreddit, members of his fan base decided on what was the best song on the album. One user asked: “What is your favourite song from Western Stars? Mine is Moonlight Motel.” Other users agreed with the original poster, with one going as far to say that Moonlight Motel is one of the best-written Springsteen songs available. Their high praise was seen later in the thread, where members of The Boss’ subreddit shared their favourites from Western Stars.
One wrote: “Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve said this on here, but I genuinely believe Moonlight Motel is the best song Bruce has written since the 70s. It’s simple, poetic and wonderfully vivid and is just the most stunning song. The whole Western Stars album is incredible.” Another added their favourites were “Western Stars and Moonlight Hotel.”
Other suggestions were seen in the thread, with plenty of Western Stars tracks leaving a lasting impression. One user wrote: “Chasin Wild Horses. Gets me every time. Hitch Hiking is also one of my favourite Bruce album openers. Sets the tone for the record. The strings are incredible.”
Another added: “This is the kind of album that makes Bruce the very best. Barely acknowledged live and certainly not toured. It’s an album 90% of singer/songwriters would be proud to call their masterpiece. Bruce is like ‘Here’s one you might like’.”
Users agreed, with one replying: “Yes, Western Stars really is a masterpiece album! But I also think it’s interesting how the album shows us the thoughts of, in some ways, coming of age. I know it’s elderly lol, but throughout the album, the character thinks so much about growing older and their past. A lot of albums and songs seem solely about a current lover, but not actually about getting older, something we all experience in life.”
What is your favorite song from Western Stars
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Other users had deeper cuts from Western Stars listed as their favourites. One user wrote: “There Goes My Miracle. It’s such a huge unabashed crooning ballad, it should be ridiculous but he nails it. Can’t think of any other ‘rock’ stars of his stature who would even attempt something so anti-egocentric.”
Another replied: “There Goes My Miracle is up there for me too! I think it’s so interesting, unique, and different with so many– almost like Easter eggs in a way– like the harmony with Patti in the 2nd chorus on There. I know it sounds silly, but I LIVE for those little things in music!”
A third added: “That’s my favourite but to be honest the entire album is probably one of my all-time favourites! I wish he just toured with only live songs from Western Stars.”
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