Simply put, I love this album. It updates Springsteen characters and themes of old while still pushing into new territory. To me , the protagonist of "Radio Nowhere," a man disillusioned with the current state of radio complaining (or pleading) "I just wanna hear some rhythm" is the older counterpart to the character who wailed "I wanna be where the bands are" thirty years ago. The theme's the same: in good music, redemption can be found. And, there is some redemption in the snarling guitar and vocal of this track.

"Girls in Their Summer Clothes" is a great Brian Wilson song that Springsteen managed to write before Brian could. It is a perfect pop song, a highlight of this album, and one of Springsteen's best songs.

"I'll Work for Your Love" with its Catholic overtones, could be a great lost track from 1975; at the same time, it does not sound like a blatant attempt at recapturing the past. That dubious honor would go to "Livin' in the Future." Okay, so it sounds like "Tenth Avenue Freeze Out." So what?

Another highlight for me is "Long Walk Home." In this song, Springsteen shows that he hasn't lost his gift for depicting alienation, loss, and yearning. I believe that this track deserves a place alongside classic Springsteen cuts like "Independence Day," "My Father's House," and "My Hometown."

Yes, there are flaws. Some of the songs are more filler than I'd prefer, and the production takes some getting used to. When I think of Springsteen, compressed is not a word that usually enters my mind. Most of his records are expansive. Try this: pop a song like "Loose Ends" into your car stereo and see if it doesn't feel like the song fills up every last bit of atmosphere around you. Magic is a compressed production. I got past it, but it took several listens. If I could change anything on this album, I would have had the Landau/Springsteen/Van Zandt production team instead of Brendan O'Brien.

All in all, Magic is one of the best rock albums of 2007, and it may well turn out to be one of the best rock albums of the decade.

Alright....

Lemme just say that I was really introduced to Springsteen when I went to college in Philly. I grew up in the midwest...so all we really got to hear of Springsteen was Born in the USA and Dancin in the Dark. I was really pleased and impressed to find that the man had so much more in him. I really like a lot of his stuff...but one thing that kind of sets this album aside is that it draws a little bit from almost every album of his...or at least a little bit from the ones where his sound and style seemed to morph a bit. He also manages to do this in fresh way, always familiar, but still original. And...he just kicks a$$ live. I have seen 3 shows and I have saved every ticket stub in my new ticket stub diary (which also is cool by the way...here's a link: http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_236296_ticket_stub_diary_reviews )
Anyway, I think that this album is a must own...and since the album seems to be dying in general (thanks to the IPOD), I recommend that this one be added to any serious Bruce fan or someone who wants to hear what he sounds like without buying a greatest hit album. Also, single tracks here and there do not really do this thing justice. Just get it, spin it, and forget about skipping forward, back, etc. Just listen.

Enjoy,
Dupri

Great album !

He has a surge of voice...

My YOUTUBE:
http://www.youtube.com/user/poetsloft7
--
"Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you." - James 4:8

Well Bruce is at it again, I have been to every tour since the 1980 with the exception of the "Ghost of Tom Joad" On several of those tours I have attended multiple nights.
Although this album does not grab me immediately, the more I listen the better it gets as with most of his material. I will of course be attending the two shows in LA (if the city does not burn down first.)
I think the political stuff is great. Not only because I agree with him but because he is at a stage in career that he can say what he feels without worrying about the consequences with regard to record sales and such.
An average Bruce Springsteen Record has more going for it (and says so much more) than 90% of popular music these days.
Can I get an Amen!

One of those albums that keeps on growing on you, that you play over and over again.