Grade: A
Bruce Springsteen kicks off 2014 in style with the release of his newest album “High Hopes.” With a name like that, you would expect the album to deliver, and it manages to live up to the name. Fresh off the heels of his last album, Springsteen uses outtakes, B-sides and covers, making them each stand alone. These songs pack a punch and are some of Springsteen’s most heavy-hitting releases this decade. The most welcome addition is Tom Morello, formerly of Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave and Street Sweeper Social Club. Morello plays guitar on some of the tracks. It’s fantastic to hear a studio version of the two collaborating on “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” the highlight of the album, in addition to some other tracks. It’s great Springsteen dropped this album. It’s worth a listen for fans new and old.