Bruce Springsteen’s eagerly awaited new album Working On a Dream will be officially released on Jan. 27, but the legendary New Jersey rocker has allowed National Public Radio to begin streaming the new release a week early.
The timing coincides with the inauguration of President Barack Obama, whose swearing-in ceremony on the Capitol steps was attended by a beaming Springsteen.
Produced by Brendan O’Brien, the Boss’ 24th album follows quickly on the heels of 2007’s Magic, which also found O’Brien behind the boards. Early reports indicate that while there are understandable similarities between the two releases, the new one has a bit broader palette that encompasses both a strong pop sensibility and some sonic experimentation, yet also makes room for the sprawling, eight-minute “Outlaw Pete,” a track that hearkens back to the roots of Springsteen’s mid-‘70s emergence.
Working on a Dream’s dozen tracks are also joined by the bonus cut “The Wrestler,” Springsteen’s powerful, Golden Globe-winning title song for Darren Aronofsky’s acclaimed new film. Listen to the Boss’ entire new album here.