Magic (studio album) by Bruce Springsteen

Magic is a strong set of songs and a breath of fresh air after some lackluster efforts previously released in the 2000s. It's a decent return to form, despite the production that distorts the band and Springsteen's vocals. Apart from the clunker lead single Radio Nowhere, Magic sounds like a proper E Street Band album. Living in the Future sounds like it was lifted right out of The River sessions.

Highly recommended.

Condensed to a 7" Single:
A-Side: Living in the Future

I really like this album. I grew up listening to the boss, lost touch in the late 80s and 90s. This was the record that pulled me back in. It's great from top to bottom. I agree that the production is too condensed.

From jeremy9 01/31/2020 14:19

For me, it's his best album

From marazico 01/17/2018 02:05

Some fantastic songs on this album and probably his best E Street album of the last 20 years.
The production is terrible though, its heavy and condensed. Shame

Seriously underrated Bruce record

After the 'sessions' album and tour Bruce Springsteen re-united the E street band for the 2007 record, magic. As on the rising, Springsteen was always better when he had something to write about. 9/11 was the rising, magic, was the aftermath of that terrible tragedy, most notably, George W Bush, and the Iraq war. Magic, was a an angry Springsteen, but the anger was smothered in a pop sheen that makes it his most accessible album since, born in the USA. Radio nowhere, is an interesting opener, undoubtedly Springsteen, but also sounds nothing like he's done before. The E streeters are on top form on, you'll be coming down, and, livin' in the future, which sounds like a hybrid of, tenth avenue freeze out, and, glory days. The standouts on, magic, are the wonderful pop of, girls in their summer clothes, the brooding title track, and the angry and blistering, last to die. Devil's arcade,and, gypsy biker, concern the Iraq war and it's consequences. I'll work for your love, is a personal favourite, and closing track, Terry's song, a tribute to springsteen's personal assistant, who had recently lost his life, is beautiful, one of Bruce's great acoustic tracks. There's no weak songs here, from the orchestral like, your own worst enemy, and the excellent, long way home. Lyrically, magic, is heavy, but is thoroughly enjoyable due to its musical delivery. Powerful stuff.

From zags7000 06/11/2015 23:20

Long Walk Home is fantastic. Just great consistent material. Not as groundbreaking or influential as some of his others but this is really strong worthy of its own praise.

Radio Nowhere and Long Walk Home are the best by far here!

The Boss's simple but solid album. Very Surprised ranked low here. Underrated.

From jhuik 12/22/2012 03:26

After Wreckin Ball I wonder if I undersold this. Gypsy Biker always grabbed my attention, for sure.