Springsteen's Secret Mariachi Sessions Finally Unleashed!

Bruce Springsteen's 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums': 20 Must-Hear Songs

Bruce Springsteen, the iconic "Boss," has consistently surprised and delighted fans throughout his illustrious career. But even the most dedicated followers were treated to a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain in March 2014, courtesy of Patti Scialfa. Her snapshot, shared on social media, showed Bruce immersed in a recording session with mariachi musicians at their home studio. The reason behind this unique collaboration remained shrouded in mystery... until now.

Earlier this year, the announcement of 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums' finally shed light on that intriguing session. Two songs featured on the album Inyo, were born from this collaboration. The connection? A Mexican cowboy who taught Springsteen the art of roping horses at his ranch, introducing him to these talented mariachi musicians.

Producer Ron Aniello offered some fascinating insights into the challenges and triumphs of this cross-cultural musical experiment in an interview with Uncut:

• Unrefined Recording: The mariachi musicians were accustomed to leading themselves, a stark contrast to the structured environment of a recording studio.
• Language Barrier: Communication proved challenging, requiring creative solutions to bridge the gap.
• Musical Fusion: Aniello described the experience as "mixing together classical musicians with street musicians," highlighting the unique blend of styles.

One standout track, "The Lost Charro," is unlike anything else in Springsteen's vast discography. This song, showcasing the mariachi influence, was initially recorded during the sessions for Western Stars. However, Springsteen ultimately felt it was a more appropriate fit for Inyo, despite the fact that much of Inyo's material dates back to the mid-Nineties. This decision underscores Springsteen's meticulous curatorial approach to his unreleased recordings.

'Tracks II: The Lost Albums' is not just a collection of outtakes; it's a curated journey through Springsteen's creative process, offering fans a rare and intimate glimpse into the evolution of his music. This new album is sure to please and here are the 20 must-hear songs:

1. Roulette
2. Frankie
3. TV Movie
4. Janey Needs A Shooter
5. High Hopes
6. Loose Ends
7. Restless Nights
8. Where The Bands Are
9. Living On The Edge Of The World
10. Mary Lou
11. Born In The U.S.A.
12. This Hard Land
13. Shut Out The Light
14. Cynthia
15. Chicken Lips and Chicken Heads
16. Pink Cadillac
17. Johnny Bye-Bye
18. Zero and Blind Terry
19. Sad Eyes
20. Trouble River

With contributions from figures like Patti Scialfa and production insights from Ron Aniello, 'Tracks II: The Lost Albums' is more than just a new release; it's a testament to Springsteen's unwavering dedication to his craft and his willingness to explore uncharted musical territories. It's a must-listen for any true fan and a fascinating entry point for those new to the Boss's unparalleled body of work. It truly showcases the breadth of his talent and willingness to experiment.

Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/bruce-springsteen-tracks-2-best-songs-1235374339/