Springsteen returns after a long absence and the album is a mixed bag. It’s admirable branching out into new genres and there is a mix of styles present here - music inspired by the Middle East (a bold move after 9/11), even some r and b infused tracks - but Bruce is at his best telling rollicking rock and roll stories with the E Street band in full flow. Occasionally, this reminds me of Steve Earle - too much like Steve Earle perhaps? I like Bruce’s older, richer voice and the musicianship throughout is class. But I’m not sure this counts as one of his best.