As a longtime fan who has found his interest dwindling with every passing year and each ensuing release, Bruce Springsteen's new album came as something of a joyful jolt.
It's tuneful and catchy and at times even -- dare I say it? -- poppy. All in all, it's his best effort -- to my ears, anyway -- in a decade, if not longer.
I'm still a bit surprised, but pleasantly so.
This new record probably won't convert any longtime naysayers, but if, like me, you're a waffling fan who'd just about thrown in the towel on the Boss, you should give it a listen.