I Don't Understand The Springsteen Bashing

I'm seeing an awful lot of mixed to negative reviews about Springsteen's newest album "Working On A Dream" and I don't get it.

I've spent a few weeks with this album already and it's great.

Some of the individual pieces may seem "weak" as singles when heard a lone and out of context...but when you hear the single "Working on A Dream" come after the rocking "My Lucky Day" and before "Queen of the Supermarket" you realize what a dynamic album this is.

"Queen" is one of those songs for people who can "hear" Springsteen.  Some people can listen all they want but the lyrics will never speak to them.   When the girl in the supermarket flashes that smile....well I can remember just who she is and where I was.  Maybe yuou just can't.

"The Last Carnival" may seem like a throwaway until you realize it's about the late Danny Federici.  "The Wrestler" closes out the album and there it hits the spot.  "Surprise Surprise" is so catchy it will be an instant classic, my kids already memorized it, and you can sing it at my birthday party any time you'd like.