Bruce Springsteen is opening the doors to his extensive archive like never before. On June 27th, fans will gain access to a massive collection of previously unheard music with the release of “Tracks II: The Lost Albums,” a sprawling box set featuring seven full-length albums recorded between 1983 and 2018 that were completed but never officially released.
This collection represents a significant expansion of Springsteen’s official catalog and offers a revelatory look into his creative process and the musical paths he explored but ultimately set aside.
What is “Tracks II: The Lost Albums”?
Unlike the first “Tracks” box set from 1998, which was a compilation of demos, outtakes, and rarities presented chronologically, “Tracks II” is organized as seven distinct, fully sequenced albums. The set comprises 83 songs in total, with a remarkable 74 of them being entirely new to listeners.
For Springsteen, who grew up in the era of vinyl LPs, an album is more than just a collection of songs. He describes it as “a cohesive group of songs… greater than the sum of their parts,” where tracks “resonate off of one another, creating altered meanings.” He views a record as “a record of who you are and where you were at that moment in your life.” The albums in “Tracks II” fit this definition, emerging as “cohesive units, of a piece, of a moment, of a genre,” often taking shape while he was working on other projects.
Why Were These Albums “Lost”?
Springsteen has always been deliberate in his album releases, carefully crafting a narrative flow for his career. These seven albums represent moments where he ventured into different styles or themes that didn’t fit the primary direction he chose to pursue at the time, or where he felt “something was missing” or they “just didn’t feel complete.”
He noted that the past often weighs heavily on him, constantly shaping his present pursuits. Releasing these albums now, including material from the 1990s when he was publicly less prolific but still writing and recording prolifically (often focusing on family and feeling “burned out” on working with the E Street Band at that specific time), is a way to share this extensive body of work and show “paths not taken.”
A Glimpse Inside the Vault: The Seven Lost Albums
“Tracks II” unveils a diverse array of musical explorations:
LA Garage Sessions ’83: This album bridges the stylistic gap between the stark acoustics of Nebraska and the massive sound of Born in the U.S.A. Recorded primarily alone, it explores different approaches and character studies, showcasing Springsteen grappling with his direction after the raw intimacy of Nebraska.
Streets of Philadelphia Sessions: Stemming from the period after recording his Oscar-winning track in the early ’90s, this album finds Springsteen experimenting heavily with synthesizers and drum loops, creating a “dark, dreamy,” almost “trance-like” sound. It was reportedly shelved partly because its focus on doomed relationships felt thematically too close to Tunnel of Love and following the lukewarm reception to Human Touch and Lucky Town.
Faithless: A shorter album composed for a potential “spiritual Western” film that never materialized, this collection features moody instrumentals and gospel-influenced tracks, building an atmospheric sonic world. Springsteen’s wife, Patti, is said to be particularly fond of this record.
Somewhere North of Nashville: Recorded concurrently with The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995), this album features country songs captured live and quickly at night with musicians including pedal steel player Marty Rifkin. Springsteen ultimately chose the darker Tom Joad material for release, deeming it “the better record,” but this collection offers a rollicking, country-infused contrast.
Inyo: Inspired by motorcycle rides and similar themes to Tom Joad and Devils & Dust, this acoustic-based album delves into narratives of the American Southwest. It notably incorporates mariachi sounds, featuring two mariachi bands on tracks like the epic “Adelita,” adding a unique border-town flavor.
Twilight Hours: This collection features songs left over from the Western Stars sessions, leaning heavily into a “crooner” style influenced by Burt Bacharach and the classic American songbook. It showcases sophisticated chord structures and orchestrated arrangements, presenting Springsteen in a distinct vocal and stylistic light.
Perfect World: Described by Springsteen as simply “a little fun, noise and rock ‘n’ roll,” this volume is assembled from various rock outtakes, featuring the most participation from the E Street Band among the seven. It’s considered the least cohesive but provides a necessary dose of rock energy to the set.
The Art of the Soul Miner
Springsteen reflected on his songwriting process, likening himself to a “soul miner,” often “chipping away” for long periods with seemingly “nothing, nothing, nothing” to show for it. But then, suddenly, he might “hit a vein” where “Things come pouring out,” referring to these bursts as striking “musical gold.” This mysterious alchemy drives his output.
He maintains his approach has always been to work “from the inside out,” focusing on “timeless themes like family, work, spirituality, love, and sex” rather than chasing trends like grunge or alternative sounds prevalent in the Nineties. This internal focus, he believes, gives his music intensity and prevents it from sounding dated. He also noted how early experimental recording (like the lo-fi Nebraska) freed him up to record at home more often, seeking risk and freedom outside formal studio settings.
Looking Ahead: More Vault Releases and the Road
The release of “Tracks II” isn’t the end of the archival journey. Springsteen has revealed that a subsequent collection, tentatively titled “Tracks III,” is already “finished” and contains five more full albums worth of music spanning from his 1973 debut up to 2024. This suggests a significant amount of quality music remained in his vault.
Beyond the archives, Springsteen confirmed he has a finished solo album planned for release around 2026, potentially delving deeper into his “spiritual experience and [Catholic] upbringing.” He also has Only the Strong Survive, Volume 2* completed.
Despite his age, the 75-year-old musician stated firmly that he has “plenty of work left” and has no plans for a “farewell tour.” He feels the E Street Band is “in great shape,” performing at their peak with depth and experience, ready to “carry on,” though future tours might involve more frequent, shorter engagements compared to marathon runs.
“Tracks II: The Lost Albums” offers an unprecedented look into the breadth and depth of Bruce Springsteen’s creative output, presenting completed visions that remained hidden for decades. For completists and casual fans alike, it’s a chance to explore alternate timelines in the career of one of rock’s most enduring figures.
