This is Springsteen's Great Recession Record in the vein of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
Just as we "needed" a Springsteen record after 9/11 (The Rising), we need a Springsteen record that speaks to this great economic injustice. Typically of Springsteen, his lyrics are in stark contrast to his music. These are songs that you want to play loud and even dance to (albeit an Irish Jig) but his lyrics speak of a much darker time for the people struggling in this great recession. What I felt was a throw away song (the title track - Wrecking Ball) when it was written just before Giants Stadium was knocked down - has now become what I believe is the most defiant song on the record. I can see many fans singing the verse "Hard Time Come & Hard Times Go, C'mon and take your best shot/Let me see what you got, Bring on your wrecking ball." And as is Springsteen's way - no matter how bad things get - he ends the record with songs of hope and inspiration. As ticked off as he is - he never fails to find the goodness in people, the strength of our nation's community and that there is HOPE.
