Devils & Dust
While the title track about a soldier at war synched with the then-current issue of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, many of the songs on *Devils & Dust*, Bruce Springsteen’s third album of near-acoustic ruminations (in the tradition of *Nebraska* and *The Ghost of Tom Joad*), were ones that Springsteen had kicked around for more than a decade. “Long Time Comin’” and “The Hitter” made appearances in his live set for the *Joad* tour. “Reno” is a graphic and affecting song about a man trying to lose his sorrow in the arms of a prostitute, to no avail. “Jesus Was an Only Son” has a spiritual grace, enhanced by piano and strings. “Maria’s Bed” aches with some of Springsteen’s most clenched vocals and a rhythm section redolent of early Rod Stewart. “All I’m Thinkin’ About” shuffles with the feel of an old blues. “All the Way Home” is a full-band blowout, with a dark snarl in the guitars that’s pure catharsis. Often overlooked, *Devils & Dust* is one of Bruce’s finest albums.
The latest in Springsteen’s vinyl reissue series provides a few lost gems for record collectors and completists. But for these odd years, even for the uninitiated, there’s plenty of gold to discover.
To truly understand the power of Bruce Springsteen's newest disc, Devils & Dust, one need only listen to its final track.
<p>Shocked by the song about sodomy? Wait 'til you hear the Dylan impression, says Alexis Petridis.</p>