Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

And the Springsteen purists shouted, “Tom Morello?!? What the fuck?!” Yep, when High Hopes, The Boss’ 18th studio album, was released back in January, some people took issue with the involvement of Rage Against the Machine guitarist Morello, as they felt it would mean less time for Little Steven, who wasn’t present at the recording sessions due to television obligations. The album, which features demos of older songs and a few reworked tunes, has some heavier production and flashes of Morello’s fretwork, but damn if it doesn’t work, and work well. When Morello unleashes his “Ghost of Tom Joad” solo, he keeps it tight to Springsteen’s rhythm instead of going off on a Rage rant. Sure, it’s a different side to Springsteen’s restrained rock, but a little flash never hurt anyone. Morello is even on the road with the guys. (Jeff Hahne)