Tracks [Box] - Springsteen, Bruce (CD 1998)

For Springsteen fans worldwide, Tracks is what we have been waiting for. This 4-cd boxset is a compilation of previously unreleased songs and studio outtakes of some of Bruce's best. Tracks is released just in time for Springsteen to hit the road with a rededication tour that reunites The Boss with his long-time pals and musicians, The E-Street Band.

Many of the material has already been heard in the live format. Fans have been waiting for years to have songs like "Rendezvous", and "Part Man, Part Monkey" to be released. Sprigsteen finally dipped down into his vault and gave fans what they have been waiting for.

From 1975-1995, Tracks follows Bruce's career from Greetings from Asbury Park to his much later Human Touch and Lucky Town days. One is able to follow Bruce's life as he grows from an idealistic young man to the cynicism that plagues Bruce after bad deals with record companies and a downturn for the economy - from a desperate search for love to his first marriage gone wrong to him finally finding the woman he marries and has a family with.

My favorites include mostly unreleased material such as Give the Girl a Kiss, My Love Will Not Let You Down, Lion's Den, Janey Don't You Lose Heart, and Part Man, Part Monkey. You will find yourself singing and dancing as Tracks takes you on the musical journey of a lifetime.

Tracks reminds us of how prolific Bruce is as songwriter. We are left only wondering what other material we have missed out on over the years.