Nothing new to say

Throughout his storied career, Bruce Springsteen’s songs have been reappropriated by advocates for blind patriotism, most notably when Ronald Reagan copped “Born in the U.S.A.” for his 1984 presidential campaign.

Cultural borrowers will have it easier than ever when looking to “Wrecking Ball,” the Boss’ 17th studio album and first since the death of sideman Clarence Clemons.

Songs such as “We Take Care of Our Own,” “Land of Hope and Dreams” and “American Land” are barely even sardonic, seemingly worlds away from the work of the man who created “Nebraska.”

Springsteen’s creeping roots influences are glaringly evident here, too.
The instrumentation for much of the album resembles the stepchild of Irish folk music and outlaw country, and it doesn’t work nearly as well as the blue-collar bombast and dark Americana that used to be his specialty.

The highs are still high, and Springsteen hasn’t lost his touch as a songwriter, but for a guy who already “got it” in his 20s, he doesn’t seem to have much new to say at 62.