Magic in the Night: The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen [Paperback]

Rob Kirkpatrick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 3, 2009

The definitive look at The Boss and how his music has both shaped and confronted American mythology

Emerging on the music scene with 1973's "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.", Bruce Springsteen was heralded as "the future of rock and roll", and since then his influence and popularity have exploded. Rob Kirkpatrick's Magic in the Night uses Springsteen's biography as a lens through which listeners can reevaluate his music as he morphs from "the next Bob Dylan" to a Reagan-era pop culture icon, and again to today's populist voice, discussing each album in chronological order. Kirkpatrick's keen insights show why the classic 1975 album "Born to Run" is the most popular album of all time (according to a recent ZagatSurvey) and what's made Springsteen the most respected and influential artist in rock music.

Though his career has been widely documented, Springsteen fans have never had a book like this one, which lets them immerse themselves in his music and learn about his influences, lyrical choices, and the themes Springsteen has been drawn to again and again in his career. Kirkpatrick's in-depth analysis of Springsteen's work–even unreleased songs–and the political controversies surrounding it make Magic in the Night a must for any true Springsteen fan.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A treasure trove for serious Springsteen fans.”-PopMatters

“It is always salutary to be reminded that no matter how much you think you know something, there is always someone who knows more. And when it comes to Bruce Springsteen…Rob Kirkpatrick knows more, a lot more.”-The Irish Times

“Beautifully written.”-David Barker, editor, Continuum “33 1/3”series

“Other books have covered the life and works of popular musician Bruce Springsteen, but few offer the depth of analysis and critical assessment.”-Midwest Book Review (five-star review)

“A fresh, compelling look at The Boss’s art, his life, and even his country.”-Library Media Connection

“Well-researched and written, this is essential reading for music fans.” – Scoop Magazine (AUS)

“Kirkpatrick argues convincingly that even the minor works of Springsteen the singer-songwriter are worthy of re-examination.”-Performing Songwriter

“Provides a comprehensive, insightful overview of Springsteen’s prodigious catalogue of music. Rob Kirkpatrick’s rich narrative sheds new light on the songs that have become a soundtrack for the American experience.”-Mark K. Updegrove, former publisher of Newsweek and MTV Magazine

“It was a joy to read through this book….Rob Kirkpatrick should be commended for his exhaustive research and insight. I’ve yet to come across another book which offers such a detailed and compelling analysis of not only the singer’s art and life, but also the changes the US has gone through during this time span.”-The Crack (UK)

 

  

 

Review

"The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen provides a comprehensive, insightful overview of Springsteen's prodigious catalogue of music. Rob Kirkpatrick's rich narrative sheds new light on the songs that have become a soundtrack for the American experience."

(

Mark K. Updegrove, Author of Second Acts: Presidential Lives and Legacies After the White House, Formerly publisher of Newsweek and MTV Magazine

) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (March 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312533802
• ISBN-13: 978-0312533809
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,466 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Overview of Springsteen's work., February 7, 2007

By 

Thomas T. Trulis (Batavia, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen (The Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection) (Hardcover)

The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen is a very detailed look into Bruce's body of work.

Rather than focusing on Bruce as an pop icon, the book looks at his songs, his albums, how they were written, what they mean and how each song fits into the theme of the album.

It also suggests that each album is a building block for the next album,

that all Bruce's albums are connected.

The Words and Music Of Bruce Springsteen may not be for the casual fan looking for another fan's view of the boss.

It is an exhaustive look at the creative process of writing songs as individual pieces yet all connected to a larger theme.

Each song within the album is an individual scene from a movie. Each arranged to take you further on a ride toward the climax.

For the true Springsteen fan (or for those interested in the creative process of developing concept albums)this book is an absolute must.

It is one of the best books I've read about Springsteen.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A necessary addition to any Springsteen library, March 12, 2009

By 

Jeffrey B. Symynkywicz (Stoughton, MA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Magic in the Night: The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen (Paperback)

Rob Kirkpatrick has done a wonderful job with this revision and updating of his book about Springsteen and his music. He presents the context and development of each and every album (except "Working on a Dream") in a detailed, thorough, and engaging manner. He also presents a quite complete and detailed biography of Springsteen here. So we emerge with a very clear idea of where these works came from, how they fit into Springsteen's overall development, and how they fit into the history of our nation and society. Kirkpatrick is admiring of Bruce, and obviously takes great joy in his music; but the work is free of hagiography, and Kirkpatrick never comes across as just another gushing fan. His abilities and discernment as a knowledgeable commentator always shine through. Kirkpatrick is clear about what of Springsteen's music he likes, and what he doesn't; while we may from time to time disagree with his judgments (as any good Springsteen fan would), we never doubt the depth and plausibility of his perspective. Finally, Kirkpatrick is obviously an excellent writer, and his tone throughout, while intelligent and knowledgeable, is always engaging and lucid-- neither overly informal, nor overly detached and scholarly. In sum, "Magic in the Night" would be an excellent (and necessary) addition to any Springsteen collection.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, September 9, 2008

By 

jon grife (maryland) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen (The Praeger Singer-Songwriter Collection) (Hardcover)

just finished reading this. excellent,in-depth,well-researched, meaningful and entertaining Bruce book going through the albums and tours chronologically. the author is definitely a fan but does an excellent job discussing the controversies in Bruce's history. I'm a big fan and i am glad to know so much more about BRUCE. The author does a great job of categorizing and cross-referencing the songs and themes and he extensivelly researched Bruce's personal, literary and musical influences.the book is great. i definitely want to read more about Bruce. the only other Bruce book i have read is It ain't no sin to be glad you're alive and that was great too.