On the face of it Bruce Springsteen's 18th studio album is an unlikely collection of covers, re-recordings and surplus songs loosely themed around opposition to power. But if High Hopes is a mutt, it's one with serious pedigree. Springsteen credits left-wing pyrotechnic guitarist Tom Morello with inspiring the project when he suggested that the 64-year-old revisit the rollicking title track first covered in 1996. Morello had more ideas and, when he subbed for Steve Van Zandt on the Australian leg of the last tour, Springsteen acted on them, recording between gigs. Of the 12 tracks, reworkings of American Skin and The Ghost of Tom Joad, while powerful, are over-egged. Key tracks include the gospel-style Heaven's Wall, ostensibly about the Middle East, and The Wall, a lament for the Vietnam generation. Frankie Fell In Love, Dream Baby Dream and Just Like Fire Would offer more carefree delights. brucespringsteen.net
Download: Heaven's Wall, Dream Baby Dream