"High Hopes" is the 18th studio album by renowned American musician Bruce Springsteen. Released on January 14, 2014, this album was produced by Ron Aniello with Springsteen and executive producer Jon Landau. The album encompasses twelve tracks, featuring a mix of cover songs, outtakes from previous records, and revamped versions of past songs which were performed live.
The album is noted for the inclusivity of Tom Morello from the band "Rage Against The Machine," who deeply influenced many arrangements and shared lead vocals in the revamped version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad". The album also marks the last appearance of saxophonist Clarence Clemons and organist Danny Federici, both original members of Springsteen's E Street Band, who had passed away in 2011 and 2008 respectively.
High Hopes received generally positive reviews from music critics, who appreciated its energetic and propulsive sound. It debuted at number one in more than 20 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and effectively marked Springsteen's 11th number-one album in his home country.
As for the title track, "High Hopes," it was originally recorded by Springsteen and his band in 1995. It was then rearranged and re-recorded for inclusion in this 2014 album, after it became a fan-favorite during Springsteen's Wrecking Ball World Tour in 2012 and 2013. In terms of theme, the album delves into various concepts, such as frustration, dismay, and the relentless pursuit of change, among others.
