The Essential Bruce Springsteen (2003) How to lure fans who already own 1995's "Greatest Hits" into buying another, more expansive Bruce anthology? Tag on a limited-edition bonus disc of rarities… Bruce Springsteen Rock
Bruce Springsteen, The Essential Bruce Springsteen | BRUCE RISING, AGAIN Springsteen's latest anthology provides an engaging overview of his career thus far
BRUCE RISING, AGAIN Springsteen's latest anthology provides an engaging overview of his career thus far
EW's GRADE
A-

Details Release Date: Nov 04, 2003; Lead Performance: Bruce Springsteen; Genre: Rock

How to lure fans who already own 1995's ''Greatest Hits'' into buying another, more expansive Bruce anthology? Tag on a limited-edition bonus disc of rarities dating back to '79. Sounds cynical, but guess what? The Essential Bruce Springsteen is less bloated and more rewarding than the '98 outtakes box, ''Tracks.'' The frenetic ''Held Up Without a Gun,'' the troubled ''Missing,'' the wistful ''County Fair,'' and the Asbury Park reminiscence ''None but the Brave'' deserved rescue from the vaults. Except for a few duds (the field-holler version of ''Countin' on a Miracle''), disc 3 is as engaging a ride as any through Springsteen's '80s peaks, '90s valleys, and current rebirth.

Originally posted Nov 21, 2003 Published in issue #738 Nov 21, 2003 Order article reprints