In a groundbreaking announcement for music fans, Bruce Springsteen has revealed plans to release a monumental collection titled Tracks II: The Lost Albums, set to debut on June 27, 2025. This collection will feature a staggering 83 previously unreleased tracks, with 74 of them never having been made available in any form prior to this release.
The new box set will be accessible across various formats, including digital streaming platforms, a seven-CD set, and a nine-LP vinyl collection. For those looking for a more affordable option, a companion collection titled Lost and Found: Selections From the Lost Albums will also be released, featuring 20 highlights available as a single CD and double LP.
Springsteen, who is now 75 years old, described the seven albums included in this collection as experiments in "new forms, new genres and new sonic modalities." The albums were recorded over a span of 35 years, from 1983 to 2018, showcasing a wide range of musical styles.
The seven unheard albums featured in the set are LA Garage Sessions '83, Streets of Philadelphia Sessions, Faithless, Somewhere North of Nashville, Inyo, Twilight Hours, and Perfect World. Each of these collections holds a unique place in Springsteen's extensive discography, with the earliest tracks dating back to the era of his iconic album Born in the USA.
As a teaser for the collection, Springsteen has released the track "Rain in the River" from the album Perfect World. He expressed his excitement about the upcoming release, stating, "The Lost Albums were full records, some of them even to the point of being mixed and not released. I’ve played this music to myself and often close friends for years now. I’m glad you’ll get a chance to finally hear them. I hope you enjoy them." This sentiment highlights the personal nature of this project, as many of these songs have been kept private for decades.
The Tracks II project serves as a follow-up to Springsteen's 1998 anthology Tracks, which compiled 66 songs that filled in the gaps between his studio albums, many of which were previously unreleased. With Tracks II, Springsteen aims to provide fans with a deeper understanding of his artistic evolution, particularly during a period often perceived as a creative lull in the 1990s.
Springsteen's decision to revisit these archives was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he had the time to reflect on and complete many of these shelved projects. He noted, "What I did during that period of time was I finished everything I had in my vault." This statement dispels the myth of a "lost period" in his career, emphasizing that he was indeed active during those years.
The albums included in Tracks II span a variety of genres and themes. For instance, LA Garage Sessions '83 features tracks that reflect the sound of the Born in the USA era, while Streets of Philadelphia Sessions explores a hip-hop influence, building upon the Oscar-winning song he wrote for the film Philadelphia in 1993. Other albums, such as Faithless, were tied to projects that never materialized, showcasing Springsteen's willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
The album Somewhere North of Nashville leans into country influences, while Twilight Hours, the most contemporary offering, was recorded in 2018 and serves as a companion piece to his previous work, Western Stars. The collection also includes Inyo, which features rich narratives that Springsteen describes as "richly woven border tales."
In addition to the music, the physical release of Tracks II will include a 100-page cloth-bound hardcover book filled with rare archival photos and detailed liner notes for each album, providing fans with an intimate look at the stories behind the songs.
Springsteen's announcement has generated significant excitement among fans and critics alike, marking one of the most anticipated music events of the year. The release of Tracks II: The Lost Albums not only showcases Springsteen's prolific songwriting but also invites listeners to explore the depths of his creative journey.
As the music world awaits the arrival of this extensive collection, Springsteen continues to demonstrate his enduring relevance and ability to evolve as an artist. With the release of Tracks II, fans can look forward to a treasure trove of music that highlights the breadth of Springsteen's talent and the stories that have shaped his illustrious career.
