The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins has made the headlines with his candid comments about the rock stars of his generation. As Hawkins is known for his fair assessments, he also does not hesitate to present his criticism. In his recent video on Justin Hawkins Rides Again Youtube channel, the frontman shared his opinions on Bruce Springsteen’s new album ‘Only the Strong Survive’ and pointed out the real purpose of the Boss’ latest adventure.
“I just don’t understand why this exists,” said Justin Hawkins after listening to Springsteen’s performance of ‘Nightshift.’ “I suppose it is just a bit of fun. Is it a bit of fun? Yeah. It’s just a bit of fun. I think artists of a certain age will continue to plunder the Great American Songbook of the ’60s and ’70s, and this won’t be the last cover version of this song that we will hear in the coming years, I suppose, but it’s the Boss, he can do what he likes.”
Hawkins interpreted Springsteen’s new record as the product of an artist who had reached a certain age and wanted to utilize the Great American Songbook of the classic rock era. However, he also added that the Boss had the right to do whatever he wanted, considering that he has been on the rock scene for almost six decades.
To emphasize that Bruce deserves this freedom, Justin added, “He is actually the Boss, and he makes the rules, he decides, and he knows best; he is the Boss. We can safely say that he’s provided us with enough brilliant music over the years to justify a slightly self-indulgent exploration of the Great American Songbook. More power to him. I don’t think it is one of those ones that they will be singing on the factory floor.”
After putting out his latest album with the original material, ‘Letter to You’ on October 23, 2020, Bruce Springsteen decided to work on a new format and entered the studio for a cover album. The singer’s twenty-first studio album, ‘Only the Strong Survive,’ featuring fifteen covers of classic soul and R&B tracks from the ’60s and ’70s, will arrive on November 11, 2022.
While the first single of the record, ‘Do I Love You (Indeed I Do),’ a cover from Frank Wilson, was released on September 29, the second one, ‘Nightshift,’ by the Commodores, dropped on October 14.
You can watch the video below.
