Bruce Springsteen’s New Song ‘Faithless’

Bruce Springsteen continues to enchant his audience with the release of “Faithless,” a song from a long-shelved film project. This track is part of his expansive box set, Tracks II: The Lost Albums, which will be available on June 27. The musical compilation, comprising seven previously unheard full-length albums, showcases 83 songs from Springsteen’s storied career, with 74 tracks never before released. Across this impressive collection, Springsteen opens the vaults to share his artistic journey, which dates from 1983 to 2018, bringing to light music that, until now, has remained under wraps.

“Faithless” is both the title track and leading song from an unproduced film for which Springsteen penned an entire soundtrack. The film, described as a “spiritual Western,” was in development as early as 2005, following the conclusion of Springsteen’s Devils & Dust tour. Although the film never materialized, Springsteen’s vision for its music did, resulting in “Faithless” alongside ten additional tracks, four of which are entirely instrumental. Recording this project in Florida over a concentrated span of two weeks, Springsteen aimed to capture a specific atmosphere without the constraint of a defined cinematic backdrop.

The song “Faithless” serves as an auditory reflection of spirituality, purpose, and acceptance, encapsulating the essence of America’s mythic West through Springsteen’s unique auditory lens. Notable collaborators on this solitary yet rich musical endeavor include members of The E Street Band, such as Soozie Tyrell, Lisa Lowell, Curtis King Jr., Michelle Moore, and Ada Dyer. Family contributions also feature prominently, with Patti Scialfa, Evan Springsteen, and Sam Springsteen adding layers to the album’s richness. Producer Ron Aniello provided additional creative guidance to enhance the music’s resonance.

The box set Tracks II: The Lost Albums doesn’t merely revisit Springsteen’s past work but enriches his artistic timeline by unveiling entire chapters previously unheard. Apart from “Faithless,” this anthology features a variety of musical styles and narratives, including the lo-fi LA Garage Sessions ’83, the country-flavored Somewhere North of Nashville, and the orchestral, noir-themed Twilight Hours. These diverse records, available in limited-edition nine LP, seven CD, and digital formats, offer listeners an unprecedented look into Springsteen’s extensive archive of unreleased music.

Each album within Tracks II has a distinct character, often reflecting the musical influences and personal stories of the eras they originate from. Fans are promised a tactile experience with the release, as it includes a 100-page cloth-bound book featuring rare archival photos and detailed liner notes by essayist Erik Flannigan, as well as a personal introduction from Springsteen himself. The release is particularly significant as it follows the format of Tracks, Springsteen’s 1998 compilation that similarly unearthed hidden catalog gems.

The lead-up to this release has been marked by the introduction of several songs from the collection, including “Blind Spot” from the rhythmically driven Streets of Philadelphia Sessions and the gripping “Rain in the River” from Perfect World. Springsteen has shared his creation process, highlighting the special nature of these songs, many of which have been mixed and prepared in a form that was ready to meet the public years ago. The unveiling of these tracks presents a rich tapestry of creativity, offering insights into songs that, until now, quietly existed solely within the intimate confines of Springsteen’s studio.