Continuing a countdown of my favorite albums of 2005…
#5 – Devils & Dust – Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s 13th studio album, Devils & Dust, came three years after the celebrated The Rising but was more in the style of the album that preceded that one, 1995’s The Ghost of Tom Joad.
The other touchpoint would be 1982’s Nebraska, suggesting that Springsteen has one of these somber acoustic albums in him every decade.
Now, I’m a huge Nebraska fan, but Devils & Dust might just be its equal. This is a dark and moody album, filled with stories of the lost and lonely. Springsteen is in top form lyrically, painting complex portraits with his words. And I love what he does with his vocals, including a healthy dose of Bob Dylan.
Amid all the darkness, Devils & Dust does find room for some light moments. Second single ‘All the Way Home’ is a springy tale of redemptive romance. ‘Leah’ is a shimmering, delicate love song. Those rays of light are welcome respites and make the shadowy songs more resonant by contrast.
Springsteen has released eight albums since this one, including some very good ones, but I think this might be his last truly great record.
I got my finger on the trigger
But I don’t know who to trust
When I look into your eyes
There’s just devils and dust
[Verse 2]
We’re a long, long way from home, Bobbie
Home’s a long, long way from us
I feel a dirty wind blowing
Devils and dust
[Chorus]
I got God on my side
And I’m just trying to survive
What if what you do to survive
Kills the things you love
Fear’s a powerful thing, baby
It can turn your heart black, you can trust
It’ll take your God-filled soul
And fill it with devils and dust
[Verse 3]
Well, I dreamed of you last night
In a field of blood and stone
The blood began to dry
The smell began to rise
[Verse 4]
Well, I dreamed of you last night, Bobbie
In a field of mud and bone
Your blood began to dry
And the smell began to rise
[Chorus]
We’ve got God on our side
We’re just trying to survive
What if what you do to survive
Kills the things you love
Fear’s a powerful thing
It’ll turn your heart black, you can trust
It’ll take your God-filled soul
Fill it with devils and dust
It’ll take your God-filled soul
Fill it with devils and dust
[Verse 5]
Now every woman and every man
They want to take a righteous stand
Find the love that God wills
And the faith that He commands
[Verse 6]
I’ve got my finger on the trigger
And tonight faith just ain’t enough
When I look inside my heart
There’s just devils and dust
[Chorus]
Well, I’ve got God on my side
And I’m just trying to survive
What if what you do to survive
Kills the things you love
Fear’s a dangerous thing
It will turn your heart black, you can trust
It’ll take your God-filled soul
Fill it with devils and dust
Yeah it’ll take your God-filled soul
Fill it with devils and dust
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’m sure I played this album when it came out, but it didn’t really stick with me. I owe it another listen.