In We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions, Bruce Springsteen's Pete Seeger tribute album, songs from the canon of American folk are given new vibrancy and relevance by one of America's rock and roll greats. Springsteen's nostalgia and respect for Seeger, the epitome of Americana, is evident in his commitment to the essence of the folk tradition. Nevertheless, in his first album written by someone other than himself, Springsteen does not attempt to be a mere actor and replicate Seeger.
Springsteen's distinctive throaty intonation is proudly present here, standing in marked contrast to the clarity and smoothness of Seeger's voice. His voice resonates powerfully in both the enthusiatic anthems as well as in the pensive ones, at times reminiscent of a younger Bob Dylan.
Springsteen's unique presence serves not to denigrate the authenticity of the music, but rather to enhance it from ancient relics to tunes that are contemporary in liveliness and urgency.
Performed live in Springsteen's house with a full band, the selection of songs range from protest pieces such as "Eyes on the Prize" and "We Shall Overcome" to staples of everyone's childhood like "Erie Canal." Part of the excitement of listening to this album is in the act of rediscovering Seeger, embraced in its folksiness while simultaneously invigorated with a new energy.
The selection of songs demonstrates Springsteen's nuanced understanding of American folk music in its incorporation of varied musical traditions including blues, bluegrass, gospel, Dixieland and even rock and roll.
The songs in all their beauty and elegance approach the peak of perfection, making this album of classics a classic in its own right. However, the greatness of We Shall Overcome is potentially negative for Springsteen and Seeger, as it is perhaps Springsteen's best album and simultaneously better than anything that Seeger created himself.
