You can argue whether it is the best album since The River or Born in the USA but there is no doubting this is a return to the greatness that we saw in the 1970's. As The Who so memorably sang " Meet the New Boss, same as the Old Boss"

Ian, London, England

For me outstanding. Reminiscent of the earlier albums in the way that it grows addictively on you.

Bruce's recent albums have been good in their own way, but I'm back to the River for an album to match this.

This is E Street at their best. Lets have more Bruce...and more live shows in the UK.

Ian Brandwood, Huddersfield, UK

Magic is like visiting an old friend that you have not seen for several years, but have spoke to since your last meeting. Yeah, we heard him and the E Street Band in 'The Rising', which is an amazing album, but it did not have that 'wall of sound' approach. That album was great for what it meant for the aftermath of 911 and yet it had a different sound. This album has a sound from Bruce and the E Street Band that really hasn't been heard since 'Born in the USA'. I am not knocking any of his later albums. They were all great, but I'm talking about Bruce and the E Street Band. Magic is reminiscent of 'Darkness on the Edge of Town', 'Born to Run' and 'The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle'. But, as similar as they are, the sound is different. It is more mature. But, it still has the same romanticism and defeating realism that is found in 'Darkness' and 'Born to Run'. Hearing him and the E Street Band rocking that 'wall of sound' is a welcome sound to these ears.

Robert, Austin,

I can only tell you that Magic is much like most other Springsteen records. You have to listen to it often to truely appreiciate it. This one will turn out to be one of his finest. I did not like The Rising at first, and had to gain an appriciation of it over time. Magic makes a much quicker impression. I believe it wil prove to be one of Springsteen's finest records, probably ranking after BTR, Darkness, The River, and Nebraska. Not bad company. Maybe Bruce will finally get the grammy for album of the year.

JZ, raleigh, nc

As a long term Springsteen fan I was disappointed with 'Magic'. I couldn't help feeling that it was 're-cycled Springsteen lite'. Lots of musical reminders of other tracks, without that heart lifting shock at the grandeur and truth of lyrics and music. No 'Born to Run', no 'Ghost of Tom Joad' no, 'Nebraska'. But it is light years away from the happy clappy nonsense of the 'Seeger' album. I returned that one! 'Sickness and health', 'Til death do us part'? Nope! you've got to press the buttons, Bruce. I look forward to the next - narrative, acoustic? - album.

John Hudson, Middlesbrough, England

A review itself well coined. I find myself, initially anyway, seeking and not finding enough of the ghost of Tom Joad in "Magic"-- it's hard to lose so much of Woody Springsteen after "We Shall Overcome"--but Bruce is, as you say, always eventful and always edifying.

Paul Vincent, Auckland, New Zealand