Bruce Springsteen: "I rediscovered the power of my own voice" through new album Only The Strong Survive

Bruce Springsteen has announced his 21st studio album Only The Strong Survive, out November 11th via Colombia Records. The album will celebrate classic soul music and showcase Springsteen's raw vocals above all else.

In his nearly six decades long career, the iconic American rocker has left his voice "at the service of [his] songs." He explained his voice has been "confined by my arrangements, my melodies, my compositions, my constructions. My voice always came second third or fourth to the expression of those elements. But this time I had decided to do something I'd never done before. Make some music that is centred around singing, around challenging my voice."

The musician has not always been the most confident in his singing abilities. In his 2016 memoir, Born to Run, he wrote, "About my voice - first of all, I don't have much of one." While recording this album, he was able to "rediscover the power" of his voice. "While listening to this project I thought, 'My voice is badass! I'm 73 years old, I'm kickin' ass!'" He credits this epiphany to soul music, calling it "some of the most beautiful vocal music ever written and recorded."

This album will feature covers of "some of the most beautiful songs in the American pop songbook" from soul and gospel singers. Springsteen puts his own spin on songs by Smokey Robinson, David Ruffin, Jerry Butler, Levi Stubbs, Sam Moore, Tyrone Davis, William Bell, The Supremes and more.

"I’ve tried to do justice to them all—and to the fabulous writers of this glorious music. My goal is for the modern audience to experience its beauty and joy, just as I have since I first heard it. I hope you love listening to it as much as I loved making it," he commented.

This will be Springsteen's first studio album release since 2020's Letter To You, which debuted at No.1 in 11 countries. He will embark on an international tour with the E Street Band in 2023 with over 1.6 million tickets sold across the United States and Europe. He will arrive in Dublin for three shows at the RDS Arena, on May 5th, 7th and 9th.

The first single from Only The Strong Survive is out now- 'Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)' originally written and performed by Frank Wilson in 1965. It is accompanied by a music video directed by Thom Zimny.

Watch Bruce Springsteen's album announcement video below: