By Zack Rosenfeld
News Editor
In a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Bruce Springsteen’s famous 1978 album, “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” Springsteen shares rare footage of the E Street band recording in a new HBO documentary.
“The Promise” is a documentary that gives an incredible inside look into the making of “Darkness on the Edge of Town” and all bonus tracks for the album.
After becoming a superstar with the hit “Born to Run,” Springsteen wanted to keep to his roots by not getting caught up in his success.
Springteen’s new album keeps the mature sound that he has acquired over the course of his career. The album also features an energetic and edgier style than that of his previous records.
“Darkness” features well-known songs like “Badlands,” “Promised Land,” and “Darkness on the Edge of Town.”
The album’s release was a turning point in Springsteen’s career. He did not want to be the one-hit-wonder performer of “Born to Run,” and it turned out that “Darkness” fulfilled that need.
The film begins with Springsteen parting ways with his manager, Mike Appel. The two split because Appel had sole control of the production of anything Springsteen recorded in the studio. After going to court, Springsteen won control of the production. It displays how the band started recording in hardship.
Watching the band recording in the studio 30 years ago is eerie for audiences, as the band was totally unaware of how popular it would soon become.
One of the more intriguing parts of the film is being able to see the band record an extra 20 tracks that never appeared on the album. One track in particular, “Because the Night,” Springsteen decided to give over to a young Patti Smith. When she finished recording the song, her career as an artist and her popularity skyrocketed.
Throughout the film, Springsteen’s pure artistic talent is evident. His ability as an artist is exemplefied in the track “Darkness on the Edge of Town” due to its catchy melody that is still a ballad that describes his life in New Jersey.
Even the credits of the documentary are fascinating. They show the band, in present day, performing “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” while flashing back to the same song live in concert 30 years ago.
Whether you’re a fan of classic music, quality films, or Springsteen himself, you will enjoy “The Promise.” The documentary will continue to run on HBO.
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