For devoted fans of New Jersey’s very own rock icon, Bruce Springsteen, today is a monumental day! The highly anticipated seven-album boxed set, ‘Tracks II: The Lost Albums,’ has officially arrived, inviting listeners to delve even deeper into the expansive, often unheard, chapters of The Boss’s legendary career. This massive collection serves as a follow-up to the equally epic 1998 ‘Tracks’ release, promising more unearthed gems and a fascinating look at Springsteen’s creative journey.
So, is ‘Tracks II’ worth your time? If you’re someone who relished the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the vast landscape of Springsteen’s unreleased material from the original ‘Tracks’ – embracing both the brilliant and the more raw, exploratory pieces – then ‘Tracks II’ is undoubtedly for you. This set isn’t about presenting another “Born to Run” or “Darkness on the Edge of Town” level masterpiece; instead, it’s about the pure joy of discovery, of finding new favorites among the songs that, for various reasons, didn’t make the cut for his official studio albums. If you found yourself deeply fond of the deeper cuts from the first ‘Tracks’ set, you’ll find even more to love here.
However, if the sheer volume and varied quality of the first ‘Tracks’ release felt overwhelming, or if you prefer only Springsteen’s most polished, iconic work, then ‘Tracks II’ might be one you can safely bypass. For those who have yet to experience the original ‘Tracks,’ that’s truly the essential starting point for this deep dive into The Boss’s archives.
This incredible collection features a daunting 83 songs, spanning a significant period of Springsteen’s creative output, from 1983 all the way through 2018. It’s a vast musical landscape to navigate, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of his songwriting and performances over several decades. While the physical boxed set is an impressive piece for collectors, the convenience of streaming in 2025 means this wealth of music is easily accessible to everyone.
To help navigate this treasure trove, many dedicated listeners are already highlighting their favorite moments. For instance, “Follow That Dream” from the ‘LA Garage Sessions ’83’ is an early standout, offering a peek into a specific creative period. Other “lost albums” included in this monumental set that fans will be exploring include:
- LA Garage Sessions ’83
- Streets of Philadelphia Sessions
- Faithless
- Somewhere North of Nashville
- Inyo
- Twilight Hours
- Perfect World
Each of these “albums” within the boxed set offers a distinct flavor and insight into the various phases of Springsteen’s prolific career, capturing songs that were developed for, or emerged from, projects that ultimately took different forms. It’s a true gift to the fans, peeling back the layers on one of music’s most enduring figures.
‘Tracks II: The Lost Albums’ is more than just a collection of songs; it’s an invitation to explore the creative process of a legendary artist, to witness the evolution of his sound, and to discover the hidden gems that have finally found their way into the light. It’s a testament to the sheer volume and consistent quality of material that Bruce Springsteen has generated throughout his illustrious career.
To keep up with all the latest musical happenings across our incredible state, from local talent to global superstars, make sure to visit our dedicated Explore New Jersey Music page.
