We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the content of some of the songs is political in nature with anti-war, civil rights, and pro-labor messages. The songs reflect many facets of American history, iconography, culture, and the past and ongoing struggles of the American people. One song has vivid lyrics describing a soldier wounded in battle.
Families can talk about the historic significance of these story songs, as well as the purpose and meaning of folk music and protest songs.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Erika Milvy
Taking the torch from the legendary Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen introduces a new generation to these spirited songs from the core of the American folk tradition.
As Louis Armstrong supposedly said, "All music is folk music. I ain't never heard a horse sing a song," and to point, folk music is for the people and by the people. Seeger was the iconic American folk singer and his songs –- those he wrote and those he unearthed from the dustbin of history –- are truly for the people, by the people, and about the people.
Springsteen's 14-piece orchestra is impressive (tubas in folk music?!) and makes a joyous, celebratory big sound that's nothing like your typical Springsteen.
This is ideal family music album -– one that can foster active listening as Springsteen offers up America's history in story songs, anthems, and protest songs.
Many of Seeger's songs tell righteous stories of hardscrabble living, the fight for freedom, and the struggle for survival. Parents and kids can discuss the history and the context, the meaning and the morals in songs about Jesse James, John Henry, labor disputes, and the Oklahoma dustbowl.
Springsteen's selections reflect current world affairs and protest anthems; "Eyes on the Prize" and "We Shall Overcome" are well suited for a discussion about civil strife and global unrest on the news and in the past.
The traditional Irish ballad "Mrs. McGrath," about a mother's anguish over the loss of her son's legs in a war, also provides an opportunity to discuss war, morality, and even the tradition of protest songs.
On the lighter side, Springsteen includes the familiar kid ditty "Frog Went a Courtin'" and the album is a thoroughly enjoyable and mostly uplifting listen.
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