Nerds That Geek Documentary Review: ‘Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

For the most part, music documentaries tend to work within a pretty standard formula. For example, if the documentary is about a particular concert, we get a wonderful behind the scenes look at how our favorite artists prepare for the big night ahead. Giving us some insight into the mental preparations that go into performing in front of a massive crowd. Or if the documentary is about a new album, we get a wonderful inside look, at the genesis of the album and its meaning before we watch the band put it together in studio, with some of it being kept secret so we can experience everything the album has to offer when it comes out.
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If anything, this is a formula that works quite well when all is said and done. Simply because fans enjoy any kind of peek into the creative process and of course, you can never go wrong with enjoying something new from an artist that you love. But there was mention of the fact that this isn’t always the norm and it just so happens that a new documentary revolving around Bruce Springsteen’s brand-new album, defies that particular mold. For Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You (on AppleTV+) really does provide some incredible insight beyond the music. Which is surprising to say the least. Because at first glance, this seems like any other music documentary.

After all, you’re able to go into Bruce’s New Jersey studio with the E-Street Band, and you get to see the joy and pleasure that they experience as they jam their hearts out. Plus, the story is filmed in black and white, giving it that classic music documentary feel. But the instant Bruce begins to talk about the album and what it means to him and why he wrote it… the tone of this particular documentary begins to change. For we quickly come to learn that this is going to not only be an unprecedented look into how Bruce writes an album, but it is also going to be an unfettered look at Mister Springsteen himself. Because this is a supremely personal album, one that serves as a measure of reflection for a musician that has seen it all and done it all.

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Because Bruce takes the time to explore the moments that gave him his start in the music business and the people that influenced him to refine his work and mold it into the music that we love today. And knowing these facts and hearing the songs that Bruce wrote about those memories, adds incredible gravity to the music, the kind that makes these particular songs extra special. Because now we are truly experiencing a part of Springsteen’s soul in the music, and the wonder of this documentary doesn’t end there. Because there was mention of the fact that this album is incredibly personal, and once Bruce starts to dive into elements that go beyond his career, we are treated to some powerful songs that quite frankly… speak to the wonder and the heartbreak of life.
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For Bruce and the E Street Band explore every emotion and moment that we all go through in life, and the album is even able to speak to how life begins to take things from us as we grow older. And how those losses help us to appreciate the moment and cherish our lives because of how fragile and precious they truly are, and all of this makes for one moving experience. Because the music here is about as soulful as it gets, and it speaks to you as only a Bruce Springsteen album can and really, what truly makes this album so wonderful and so worth our while; is that it serves as the perfect bookend to Bruce’s storied and magnificent career and all of the powerful messages he’s sent our way throughout the years. 

Because Bruce’s music has always spoken to the power of our hopes and our dreams, and it’s also reminded us of the importance of faith in everything we do, and it has always spoken to the struggle of the common man, and the need to keep our heads held high regardless of what the universe is sending our way. So, to enjoy an album that reflects upon those experiences, means that Bruce’s work will now forever stand, as an encapsulation and a celebration of the human experience. One that will always remind us to celebrate life as a gift and cherish its wonder day in and day out, and that’s quite the incredible takeaway to find, in a documentary about a world-famous singer and his kick ass band.

‘Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You’ is available to stream now on AppleTV+.

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