Human Touch
{{about|the album by Bruce Springsteen|other uses|Human touch (disambiguation)}}
{{Redirect|Man's Job|the 2007 Finnish film|A Man's Work (film)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox album
| name = Human Touch
| type = studio
| artist = Bruce Springsteen
| cover = Bruce Springsteen - Human Touch - coverart - I.jpg
| alt =
| released = March 27, 1992{{cite magazine|title=Advertisement|magazine=Music Week|page=3|date=28 March 1992}}
| recorded = September 1989 – March 1991
| studio = A&M
Soundworks West
Ocean Way Recording
Westlake Recording Studios
Record Plant (Los Angeles)
| genre =
- Rock
- pop{{Cite podcast|url=https://slate.com/podcasts/hit-parade/2021/07/bruce-springsteen-billboard-chart-records-slate-music-podcast|title= Tramps Like Us Edition|website=Hit Parade {{!}} Music History and Music Trivia|publisher=Slate|last=Molanphy|first=Chris|date= July 16, 2021|access-date= February 19, 2024}}
| length = 58:49
| label = Columbia
| producer = Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, Roy Bittan
| prev_title = Chimes of Freedom
| prev_year = 1988
| next_title = Lucky Town
| next_year = 1992
| misc = {{Singles
| name = Human Touch
| type = studio
| single1 = Human Touch
| single1date = March 1992{{Cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Bruce+Springsteen&titel=Human+Touch&cat=s|title=Bruce Springsteen - Human Touch|first=Steffen|last=Hung|website=Hitparade.ch|access-date=March 31, 2025}}
| single2 = 57 Channels (And Nothin' On)
| single2date = June 1992
| single3 = Roll of the Dice
| single3date = November 1992 (Japan)
}}
}}
Human Touch is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. The album was released on March 27, 1992,{{Cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=human+touch#search_section|title=Gold & Platinum|website=Riaa.com|access-date=March 31, 2025}} the same day as Lucky Town. It was the more popular of the two, peaking at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, and lead single "Human Touch" (double A-side single with Lucky Town's "Better Days") peaking at number one on the Mainstream Rock and number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. "Human Touch" has since been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for over one million copies sold in the US, and was nominated for Best Rock Vocal Performance at the 1993 Grammy Awards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/bruce-springsteen|title=Bruce Springsteen|website=Grammy Awards|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=February 14, 2018|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406060819/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/bruce-springsteen|url-status=live}}
Background
Not long after Springsteen broke up the E Street Band in October 1989, pianist Roy Bittan played Springsteen three instrumental songs he had written: "Roll of the Dice", "Real World" and "Trouble in Paradise".{{cite web |url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2309042 |title=Bruce Springsteen – Human Touch/Lucky Town – Album Review |website=AbsolutePunk.net |date=March 31, 1992 |access-date=January 28, 2014 |archive-date=August 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823170316/https://chorus.fm/ |url-status=live }} Springsteen later added lyrics to the songs, and liked them to the point where he began writing and recording more songs. With the E Street Band gone—except for Bittan, who played keyboards and co-produced the album—Springsteen assembled a band of studio musicians in Los Angeles, mostly using the services of Randy Jackson on bass guitar and Jeff Porcaro on drums. A wide variety of background vocalists were used, including Sam Moore, Bobby Hatfield, and Bobby King. Overall, at least 25 or so songs were recorded, but the exact number is unknown.
The album was originally set for a spring-summer 1991 release date, having been pushed back from early 1991, but was once again halted when Springsteen began recording Lucky Town later that year. Springsteen ultimately decided to release both albums on the same day, with Human Touch released on March 27, 1992—more than two years after starting the project.
Porcaro was asked by Springsteen to join the band for the subsequent tour, but declined because he was engaged with his own band Toto. Porcaro died a few months later of a heart attack in his garden.
Critical reception
{{Album reviews
| rev1 = AllMusic
| rev1score = {{Rating|2|5}}{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r18770}}
| rev2 = Chicago Tribune
| rev2Score = {{Rating|1|4}}{{cite news|last=Kot|first=Greg|author-link=Greg Kot|date=January 25, 2009|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-01-25-0901230323-story.html|title=Springsteen's latest effort a 'Dream' deflated|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=September 27, 2020|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129070612/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2009-01-25-0901230323-story.html|url-status=live}}
| rev3 = Christgau's Consumer Guide
| rev3Score = {{Rating-Christgau|hm1}}{{cite book|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|year=2000|page=[https://archive.org/details/christgausconsum00chri_0/page/294 294]|title=Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s|publisher=Macmillan Publishers|isbn=0312245602|chapter=Bruce Springsteen|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xVQbszFuEGMC&pg=PA294|access-date=September 6, 2015|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/christgausconsum00chri_0}}
| rev4 = Entertainment Weekly
| rev5 = NME
| rev5score = 5/10{{cite magazine |title=Ace of boss |last1=Bailie |first1=Stuart |last2=Staunton |first2=Terry |date=11 March 1995 |magazine=New Musical Express |pages=54–55}}
| rev6 = Pitchfork
| rev6score = 5.8/10{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/bruce-springsteen-the-album-collection-vol-2-1987-1996/|title=Tunnel of Love / Chimes of Freedom EP / Human Touch / Lucky Town / In Concert/MTV Plugged / The Ghost of Tom Joad / Blood Brothers EP|website=Pitchfork|last=Sodomsky|first=Sam|date=19 May 2018|access-date=4 April 2025}}
| rev7 = Rolling Stone
| rev7score = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine|last=DeCurtis |first=Anthony |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/human-touch-19920403 |title=Human Touch | Album Reviews |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=April 3, 1992 |access-date=May 17, 2012}}
| rev8 = Tom Hull
}}
Human Touch debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 selling 246,000 copies during its first week.{{Cite web| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BgwEAAAAMBAJ&q=bruce+springsteen+human+touch+and+lucky+town+debut+billboard+200&pg=PA75| title=Billboard| date=August 17, 2002| access-date=November 1, 2020| archive-date=August 23, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823171001/https://books.google.com/books?id=BgwEAAAAMBAJ&q=bruce+springsteen+human+touch+and+lucky+town+debut+billboard+200&pg=PA75| url-status=live}} The album was met with a generally mixed critical reception. Rolling Stone gave the album 4 stars and noted that the songs "explore the movement from disenchanted isolation to a willingness to risk love and its attendant traumas again." The review also stated that the title track "stands among Springsteen's best work." However Bill Wyman of The Chicago Reader gave the album a very harsh review, calling it "the worst piece of [expletive] you can imagine coming from a talent on Springsteen's level." Out of the album's 14 tracks, Wyman said there was only "one passable Springsteen song, 'The Long Goodbye.' The lyrics don't make much sense...but it has a bruising musical onslaught that covers up a lot."{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/double-drivel/Content?oid=879459 |title=Double drivel |author-link=Bill Wyman |last=Wyman |first=Bill |date=1992-04-09 |website=The Chicago Reader |language=en |access-date=2020-09-27 |archive-date=November 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112091123/http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/double-drivel/Content?oid=879459 |url-status=live }}
Though his initial review was more positive, Greg Kot of The Chicago Tribune later wrote that "in retrospect, Human Touch tried to re-create the stadium-rocking aura of an E Street album, with session musicians unsuccessfully replacing the road-tested band."{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-02-26-9502260078-story.html |title=Born Again |author-link=Greg Kot |last=Kot |first=Greg |date=1995-02-26 |website=The Chicago Tribune |language=en |access-date=2020-09-27 |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129075339/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-02-26-9502260078-story.html |url-status=live }} AllMusic later described the album as "generic pop" and "his first that didn't at least aspire to greatness."
The album is generally disliked by Springsteen fans, and in 2012 was ranked last among Springsteen's albums by the online magazine Nerve. Regarding the bad reputation of Human Touch and Lucky Town among his fans, Springsteen said: "I tried it [writing happy songs] in the early '90s and it didn't work; the public didn't like it."{{cite web |url=http://www.nerve.com/music/bruce-springsteen-albums-from-worst-to-best |title=Ranked: Bruce Springsteen Albums from Worst to Best |website=Nerve.com |date=March 5, 2012 |access-date=May 17, 2012 |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414022215/http://www.nerve.com/music/bruce-springsteen-albums-from-worst-to-best |url-status=live }}
Track listing
All music and lyrics by Bruce Springsteen, except where noted
{{Track listing
| title1 = Human Touch
| length1 = 6:31
| title2 = Soul Driver
| length2 = 4:39
| title3 = 57 Channels (And Nothin' On)
| length3 = 2:28
| title4 = Cross My Heart
| writer4 = {{hlist|Springsteen|Sonny Boy Williamson (lyrics)}}
| length4 = 3:51
| title5 = Gloria's Eyes
| length5 = 3:46
| title6 = With Every Wish
| length6 = 4:39
| title7 = Roll of the Dice
| writer7 = {{hlist|Springsteen|Roy Bittan}}
| length7 = 4:17
| title8 = Real World
| writer8 = {{hlist|Springsteen|Bittan}}
| length8 = 5:26
| title9 = All or Nothin' at All
| length9 = 3:23
| title10 = Man's Job
| length10 = 4:37
| title11 = I Wish I Were Blind
| length11 = 4:48
| title12 = The Long Goodbye
| length12 = 3:30
| title13 = Real Man
| length13 = 4:33
| title14 = Pony Boy
| writer14 = Traditional, arrangement and additional lyrics by Springsteen
| length14 = 2:14
}}
=Unreleased outtakes=
Springsteen's first album without the E Street Band featured numerous outtakes, many of which have been released. A cover of "Viva Las Vegas" was released as a B-side and on The Essential Bruce Springsteen, "Chicken Lips and Lizard Hips" was released on a children's album, and "30 Days Out" was also a B-side. "Part Man, Part Monkey", a track originally recorded during the Tunnel of Love session and performed on that tour, was re-recorded and released as a B-side and on Tracks along with other outtakes such as "Trouble In Paradise", "Sad Eyes", "Leavin' Train", "Seven Angels", "My Lover Man", "When the Lights Go Out", "Over the Rise", "Goin' Cali" and "Loose Change". "Trouble River" was released on 18 Tracks. Springsteen also recorded "Red-Headed Woman", a tribute to his wife Patti Scialfa and a song performed often, eventually released as a live version on the MTV Unplugged album, "Secret Garden", which would later get re-worked with the reunited E Street Band in 1995 for Greatest Hits, and "All the Way Home", a song Springsteen gave to Southside Johnny and one that Springsteen would not release until 2005's Devils & Dust.{{Cite web |url=http://brucebase.wikispaces.com/Human+Touch+-+Studio+Sessions |title=Brucebase – Human Touch – Studio Sessions |access-date=May 18, 2014 |archive-date=December 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216035151/http://brucebase.wikispaces.com/Human+Touch+-+Studio+Sessions |url-status=dead }}
- "Red Headed Woman"
- "Secret Garden"
- "All the Way Home"
Personnel
- Bruce Springsteen – guitar and lead vocals, bass guitar on "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)"
Additional Musicians
- Randy Jackson – bass guitar
- Jeff Porcaro – drums, percussion (except on "With Every Wish")
- Roy Bittan – keyboards
- Sam Moore – harmony vocals on "Soul Driver", "Real World" and "Man's Job"
- Patti Scialfa – harmony vocals on "Human Touch" and "Pony Boy"
- David Sancious – Hammond organ on "Soul Driver" and "Real Man"
- Bobby King – backing vocals on "Roll of the Dice" and "Man's Job"
- Tim Pierce – second guitar on "Soul Driver" and "Roll of the Dice"
- Michael Fisher – percussion on "Soul Driver"
- Bobby Hatfield – harmony vocals on "I Wish I Were Blind"
- Mark Isham – muted trumpet on "With Every Wish"
- Douglas Lunn – fretless bass guitar nonpareil on "With Every Wish"
- Kurt Wortman – drums and dumbeck on "With Every Wish"
Technical:
- Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, Roy Bittan – production
- Toby Scott – engineering
- Robert "RJ" Jaczko – additional engineering and assistant engineering
- Greg Goldman, Randy Wine, Tom Hardisty, Clif Norrell, Craig Johnson, Buzz Burrows – assistant engineering
- Bob Clearmountain – mixing
- Bob Ludwig – mastering
- Scott Hull, Dave Collins – digital editing
- Sandra Choron – art direction
- Victor Weaver – typography design
- David Rose – cover photography, interior photography
- Annie Leibovitz, Harvy Gruyaert – interior photography
Singles
{{refbegin}}
Singles were released in both U.S. and UK/Europe, unless otherwise indicated:
- A{{anchor|endnote_D}}^ Charted as double A-Side with "Better Days" when released in the United States.
{{refend}}
Charts
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=Weekly charts=
{{col-2}}
=Year-end charts=
{{col-end}}
Certifications
{{certification Table Top}}
{{certification Table Entry|type=album|relyear=1992|certyear=2008|region=Australia|award=Platinum|access-date=April 4, 2012}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|region=Austria|award=Gold|access-date=April 4, 2012}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|region=Canada|award=Platinum|number=2|access-date=April 4, 2012}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|certyear=1992|region=Finland|award=Gold|salesamount=35,627|access-date=April 4, 2012}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|region=Germany|award=Gold|access-date=April 4, 2012}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=ヒューマン・タッチ|artist=ブルース・スプリングスティーン|type=album|region=Japan|award=Gold|relyear=1992|certyear=1992|certmonth=4|salesamount=116,000|salesref={{cite book |title=Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005 |publisher=Oricon Entertainment |location=Roppongi, Tokyo |year=2006 |isbn=4-87131-077-9}}}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|id=1992-04-24|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|region=New Zealand|award=Gold}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|certyear=193|region=Norway|award=Gold|access-date=March 1, 2020}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|type=album|artist=Paul McCartney|relyear=1992|certyear=1992|region=Spain|award=Platinum|certref={{cite web|url=http://www.mediafire.com/view/vqzno2c0fe48zam|title=Solo Exitos 1959–2002 Ano A Ano: Certificados 1991–1995|publisher=Solo Exitos 1959–2002 Ano A Ano|access-date=January 20, 2014|archive-date=April 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404203541/http://www.mediafire.com/view/vqzno2c0fe48zam|url-status=live}}}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|certyear=1992|region=Sweden|award=Platinum|access-date=April 6, 2012}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|certyear=1993|region=Switzerland|award=Platinum|access-date=November 25, 2018}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|region=United Kingdom|award=Gold|access-date=April 6, 2012|id=3043-3358-2}}
{{certification Table Entry|title=Human Touch|artist=Bruce Springsteen|type=album|relyear=1992|region=United States|award=Platinum|access-date=April 4, 2012|salesamount=1,168,000|salesref={{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/ask-billboard/269106/ask-billboard-basia-bon-jovi-and-the-boss|title=Ask Billboard: Basia, Bon Jovi and the Boss|magazine=Billboard}}}}
{{Certification Table Bottom}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Discogs master|type=album|27146|name=Human Touch}}
- [http://www.brucespringsteen.net/albums/human.html Audio and lyrics]
{{Bruce Springsteen}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Bruce Springsteen albums
Category:Albums produced by Jon Landau
Category:Albums produced by Chuck Plotkin
Category:Albums produced by Roy Bittan