The Gaslight Anthem are back with their first album in nearly a decade, History Books, out today, October 27th on their own Rich Mahogany Recordings via Thirty Tigers.
“None of us wanted to make a very somber or serious record showing how much we’ve matured,” singer Brian Fallon said in a statement about their follow-up to 2014’s Get Hurt. “We’ve all changed and grown and learned so much, but the overall mood was a feeling of excitement to be back together and making music that means something to us.”
In an interview with The Associated Press, Fallon explained how the title track — which features Bruce Springsteen — came together. After calling on Springsteen — who over the years became the artist’s friend, not just idol — for advice about potentially reuniting The Gaslight Anthem, the legend himself proposed a duet. “We didn’t want to make a record that felt sub-heart,” Fallon said. But “The E Street Band took a big break, too,” which is why he met up with Springsteen for guidance.
“It was going to seek the guy on the hill for wisdom, but really, it was Federici’s Pizza in Freehold (New Jersey),” he explained. “But some mythical work was done at that table. We brought the band back together.” Even better, after the musicians parted ways, Springsteen sent Fallon a text: “Hey, why don’t you write us a duet? I’ll come sing with you.’”
“I never would’ve had the guts to ask him that,” Fallon said. “It’s really cool to have one of my top three heroes singing on a song I wrote at my desk in my house. It’s insane.” Listen to “History Books” below.
The Gaslight Anthem first came back together last spring with a reunion tour. In April, they shared “Positive Charge,” their first song since 2014. The band will continue their tour in support of the album; grab your tickets here.
History Books Artwork:
History Books Tracklist:
01. Spider Bites
02. History Books (feat. Bruce Springsteen)
03. Autumn
04. Positive Charge
05. Michigan, 1975
06. Little Fires
07. The Weatherman
08. Empires
09. I Live in the Room Above Her
10. A Lifetime of Preludes
