Human Touch
Human Touch is the ninth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. It was released on March 31, 1992, by Columbia Records, the same day as his companion album Lucky Town.[1] Recorded secretly from 1989 to 1991 without his longtime backing group the E Street Band, the album features a lineup of session musicians, including bassist Randy Jackson and drummer Jeff Porcaro. Springsteen co-produced it with Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Roy Bittan.[2] The record debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart.[3] It has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of one million copies in the United States as of May 28, 1992.[4] Upon release, Human Touch received mixed reviews from critics; Rolling Stone awarded it four out of five stars, praising its emotional depth, while some reviewers found it overproduced.[5]Background and development
Conception and songwriting
Following the conclusion of the 1988 Tunnel of Love Express Tour, Bruce Springsteen opted to record his next album without the E Street Band, driven by a desire for personal and artistic reinvention amid major life transitions, including his divorce from actress Julianne Phillips—whom he had married in 1985—and the onset of his relationship with E Street Band backing vocalist Patti Scialfa.[6] These changes, coupled with the birth of his first children in 1990 and 1991, prompted Springsteen to step back from the road and focus inward, marking a shift toward more intimate, solo-oriented work.[7] Springsteen's songwriting for Human Touch was deeply shaped by his ongoing therapy, which he had begun in 1982 and intensified around 1988, where he addressed long-standing issues of depression and emotional isolation that had intensified during the late 1980s.[8] As he later reflected, "I was having a lot of trouble with depression... Therapy was a big thing for me," enabling a creative process that channeled personal vulnerability into explorations of love, redemption, and interpersonal bonds.[8] This therapeutic lens infused the material with a sense of hopeful reconnection, contrasting the marital introspection of his prior album Tunnel of Love.[6] Between late 1989 and early 1991, Springsteen wrote over 30 new songs at his home in Los Angeles, drawing from these personal experiences to craft material centered on optimism and romance, ultimately selecting 12 tracks for Human Touch that emphasized themes of human connection amid life's uncertainties.[9] Many of these compositions stemmed from an iterative approach, where he would draft lyrics and melodies in isolation before refining them, often revisiting earlier ideas from the Tunnel of Love era.[10] This period of prolific output overlapped with the rapid composition of his companion album Lucky Town in late 1991, which incorporated some unused songs from the same sessions and similarly reflected his evolving outlook on family and renewal.[8]Recording sessions
The recording sessions for Human Touch primarily took place at A&M Studios in Hollywood, California, spanning from September 1989 to March 1991, with additional work conducted at Westlake Audio and other facilities including Ocean Way Recording and the Record Plant.[2][11][9] These sessions marked Springsteen's first major studio project without the full E Street Band, reflecting his desire for a fresh sonic approach following the introspective Tunnel of Love.[12] Springsteen assembled a core group of session musicians for the album, including longtime collaborator Roy Bittan on keyboards, bassist Randy Jackson, and drummer Jeff Porcaro, who contributed to the soul-inflected rock sound. Guitarist Shane Fontayne also participated in initial sessions and provided overdubs during later stages. The production was co-directed by Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Bittan, emphasizing layered arrangements and pop-oriented structures developed over the year-long process.[9][13][11] The album was originally planned for release in spring-summer 1991 but was held back after Springsteen began work on Lucky Town in late 1991. In late 1991, the album underwent further overdubs and mixing at A&M Studios to refine its polished production. Springsteen ultimately decided to release Human Touch simultaneously with Lucky Town on March 31, 1992, viewing the pair as complementary works that together chronicled his personal and artistic evolution during that period.[8][14]Composition and themes
Musical style
Human Touch marks a notable evolution in Bruce Springsteen's sound, blending rock with prominent pop and R&B influences, characterized by horn sections and layered guitar arrangements that diverge from the raw heartland rock of his earlier albums like Born to Run.[15] The production, co-helmed by Springsteen, Jon Landau, and Chuck Plotkin, emphasizes a polished, radio-friendly aesthetic with smooth synthesizers and rhythmic grooves, reflecting 1980s trends while incorporating soulful elements such as saxophone solos by Clarence Clemons.[16] This shift is evident in the album's fuller sonic palette, achieved through session musicians including multi-instrumentalist Roy Bittan on keyboards and piano.[1] Key stylistic features include upbeat and mid-tempo rhythms, as seen in the title track "Human Touch," a mid-tempo rocker driven by synth hooks and layered guitars that evoke emotional introspection through its driving beat.[16] Tracks like "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)" incorporate satirical energy with punchy horns and pop-inflected production, while the overall sound draws on R&B grooves and bluesy undertones, contrasting the more stripped-down folk-rock of Springsteen's concurrent release Lucky Town.[17] The use of renowned session drummer Jeff Porcaro, known for his precise, Phil Collins-inspired fills, adds a commercial sheen to songs like "Soul Driver," enhancing the album's rhythmic propulsion.[18] The album's structure supports its diverse style, running 58:50 across 12 tracks, with multi-instrumental contributions from Springsteen himself on guitar, bass, and harmonica creating a dense, textured arrangement that prioritizes accessibility over the expansive narratives of prior works.[14] This approach, recorded primarily at A&M Studios in Los Angeles, allowed for experimental layering during sessions that spanned from 1989 to 1991.[2]Lyrics and song concepts
The lyrics of Human Touch revolve around central themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and redemption, marking a shift in Springsteen's songwriting toward personal emotional renewal following his 1988 divorce from actress Julianne Phillips.[7] In tracks like the title song, Springsteen conveys a desperate yearning for physical and emotional connection, portraying touch as an antidote to isolation and self-doubt, with lines such as "I just want something to hold onto" underscoring the fragility of human bonds after personal upheaval.[19] This vulnerability extends to fears of loss tied to newfound fatherhood and marriage to Patti Scialfa, as Springsteen later reflected on the "enormous fear" accompanying unconditional love for his children, which informed the album's redemptive arcs of rebuilding trust and faith in relationships.[7] Specific songs delve into these concepts through narrative lenses drawn from Springsteen's life without overt autobiography. In "57 Channels (And Nothin' on)," the protagonist's frustration with endless television options symbolizes media overload and the emptiness of modern materialism, culminating in a violent act against the TV as a metaphor for relational and existential dissatisfaction in a bourgeois existence.[20] The track critiques how consumer culture fails to fulfill deeper human needs, echoing broader themes of disconnection amid abundance. Similarly, "Real Man" explores masculinity through therapy-derived insights, questioning traditional notions of stoicism and strength by embracing emotional openness and self-examination as markers of true manhood, influenced by Springsteen's own therapeutic work during a period of depression in the late 1980s and early 1990s.[6][21] Overall, the album's song concepts adopt an optimistic tone, contrasting the pervasive darkness of Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. era, where societal and personal struggles dominated with less resolution.[22] Here, redemption emerges through tentative hope and relational healing, shaped by Springsteen's evolving personal circumstances—his remarriage, parenthood, and therapeutic breakthroughs—without explicit self-revelation, allowing universal resonance in the narratives of vulnerability turned to strength.[19][7]Release and promotion
Artwork and packaging
The cover artwork for Human Touch features a black-and-white photograph of Bruce Springsteen captured in a shadowy, intimate setting, with a woman's hand gently touching his neck, symbolizing closeness and emotional vulnerability.[23] The image was taken by photographer David Rose during sessions in Los Angeles, where natural fog contributed to the subdued lighting that enhances the album's theme of personal connection.[23] Art direction was handled by Sandra Choron, with the design incorporating elongated typography for the title and artist's name alongside subtle elements like a guitar and bracelet to reinforce the record's motifs.[24] The album was initially released on Columbia Records on March 31, 1992, in standard formats including CD and LP.[1] The CD edition came in a jewel case with a black tray and included a 12-page booklet containing lyrics, production credits, and interior photographs shot by Annie Leibovitz, David Rose, and Harry Gruyaert, which depict scenes of human interaction and solitude to echo the album's lyrical focus.[25] For the vinyl LP, packaging featured a printed inner sleeve with lyrics, credits, and additional photographs emphasizing motifs of touch and connection, such as close-up portraits and interpersonal gestures.[26] Some initial pressings included a 5-inch silver hype sticker on the outer packaging, bearing Columbia Records branding and a quality guarantee notice.[26] International editions varied in catalog numbers and minor packaging details to comply with regional standards; for example, the European CD used catalog number 471423 2, while the Canadian CD was CK 53000, both retaining the core artwork and booklet contents but occasionally featuring localized printing or anti-copy markings like "Campione Omaggio" punches on Italian promotional copies.[11] These variations ensured consistent visual identity across markets while adapting to distribution requirements.[11]Singles and marketing
The lead single from Human Touch, "Human Touch", was released on March 9, 1992, as a double A-side with "Better Days" from the companion album Lucky Town. The track peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[27][28] This was followed by the second single, "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)", issued in July 1992.[20] Marketing efforts for Human Touch eschewed an immediate full-scale tour, with the supporting world tour not beginning until June 15, 1992, in Stockholm.[29] Instead, promotion centered on high-profile television exposure, including a May 9, 1992, appearance on Saturday Night Live, where Springsteen performed "Lucky Town" and "57 Channels (And Nothin' On)" from Human Touch, along with "Living Proof" from Lucky Town.[30][31] The strategy also leveraged the simultaneous release of Lucky Town on March 31, 1992, positioning the dual albums as a combined artistic statement to amplify interest and sales momentum.[6] A key component was the music video for the title track, directed by Meiert Avis and premiered on MTV on March 9, 1992. The video highlighted romantic themes through intimate scenes of a couple's embrace and Springsteen's evocative guitar performance against urban backdrops.[32][33] International promotion adapted to local markets, featuring region-specific radio play, interviews, and television spots to tailor outreach.[6]Commercial performance
Chart positions
Human Touch debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart dated April 18, 1992, marking Bruce Springsteen's highest chart entry since 1987. The album topped the charts in several European markets, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway, while reaching the top five in Germany and other countries.[1] The following table summarizes the album's peak positions on major national album charts:| Country | Peak Position | Chart | Source URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 | Billboard 200 | https://brucespringsteen.net/albums/human-touch/ |
| United Kingdom | 1 | Official Albums Chart | https://brucespringsteen.net/albums/human-touch/ |
| Germany | 2 | Offizielle Charts | https://www.offiziellecharts.de/chart-details-125 |
| Sweden | 1 | Sverigetopplistan | https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Bruce+Springsteen&titel=Human+Touch&cat=a |
| Norway | 1 | VG-lista | https://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Bruce+Springsteen&titel=Human+Touch&cat=a |
| Australia | 17 | ARIA Albums Chart | https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Bruce+Springsteen&titel=Human+Touch&cat=a |
Sales certifications
In the United States, Human Touch was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on May 28, 1992, denoting shipments of 1,000,000 units.[35] The album achieved 2× platinum status in Canada from Music Canada, representing 200,000 units.[35] Internationally, Human Touch earned gold certification in the United Kingdom from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 100,000 units (1992 thresholds), gold in Australia from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for 35,000 units, gold in Germany from the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI) for 250,000 units, gold in Japan for 100,000 units, gold in New Zealand for 7,500 units, gold in Sweden (GLF) for 50,000 units (1992 thresholds), gold in Switzerland (IFPI) for 25,000 units (1992 thresholds), and gold in Austria for 25,000 units.[35] Sales for Human Touch were slower than Springsteen's prior albums, such as Tunnel of Love (over 8 million units worldwide), with the album dropping from No. 2 to No. 33 on the Billboard 200 within weeks of release; this was partly attributed to the absence of initial tour support, as the 1992–1993 World Tour began in June 1992, over two months after the March 31 launch.[36] The album has sold approximately 4.6 million copies worldwide as of 2025.[37] No further certification updates have been issued in the digital era.[35]| Country | Certification | Accredited Units | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) | Gold | 35,000 | — |
| Austria (IFPI Austria) | Gold | 25,000 | — |
| Canada (Music Canada) | 2× Platinum | 200,000 | — |
| Germany (BVMI) | Gold | 250,000 | — |
| Japan | Gold | 100,000 | — |
| New Zealand (RMNZ) | Gold | 7,500 | — |
| Sweden (GLF) | Gold | 50,000 | — |
| Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) | Gold | 25,000 | — |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Gold | 100,000 | — |
| United States (RIAA) | Platinum | 1,000,000 | May 28, 1992 |
Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release in 1992, Human Touch received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its accessibility and mature themes but often criticized its polished production and perceived lack of the raw energy found in Springsteen's earlier work. Rolling Stone's Anthony DeCurtis awarded the album four out of five stars, highlighting it as evidence of the "fascinating progress of a compelling artist" through its exploration of love and resilience.[5] In contrast, Entertainment Weekly's David Browne gave it a B-, describing the record as "strained and verbose; most confused albums since debut," pointing to overly elaborate arrangements.[5] The New York Times' Jon Pareles noted the album's "hard-won, homemade sound of retreat," appreciating its introspective shift but implying a departure from Springsteen's more dynamic past.[5] The Washington Post's Richard Harrington lauded Springsteen for reinventing himself "as an adult artist with reflection and maturity," emphasizing the thematic depth in tracks addressing personal renewal.[5] Robert Christgau of The Village Voice offered a more dismissive take in his Consumer Guide, labeling it "windbag in love" with references to specific songs like "Cross My Heart" and "The Long Goodbye," and assigning it his lowest non-dud grade of *.[38] Contemporary aggregate assessments placed the album around a 60 out of 100 equivalent, reflecting the divide between those who valued its emotional accessibility and others who found it overproduced and less edgy.[39] Fan reactions were similarly mixed, with many expressing disappointment over the absence of the E Street Band, which they felt diminished the album's live-wire intensity compared to prior releases.[40]Retrospective views
In the 2010s, critical reappraisals of Human Touch began to highlight its emotional resonance and introspective qualities, often viewing it as a transitional work reflective of Springsteen's personal struggles during a period of marital dissolution and band hiatus. Springsteen's 2016 memoir Born to Run disclosed his therapy experiences, which later analyses linked to the raw, confessional tone of songs like "Real World" and "With Every Wish," portraying the album as embodying a shift toward examining fractured relationships and emotional barriers.[41] Similarly, a 2017 analysis proposed resequencing tracks from Human Touch and its companion album Lucky Town to form a more cohesive single release, praising the former's polished soul-rock arrangements as a counterpoint to the latter's stripped-back urgency, thereby underscoring their complementary exploration of redemption and isolation.[22] The album has since appeared in several "underrated" compilations, with critics noting its overlooked strengths amid the initial backlash to Springsteen's departure from the E Street Band. For instance, a 2021 retrospective identified tracks like "Real World" as hidden gems capturing domestic themes.[42] A 2022 reexamination contrasted the album's outward-facing, band-driven energy with Lucky Town's solitary introspection, arguing that together they represent a pivotal diptych in Springsteen's oeuvre, warranting fresh listens for their narrative depth on personal renewal.[12] More recent views remain mixed; in October 2024, Rolling Stone ranked Human Touch among the "50 Most Disappointing Albums of All Time," citing its overproduction and the worst reviews of Springsteen's career up to that point.[43] A February 2025 review described it as a transitional effort with awkward 1980s production lingering, though appreciating its role in Springsteen's evolution.[44]Track listing and related material
Standard tracks
The standard edition of Human Touch, released on March 31, 1992, by Columbia Records, features 12 tracks in the same order across CD and vinyl formats, with no bonus tracks included in the original release. All songs were written by Bruce Springsteen.[11][14]| No. | Title | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Human Touch | 6:25 |
| 2 | Soul Driver | 4:33 |
| 3 | 57 Channels (And Nothin' On) | 2:25 |
| 4 | Cross My Heart | 3:44 |
| 5 | Gloria's Eyes | 3:42 |
| 6 | With Every Wish | 4:32 |
| 7 | Roll of the Dice | 4:14 |
| 8 | Real World | 5:23 |
| 9 | All or Nothin' at All | 3:16 |
| 10 | Man's Job | 4:32 |
| 11 | I Wish I Were Blind | 4:44 |
| 12 | The Long Goodbye | 3:24 |