Nils Lofgren, guitarist of Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band (also having backed Neil Young and Ringo Starr) has released the most personal record of his vast discography, Sacred Weapon. A gifted songwriter, Lofgren has created a multi-layered album full of vivid lyrics, with just a touch of tongue-in-cheek thrown in as well (“Pay Your Woman”). In addition to Lofgren’s showcase of songwriting, singing and guitar-playing skills, Weapon features several well-known session players, including Willie Nelson (duet on “In Your Hands”), David Crosby and Graham Nash (“Frankie Hang On”), and Martin Sexton (“Whiskey Holler”). The multi-versed leader also plays a cache of instruments here, including dulcimer, accordion, glockenspiel, and dobro, adding to the personal opus nature of the disc.
The stripped down acoustics of “In Your Hands” is a delicate opener, where Lofgren’s and Nelson’s wavering, determined voices end up mimicking the vulnerable guitars beneath them. Lofgren’s rough, edgy voice in particular is both soothing and mesmerizing, a la John Prine or even Bob Dylan. Speaking from his experience, he airs his confusion and skepticism about a wayward woman (“maybe you’re just trouble walkin’ out the door”) and offers powerful, lovelorn lyrics and remorseful tones in “Comfort Your Love Brings.”
Hawaiian-island rhythms fuse with a Lone Ranger-esque galloping guitar in the introduction to “Trouble,” one of the album highlights, and the upbeat, hard-hitting, shredding pop of “Mr. Hardcore” rounds out the full spectrum of emotions and styles.
Throughout the album he displays exceptional songwriting skills and an ability to magnify or multiply his sound. While his intricate picking can mimic that of several guitarists playing at once, he avoids flooding the air with endless notes. Even the most layered songs end up having an intimate, simplistic feel.
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