It's interesting, this. People seem to think one thing or the other, with no one really saying "Well, it's okay, I don't mind it."

It's exactly the same on Springsteen boards such as the StonePony London. And it doesn't split there on lines such as long-term Springsteen fans (such as me) hating it, and more recent fans liking it. Nor does it follow that you like this album if you like folksong generally, or vice versa.

So he must be doing something right!