After a nine-year recording hiatus, The Gaslight Anthem will release their sixth studio album, History Books, on October 27th. In addition, they released the first foretaste of the record with the title song this Friday (July 21).
“None of us wanted to make a very dark record”
The band also released the track listing and title track for the record. The single “History Books” will feature a guest appearance by singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. Gaslight Anthem frontman Brian Fallon said of the collaboration:
“When Bruce Springsteen told me to write a duet for us, I almost went nuts. It will always be amazing to me that one of the greatest songwriters in the world and the voice of one of my heroes is forever captured in a song I wrote at a small wooden table in New Jersey in October.”
Bruce Springsteen will also remain the only feature on the record. “History Books” is intended to differ stylistically from its classic predecessors. So the album shouldn’t be a “serious” record, but rather the subject of the power of letting go of things that aren’t good for you.
According to Fallon, this was born out of excitement at being able to make music together again after so many years. He also said he’s learned over the years that “forgiveness is important on many levels,” but in some cases ending your connection with someone who’s only hurting you is better. This is also reflected in their first single release:
The Gaslight Anthem went on hiatus in 2015 after completing a tour in support of their 2014 album, Get Hurt. The band justified the break by saying that they now want to take time to relax and also have to step back musically until they have something they are “excited about”.
The band has since reunited in 2018 to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their 2008 album The ’59 Sound with a brief tour. However, no new musical projects emerged. However, Fallon pursued his solo career during this time, releasing four solo albums between 2016 and 2022.
Track listing of “History Books”
1.Spider Bites
2. History Books (feat. Bruce Springsteen)
3.Autumn
4. Positive charge
5.Michigan, 1975
6. Little Fires
7. The Weatherman
8. Empires
9. I Live In The Room Above
10. A Lifetime Of Preludes