It’s been a mixed few weeks for Bruce Springsteen fans: there’s been good news, as well as questionable public opinion, with a bit of ho-hum mixed in for good measure.

To start with the good – Bruce finally confirmed that in his song thunder roadMary’s dress does indeed swing rather than ripple.

While the lyrics printed on the born to run album cover go for the latter, Bruce told Jimmy Fallon that he’s been singing the former all these years.

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The question had fans divided, but now those of us who were committed swayers got it right. Sure. How could a dress “wave”? Those who claimed that was what Bruce was singing were clearly wrong.

But they are not the only ones with wrong opinions (i.e. those who disagree with me).

My colleague Michael Cahill conducted a listener poll for RTÉ Gold to establish Irish audiences’ favorite Bruce songs.

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A very good effort, which generated a great echo. But as with all these lists, it caused more than a little argument.

Watch (spoiler alert) born to run at number 1 it’s not a surprise, I have no problem with Rosalita at number 2 – but Dancing in the dark at number 3? Leave me alone! A hit song about not being able to write a hit song, Bruce’s biggest hit is a little too popular for purists (me included).

As for the rest of the top 30…nothing Nebraska, arguably his most critically acclaimed album? Or his most recent albums of original material, western stars and letter to you? And don’t get me started on the audience’s inability to recognize the brilliance of New York Serenade Where Race in the street. Other people, huh?

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And so, ho-hum…

Springsteen’s 21st studio album, Only the strong surviveis composed of covers of “fifteen soul music greats” (according to the press release), and it is a very pleasant listen.

But the lingering question I have about the album is: What’s the point?

The covers are respectful and faithful to the originals – a little too respectful and faithful, perhaps, because they really don’t add anything. And surely that’s the purpose of a cover version?

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Springsteen talked about how he wanted to showcase his vocals on the new record, and in all honesty, it sounds great — it all seems a bit insignificant for a Bruce album.

Now, don’t get me wrong: it’s not a beauty, but hey, it’s fine. If a new album of Springsteen originals isn’t on the cards (and he’s made it clear that it isn’t), then I’ll take it.

He said he would play some of the songs when he hits the road next year, and if he should break out Do I love you (indeed I love you) in the RDS, with the E Street Band at full throttle, I’m going to enjoy it. As long as the covers do not crowd out its own material.

Because while Springsteen is a superb recording artist, the real magic happens live. Songs that simply sound great in the recording studio become so much more in concert.

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It’s impossible to appreciate Springsteen’s appeal without experiencing him live, and it’s been seven long years since he’s performed in Ireland – partly because of his long-running Broadway show, partly at cause of covid.

So these three evenings at the RDS next May are eagerly awaited by fans – even those who think Dancing in the dark is his best song.

Since his last visit (two nights in Croke Park in 2016, during The River’s 30th anniversary tour), he’s released two albums of original material, plus the covers album, so the setlists will be interesting. And the good news for those attending all three nights is that it will change every night, so during the Dublin stand we’ll hear a lot of different songs. So there’s more than enough for Springsteen fans.

Do we need a Springsteen cover album? Probably not, but let it be.

Do we still need Bruce himself? Indeed, we do.

Only the strong survive by Bruce Springsteen is now available.