totally agree with the critics on this one
Some reviewers say the Boss's 16th studio album is "classic" (that's what 5 stars in Rolling Stone means), but most are not that kind. What critics around the country do agree upon, however, is that track #4 is the worst song Springsteen has ever written.
"Queen Of The Supermarket" is a hokey ode to the girl behind the checkout counter at the grocery store.
With my shopping cart I move through the heart
Of a sea of fools so blissfully unaware
That they're in the presence of something wonderful and rare
The way she moves behind the counter
Beneath her white apron her secret remains hers
This is a sampling of the critical response:
"The worst song Bruce Springsteen has ever written."
- Detroit News
"At the 3:00 mark, it accidentally turns into a Meatloaf song."
- Blender
"Removes this record from consideration as one of the best releases of his career."
- Chicago Tribune
"Unintentionally ludicrous."
- San Jose Mercury News
"Unbelievably melodramatic ... sounds like someone doing a Springsteen parody."
- Orlando Sentinel
"Might be the worst song Springsteen has ever released."
- Philadelphia Inquirer
"May be the worst thing he's ever written."
- Pitchfork
I will probably get mocked mercilessly for this, but I like the song. It is light and trite sort of like the whole new record. For me, though, that works for this moment in time. I don't think the song is meant to be taken seriously.
I would definitely put "Surprise Surprise" up there with the worst things he has written, though. To me that sounds like something he wrote for his kid or wife and is something that no one else should have ever had to hear.
I got a GA for the Verizon show and some good lower level seats for Charlottesville. Excited for the tour.
