March 31st
Rock Albums Released on This Day in History
Springsteen dropped Human Touch and Lucky Town on the same day in ’92—one polished and uncertain, the other raw and direct. Together they map a man in transition, shedding myth, chasing truth, and finding that even The Boss can feel lost and reborn.
Between Human Touch and Lucky Town, Lucky Town is generally considered the better album by critics and fans alike.
While Human Touch was the more polished and anticipated of the two—being worked on for years—many found it overproduced and emotionally distant. In contrast, Lucky Town was written and recorded quickly, but it feels more raw, personal, and lyrically sharp. Tracks like “Better Days” and “If I Should Fall Behind” resonated more deeply, giving Lucky Town a stronger emotional core.
So, despite being the “bonus” release, Lucky Town is often seen as the true spiritual successor to Springsteen’s earlier, more introspective work.
Featured Rock Albums
1992
Bruce Springsteen
– Human Touch
Springsteen in ’92 was searching—no E Street Band, a new decade, and a slicker sound. Human Touch trades raw grit for polished rock and soul, sometimes losing its spark but never its heart. At its best, it’s Bruce wrestling with love, faith, and life’s messy truths.
Bruce Springsteen
– Lucky Town
Lucky Town is the scrappier, more personal twin to Human Touch—less polished, more direct. Springsteen strips it down, reflecting on love, faith, and fatherhood with raw honesty. No stadium anthems, just a man looking inward, making sense of life’s twists.
More Rock Albums Released Today
Some are obscure or lesser-known, while others played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of rock and roll.
Year
Artist – Album
2023
Boygenius – The Record
Bury Tomorrow – The Seventh Sun
City and Colour – The Love Still Held Me Near
Deerhoof – Miracle-Level
DMA’s – How Many Dreams?
The Hold Steady – The Price of Progress
Last in Line – Jericho
Lies (Mike and Nate Kinsella) – Lies
Melanie Martinez – Portals
Mystic 100’s – On a Micro Diet
Neil Young and Crazy Horse – All Roads Lead Home
The New Pornographers – Continue as a Guest
Nothing,Nowhere – Void Eternal
Puscifer – Existential Reckoning: Rewired
Rotten Sound – Apocalypse
Samiam – Stowaway
The Zombies – Different Game
2019
Jon Anderson – 1000 Hands: Chapter One
2017
Aimee Mann – Mental Illness
Bob Dylan – Triplicate
Body Count – Bloodlust
British Sea Power – Let the Dancers Inherit the Party
Demon Hunter – Outlive
Heavy Heart – Keepsake
Jon Stevens – Starlight
Mastodon – Emperor of Sand
Nana Grizol – Ursa Minor
Warbringer – Woe to the Vanquished
Wire – Silver/Lead
2015
Death Cab for Cutie – Kintsugi
Godspeed You! Black Emperor – Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress
Hollywood Undead – Day of the Dead
Lower Dens – Escape from Evil
The Maine – American Candy
Prong – Songs from the Black Hole
Ringo Starr – Postcards from Paradise
Ron Sexsmith – Carousel One
Ryley Walker – Primrose Green
Three Days Grace – Human
2014
Lacuna Coil – Broken Crown Halo
Band of Skulls – Himalayan
2010
Slash – Slash
Jónsi – Go
2009
Death Cab for Cutie – The Open Door
Queensrÿche – American Soldier
Burn Halo – Burn Halo
Gavin DeGraw – Free
Great Lake Swimmers – Lost Channels
Stevie Nicks – The Soundstage Sessions
2008
R.E.M. – Accelerate
Nazareth – The Newz
The Sword – Gods of the Earth
2007
Silverchair – Young Modern
2006
Queensrÿche – Operation: Mindcrime II
Lacuna Coil – Karmacode
2004
L’Arc-en-Ciel – Smile
2003
The Velvet Underground – The Very Best of the Velvet Underground
Bathory – Nordland II
2002
Silverchair – Diorama
1998
Jerry Cantrell – Boggy Depot
Scott Weiland – 12 Bar Blues
Brother Cane – Wishpool
Firewater – The Ponzi Scheme
Fuel – Sunburn
Duran Duran – Night Versions: The Essential Duran Duran
1992
Bruce Springsteen – Lucky Town
Bruce Springsteen – Human Touch
Yngwie Malmsteen – Fire and Ice
Sass Jordan – Racine
Giant – Time To Burn
Body Count – Body Count
GWAR – America Must Be Destroyed
1983
Streetheart – Dancing With Danger
1980
Scorpions – Animal Magnetism
1978
Genesis – …And Then There Were Three…
Wings – London Town
1970
Three Dog Night – It Ain’t Easy
Bloodrock – Bloodrock
Rock & Roll
– Collectibles
Dive into the rebellious spirit of rock & roll with this collection of Rock Memorabilia. Explore unique products inspired by the energy, freedom, and attitude that define rock music.