Bruce Springsteen Honors Mexican ‘Soldaderas’ in New Song ‘Adelita’

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Adelita’ celebrates Mexican soldaderas, featured on his upcoming rarities box set, embracing deep roots from his Inyo period.

A Tribute to the Heroic Soldaderas

Bruce Springsteen recently released “Adelita,” a heartfelt tribute to the Mexican “soldaderas” — the brave women who played a vital role in Mexico’s fight for independence. This powerful track is part of his upcoming seven-album rarities collection titled Tracks II. The song is nestled within Inyo, a special set of previously unreleased work penned in the mid-1990s during Springsteen’s The Ghost of Tom Joad era, a period marked by raw and introspective storytelling.

The Inspiration Behind Inyo

Springsteen shares, "Inyo was a record I wrote in California during long drives along the California aqueduct, up through Inyo County on my way to Yosemite or Death Valley." The Boss clearly cherished this phase of his songwriting. He further explains that during The Ghost of Tom Joad tour, he would retreat to his hotel room each night to keep writing in that same style, initially planning to follow up The Ghost of Tom Joad with a similar record. However, Inyo emerged instead, becoming one of his personal favorites.

I was enjoying that kind of writing so much... That’s where Inyo came from. It’s one of my favorites. – Bruce Springsteen

An Authentic Solo Project with Mariachi Flair

While Inyo is mainly a solo project by Springsteen, the album features contributions from talented mariachi musicians. Luis Villalobos, Alberto Villalobos, Angel Ramos, Humberto Manuel Flores Gutierrez, David Glukh, Jorge Espinosa, and Miguel Ponce add vibrant, authentic Mexican musical textures throughout the record. This collaboration enriches the album’s homage to Mexican culture and history.

About the Tracks II Box Set

The eagerly awaited Tracks II collection drops on June 27, released by Columbia Records. This extensive box set spans decades of unreleased recordings, offering fans a treasure trove of rare gems. Highlights include sessions from 1983 — between the iconic albums Nebraska and Born in the U.S.A. — and a complete album inspired by work done for the 1993 film Philadelphia.

The release promises a deep dive into Springsteen’s creative evolution and is a must-have for any devoted fan or collector.

Springsteen’s Ongoing Tour and Political Voice

Currently, Springsteen and his legendary E Street Band are touring Europe through early July, captivating audiences with their timeless rock sound. Lately, Bruce’s onstage remarks about Donald Trump have drawn widespread attention, even making national headlines. For those interested, an EP featuring these speeches is available on all major DSP platforms.

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Have you ever been moved by a song that shines a spotlight on unsung heroes of history? Bruce Springsteen’s “Adelita” does exactly that for the brave soldaderas. What other musical tributes have touched your heart lately?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are soldaderas?
  Soldaderas were women who supported and fought alongside soldiers during the Mexican Revolution and independence wars, often providing crucial aid on the battlefield.
• When is Tracks II releasing?
  The Tracks II box set will be available on June 27 through Columbia Records.
• What era does Inyo come from?
  Inyo was written in the mid-1990s during the time of Springsteen’s The Ghost of Tom Joad period.
• Who contributed to the mariachi sounds on Inyo?
  Several mariachi musicians, including Luis Villalobos and Alberto Villalobos, played on the album, adding authentic Mexican musical elements.
• Is Springsteen currently touring?
  Yes, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are touring Europe through early July.

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