The Boss continues his battle for veterans

SOME MUSICIANS MAKE SONGS PRAISING troops, like Toby Keith (“American Soldier”) and Kid Rock (“Warrior”). Others rail against war, like M.I.A. (“P.O.W.A.”) and Neil Young (“Let’s Impeach the President”). Then there’s Bruce Springsteen, who does both.

In a career spanning five decades, Springsteen has lent a credible voice to many activist causes, decrying poverty, racism and corporate greed. But one topic that he consistently and passionately comes back to is the soldier returning from war. At the peak of his popularity, Springsteen was a major player in the rehabilitation of the movement for Vietnam veterans and helped to normalize the struggles of PTSD; he still raises millions for veterans’ causes and has formed personal bonds with many vets. His new album Western Stars, out June 14, may be a departure musically, with lush orchestrations