 "The Milwaukee Journal" found that the obscure and unexpected songs in the set list were the show's best moments, but also said that "at times, the new horn section proved to be unneeded baggage", either diluting or drowning out the rest of the band.Jon Pareles of "The New York Times" found the show undermined by the didactic, monochromatic nature of Springsteen's more recent songs.Stephen Holden of the same paper, on the other hand, thought those same songs "wonderful", and wrote that "In concert, [Springsteen has] figured out how to string songs into extended journeys that take on a cumulative power as the evening proceeds."