Reviews (page 11 of 15)
No Surrender is my favourite song off this album! Pure Heartland rock - it’s hard to not like this album!
its The Boss. Not what im looking for on a reg basis. But it definitely has its place.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a record full of pro-America anthems. Looking at the cover, and digging even casually into the lyrics of the title track about a disenchanted Vietnam vet, the broken-hearted working man in “Downbound Train,” or the half-drunk has-been in “Glory Days,” you’d think for sure this is a critique of the bankrupt Reagan-era American Dream. Either way, you’d be only half right. Springsteen has a complicated relationship with America, with a kind of love-hate relationship with its promises. Sometimes the songs about promise sound more like betrayals, even if they’re sung in good humor, like “Glory Days,” the sad lament of the loss of a friendship on “Bobby Jean,” or with the overtones of an affair as in “I’m on Fire.” Even Springsteen’s all-time smash “Dancing in the Dark” is about trying to stay hungry for the fight that you’ve to mostly fight by yourself against impossibly lonely odds. It’s easy to see why this record sold a bajillion copies—it’s so full of bravado and energy and it’s so well-produced. But it’s crazy to think of an American teenager singing along to any of the verses in “Born in the USA” and not picking up what Springsteen was putting down for all to see: that this country makes a lot of big promises, the price of which might be your dignity, your peace of mind, or your hope for the future.
Not a big fan
Boring boomer country music
Awesome album Favourites- born in the USA, cover me, I’m on fire, bobby jean, glory days, dancing in the dark
The Boss does disco. Now I've heard it all. Thankfully he sticks to songs about driving around. Running low on material, Springsteen combines his usual themes of roads and working into a single track about "Workin on the Highway." On "I'm Goin' Down" he works driving into a song about a failing romantic relationship.
Definitely an iconic album cover. He’s got his distinct vocals of course so I appreciate he’s got his vocal signature. I do like it best when it’s brought down a notch like in I’m on Fire or Cover Me. On the more upbeat songs at the top of his range, I start to tire of it like in Born in The USA and Glory Days. the verses and the chorus just stay to similar in his vocals and just sounds like he’s screaming for too long. The songwriting I appreciate especially there are several covers of his songs that show that they are great songs. Lots of long standing hits on this one which is commendable. 3.5/5
I'm not the biggest Springsteen fan, but I was open to give it a try. This album was so popular when it came out, so naturally I avoided it...until now! I really respect Springsteen as an artist and songwriter - he did write Blinded By The Light - but I found this to be mostly boring anthemic pop. I've always liked Glory Days and I'm On Fire, but there were no Liked Songs added here. In retrospect, I wonder what hardcore Boss fans think of this album. I would guess it would be considered weaker than his earlier work, but I don't have that perspective.
4th of July fireworks show soundtrack. ‘Merica!
Lots of bangers but a lot faded into the bg
Soundtrack of my youth.
Though the lyrics decry the complications of American society, the sound of this album resonated with so many that it incidentally created patriotic fervor and to this day is still used incorrectly. I think seven singles is a bit much, but this new sound of music gave way for so many to shine in "Heartland Rock." The music is classic Springsteen: simple, but so full of emotion you can't help but get pulled in as the snare hits on 2 and 4 under a bright melodic line. It incorporates modern 80's instrumentation with all that Springsteen has learned in his career thus far to launch him into an American Icon
Favorite tracks that I didn’t already know: Cover Me and Darlington County. I really enjoyed this and listened twice through!
Bruce has 5 albums in the 1,001, but of course my favorite 2, his first 2, are not among the 5. This does not surprise me. His 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th albums (BITU is #7) are in the 1,001. Born to Run (#3) has some great moments but things head downhill in his discography from there. This album has some decent hits, but the non-hits are pretty weak, and side 2 is kinda blah overall. And where is his underrated guitar playing? Cover Me hints at his guitar prowess, but check out album 2 (the Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle, my fave) for some great guitar work. If you want to see what the fuss was all about with his live act, see if you can get this from the library, or maybe watch on YouTube — Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Hammersmith Odeon, London '75 (Video 2005). Eye opening stuff.
Pre listening: “oh great, the album with the cheesy synths and the creepy lyrics” 2 minutes later: “BORN IN THE USA, I WAS BORN IN THE USA” -okay the daddy in “I’m on fire” is her partner, not her actual father. So it’s just about infidelity, not pedophilia. TMYK 💫
Surprisingly enjoyable.
Another popular album not to my taste that I thought "It's got some good singles, let's give it a go", ut then ended up disliking it immediately and thoroughly. 'I'm on fire' is good, 'Dancing in the dark' is a no-holds-barred classic. The title track is not even getting a listen I'm so sick of it already. Now 'Born to Run' is a great song too, from earlier in Bruce's career, but it's a novelty song. You can only write one song that's quite so camp and cliched about being a blue collar working guy who's gunna make it sum day. Except all the other tracks on this album are just continuing that trope but without the tunes. This is bad. Extremely dull.
I'm not a huge Springsteen fan- his voice is gritty in a way that I don't care for on this album, like it's worn out. I feel like this album is overly nostalgia-fueled, but was probably a lot of fun to hear in concert. It's hard to listen to it with fresh ears since songs like Born in the USA and Glory Days are such overplayed karaoke/4th of July party fodder. I like the second half of the album better- the songs are more sensitive as it progresses. Dancing in the Dark is dated, but I don't mind it. I had never heard the song I'm on Fire until I watched the movie Pig with Nic Cage and the cover of it in that movie caused me to like it.
Vitsit mikä b-puolen pelastus ovat Glory days ja Dancing in the dark! Ottakaa opiksi! Jäi vain hyvä mieli, vaikka keskivaihe vähän jäi pliisuksi. Ja hyvät synat tietty.
Alun mantra on kappaleena keskinkertainen mutta konseptina nerokas (todiste: se on meille kaikille tuttu). Tätä seuraa 11 biisin kokonaisuus, jota ei ole laadun puolesta ylitetty varmaan koskaan. Myös B-puolen fillerijakso jää soimaan päähän, ja sen jälkeen on ajoitettu, ei vain yksi, vaan kaksi pientä mestariteosta, Glory Days ja Dancing In the Dark. Aliarvostetuin osuus: Cover Me - Working on the Highway. Ja ai niin, plussaa siitä, että levy saa minut nauttimaan kasarisynasta (olisi tämä 5/5 muutenkin).
Very cool for 1984. It seems foundational.
I don't think there is anything else like this album--it's complete bangers from beginning to end and sounds different from anything else. Like a bar band with a country songwriter. Plus, the apex of The River, Nebraska, and this album is absurd. This might be a top 10 album ever.
I guess I’m just not a Springsteen fan! I did like this one more than the other one, though - I’d give it a 3.5. I did not enjoy the first two songs (the vocals are just so grating!), but the rest were more enjoyable. I wish the lyrics were more prevalent in the mix - I often found it hard to decipher what he was saying. I can see how this would have been wild when it came out, but it’s not for me right now.
I fully expected to give this a 4, since it's "not my favorite Bruce album", but I had forgotten how many great 80s songs are here. I think I kind of resisted this one has a backlash against the excessive hype, so I've never owned it. BTW, I really prefer the version of No Surrent on the Live 1975-1985 triple album.
Fantastic album. Even saved some of the best tracks for the last few. Starts on a high note, ends on a high note. It isn't one of my personal favorites but I cannot see giving it less than 4 stars.
AHHHH my headphones went down so I've got some catchup to do. Love this album and loved it before it came up here. I always forget that Dancing in the Dark comes at the tail end though. Just perfect start to finish.
Finns nästan inte en dålig låt. Born in the USA och Glory days är de svagare spåren. Cover me, Downbound train och I'm goin' down be bästa.
Never been a Springsteen fan
Good stuff on here. Obviously some absolute banger anthems and those I dug. The non-recognizable songs were fine, but nothing to write home about.
This album is very much a mixed bag. There are some obvious bangers, but some definite duds as well. The good ones are REALLY good. Hence 4 stars.
Well this was just spectacular. Imagine writing this many hits for one album. Insane! I listened to it twice back to back. The subtly lyrics writing with the big music is such a great combo. Need to delve into Springsteen more. Dancing in the Dark must be one of the best songs of all time, dunno why but it makes me quite emosh
Oh what can I say, it's a banger. Obviously one of the most iconic Bruce albums. Crazy that it's his 7th album that is the one most people think of for Bruce. It's got some of his best on it. Downbound Train is phenomenal, Cover Me is rocking. Obvs Dancing in the Dark. Glory Days is excellent blah blah blah. HOWEVER, it also has I'm On Fire which I always skip because the opening lyrics are weird: 'Hey, little girl, is your daddy home? Did he go away and leave you all alone? I got a bad desire Oh, oh, oh, I'm on fire' Weird but I guess it's just the way people talked then, still strange though. Annoyingly the song is great and the lyrics get really good later in the song like this: Sometimes it's like someone took a knife, baby, edgy and dull And cut a six-inch valley through the middle of my skull At night, I wake up with the sheets soakin' wet And a freight train runnin' through the middle of my head' ANYWAY, BELTER
Итс окэй. Лучшая песня - Dancing in the Dark.
BL: Listened to this album before. Springsteen was a large part of my youth. Tapping into the cultural alienating feeling of coming from a small town with little prospects beyond working in what little infrastructure is there (limiting myself to retail or accountancy), or going beyond and exploring the great unknown (in my case, London). This album does focus more on the politics of the time as opposed to other forays but I think this is a welcome change, and reinforced Springsteen as one of the greats of all time. I still want to see him live before the time is up. AL: As good on the relisten as I remember, not much I can add to my previous BL, but highly recommend this one. I’d say Springsteen’s best. FT: “Born in the USA”, “No Surrender”, “Glory Days”, “Dancing in the Dark” 4/5
Pretty solid album, perfect for BBQ weather. Not many standout tracks outside of the singles puts it at a 3star over a 4star, but definitely no issues.
Sorry I just dont like Springsteen.
I liked the first song but afterwards it just got too patriotic for me. And none of the commentary
Having a song become misconstrued is a hell of a thing. That probably wasn't Bruce Springsteen's intention, for Born in the U.S.A. is not the righteous political rah-rah that it has been unfortunately painted as. But we're perhaps far past the point of no return with that. Which is a shame given that the rest of the album, barring a song or two, has been overshadowed. For almost every song on this contains plenty of surprises that could cause more than a head turn and a reconsideration in regards to what was expected. Sure, Bruce is a thoroughbred rock and roller but synthesizers abound (it's the 80s) and he fits in pretty well within them, scarcely sounding out of step as feared. Ultimately, Born in the U.S.A. exists as the moment when Bruce and the zeitgeist once more intertwined and defined the times. While not his masterpiece, it serves as yet another example of his awesome musicianship. Never judge a book or album from its cover. Favorites: Born in the U.S.A., Darlington County, Working on the Highway, I'm on Fire, No Surrender, Bobby Jean, I'm Going Down, Glory Days.
80s synth and production is a bit tough for me
Although this album does boast several pop hits, and I found my feet unconsciously tapping along to the beat as I was listening, I still prefer Springsteen's later stuff, and not necessarily his music made for radio.
I mean… its a classic.
Still Bruce and great, but this album overall lacks the emotional punch of "Born to Run" or "Nebraska". Some songs still have it like "Dancing in the Dark", an all time great, but there is some fillerish songs on here. Bobby Jean was a surprise that I enjoyed a lot.
Aside from the often misinterpreted title track and "Glory Days", I hadn't heard too much. I'm On Fire seems creepy but I guess it's a nice song. My Hometown was actually my favorite on the album, though Dancing in the Dark is pretty solid too. I can see why he's well loved but still just not a Boss fan.
A very good album . I had not liked his previous suggestion on this list , which I believe was "Darkness on the edge of Town" . But this , I fell in love immediately . I believe his voice is much better and the instrumentation has stepped up a bit. The lyrics too are able to be on par and the combination of all those elements is very pleasing. Favourite tracks were "Cover me' , " Working on the highway" , "No surrender " and the very soothing closer "My Hometown" .
Ist das wirklich schon 40 Jahre alt?! Einige altbekannte Ohrwürmer, aber insgesamt schon recht "abgehört".
Was not a fan of Bruce or this album at the time of its release. I was a young lad in 6th grade. My Dad and I always lived Glory Days though! It was nice to look back and listen to the songs on here that didn't have heavy radio play. They still are written and performed well, and could hold their own as top notch songs. The lyrics speak to the people that work hard and enjoy a beer after work, and to the everyday Joe Schmoe of America. One of the things I love about this album is you have radio friendly hits, slow ballads, storytelling, and one of the finest 2 minute 35 second songs ever...I'm on Fire. This song was performed with simple words yet still hit heavy to the core. Look at the lyrics on a page and then listen to how complex and emotional it's delivered, pure genius. 4.4
Much respect to Bruce Springsteen, he is one of the best songwriters of his generation. He writes in reality, even when it’s ugly. I’ve never been a huge fan but if you lived through the 80’s you know almost every track on this album and like at least a few of them.
Born to Run has a slight edge for me but this is also a great Springsteen album
Quite good. I’m sure this is a classic but i give it 3 stars.
OK if its your thing
I tried to be cynical listening to this album for the first time in 28 or so years. Since the time when these songs seemed to have an exclusive lease on radio and MTV, I've always turned to Born to Run, Nebraska, Darkness on the Edge of Town, or the Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle for my Bruce Springsteen fix. So it had been a while. And I was ready to conclude that this was Bruce's jump the shark moment. Listening afresh I'm stunned by what an amazing collection of songs this is; pretty much without exception. The themes of alienation and redemption through community are beautifully wrought. There're ear worms everywhere. There's the joyful overwhelming spirit of the E Street Band. Sure, I prefer the sound of B-3s and horns to mid-80s synths. But that's a few nits in an otherwise gorgeous tapestry.
4/5
Really wanted to hate on this for being ANOTHER FUCKING BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN ALBUM but this guy knows how to make a catchy tune
Never been a big Springsteen fan. I did see him once live and he put on a very good show. However, on an album I think it’s mostly his screaming vocal style that puts me off.
I’m a pretty big Springsteen fan but came to his music a bit later in life. I’ve had the opportunity to see him live a few times and it’s always a fantastic show. Personally kinda love the guy.
A solid start for anyone looking to get more invested in the boss, but outside his most popular singles, this album doesn't add up to the most satisfying, “proud to be an American” experience.
When The Boss called this album “a group of songs about which I've always had some ambivalence," I felt that.
I was pleasantly surprised at the depth in the songs on this album, the title track always skewed my opinion that every song would be a rock-n-roll "America is awesome" fest. But I'm pleased with the diversity in both song style and lyrics. Some powerful, fun, and just good times songs. Top tracks: I'm On Fire, Dancing in the Dark, My Hometown
Definitely know about this album and artist. But really never have listened to this album at all, really only know the singles. And this album came out the year I was born. I can see how big this was especially in the mid-80's.
Notable tracks: Darlington County, Downbound Train, I’m On Fire, Dancing In the Dark, Born in the U.S.A.
yeat owns you
Bruce Springsteen mi goat, soy un señor de 55 años comiendo una salchicha en Nueva Jersey. Enjoyable dad rock, nunca te mueras boss
Det man forventer
The Boss at his best
This was my introduction to Bruce, and I liked it at the time. But through it I found Born to Run and Nebraska, and this all felt a bit 2D. Every song is strong Althought I always felt I'm on Fire was creepy. And Working on the Highway is worse - ran away with an underage girl, brothers caught him and he's tried and sent prison to work on the chain gang - all told like he's the everyday hero that just can't catch a break. Is it satire? I want it to be satire. I liked the reviews on here describing the album as a road trip that gets more complex, which I can totally see now. And there are quality Bruce numbers in No Surrender and My Hometown. It all adds up to a 5 really, but something makes me not want to give it that.
bruce does upbeat, fast paced and slow paced songs really well. nothing particularly stands out to me, but everything works together beautifully. you can feel the americana spirit for sure. time to eat a big mac and punch a commie in the dick.
Good
Not for me
It's hard to believe this was ever good, but it certainly didn't age well
i heard a lot about springsteen and now i know why, this album was great, i wasn’t bored through it at all, it was good throughout, 9/10
Three great songs, some okay, some not so great.
Can’t believe I’ve never listened to this entire album until now. It’s a great album although not something I’d listen to very often.
I never cared much for Bruce Springsteen, but this album is decent. I remember my brother owning this tape when we were kids. Solid listen, and music videos, just not quite my cup of tea.
His best album!
drank 6 bush lights, doubled the denim in my wardrobe, and started rebuilding the Baltimore bridge before the album was done.
YES CHEF! I loved every single song on this album. It made me both happy (for the musical style, instrumentation, and vibes) and sad (for the lyrics and stories of the songs). I knew some of the songs already but not others, and I definitely plan to come back to this album.
Sadly apart from the two bangers, pretty meh
tried and tested method of putting your best song first so the rest of the album feels like a slog
Springsteen’s most accessible album, with some of his biggest hits on their, but this just isn’t in the same league as born to Run or darkness on the edge of town in terms of a complete album, I agree it’s worth its place on the list though.
Great music. Great storytelling.
The Boss!
Some good songs, some annoying some bad. I have never understand the hype for Springsteen. Alright album doe 3/5
Das ist natürlich ein absoluter Klassiker. Ein ganz tolles Album von Bruce Springsteen. Der kritische Song "Born in the USA" zündet immer noch und das komplette Album hat keinen einzigen Füller. Für mich persönlich ist das Album nicht unbedingt sein Bestes, aber es ist aus der Musikgeschichte nicht weg zu denken.
This rootsgbpop album from Springsteen is considered an all-timer, but doesn’t hit me that way. He sings stories of normal, working-class people played with competent musicians. It catches my attention at times for some more picturable stories and moments of pleasurable music, but overal doesn’t majorly appeal to me. Some great songs and segments (Glory Days -> Dancing In The Dark), but the record as a while doesn’t majorly move me. A little too sleek sometimes and would benefit from a sloppier, more raucous feel. Something id potentially revisit with time, but didn’t hit me hard the way it seems to for many. Not sure I feel the major appeal of this, though I’ve never really gotten into Springsteen. The musicians are competent, the lyrics tell some stories I can picture, but overall the songs don’t resonate with me in a strong way. It’s got a pop roots feel that doesn’t do much for me. I can understand why this may appeal to others, but it’s not something I’m wowed by personally.
A decent mixture of some great songs and some forgettable songs. I love his energy level and charisma. 3.5
Every song on this album is good. Some are better the others.
Lots of hits, I just don’t like his voice. The themes are more nuanced than I thought.
I see what he was going for but personally it didnt really appeal to me.
It was pretty good. Weirdly more boring than I thought it would be, especially with Dancing in the Dark being on there.
Grew up with \"Born in the USA\" on a cassette! I knew the entire songs of this album. I didn't know that they were part of this album. One better than another one, that makes a great album 5/5
Born in the U.S.A. I'm On Fire Glory Days Dancing In the Dark
Absolute bangers with important messaging (that people naturally miss because bangers often cause brainrot). Kept thinking that the drums seemed a bit basic but also I can clap all these songs so that's just genius crowd preparation.
I thought this album was one of those redneck-asshole-anthem records, but it is so much more than that. Indeed, it is the complete antithesis. Packed full of resigned rebellion and the regret of a hometown hero. Feels like N-Kat.
Dancing in the dark, born in the usa and I'm on fire are great tracks, I'm on fire in particular. But I wasn't that impressed with the rest.
I'm on Fire alone is enough for a listen to the whole album. Off enjoying "wet" and "head" .... It's so crazy it just might work
Already heard it
Me surpreendeu, tem uma produção muito boa mas ainda tem várias músicas esqueciveis ou repetitivas. Talvez cresça em mim se eu ouvir mais Fav tracks: Cover Me, Downbound Train, Bobby Jean, Dancing In The Dark Least fav track: Born In The U.S.A.
At first I was like boring, overplayed, maybe a 3. Picked up around Downbound Train for me. Dancing in the Dark is the best track. Not bad all around, very radio-friendly, probably a 3.6, so rounding up on this.
Great album.
9/10. Great story telling. Very fun album with some classics.
Excellent album. 5/5. This and Born to Run. Perfect album by the Boss.
Ok this wasn't so bad, I knew 2 songs i listened to him in middle school
nice instrumentals but not my type of music
The Boss!
okay okay, i'll admit it's a banger
6/10
This feels like summertime with my family by the lake
I like the album Born in the U.S.A. a lot better than the song Born in the U.S.A.
Heartland rock isn't something I can ride with for a full album, but the cuts I enjoyed were stellar. Definitely worth a listen.
This album was everywhere when I was kid. I know three songs for sure. Looking forward to finally hearing the rest. On down bound train. This is a good album but it sounds very “80s”. Not all of it. But just some of the synth choices. No surrender is a fantastic song. I think the crpytkeeper 5 covered this and I had no idea it was a cover. And now Bobby Jean. These are great tracks and they sound timeless. On “I’m going down”. What an amazing album this is.
This is a great, great album. Potent, vibrant, passionate. If it was not for one skip, it would be a 10/10
Just not a fan of this guy. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great album with iconic groundbreaking songs. I was 11 years old. I rank it over halfway because I know this albums place in history.
I remember there were so many hits off this album that it got a little tiresome (but the songs were great). The "filler" songs aren't as enjoyable, though, so I'll hold off on the last star.
Not bad, just not a fan of his voice.
Some great. Some I’d skip.
Couple of very good, classic songs. His clean vocals are so much better than his harsh vocals which are often unintelligible.
I must be getting old because I really enjoyed this. 10 or 15 years ago I’m pretty sure I would have hated it.
It's cheesy and it drones on what seems like forever.
Not a Bruce fan
I like ‘I’m on fire’ and ‘Dancing in the Dark’. The rest I could live without.
Not a big Springsteen guy....I did like this album. I know it is too pop for some.
When Darkness on the Edge of Town was generated for me last year, I wrote about how even though I’ve lived in New Jersey for nearly 40 years of my life, I never really payed much attention to Springsteen, almost to the point of actively avoiding his music. Well, Darkness blew me away and I gained a new appreciation for Bruce, but I decided to keep that mindset sort of intact and would only listen to another Springsteen album once it got generated here. So here we are, Springsteen album #2. To say I’ve never heard this album before would be a lie, or at least a half-truth. I was born in 1981, by the time this record was released I was 3 and by the time I was four or five, I have memories of the songs from this record being played by family friends and neighbors or on the radio. It was, in 1980’s New Jersey, kind of the ultimate Fourth of July barbecue record, even if a lot of people didn’t really grasp what the title track was actually about - my five year old self obviously included. Like I said in my review of Darkness, Bruce Springsteen, in this state, is inescapable. It’s just a fact of life here. So my rating here might be tainted by a touch of nostalgia or regional bias, you can decide. Where Darkness at the Edge of Town has an aggressive and sometimes outright pessimistic tone, Springsteen seems to have dialed back those qualities a bit on Born the USA. It’s certainly more musically upbeat in a lot of places, even if lyrically Bruce remains grounded and in tune with his caustic wit. I don’t think this record reaches the heights of Darkness at the Edge of Town, though it’s clearly more polished, streamlined and accessible. I suspect that i might end up finding more enjoyment from his records where he is a little more pessimistic and aggressive with his music and lyrical approach, though there are moments of that here, like on Cover Me, which was probably my favorite of the songs that I didn’t already know/forgot about. Because of that, I’m looking forward to the day that Nebraska gets generated here.
Ah, the Boss. Such a great album!
This is a 5, but it's so familiar it doesn't feel like a 5
Tbh some classics on the album, but overall I was bored. The actual music didn’t hit me beyond the surface level and I genuinely don’t think I’d go out of my way to listen to it again. Favorite song- Dancing in the dark
Some classics, enjoyed some of the keys and horns. So so 80s.
one of the best albums so far. Such an iconic sound and it rarely repeats itself.
Each song on “Born in the U.S.A.” sounds like a Bruce Springsteen song. Personally, I can only take so much of that sound before getting bored. But, there are some solid tracks on this album: “I’m on Fire” “No Surrender” “Bobby Jean” and “Dancing in the Dark.” Would have been a 2.5, but songs like “Glory Days” make it hard to make it a 3.
Reminds me of my youth, so many of these songs were in heavy rotation, on the radio and on MTV. Stand out tracks are glory days my hometown Cover Me, I’m On Fire period so many great songs such a good album.
I liked "I'm on Fire" and "dancing in the dark" but the rest of the album is really not my kind of music. I recognize that a lot of people really love Bruce Springsteen so his work holds influence but this didn't seem terribly ground breaking and falls into the small town America dive bar karaoke night material.
To be honest I disliked it so much I could not get myself to sit through it. Nothing particularly bad I just dislike the sound of his voice.
Great album and great songs!
Love the heartland rock
❤️
#10 Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. (1984) Pop Rock, Heartland Rock AOR C'mon man. It's Springsteen. Favourite Track: Cover Me Least Favourite Track: Bobby Jean
Not my piece of cake. Aber die letzte Zeile des titelgebenden Tracks hat mich interessiert und zu einem längeren Gespräch mit GPT geführt.
As I age, my dislike of this album grows.
ok
Classical honest rock.
Teils passabler Rock'n Roll. Bekanntestes, eingängistes Lied ist das für das Album titelgebende.
This is not in my list of Springsteen albums that I enjoy. From this album forward, I moved away from his/their sound. I don't hate it, but some songs were too poppy for me to enjoy.
♥️♥️♥️
A classic from beginning to end. Still amazed at his vocals on Born in the USA. My Hometown is my idea of what a great song is - like a novel written in 3 verses and a chorus, and a perfectly placed bridge. FIVE STARS!!
I like a little Springsteen sprinkled in among other artists, but a little Bruce goes a long way. This is what I call testosterone rock. NOT that there's anything wrong with it.
yeah i mean this one is a classic. not a bad song in the bunch. it's not my favorite springsteen album (that would probably ultimately go to Born to Run) but it's close. if i can nitpick a little bit, i would say it ultimately is a bit samey. i tend to like the more upbeat tempo songs than the ballads, but i'm on fire is an all timer. just a great album by a great songwriter.
A couple of massive songs on here but I feel like I’m the wrong side of the Atlantic to live this album.
While not my favorite Bruce or even the Bruce I cut my teeth on (how embarrassing to see your first concert and not time the "WOO!" correctly in "Workin' on the Highway"!), but certainly a peak among many melodically. “Darlington County” and the aforementioned “Workin'” are fun heartland rock. “No Surrender” and “Bobby Jean” are affecting paeans to friendship. “I’m on Fire” is as sexy and subtle as anything he’s done. And the singles are monsters, soooo, I think I've just talked myself into a 5 star rating.
I’ve never “got” the Springsteen thing, and I still don’t after listening to this album. “I’m on Fire” was the only song that I even remotely cared for. “Working on the Highway” is one of the worst songs I’ve ever heard. This is just simple music with simple themed lyrics, which maybe is the point? I’m never going to be a “Boss” fan.
I mean he is good and all but still don't see the extreme hype I guess. Very listenable tho!
i don’t like it but i think it does what it does well
Springsteen brings a brighter, poppier flair to his working class American ballads. His music was always on when I was a kid so I was really familiar with a lot of this album, but there were a few songs I had never heard before and they sounded just as strong as the others. It's a classic album.
Enjoying this one.
2024-02-25
Great album. Unfortunately this album covertly started Bruce’s “hate America” Libernazi turn.
Slaps so fucking hard
American music right here baby, crushin Bob Dylan 3.5
I love the boss.
Overall pretty good. I don't think I'm going to become a Springsteen fan, but a number of songs I liked.
7/10
Alright pop. Nothing too fancy but it had the vibes. Lotta chachty sax if you are into that. It is more like an collection of the same music which makes it hard to stand for that long. American
OMG! I forgot how amazing this album is! I haven’t revisited this one since I was a kid. Dad used to put this in the ghettoblaster on our road trips (we did not have a tape deck… so many D-Cell batteries killed during our summers). The big hits still hit and the songs with titles I didn’t recognize are still amazing (and I totally remember all those songs!) Not quite a no-skipper. High 4
The sound track of my undergrad years. An all time fave.
Nope
I love what Bruce stands for but for some reason I get bored after a few tracks. May be too repetitive? Anyways, fav tracks: “Cover Me”, “I’m on Fire”, “Glory Days”. Album rocks but can’t hold my interest all the way through! 3/5
As a non-American, I had an entirely different idea of what Born In The U.S.A. would be like; actually I expected Springsteen to be one of those singers moaning about the good-old days and the glorious American dream. This… is not that! The stories in this album got surprisingly dark and are unfortunately all too relevant in these days of broken hopes, inequality and failed dreams. While I personally prefer Tracy Chapman’s more intimate delivery of these themes, Springsteen will be my go-to for some solid rock n roll sessions about failed glory days.
Dude made a lot of coin singing about how terrible life and times were. Talented.
I didn't expect to like the album. But I was pleasantly surprised. I also knew a lot of the songs from the 80s that I had forgotten. I will definitely listen to the album again.
While some of the synths sound a little dated now, this was both a critical and commercial success, the culmination of what Bruce had been building up to for several albums. An all-time classic, so many good songs.
Cheesy 80s Americana music, but I'm quite surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Helps to know that the title track is actually a protest song and not the jingoistic garbage that media-illiterate types seem to think it is. And Glory Days is probably the best song written about people who peaked in high school.
We're on a roll of big names and big hits. It's a five from me. What an astonishing collection of songs. I listened to it with 'er indoors on vinyl and we played it three times straight. There are maybe one or two weaker tracks on side one, but by the time you're on the home straight it's like a freight train coming at you. I saw some criticism of Bruce's voice in the other reviews, which I guess was a joke I didn't get? He sounds mega, at his stadium-filling best. Oh, and the title track isn't patriotic gang - maybe you, Donald and Ronald should try actually listening to it - brilliantly subversive pop music.
I could listen to Springsteen sing all day. However, the songs are somewhat boring.
Have never understood why people like this guy so much. It’s not absolutely awful, but it’s far from good.
As much as I'd like to, I can't fault it
Yesterday I thought "I wonder when the first Bruce Springsteen album will show up", and here we are. This has to be one of his most famous albums, so here we go. I've tried liking Bruce Springsteen so many times, but he never really manage to get up there with the great ones for me. I think the best comparison I can make is to meat and potatoes; even though I'd say Bruce Springsteen is very good meats and potatoes, it just - at least for me - never manages to get very exciting or really stand out. With that said, I still think this is a very solid album. It seems to contain his most popular songs, 'Born in the U.S.A' and 'Dancing in the Dark', the latter of which I am a real fan. I think the songs between the hits are solid as well, but no bangers. 4 stars from me feels like a very fitting compromise since I just don't love it that much, but still recognize that it's a good album.
Classic album which I have listen to a lot in the past. Say want you want about Bruce but so many artists have tried to copy this sound with varying results. It's hard to beat the original. The hits are great "Born In the USA", "Dancing in the Dark", "I'm on fire" etc. But the other songs all keep a high standard and I know all of them by heart. The only dud on the album is "Darlington County" which I never really get. Other than that it holds really high standard and the band sounds great. The storytelling in the songs is really something special too. Sure the subject matter isn't too varied and mainly stays in the "lost youth/love in a small town" category but still, I don't think many people handle that subject matter better than Bruce. Props also for the raunchiest album cover since we had "Country Life" by Roxy Music. Solid 5 from me.
Correcto.
Springsteen probably has a few on this list but this one makes sense to see for sure. Born in the USA is rightly iconic but a song like Downbound Train is where Springsteen hits for me. His voice and the overall sound has a place with music greats more for the feel than anything else.
I don't know if it's the copy of the album I had but I expected these songs to sound bigger. They all kind of sounded flat. There is potential here. I would cut out the synths and probably ditch all the saxophone. I wish it had more of 60s or 70s or just unplugged sound for the instrumentals. I like his energy and the story telling lyrics. As an album it's pretty cohesive.
I didn't grow up in the 1960's or 1970's, but I feel that after listening to this album I did. "I'm on fire" is a little out there, but otherwise this album is among the best classic rock albums. I inherited my dads vinyl copy and have never listen to it, but I think I will put it on the shelf for future listens. 'Glory Days', 'Born in the USA', 'Dancing in the Dark' are all the hits, but songs like 'I'm going down', and 'No surrender' keep the album moving.
#129. This album is so stereotypically boomer that it almost doesn't seem real. Like it almost doesn't sound like music made by some boomers in the 80s, but rather like some spoof music made recently to mock boomer music from the 80s. It can't really be this fucking cheesy, can it? 2/5: it's just too much. Song added to playlist: Glory Days I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
I was born in 1981. My siblings are 7 and 11 years older than I am. This album was pretty much the soundtrack to my growing up - but I didn’t really realize the importance of Bruce Springsteen on the world until I was a teenager. I read The Boss’s autobiography a few years ago and was surprised to learn that this was the album that really cemented him as a legend - so profound are his albums that preceded this one. But I get it. This album capitalizes on the promise of his 70s music while ushering him into a new era. It’s hard to think of him in the same light as similar monoliths like Madonna or Prince since they are all so different, but Bruce is really keeping rock and storytelling alive here. There’s a reason he’s considered one of the best and it’s all over this album. An all timer.
honestly banger after banger
this album has zero worth outside of 4th of july barbeques 2
3/5. I liked Born in the USA. The rest was forgettable.
Not as good as I expected
A classic.
Not a huge fan but has pretty popular songs on it.
pretty bad as i expected it to be. and his voice annoying
Im not even a huge springsteen fan, but great songwriting and good vibes.
Later half of the album was definitely better. 6/10
I mean like. I like the hits on this for sure but most of the album just kind of plays through to fill up time. If I wanna feel american I'll listen to John Mellencamp or Tom Petty. 6/10
This might be the most American album I have ever listened to. It’s got country lyrics with not country music. I’m about half and half on the songs. The songs I liked were pretty good “Cover Me” “I’m on fire” “Glory Days” & “My Hometown”. “Dancing In The Dark” is a banger and the best song on the album, its not even close. The rest of the songs bordered on forgettable to I straight up didn’t like them. Hard to rate this one honestly. 6/10
Very Brucey
Some classics. I really liked "Downbound Train". The 80's synth sounds aren't great, was expecting more straight forward rock and roll.
A good ass-album (desperately checks to see if anyone else in the reviews made this joke) I feel like such a fake fan when I say I like this a lot more than Nebraska. After all, Nebraska’s stark, spooky folk tunes seem more up my alley than this fist-pumping album rock. But I love it. Seven singles released, and I believe that even the lesser-played “Working on the Highway” and “Bobby Jean” could have easily been hits as well. See what being raised on ‘80s AOR does to a developing brain? 5 stars HL: "Dancing in the Dark", "Working on the Highway", "I'm On Fire", “Bobby Jean”, “I’m Going Down”, the title track February 7, 2024
i still think soccer mommy and lucy dacus have definitive covers of some of these songs but amazing foundational album ty jersey king
I'm not familiar with gay semiotics but I'm pretty sure the cover signalizes something Cover Me was the only song that stood out for me
wouldn't even like this if I was an American
I mean its good, but I think it comes across as not really that special. I was really on the fence between 2-3 but it just didnt really move me. I didnt even think the "earworms" were necessarily that catchy
The Boss' biggest hits were here, which is funny because the biggest hit here is complaining that the label wants big hit singles. Overall it's a good record, I really like it. Merican as FUCK
Holly Molly this is way better than I expect when I saw the title, I was expecting another folktale/country album but no! This was GOOD there were a lot of good songs so I believe this deserves a 5/5
Probably one of, if not, the most American album there is. And being unbiased, this still might get the 5 when I thought it couldn't. The album doesn't have the emotional feeling of Darkness, but it still packs a punch.
One of my mom's favourite albums. 3.5/5
I appreciate Bruce Springsteen for his writing, but I just can’t seem to really get into him Good album though
what in the world this album is so good. My mom used to listen to Bruce all the time so I have heard it but never really listened. Did not expect to cry to Born in the USA.
Americana at its finest. This album is full of songs that I sang along with in highschool, so it holds a lot of memories. Although Bruce Springsteen doesn't have the best singing voice, I feel like his songwriting and lyrics make up for that. His music make me feel something inside that's hard to explain, maybe nostalgia, maybe pride or longing, but I think that's why I like it.
'MURICA.
Second half was better than the first
One of the best albums of all time. The only flaw I could think of is that the production has a little 80's cheese at times (specifically with the keyboard tone,) but that's not enough to diminish the amazing songs. 10 out of 5.
A lot of it didn’t really stand out, a fairly middle-of-the-road 80s rock album as far as my two listens went. Some nice familiar numbers but I have to say the lyrics feel a bit cliche and I don’t think there’s anything remarkable about his vocals or musicality. Just a few catchy hooks. The title track is by far the redeeming moment and a couple of nice numbers in the closing run.
Tengo ganas de beber zarzaparrilla (bud light), comer tarta de manzana y trabajar en un taller que huela mucho a diesel
He sucks
I like the idea of Bruce Springsteen more than than man’s music. The title track has been hilariously misinterpreted as blind patriotism. Darlington County is the exact same song as the title track. Downbound train is a good song but his voice is unintelligible. Yes, I can understand what he’s saying but the way he sings makes me hate it enough to make it unlistenable. Favourite songs are I’m on Fire, No Surrender, Glory Days, My Hometown.
•Owned •Lyrically, this is an album in line with Springsteen's work up until this point, but the bright, almost sterile production undermines it. However, that same pop production is what ushered the artist's message—namely against war and the underselling of the working class—to an even larger audience. •4/5
This album sounds exactly the same all through its run-time. There's nothing remarkable about it.
Gotta say, not a big fan of Bruce Springsteen. I didn’t mind him prior to this album, but I gotta say I was finding myself waiting for it to be over. I mean it’s classic americana. Don’t know what else to say
Por fin un album que merece la pena estar en esta lista!
I’m not sure why, but I’ve never really listened to Bruce Springsteen, and I assumed the genre of this album would have more or a classic rock feel. But omg it’s so 80s pop and I love it.
Lleva toda la vida conmigo. 5/5
Born in the USA.... mein Einstieg als Rock-Liebhaber. Einfach nur gut. Das echte American Feeling
Favorite track: Dancing in the dark It’s above neutral so I gave it a 3/5
Nothing really stood out from this album for me
I mean, it’s good, but a bit straight ahead dad rock for me. Not a bad track to be heard. Steven Van Zandt was good in the Sopranos too, what a talented man
Yes, it's been overplayed for the last 20 years but it's definitely a 5.
Paar geile Dinger dabei 👌🏻 der Boss rockt ab
Great album. Really enjoy the singles, but the rest of the album is worthy as well. Listening to it reminded me that "Dancing in the Dark" was maybe my first favorite song growing up. Distinctly remember hearing it on the radio on my way to and at Preschool. 4/5
Iconic often on radio
To be perfectly honest I'm not super into this but he does get a bonus for being a lesbian icon, bc those are few and far between. It's just him, James Dean, and Johnny Cash. I like "I'm on Fire" and "Bobby Jean"
One of my favorites of all time.
"Born in The U.S.A." is the seventh album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. It was recorded with the E Street Band and with Chuck Plotkin and Jon Landau producing. The music has tighter songs being brighter and more pop-influenced with more prominent synthesizers. The album was recorded over two years with Springsteen writing over 80 songs. The lyrics of the songs on the album explore themes of disillusionment, patriotism and personal relationships. Commercially, the album was a massive hit reaching #1 in the US and UK and had wide-spread critical acclaim. The keyboard melody and drums start the album opener "Born in The U.S.A." The band kicks in and we have very much an anthem of a song. Of course, this song was widely misinterpreted as pro U.S.A. when in reality it was about the difficulties of returning working-class Vietnam vets. Outstanding drumming by Max Weinberg. "Cover Me" was actually written for Donna Summers. A shared keyboard/guitar melody. What is the song about? Springsteen looking for money by having people cover his songs? Vietnam vet PTSD? I don't know but a pretty good song. Synths and clock-ticking beats highlight the more melancholy "I'm on Fire." The protagonist wants a girl who is already with somebody. "No Surrender" starts the second side which is one of the best album sides in rock history (in my opinion, of couse). This song was almost not included on the album since Bruce couldn't finish it. He knew it was the best song on the album (and it is) and was finally convinced by guitarist Steven Van Zandt. The drumbeat, the rolling piano and "ohhhh's" begin the song. The band and Springsteen play this with such urgency. I've always interpreted this song as "don't give up" and I'm sticking to it. The vocal chorus "ohhhh's" end the song as well. And right on the heels comes the more melancholy "Bobby Jean." Keyboards, synth and the big man on the sax drive this song. A farewell to Van Zandt as he was to leave the E Street Band. Guitars and the sax highlight the sixth single "I'm Goin' Down." A prominent bass also. Frustration in a deteriorating relationship. The mood switches to upbeat in "Glory Days." Reminiscing about the past and baseball. The band is having fun. Towards the end of the album recording, producer Jon Landau challenged Springsteen to write a hit single. The next day Bruce came back with "Dancing in the Dark." Synth melody. Great sax. And yes, I did have a crush on Courtney Cox because of the video. Interestingly, the album closes with the subdued "My Hometown." Bruce gets nostalgic looking at the past which included racial violence and economic depression. Sometimes, it's challenging writing about an album you know so well. What helps is that by taking notes, you kind of listen to it differently which helps somewhat. And what can you say about this, other than it still sounds great and some of his lyrics are still relevant today. The band's energy is something you notice right away. They are in full flight and I can't think of them sounding better on any other album. The songs rotate between anthems and more melancholic ones. The use of keyboards and synthesizers is very prominent compared to his other albums. The highest of recommendations from me.
Great songs, very well produced. The songs do get a bit samey outside of the hits, though.
Der Boss. Der Titelsong ist mir zu grell. Zwei Sterne.
Another classic.
1984? You kidding me, right? Damn, I'm old. Total hit factory for Bruce; well written music that is hard to beat for pure American Rock n' Roll! Can't miss, track 1 - 12. I'm a little Bruce'd out, but if you are not familiar - please listen!
It's good, but it's wildly overrated. Some good tunes on here, but not something I crave for. Wouldn't turn it off if it came on the radio. A legend to many, but not to me. A bit shouty.
Klassieker, doet absoluut nog niet gedateerd aan na 40 jaar.
Pretty good but songs sound similar
“Bored… umm… Born in the USA. This was a struggle. I have a sometimes like/a lot of the times dislike for his music. The first few albums are fine and his later folky/roots rock stuff is decent. This album though? Ugh. If I never hear the title track or “Dancing in the Dark” ever again… Well you know. Since it wasn’t as bad as I thought, I’ll give it 2 stars because most of it really is just mediocre. I have to admit though, Downbound Train is quite good. It’s a seriously good song which just doesn’t fit with the rest of the meh stuff on the album.
10/10
Not a huge Bruce Springsteen fan - music is passable and listenable, but generally not something I would put on myself. That being said, it is in offensive to the ear and is a classic to many. Just meh for me.
Bangers. Favorite song I'm on fire
So good
Nice album! Springsteen is the real american rocker.
I wish this was a 10 point scale because I'm giving it a 4 but it's better than most 4s I've given, just holding off the 5 because it's only something I would dip into some of I think. Might revisit and redecide
I love listening to American Conservatives even 35 years later singing Born In The USA with pride with it really about their country being a shithole. I do appreciate Springsteen’s subversiveness and the pictures he paints of regular American life but unfortunately lyrics might be edgy but the music isn’t, bordering on dad rock. I do love the last 3rd of the album. Dancing in the Dark is phenomenal 6.1/10
All the hits.
Classic Bruce. "Glory Days" is probably my favorite Springsteen track. 3.5 stars.
Listening to this as an adult hits harder than it did when I first heard these songs as a kid - I get it now. Its themes of the working class, aging, American politics, and relationships feels like a hard look in the mirror. I wasn't expecting to be moved by this album since I was already familiar with several of these songs, but experiencing the album in its entirety made me weep. It's a depressing album, but I love The Boss for giving this to us.
Such a vivid snapshot of working class America. So many champion the song "Born in the USA" as some patriotic anthem, when it's such a scathing rebuke of the true America. I heard this album so much as a kid, I still know most of the lyrics to most of the songs. This was an interesting revisit.
Hell yeah!
Not my thing
No es mi estilo, aunque le daré otra oportunidad
A great album with lots of hits from my youth.
Heard a lot of the songs before but as an album it’s a cohesive piece and a banger
Strong 4
Already listened to - in fact, I have it on vinyl (though that was my parents' choice). I do like it, but I haven't really listened to much else Bruce Springsteen - perhaps I should.
Too much white trash. Too much USA. There are other countries that make better music..
I’m glad I was sent this album.
I loved this a lot more than I thought I would. The themes of the album being about living a hard working, blue collar life had a lot of sorrow and frustration of dealing with tough circumstances interspersed. Each song feels like a separate story of the experience of the dark side of the American dream and the struggles to find a basic level of content. Lyrically, he can be just a tad verbose, but, overall top-quality thoughts and ideas.
Bra album.
Only 2 good songs, the rest of them are unbearable.
It was ok
Excelente album, great artist
wonderful, classic stuff. Brought back good memories.
p529. 1985. 4 stars. Anthems for 80s American blue collar workers. Packed with hits, there is only one weak track on this ("Bobby Jean") and the lyrics are a direct counterpoint to the hope of "Born To Run". Not his best work, but still pretty damn good. Point deducted for dated 80s production and synths. "I'm ten years burning down the road / Nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go"
Es curioso, teniendo un género tan distinto en otras cosas, puedo ver mucho la influencia de Bruce en Bon Jovi
Great album, that feels of its era.
Gotta love the Boss. I once camped out with a friend to get tickets to his concert and wasn't even going to go... Listening to him always takes me back!
Ugh here we go
Great album, loaded with all American nostalgia of my youth that makes me want to hop into a Chevy Camaro after a summer legion double header and go crank a case of natty lights down by the moontower
It’s perfect mix of rock and pop, high and low culture. The platonic form of excellent middlebrow art. Always a blast to listen to. THIS WAS WRITTEN BY AI
Fantastic. Love this album
Wow! I remember loving this when if first came out and on a listen 35 years or so later, it is still an awesome album. From top to bottom, it has great songs that speak to the time of the album and still resonate now. I could listen to this anytime and love it.
A classic
*pour one out for my uncle Luis. Fav song Downbound train
Many artists go for the big melodramatic moments of life. Springsteen is the voice of everyday life for everyday people.
Excellent
Leuk. 4/5.
Apparently Springsteen is very polarizing, which baffles me. This album was my first experience with him, I was 14. I like his rough, shouty vocals and the heartland rock anthems. Born to Run is probably my favorite but this is a solid second. 4.5/5.
Made me question if New Jersey was the most American state, so that really says everything
Oh, Bruce
I didn't quite make it through the whole thing. Bruce's music is some of the cheesiest, hokiest around. Chick music for dudes. It's truly unbearable.
4. Some of the songs didn't tickle my fancy but most were brilliant
It's a Classic. I love the album concept and the powerfull message. My Favorite songs: Dancing in the Dark, and No Surrender.
A few solid tracks marred by a couple of clunkers
Not for me
good but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It sounds like this stuff was screaming through radios in the 80s on country roads. A few classics Ive heard before. Very American. Little too repetitive for me though. Many of the songs could use more dynamic back ends.
Definitely heard this one a few times before... think he's one of the most overrated musicians ever
I'll probably come across as a bit of a numpty here, but with all the accolades for this album I was left feeling a little bit disappointed after listening to it. That's not to say it wasn't very good, but I reviewed 'Born To Run' recently and I personally preferred that album ever so slightly.
Dated, but it adds to the over all nostalgic feel of the album.
Historical record
I don't get the hype. Not for me.
Before doing this musical journey, I never thought of The Boss much, but now with a second album that I've listened to in full, I must day I've become a Springsteen fan. This album is a hit machine. Some of his most classic songs are represented here and the pop culture phenomena that was Bruce is in full swing. The allum cover itself is legendary piece of Americana. 4.5
This is prototypical American Rock and Roll. Bruce is one of the best, and I think I said this on the other album we've seen on this list, American rockers of all time. First off, there are some classic bangers like “I’m On Fire,” “Born in the U.S.A.,” and “Dancing in the Dark.” I was hoping some of the songs I hadn’t heard on the album would be similarly good, but they were fine at best. However, I can't do below a 4 on this.
It's like if Jimmy Buffet and Bon Jovi had a baby, and fed it a bottle of Xanax.
A decent album cant lie not much to say but i do like ut 3/5
In its time it was ok. I'm not a big Springsteen fan but there are worse albums out there.
Feels dated to me in way that his other albums do not - Nebraska, Asbury Park, Born to Run, etc. have a timeless character to them. This one feels locked in the early 80's. I still love it.