Born In The U.S.A.

Love Bruce. Bobby Jean my fave song

A little surprised that I enjoyed all of the songs, 4/5. Favourite song: No Surrender

3/5. I admittedly am just not the biggest fan of this specific Springsteen album, but there’s still enough good songs and strong storytelling here to where it’s an enjoyable experience overall. There is of course the title track “Born in the USA” about the struggles of returning Vietnam veterans, which for decades now has been misused at Republican rallies as a patriotic anthem despite it not being one. But I honestly do not like the song very much at all, I find the production to be a bit much and Springsteens vocals are a bit grating to me on it. In terms of the singles I prefer “glory days” and “dancing in the dark.” the production of the album is probably its biggest setback in general for me, it just suffers a bit from that 80’s over-production that I’m not the biggest fan of.

me no country magram cudi ar iyo

A quintessential summer album. That being said I was often bored.

Some classics on this album but it's not my style.

#330/1001. The boss shows how it is done. What is done, asks us, the employees.

Very rock, very american. Nice music Fav: born in the usa, working on the highway, no surrender

I mean, an iconic album with so many hits. Deserved a re-listen.

It's ok not my thing stand-outs :- I'm goin' down Glory days

Amazing album. I forgot what a great record that is...

yeah, no

I listened to the album twice. At the first time it was awful 😭😭. The second time I must've been in another mood and focused more on the music, and then I've found the album creative. When you listen closely there is a lot going on. If I could I would give this album 2.5, but I can't so here's 2

idk boring not my style. nothing moved me, not the melodies, not the instruments, not his singing. after listening i could not tell you which song was which, except for born in the u.s.a (the catchiest one). ble

There’s so much Elvis and Johnny cash in his sound. Only knew the hits off this record, enjoyed it a lot more than expected. Not totally my cup of tea but great songwriting and very listenable. I understand why he’s so beloved. The energy and upbeat vibes of the whole album are in complete contrast to its narrative and subject matter which is fascinating, and maybe explains why so many people misunderstand the title track.

Yes to all! Not as good as Nebraska.

Famously good album, what can you say?

Gear: Hifiman HE6se v2 SE Artwork: 👖🇺🇸🦅 Production: 🎯🙂‍↕️👍 Music: 😵‍💫🗽🧠 Rating: 🛠️🛠️🛠️🛠️/5

40 years later and still tricking Republicans. You gotta hand it to Bruce. Playing the long game.

Alright, Springsteen round 3! It's finally time to talk about his most popular album, Born in the U.S.A. from 1984. What is there even to say? This is a stone-cold classic right here. I think the title track may genuinely have the world record for "political song that is most often misunderstood and appropriated by the opposite political side of the artist who made the song," though Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name" does give it a run for its money. Conservatives just hear Bruce screaming "Born in the U.S.A." and they're like "hell yeah" not even realizing that it's satirical commentary. Dumbasses. The song is great though, as are the album's 6 other hits, my goodness. Well, maybe "I'm Goin' Down" isn't quite as good as the others, but it's still good, okay? But the best songs here? Awesome. "I'm on Fire" is such an interesting song. It takes such a different vibe from the rest of the album and yet it's one of the album's most beloved songs. You know what? I'm here for it. Great song. But of course, the real classic of this album is "Dancing in the Dark." What a song, dude. I love this one. It's just super nice, alright? It's got energy and staying power, but it's also a little tender and very optimistic. I love that. It helps that Springsteen is just a great singer-songwriter who was still in his prime when this album released. This thing feels like it was made for stadiums, and I love it. Admittedly, the production is a little bit dated, but I think it's in a way that reflects decently well on the time. When the messages and actual tunes are as timeless as this album's best songs, you can't really complain too much about the production when it's still good. The E Street Band are still on top of their game. The pacing is strong. I do prefer Born to Run myself, but there's a reason why Born in the U.S.A. is as iconic as it is. It's because the album is great. Who would've known? High 4/5.

Side A of this album has a very strong start with Born in the USA and Cover Me. These two tracks come out swinging with politically charged lyrics expressing the shortcomings of the “American Dream.” However, the real meat and potatoes of this classic record lies in side B. From “No Surrender” to “My Hometown” Bruce Springsteen brings his A game and delivers some of the greatest rock anthems that music has to offer. This 6 song run captures the spirit of the 80s. This album is a classic for a reason and will be in my listening rotation forever. Rating: 9/10

One of my top 25 LPs. The Boss is one of America’s top song writers. Nebraska is my favorite.

Another album that takes me back to late 70’s mid-80’s and the start of New Wave. A new era for R&R. I still enjoy this LP.

I don't really understand this concept. I guess it's good.

If this album had a scratch and sniff sticker on the front, it would smell like grilled hot dogs and fresh cut grass. Also, we can’t do half stars here, but I’d give this album an extra half star solely for that sick ass sax outro on Dancing in the Dark. Holy hell did that guy know what he was doing.

Not my favorite, but a top 5 album by The Boss. Instantly recognizable songs with great storytelling lyrics.

Boo. This kind of crap music is the worst. 2 thumbs down. Would give zero stars if I could.

Great follow up album to Nebraska! Bruce is a true American artist. This is in my 25 LPs.

Gran album, con históricas canciones

1st few seconds, already h8 it. rly repetitive. js hootin n hollerin💔 at working on the highway. still boring. im on fire - ??? wtf r these lyrics? kinda icky if u ask me. im goin down only relatively ok song so far. still dont like it. 2 songs left, cant w8 til its ovr boring boring boring didnt like it

I remember having this on cassette when it came out! This was my introduction to his music so I’m pretty into it even though many might site his work from the ‘70s as his best. I’ve never really listened to any of his other albums other than this one so I hope I have time to get around to some of the others. I know they will be good listens and it’ll probanly add to my enjoyment of this album as I figure out the roots of his songwriting methods which when you strip away the production here are all there at its heart. I do like his lyrics as well. A lot of deep stuff in there!

Comme j'en discutais hier avec Steph, comment ne pas respecter l'homme qui tient tête à Trump / ICE? Tant qu'il y aura Springsteen et Jack White il y aura de l'espoir.

J'ai expliqué à Paul que la toune titre c'est un masterclass rythmique: chaque levée de mesure (les temps 2 et 4) sont marquées fortement et chaque 4 mesure il y a un fill de drum. Je lui ai aussi fait remarqué que le riff de keyboard dure 2 mesures et est répété invariablement sur les 4min30. Mis à part les hits, j'ai bien aimé l'intime I'm on fire. Parfois, je trouve qu'il marmonne un peu trop, mais on va dire que c'est sa signature.

Encore une fois, Bruce c’est 5 automatique. Pas mon préféré mais il contient quand même ma chanson préférée, Dancing in the Dark, qui fut mon « first dance » à mon mariage en version voix et piano. J’adore aussi Downbound Train, quoique je pense préférer la version de Kurt Vile, qui vaut le détour. Hier ça m’a donné le gout de réécouter Born to Run. Je crois que c’est celui là son Magnum Opus, même si c’est Born in the USA son meilleur vendeur.

good synth work, but there just really isn't anything absolutely great on it.

I get the appeal, and I really enjoyed some of these songs. But overall, it’s just okay to me.

Like is just a case of making the most middle of the road generic stuff to appeal to a large swath of people?

A classic Album. Some bangers

Bruce changed his approach and came out with this album that really secured him as a true and talented artist. I feel he did a complete 180 degree or more of a turn in his style and created some extremely memorable hits. He used to be "sort of Disco", sort of soul sounding - just ever so, but Born in the U.S.A. really rocks and has a grittier sound. Very Americana in a way.

I have never been a Springsteen fan, I respect his work, but it has never connected with me. This is probably my favorite album I've heard from him so far, I liked the first couple of tracks and the last couple of tracks. But the middle of this album is a real slog. High 3.

The really popular songs (Born in the USA, I'm on Fire, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark) make this album for me. I can't rate this anything less than a 4... just imagine putting this on at a summer BBQ or at the lake.

The song "born in the U.S.A made me feel very American. Surprised to know this is pop and not country music. Love it though

Lo sentí como una mezcla de pop-country y de soft-rock / rock. Este álbum fue bastante bueno. Bien escuchable.

mid at most

i hate bruce springsteen

Another 3.5er for me but I’ll round up. There’s no one else like Bruce. He’s got that sensitive blue collar northern boy style on lock (don’t know why I said that).

by no means a Bruce hater but this one just doesn't do it for me. what was once such a fluid, agile band feels flat and staid, and many of the lyrics here don't land. have also always thought the Boss sounds just awful on the title track, such a strained and ugly vocal from a beautiful voice. do love Dancing In The Dark - that "my clothes, my hair, my face" lyric has more feeling than much of the record - and I'm On Fire, which is a genuinely perfect song, so good that i'm bringing the record's rating a whole star up from what i planned on giving it

Classic dad rock, really nice to hear classics like "Born in the U.S.A." and "Glory Days" in their original context. I don't have any complicated feelings on the music, but I had fun listening, recognize the significance its had on music and my career, and felt nostalgic for working with The Destination (Glory Days is on their set list).

not bad

The title track is pretty funny for being co-opted by jerks across the political spectrum for years while not listening to the lyrics, BUT boy that melody is grating. Otherwise, it's alright. The writing isn't much to note imo, but it's evocative enough to paint some interesting pictures and scenarios in the song. I don't know if I like the E Street Band themselves, the groove isn't my cup of tea. Not a bad album, though. 2.

One of the greats at or near his greatest. Not an album about how great American is, despite the anthem that 'Born In The USA' has become (fun fact -- that's a song about a returning Vietnam vet getting screwed over). Has a lot more in common with 'Copperhead Road' than it does 'Proud to Be An American'. Recommended even for non-Americans. 4/5

Great. A true classic. Discovered some songs that I hadn't heard before.

didin't blow my mind but ok for the deade

Soy argentino, esto es basura

bangers all around, feels like what being American felt like back in the 80s when it was cool

I listened to this when it first came out and I was in the 8th grade. It truly moved me and I’ve never forgotten it.

Depressing. I like Bruce but meh

Springsteen goes near-full pop in this upbeat trucker album, but the lyrics blast a nostalgic disapproval of the US' negligence towards its people, a still-relevant commentary on the patriotic American denial of its reality – cheerfully in decline.

Review - the flip side of Lynnrd Skynnrd - a very American musician making very American music that isn't mindless. The songs here were better than I expected, including the songs that weren't singles that I already knew. A very good album worthy of it's reputation. Rating - 8.5/10 Need to hear? YES

Finally! This is the third Springsteen album I’ve been assigned, and the first that I think is 100% worthy of this list. So many bangers on this album - too many to list. Even the songs I haven't listened to hundreds of times are good. Yes, he does sound like he sings with marbles in his mouth occasionally, but you can't deny that he's an amazing songwriter. (5)

An album I find easier to respect than to really like. I don’t like the musical mix all that much…too much saxophone for example. Bit there are some strong songs on here.

Obviously some well known tracks, but having listened to the full album the tracks all feel a little to 'samey'.

3 a great album but it’s not his best

Este álbum es un ejercicio magistral de contraste y subversión. El tema principal, "Born in the U.S.A.", es el mejor ejemplo: una canción que engaña al oyente con un coro épico y triunfal, pero que oculta una letra amarga y de protesta. Este "engaño" es una prueba fehaciente de que, a menudo, las personas no saben escuchar realmente, quedándose en la superficie del grito sin profundizar en la herida. Lo que eleva el disco es la versatilidad de Springsteen. Me atrajo esa voz fuerte que tiene la capacidad de volverse nostálgica en cortes como "Downbound Train", donde el dolor se siente auténtico. A pesar de ser un disco de 1984, los sintetizadores y la producción envejecen bien, manteniendo una energía que se siente vigente. Finalmente, la estética visual de Annie Leibovitz —incluida la icónica y honesta foto de la portada— encaja a la perfección con el contenido: es un álbum de clase trabajadora, directo, sin pretensiones de cara, pero con mucha sustancia detrás.

Un álbum que creo que los que más lo disfrutan son los gringos (posiblemente Magas). Pero Glory Days está muy buena, Dancing in the dark también lo da y No surrender y born in the USA son entretenidas

I didn't properly listen to this album since I can't for the life of me listen to Bruce Springsteen. But I did like I'm on Fire.

It’s way more nuanced than the 80s sheen suggests and it’s a good album. It’s not his finest work, but it’s still well worth a listen. 3

Great 4/5

Relisten Don't like this type of Springsteen that much. There might be something to be said artistically about the dichotomy between the on-brand, downtrodden Americana lyrics in comparison to the more up beat and poppy sound of the album, but I just don't think it works, I think he does better when the instrumentation matches the tone of his lyrics. Fav Tracks: Bobby Jean, Dancing in the Dark Least Favorite: Working on the Highway, Glory Days 2.5/5

A tour de force

The lyrics and storytelling are all there but I don’t think it’s as sonically consistent as some of his other albums. Still a solid play through. Likes: Born in the USA; Cover Me; Working on the Highway; I’m On Fire; Dancing in the Dark

Je déteste ce style de musique 1*

Born in the USA is a fabulous album opener. I really like the way this album highlights both the beauty of American life and the issues with the American nation. It also feels like it covers growing up and learning how to experience your emotions. I loved Cover Me,Im on Fire, No Surrender, Glory Days, and Dancing in the Dark. While there were some songs I didn’t personally relate to, I still got the story. Also, Bruce Springsteen is incredible and performed for us at No Kings Minneapolis March 2026. 5 stars album, 5 stars guy.

Supongo que está bien, pero a mi no me gusta.

Dude the boss i swear must have some kind of special connection with God. I keep thinking of that video of him clapping his hands. Keep the snare on 2 and 4 and keep yelling about home and the problems in your country

The Boss!

9.0./10 Close to a perfect album for me... I remember a ton of songs were released as singles

At first, it was like that... Then the buzz

its good.. its not that good. wouldn't search or listen to any of his other songs tho tbh

Great songs from a great time in my life!

I mean. It's real good.

Notable Textzeile: We just sit around talking about the old times She says when she feels like crying, she starts laughing, thinking 'bout Glory days Beginnt mit dem Lied, das auch ich ohne die Strophen zu kennen lange missverstanden habe, was ja auch mit dem Arrangement und der Instrumentierung zu tun hat. Das zieht sich ein wenig durchs Album. Es ist großartiges Songwriting, die Texte treffen so gut wie immer zwischen Allerweltserfahrung und dem so einzigartig Gesagten. Wenn dieses Album etwas weniger 80er atmen würde, wäre es eine 5, so bleibt es eine 4.

Da sind ganz viele ganz starke Songs auf dem Album, mehr als ich in Erinnerung hatte. Und klar, Springsteen schreibt Lyrics wie mit Edding auf nen Stromverteiler, das muss man schon mögen. Ich musste beim Hören ganz viel an Johnny Cash denken, an diese Bejahung und Verkomplizierung von Arbeiterklasse Männern, die beide haben. Und die Snare drum nervt. Und niemand braucht so viel Synthesizer. Niemand.

Ich weiß dass es sehr viel objektive Gründe gibt dieses Album abzuwerten. Ich picke daraus nur die absolut creepy lyrics von I'm on Fire. Davon abgesehen maximal subjektiv verklärte:

thaaaaat's dad rock. 2

la primera canción que justo le da el nombre al álbum no me gustó nada, en cuanto al álbum en general después está bueno, me gusta mucho la voz del cantante, es muy original y también el piano que suena en casi todas las canciones, lo usa con sintetizadores (???o como se llama?) dejando de lado la primera canción las demás me gustaron, tienen una onda mezclado con country copada. mis preferidas fueron i'm on fire y dancing in the dark (el piano va como piña). todo muy ochentoso. puntaje?? un 9

dd

Bastante bien, de Im on fire para abajo me gustaron todas, las de arriba son muy chillonas pero es un buen album. Me gusto mucho, gracias Bruce.

esta bueno d fondo not muyy fan

Didn't get to listen to the whole thing, but it is top notch. Doesn't get much better, would recommend others to own it!

Great pop rock album. Most of the songs here do sound kinda similar but i didn't mind it too much. Loved the contrast between the super up beat sound of the songs and the lyrics which are mostly about how much life in America sucks. Can't imagine i'd return to the whole album in full but individually, these songs are great and there's definitely a good number that I will be returning to. Fav Songs: No Surrender, Dancing In The Dark, Born In The U.S.A, Cover Me Least Fav: Working on the Highway 8.0/10

Duh!

Not his finest album but still mostly great. Aside from the hits which are so familiar (maybe overplayed), I particularly enjoyed Downbound Train and Bobby Jean. Sad that they’ll pass you by, those glory days. 4.

I can't deny the quality of most of the songs on here despite not being a fan

Born To Run In The U.S.A. Still not really my thing, although did really enjoy My Hometown right at the end (the 7th of 7 singles from the album!)

A difficult album to rate as it feels like a compilation with its endless steam of hit singles. Not my favourite boss era, maybe because it sounds so 80’s, maybe because of the radio-friendly familiarity it brings in spades, maybe because this was the only Springsteen I was familiar with for the best part of two decades. Solid song craft throughout, even if the paired back Nebraska-era efforts like Downbound Train and I’m on fire are more my thing than the bombastic efforts such as dancing in the dark (if we are going to do bombastic, give me Born to Run as an album). It’s a solid 4, but not an album I’d choose to listen to over several other of his earlier albums. 


Yesssss my boy Bruce. Of course an enjoyable album, a handful of my favourites are in this one.

First, I love Bruce as a person. As I write this review, March 2026, he's one of the few celebrities that has spoken out against the U.S. dictatorship without fear of recriminations from the corporations that are supporting the regime, so bless him for that. Granted, it still doesn't really make me like this album. which is the sort of celebratory Americana that I find a bit off-putting in content and plodding in form, although there are a couple of enjoyable songs here in "No Surrender" and "Dancing In The Dark." I've already reviewed Born To Run, an album I liked much better than this one. It was just as exuberant and just as earnest, but with a much lighter touch.

Just a few too many of these albums on the list, I'm kinda over it now

I had a complicated relationship with Bruce Springsteen. Born In the USA is the album that essentially introduced me to Springsteen, as it came out when I was 10 years old. I liked Born In the USA and tolerated Dancing In the Dark, but I loved Glory Days. However, as I grew up into a dumb punk, I decided Springsteen was old people music, like Steely Dan, and I decided it sucked. Come around to my late 20s, maybe early 30s, and I realize I’m an idiot and Springsteen is a genius, and I love him, at least the early years up to Born In the USA. Steely Dan is also genius. I still haven’t really listened to the album all the way through, but maybe one time. The albums before Born To Run are all brilliant. So, I’ll be listening to this album for the first time since becoming a huge Springsteen fan, though I see they released seven singles off of the 12-track album, and I know each of them from the radio. Track 1 is Born In the USA, and I was like Ronald Reagan’s people back in the day, except I was 10 and they were grown-ups, and I thought this was a patriotic song. Turns out it's about a man who served his country in Vietnam and came back home to nothing. It seems to me that Born in the USA’s message is that the USA may be a great country, but not for all of us. Some people just can't seem to reach out and grasp the American Dream, or are held back. As for the music, that synthesizer is really screaming. This album is probably the most accessible and mainstream of Springateen’s catalog. It's a pop record and not a rock record, really. Or at least that's what my good friend Wikipedia told me. Track 2 is Cover Me and I love this song. It's a little less synthy. The guitar stings give me a B.B. King vibe. Great guitar solo in the middle of the song. Bruce is asking for a lover to protect him from what's going on in the world. If he had his druthers, he'd just stay in the house with his woman and the whole world could go to hell. I think we've all felt like that sometimes. This is a rock song. Track 3 is Darlington County, and I'm not sure I recognize it right off. It does have the same vibe as Glory Days. Now this is an E Street Band track. This could easily have been on any of the previous albums. I love Little Steven Van Zandt’s backing vocals. He and Keith Richards are the greatest backing vocalists alive. Hell yeah, a sax solo from Clarence Clemons. You can tell they're having a great time recording this song. It doesn't even feel like the previous songs. My favorite on the album thus far. Track 4 is Working on the Highway, and it's another less poppy track. It seems most of the songs without a pop sheen weren't singles, only Glory Days. This song sounds like a Buddy Holly song, a pure 50s rocker about a guy working for the State highway department and dreaming of more. Well, that something more turned out to be an underage girl, and now the guy is working on the highway in a prison camp. There's a little humor to it, at least there would have been in 1984. Track 5 is Downbound Train and it starts off just sounding sad. It's about a man who loses his job and his woman and now he's lost. The guy can't seem to move forward. It's a sad song. The band uses a synthesizer on the song, but it adds to the feel in my opinion. Track 6 is I'm on Fire and I've always hated this song. No idea why. It just didn't appeal to me as a kid. There's not much there there. There's a synth, acoustic guitar, percussion, and Bruce singing. I can appreciate it more now, but it's still not my least liked song on the album. Track 7 is No Surrender and it opens like an Elvis song. I have no memory of hearing this before. It's just a good rock song about two dudes who quit school to make it as a rock and roll band or bust. It’s another American Dream that even when it comes true it doesn't quite work out as you think. It's been said that Springsteen didn't really like the level of fame this album pushed him to, but he couldn't stop it if he wanted to at that point. Track 8 is Bobby Jean. It sounds like an old school E Street song, but you can hear those synths sneaking around in the back. It's very tinny to my ears. This song is really sad. It's about losing touch with a real close friend. The friend is gone now and you had no chance to say goodbye or know it was the last time you'd see them. The song doesn't make it sound like his friend died, but you can't really tell if it's a boy or a girl he's singing about, either. Clemons has an amazing sax solo at the end. I was kind of blah at the beginning, but by the end, it really moved me. Track 9 is I'm Going Down. I've heard this song behind. Not my favorite. Let's see if anything changes. I gotta tell you, I like it better than I remember. Again, Clemons's sax solo adds to it. I'm shocked as to how much I read about this album being more pop. A lot of the songs on this album are probably more accessible than Springsteen's usual work, especially the album before this one, which was Nebraska, but they still sound like the E Street Band. Track 10 is Glory Days. I love this song. It's a sad one, too, but the music is so fun it always makes me happy. The lyrics are about people who fall back on talking about their glory days because they’re sad about how their lives turned out. OR at least that's the way I take it. Nostalgia is fun, but not when you're a full-time resident. Track 11 is Dancing in the Dark, and all I can think about is Bruce and Courtney Cox dancing like nerds on stage. Super pop, super synthy, but it sticks in your head. The song is about a dude who is bored and hates his life. A few critics believed Springsteen was talking about his creative process at the time, maybe it had gotten to boring or predictable. Maybe he was stuck and needed to find a new way. Maybe this led to a more pop sound for him. Track 12 is My Hometown and it's about a lot of hometowns moving through the 60s into the 80s. Especially the end of the industrial age in many hometowns, where everyone could find a job at the plant. Another song about how the American Dream that was born in the 50s has changed or been warped over the decades. It's another sad song, though this one has the sad music to go with it. I'll admit, I really changed my mind on this album. I never sat down and listened to and read the lyrics. I still wouldn't put it above Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, or The River, but I do think it was his and the E Street Band’s last great album. I also think it's a must listen. Springsteen captured a moment in time with this album. I felt it as a 10-year-old, but I couldn't articulate it the way he did.

I don’t hate Springsteen, but as a Canadian it’s really hard to hear Born in the USA right now. It’s unfortunate that a track that is actually quite liberal and has a great story to it has been transformed into a right wing anthem. Cover me is quite great and very danceable. I could see myself line dancing to Darlington County and I haven’t line danced since middle school gym class. Working on the Highway is something a Middle Aged blue collar worker would listen to to hype themselves up in the morning. Downbound train had good vibes to it. I’m on Fire was actually nice and calming. No Surrender ended up being a good listen. Bobby Jean was awesome. I love a good song about pining. I’m goin down was fun enough. Glory days was good. Dancing in the Dark. I know it’s the most popular track on the album but there’s a reason for that. It is my personal favourite and one that I’ll come back to and listen to multiple times. My hometown is just a beautiful narrative track altogether. I loved it. Overall 3.5/5 ⭐️!! 85/1089

Never got in to Bruce much but now I might have to

Another album/artist I’m probably biased towards. Didn’t realize until my 20s that the Bruce infatuation is really isolated to NJ residents. There’s definitely lulls through the album but it does a good job of continuing to pick it back up with great songs like Born in the USA, I’m on Fire (way too much of an inappropriate relationship vibe happening), and Dancing in the Dark placed through out the album.

Its a classic and it fits a certain mood....you can tell hes trying to write hits, and he succeeded. As a huge Bruce fan, this is not my personal favorite album of his, but I do think it may have entered the "so overrated its underrated" category. "Cover Me" is a great tune that I thin he wrote for someone else, the title track and the bigger hits (title track, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark) still work for me and remain iconic.

2.8

god bless america

10/10

It’s hard not to love 1980s America.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen’s voice but I actually liked this album more than I thought I would. Probably not something I’ll play again but it had a solid message I can appreciate.

Perfect. No notes.

Springsteen isn’t really my thing. I get the appeal, tho.

Only familiar with the singles, so listening to the whole thing was good. It’s a solid 80’s rock album. It’s a lot glossier than his other output, I’m not sure I liked it more than his earlier albums but it was still enjoyable enough. It made for a good drive home from work.

Best Track - "Dancing In The Dark"

Geiles Album gespickt mit bekannten Hits. Irgendwas zwischen 4-5. Am Ende gab der Gewerkschaftsbonus den Ausschlag.

Tight Ass! 4 Stars for that

I’m not a huge fan of the heartland rock genre, but I do enjoy a lot of the earlier Springsteen material. I had never heard this album in its entirety before, mostly just the hits, which are numerous. Having now sat through the entire experience; I have to say, there really isn’t a bad track on this record. Springsteen is a great storyteller, and I love how he runs the gamut of desire, arrogance, love, loss, and let’s not forget one of the most misunderstood songs ever written. It’s great classic rock, great songwriting, great lyricism, and an overall great time. His later stuff is very much hit and miss for me as his career progressed, but this is classic Bruce at his best.

yeah was good nothing amazing. a few tracks i really enjoyed but im not sure id listen to the full album together again…songs a bit similar?

One of the more misunderstood songs of all time is the namesake of this album. It's tragic that the problems in this album are still felt today. What a classic.

I may be biased since I grew up in a Springsteen household but this is such a brilliant album. Hit after hit. Rating: 5.

Dudes rock moment

Duh.

At once classic yet much maligned. Born in the USA was Springsteen's big jump from being know by his fans to the top of the charts. A formative album for me I saw the tour in Connecticut and played the album to death. I guess I'm hardly unbiased. The title track is misunderstood by the right and perhaps overinterpreted by the left. Once you move on from that you have classics life "I'm on Fire", "No Surrender" and "Glory Days". It actually isn't my favourite Springsteen Album. It is however definitely an album you should listen to.

Great classic old school sound with some standout songs and guitar work.

Better roll the windows down for this one

already love this album so this was a great pick, really fun album, i think everyone should listen to this multiple times in their lifetime

love the vibe

Absolutely loved it

Good duh 7/10

Sé que es un clásico, pero simplemente no conectó conmigo. En primer lugar, detesto ese patriotismo yankee tan exagerado, por lo que eso condicionó mucho mi escucha. Si bien tiene algunas canciones entretenidas o que me parecieron buenas, me aburrió bastante la escucha y sentí que era eterno, sumado a que de por sí la voz Springsteen no es muy de mi agrado. Honestamente no me llegó y no creo que me llegue en algún momento. Dancing in the dark fue la más rescatable para mí

5/5 best bruce such an american album

1st song was great the rest was kind of eh.

album naprawdę bardzo fajny nie wiedziałam ze lubie sluchac takiej muzyki a tu prosze bede teraz wracala do tego albumu

Classic

Was surprised to find this was something of a cohesive yet eclectic concept album.

Absolutely iconic. Not necessarily a musical masterpiece, but his voice and lyrics really carry the album. Born in the USA and Downbound Train are my favorite.

it's got this real infectious and pervasive american romanticism that i get pretty attached to. it's wrapped in a flag, scrappy and cool and stained with motor oil, grody and hypocritical, a little pathetic and so proud. i think all the played-out hits still hit, the sleeper hits hit, and the skips are still solid. I'm On Fire is really lovely, might be worth a star on its own

Rating: 8/10 Easily one of the best pop rock albums of the 80’s, the people got this one right when they made it and all the songs on it the most popular thing ever. Bruce crafts great melodies from all variety of rock instruments and even synthesizers, and creates an incredibly consistent and satisfying album which found him at his undeniable peak. The only lower point of the tracklist is Darlington County-Working on the Highway which are the two more annoying songs on the album, even though they’re still not bad. But from Downbound Train on it’s all just great, with the two incredible hits I’m On Fire and Dancing in the Dark being the highlights. Every song is such an anthem but there is still a great depth on the lyrical end.

A nice complete package of an album. I went in expecting total boomerbait but it was honestly quality the whole way through. Enough hits sprinkled in, songs mesh well while having enough variety, no complaints. I'm On Fire fuckin kills it as well 6.7/10

No es su peor álbum, así que punto a favor

si on me fait écouter une fois de plus du springsteen je deviens sourde je pense

- nice synths - i like my hometown

Impossible to review without using the word Cheesy, this is clearly a mod 80's album. But, speaking confidentially, it is also a guilty pleasure. Taken on its own terms the album is coherent and driven and confident.

Think this is too mainstream pop rock for me. The sound is not for me, decent and compelling lyricism from time to time (Downbound Train), but most doesn't click with me. Maybe due to the sound. Maybe I'm not white enough, or listened to too many derivatives of rock to experience this as a new, surprising genre. Rating at the time I'm listening to "I'm Goin' Down": 2.5-3.0 / 5 Final rating: 2.5/5

Enjoyed this a lot more than expected. That and i really liked some songs ie I'm Goin Down and my hometown

Kinda meh, the one song I quite liked was dancing in the dark although I still prefer the version that one guy perfomed on The Voice. Wouldn't listen to again

Brucing my Springsteen

Darlington County is kinda fun. Born In The U.S.A. is ofc well known. Downbound train is good. No Surrender is good. Dancing In the Dark is fun.

ngl I thought this was a single not an entire album the title track rocks as hard as it ever did (I know it's a protest song) Cover Me also goes hard Darlington County almost sounds mythical in an American way but I don't know how sarcastic it's being you can hear the 50's nostalgia they had in the 80's through Highway and I'm not sure how much I like that i have no idea how I'm On Fire is as popular as it apparently is album gets a bit repetitive by the end Dancing in the Dark still sounds very eighties, which I mean, it came out in the eighties my hometown sounds pretty meh, just padding out the runtime overall hit or miss album, starts off pretty strong then comes back and goes away in waves

Though it's a distant second in a ranking of all Bruce Springsteen albums with titles that begin with the word "born," this is still a banger after more than four decades. It's got all the greatness of Bruce's songwriting, but with a thin coating of cheesiness to just enough of the songs has always put this one just below Bruce's top tier for me.

i wasn't born in the usa generic country music with unexpected twist about dying america cover me sounds like the dying america ghostbusters and bobby jean is decent. really bad to write music using horrible events in history only for it to be generic ¡boooring! man narrating a tragedy over an almost monotonous rhythm. ¡other example of using horrible events in history to make your music! delfín quishpe did a much better job in the entertaining part with his iconic song "torres gemelas" making the 9 11 2.753 deceased and america proud! ¡he even used the rhythm of his twin tower song to make ads for cooking oil! that's the real american spirit! and hes now in jail :(

With this album, Bruce Springsteen’s butt delivers the crushing death blow to all britpop forever. Total American victory 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Born to Run is betta

Such an... interesting album? I dunno, maybe I'm not American enough as an American to truly appreciate this album.

Setting all the obvious hits aside, No Surrender/Bobby Jean/I'm Goin' Down is one of the greatest unsung sequences in rock and roll history.

40 years later and every song still feels perfect and new.

Love his intention and songwriting, not a big fan of this kind of 80s production.

I realize that this is extremely backwards, but as someone who has never been into Bruce Springsteen, a lot of this just hit me like a dated, somewhat corny version of The War On Drugs. I’m sorry, I know that sucks. I’m uncultured.

Pas du tout mon style, L'aspect cri sans musique me convint sur certains propositions mais pas sur celle de Bruce Springsteen, certaines musiques vers la fin de l'album m'ont plus parlé mais sur l'album en général. Je comprends l'impact que ça peut avoir sur certaines personnes mais l'album ne me touche pas

Bangin American tunes

Absolute cinema

3kr

🤠

Bleh. It’s about what I expected, crooning, sappy, quite basic instrumental elements. There’s a couple of relatively iconic tracks and plenty of soul bearing but “The Boss” just doesn’t do it for me.

Firstly I dont care what he is saying or how profound it is. Its just so dull. The "hits" are even worse as well which is where my confusion comes. This is a commercial success but I cannot fathom this in musical terms. The more exciting the music the more generic, repetative and strained it all becomes. They shared the space with U2 in the 80s and another giant of the time. Well they can keep them both.

Beyond the two obvious ones, I was quite surprised by this album. I was expecting a whole album of stadium American rock but mostly this just sounds like a pub or hotel band. Definitely what you would think was a really good hotel band, but still one that you would be watching just because you are on a family holiday. Music is fine, singing is fine. I can't quite see why this has the accolades that it has. I was expecting a more visceral reaction but generally listened thinking "This is ok" then promptly forgot all about it.

The boss. While not too high on my mountain of rock stars, there's no denying what this man has done and continues to do. I'd like to opportunity to see him sometime.

un clásico.

Boss.

Good album, bruce simply not one of my guys. Any time he gets repetivie it drives me a little crazy but there are some undeniable songs on here regardless

boss. i hadn't listened to this one before but it's really excellent. great album, so well formed it sounds easy. "Darlington County" was the standout that I hadn't heard before.

one of the Great Albums! star spangled and all!

Boring

4.0

naja

An unfortunate miss from The Boss. Springsteen proved he could transition to pop stardom while continuing to sing about blue-collar folks, their concerns, and political consciousness, but the songwriting suffers from the synths and and sterile stadium production of the 80’s. I’ve gone through stages of hating, then appreciating, then disliking this album again, and I think this round of listenings has cemented my opinions. “Dancing in the Dark” still rules though.

Masterclass

Heartland rock-perfeksjon. Litt artig at dette kom dagen etter The Suburbs, da albumene deler samme tematikk. Top 3: Downbound Train, My Hometown, Dancing In the Dark

It doesn't reach the heights of "Born to Run", but Bruce's frustration rings poignantly even still.

One of the most consistent rock albums of the 1980s, headlined by one of the most egregiously misunderstood songs of all time. Hard to find many flaws in this one. Highlights: Born in the U.S.A, Cover Me, Darlington County, I'm on Fire, No Surrender, Bobby Jean, I'm Goin' Down, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark

Iconic

Not a big Bruce fan. He sounds kind of creepy. This album is pretty good though.

Surprisingly I still don’t enjoy this genre or Bruce. 2 stars

I was not born in the USA

It's a solid record, and an important record of 80s suffering, but for the most part the derivative rock and roll tunes don't do much for me, and clash with the album's lyrical tone.

This album must played on the radio for 2+ years, every hour, every day. Still great.

Classic

The Boss's best album.

Pas fan de l'ambiance amérique

Some people still think the title track is a jingoistic rallying cry for 'the greatest country in the world.' Those people are either stupid, didn't listen to the lyrics—which clearly blast government policies—or a little bit of column A and column B. When I was younger, I couldn't find music that spoke directly to my life, but I found my dad in this record's blue-collar workingman's ethic. Now at 52, I've realized these songs aren't just about my dad anymore; they're about me. That's what truly amazing songs do: they transcend generations. The Boss made what is easily the best album of the '80s. I’d give it a 10 out of 5 if I could.

Really enjoyed actually! Will listen again

Sheesh - this is his SEVENTH album? It's impossible to listen to this as if I'd never heard the songs before since I cannot remember a time when I didn't know the music of Bruce Springsteen (OK, it was like the years before my high school graduation, fine). The majority of the tracks are still staples of the airwaves, bars, karaoke joints, doctors' offices... he's everywhere. For nearly everyone else this would drive me to dislike the artist, truly through no fault other than their own fame. But not Bruce. Trump WISHES he could have The Boss endorse him. I hope it keeps him up at night. PS. I am unapologetic about my love for "I'm on Fire."

Overall a good album but some songs weren’t that good

I love how this album was upbeat overall but also carried a lot of emotion with it not only in Springsteen's vocals but also in the song writing. Very well done album. 8/10, Favorite Song: Bobby Jean

Back half of the album is where you get the juice

Incredible album no skips fully converted me as a fan goes up a level after downbound train all bangers

Springsteen vond ik altijd beetje saai, maar het blijft een classic pop-rockplaat met enkele onsterfelijke hits

2,5

It’s rly not that good. no songs particularly stood out to me not a fan. love dancing in the dark tho

I've heard the singles off this album before. Lots of good stuff here, mayhaps a touch samey when played as an album. Best song of the new ones to me is Working on the Highway.

Må vara lite slitna låtar och det andas lite mycket 80-tal över produktionen, men det är också ett E-street band i hög form, otroligt låtmaterial och mycket Springsteens.

It’s very cheesy but also kind of sarcastic / good in its cheesiness? To many amazing hits and semi interesting deep cuts not to get along with it. My least favorite critically acclaimed Bruce album is still a damn good Bruce album

It is good and I appreciate it for that, but Bruce has never really moved me apart from the big tracks.

Some absolute bangers but a little too star spangled for me

3.5⭐️/5 03.03.2026

Re mid

4,3/5 Bruce é o Dylan do trabalhador. Menos genial, mas também menos criptico e mais vibrante.

I literally said to myself last night I'm due for another Bruce album. Well I got the big one and it's alright.

BOrNNN IN THE USAAAA.

There are much better albums but this is commercially sent The Boss through the roof. Glad he still maintained the three hour concert and wish more people would listen to the stories and not think 'hey upbeat song it's pro US'

Это что-то культурное, нежели музыкальное Это лирика, простой рок под гитарку про Америку Без отклика

top 3 - My Hometown, No Surrender, Glory Days. I’ve listened to this before and I tried to get into it but I just couldn’t. Springsteen seems like a good guy outside of his music from what I’ve seen.

Not my favorite but much much goodness

(5/7) I think a lot of these songs get overplayed. But still it's a lot of good stuff on one album

I can't believe I'm giving this a 4. I've always hated his music, with few exceptions of certain songs. But as I listened to this today, I found myself enjoying it. Bonus points for confusing conservatives and making them think for years that Born In The USA is a positve, pro-America song. I'm not sure if it was Bruce's intention to create an upbeat, anthem type of song that was actually a critique and to trick the very people he was talking about but it's absolutely brilliant. Part of the reason I've never liked his music is his voice, there was an album of his earlier on here where he was howling and so deep in his throat...it sounded awful. His singing seems better here, this is probably the most accessible his voice has been. It's not the whispering, boring Nebraska but it's also not the howling, cracking style that was on Darkness on the Edge of Town. But it's still annoying in parts, when he's singing "working on the highway" and in parts it's "..orking on the highway" before he shouts WORKING in the next line. There's also not as many theatrical, sweeping, elegant piano pieces here like there is on Darkness on the Edge of Town which was on this list a few weeks ago, and, from what I remember, Born to Run. I'm assuming these have been replaced by the tasteful synths...and the piano that is on here is just more of a chorus, it's not front and center. Dancing in the Dark slaps, that's always been one of the songs of his that I've liked. Glory Days, a lot of fun, but speedball? C'mon. I'm on Fire, as creepy as it can sound in 2026, still great. Cover Me, awesome. Listening to it again today partially because I really want to see if I can give it a 4 and I'm still enjoying it.

it was the boss

Never really been a fan of Springsteen, not sure listening to this album really changed that. I think the 4 songs I've heard before are probably the best ones on the album. It's a perfectly decent album. I would never put this on but i'm glad I finally listened to it.

4.5/5

3.5. The mix is so telly and full of reverb, I woukd probably rate an acoustic version higher. Some really strong songs. But too many songs at the top of his vocal range.

There are so many classic Springsteen songs on this album. The title track is always a joy at karaoke nights, to watch clueless Americans queue it up expecting a patriotic anthem, never having actually listened to the words outside the chorus, and watch their faces fall as they read the lyrics.

had to turn it off after "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"

I introduced the biggest Springsteen fan I've ever known to the love of her life in our college bar sometime in the early 2010s. in some ways it has been fun to be alive

When to listen: feeling nostalgic, patriotic, NOT patriotic, like the Jersey girl I am. Know this album very well and knew it would be 5 stars.

Good album but you only need on Bruce Springsteen album on this list.

No. 373/1001 Born in the U.S.A. 5/5 Cover Me 4/5 Darlington County 4/5 Working on the Highway 4/5 Downbound Train 5/5 I'm On Fire 5/5 No Surrender 5/5 Bobby Jean 5/5 I'm Goin' Down 4/5 Glory Days 4/5 Dancing In the Dark 5/5 My Hometown 5/5 Average: 4,58 Awesome album. My personal highlights are Dancing In The Dark and I'm On Fire. But all songs are at least great. It's a no skip album.

Classic. Commercial, but good for listening in one piece. Hidden gem: No Surrender.

Here it is, my official introduction to The Boss. Well, aside from all the radio hits I've heard through the years. And I'll be honest, even with the recognizable, titular Born in the U.S.A. kicking things off, it took me a few tracks before I was able to get on board. It's a lot poppier than I anticipated for Springsteen, but maybe I should've known that based on all the aforementioned hits. It's also distinctively 80's, not a bad thing, but it does make me even more interested in listening to the rest of his repertoire. Usually I find myself remembering the outer portions of the albums on this list, tracks that kick things off or wrap albums up, but here the meat of the album is really what I enjoyed the most. I think my gut wanted to give this a 5, but something was holding me back. Listening a second time solidified the fact that I don't think it's quite there for me. There's nothing terribly bad here, honestly I'm not sure I'd specifically skip anything. But the recognizable hits never drew me in, and I'll admit Springsteen's vocals grew a little grating around the Glory Days mark. Still, it's an unbelievable collection of songs, and I'll look forward to seeing what else The Boss has in store. Highlights: Downbound Train I'm On Fire No Surrender I'm Goin' Down Lowlight: Cover Me

Quite some hits in this iconic Sprinting album. He never really resonated with me, but I can't deny its appeal. 7/10

10/10 me ENCANTA este álbum, además me hace acordar mucho a mi infancia y bruce springsteen en general me recuerda a mis viejos así que siempre es un placer escuchar este discazo

Buen disco tiene súper clásicos

ya lo escuché 😖

Now THIS is an album

A good album, I liked Born In The USA, Downbound Train and Dancing In The Dark the most.

Pleasantly surprised. The second half of the album was good and Dancing in the Dark was favorite. Good driving or road trip album.

Loving it, since 1984.

alright I guess. I listened to it so im proud

Neither loved nor hate it.

Best Bruce Springsteen album with some rather memorable hits. I'm on afire might be one of the most interesting songs in his catalogue. And then there's the cover. Iconic.

For what amounts to THE American album, I'm disappointed. There are only two good songs: Born In The USA and Dancing In The Dark. Wait, I'm detecting a trend here. Otherwise, the lyrics are shallow and the musicianship is lacking. Those two songs get us to 3 stars, and I wish it was better.

ES muy buen album,es del rock callejero que tanto me gusta..me haria un roadtrip solamente para escuchar el album en bucle

Generic country/pop album, not my thing at all. Only song I enjoyed really was Cover Me. All others were a bit of a bore. 1.5/5

It's a good album. Ultimate road trip jam. That's really all I have to say about it. "Downbound Train" and "Dancing in the Dark" are the favorites.

Not his best work, but it does a job.

I’m not a great lover of Springsteen. Dislike that some of the works from this, ‘born in the USA’ in particular, have been co-opted by nationalist movements which isn’t Springsteen’s fault and misses the nuance of the songs. ‘I’m on fire’ is good but the rest of the album is fairly forgettable and not ages brilliantly well, musically fairly solid though.

not my vibe

The tedious sound of a millionaire trying to be working class. Stadium rock.

Not my favourite Springsteen album but a couple of really great tracks.

Somewhat appropriately I was driving down the middle of the road as I was listening to this album. A few decent tracks but somewhere on a venn diagram between rockabilly, blues and country is not somewhere I particularly want to be.....

Solid stuff

The boss at the height of his powers, the bangers, bang and the whole thing is just very consistently high bar

Cover me is a great song!! other than that i didn't find another song that i would gravitate towards but the songs on the album are not bad at all

It's a fine example of good old American rock and roll

Im sorry I just dont like bruce Springsteen dont hurt me

Excelente álbum para escuchar en la ruta. Canciones favorita: I’m on fire.

Not my favourite genre but a good listen. Can appreciate it is an excellent album for its intention, focus and audience. Favourites - Born in the USA, Glory Days (the hits, but gems)

“They're closing down the textile mill Across the railroad tracks Foreman says, "These jobs are going, boys And they ain't coming back To your hometown”” I could talk for hours about Bruce Springsteen. I could talk about what his music means to me personally, I could talk about the sociopolitical commentary and how it relates to the era it was written, and I could talk about how it still resonates today in the context of the last ten years of American culture and politics (and I will do the second two). But, if you strip all of that away, Bruce Springsteen is plainly and simply exceptional at writing and performing Rock ‘n’ Roll music, and “Born In The U.S.A.” is some of his finest work. It is rip roaring throughout and the playing from the whole band is so tight. None of the songs outstay their welcome and it is paced exceptionally. The album has been wonderfully produced but still comes across as so raw and genuine. I could not recommend it to fans of any genre of rock music enough. Something which has always set Springsteen apart from others attempting to do similar has always been the saxophone. It brings a smile to my face every time The Big Man pipes up and Springsteen famously had a wonderful relationship with him that really shines through. The title track has been so misappropriated as a simplistic nationalistic anthem that it has almost made recommending The Boss to those unfamiliar with him a bit of a struggle. This frustrates me because if you take even a cursory scan of the lyrics you will glean that it is a despondent song lamenting the treatment of Vietnam War veterans by a country that they were supposedly fighting for. The song is in part borne out of an encounter Springsteen had with Ron Kovic, the author of “Born on the Fourth of July”. Springsteen had just finished reading the book and was invited by Kovic to a veteran’s centre to meet some of the soldiers who had returned from Vietnam. What Springsteen saw and heard that day led to him writing “Born In The U.S.A.” to raise awareness and protest against the way America treats its veterans. It is this kind of authenticity that I think makes Springsteen’s songwriting so compelling. There is a theme here that runs through Springsteen’s whole discography of a strong faith in the American experiment and what it should have been. Springsteen is constantly writing about the struggles of ordinary working American people and their efforts to get their slice of the dream that was promised to them. In doing so he finds his music squarely at odds with the powers that be in The States and that certainly hasn’t changed since 1984 when “Born In The U.S.A.” was released. When authors such as Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote on such subjects the resulting books were granted the label of “The Great American Novel”. Surely then this makes “Born In The U.S.A.” The Great American Album. Despite all the above it is of note that Springsteen is a draft dodger and has made no attempt to hide it. He addresses this in his “Springsteen on Broadway” concert film. He recalls musical mentors from his hometown signing up and fighting, and he recalls hearing of their deaths. As a result when his time came he did everything he could as a scared kid to avoid going. If we’re being honest who can blame him? He was successful and escaped the draft. In the film Springsteen says he often thinks of who went in his place in a moment that seems tinged with guilt. “Because someone did.”

I'm having a colonoscopy today, and I'm worried that this could be the last album I'll ever get to listen to... though, in literal hindsight, the album cover IS appropriate for the occasion, I suppose... Honestly, as far as Springsteen goes, this is probably as good as it gets. It's not his fault the singles have been overplayed, but I do hold him unequivocally responsible for that raspy, strainy, howling sound he makes... which, incidentally, I may also be making shortly... Bottoms up!

After the fourth Springsteen entry on this list we finally found a winner. If half stars existed this would be a 4.5 for me. I’m rounding up in hope that the gods take that as a sacrifice. Lets move on from Bruce.

This is SO close to being great but something isn’t clicking. I’m sorry, Boss.

muy american coded

Favorite track(s): Born in the U.S.A., Cover Me, Dancing in the Dark Heard before Previous rating: 6/10

This list has taught me I don't like Springsteen as much as I thought I would. Starts with a classic, less interesting after that. Samey anthems in a 80s sheen. 3 Heard before? Yes Owned: No 48/210 (22%) Will I get: No

give me a full Lana cover album of this

Love Bruce

Cheesy Americana.

Absolutely peak.

Probably in the top 5 most iconic albums of the early 80's. It's Americana that isn't shoved up it's own ass. It's regretful and analytical and solemn and wild. I don't even truly care for Springsteen's music as a listener but I respect the hell out of what he did here. Culturally, the fact that it flew so far over the heads of the jingoistic crowd boggles the mind. Bruce has ever been on the side of kindness, the worker, the family, the dream of what America could be and not the feckless nonsense we are sold. This album is also extremely well-paced and varied.

# Born in the U.S.A. (1984) - In-Depth Album Review Released on June 4, 1984, **Born in the U.S.A.** represents the commercial and artistic apex of Bruce Springsteen's career—a paradoxical masterpiece that married the darkest thematic content of his songwriting with the most accessible, radio-friendly production of his entire catalog. This album didn't just dominate the charts; it fundamentally altered how American rock music could function as both mass entertainment and social critique. --- ## The Production: Polished Rebellion The sonic architecture of *Born in the U.S.A.* was revolutionary for Springsteen. After the stark, solo-acoustic **Nebraska** (1982), Springsteen and the E Street Band, working primarily with producers **Jon Landau** and **Chuck Plotkin**, crafted a sound that was unapologetically contemporary. **Key Production Elements:** - **The Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer** became the album's signature voice—most notably on the iconic opening riff of the title track, which Roy Bittan improvised after Springsteen demonstrated the song on acoustic guitar - **Max Weinberg's gated reverb drums** created that massive, explosive '80s drum sound that defined the era - **Bob Clearmountain's mixing** provided the glossy sheen that made these songs jump out of car radios The recording process was notoriously meticulous. Springsteen spent **two years** and cycled through nearly **100 songs** before finalizing the tracklist . "Dancing in the Dark" alone required **58 mixes** before completion . This perfectionism paid off commercially—the album produced **seven Top 10 singles**, a feat matched only by Michael Jackson's *Thriller* and Janet Jackson's *Rhythm Nation 1814*. --- ## Lyrical Analysis: Darkness Beneath the Gloss The genius of *Born in the U.S.A.* lies in its **deceptive packaging**. The album pairs "lively pop-rock sound with lyrics about discarded veterans, jailbirds, dying relationships, loneliness and ennui—not to mention sexual frustration" . ### The Title Track: Misunderstood Protest Anthem "Born in the U.S.A." remains one of the most misinterpreted songs in American history. With its "bombastic synths and stadium-ready sing-along chorus," it "almost defies you to try to grasp its meaning on first listen" . The lyrics tell the story of a Vietnam veteran who returns home to find "nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go"—a "stinging indictment of a country willing to turn its back on its own citizens, even those that fought for it" . The song fooled conservative columnist **George Will**, who praised it as patriotic affirmation, and **Ronald Reagan's** advisors, who tried to appropriate it for the 1984 reelection campaign—apparently only listening to the chorus . ### Narrative Arc of the Album The album functions as a concept record about **broken American promises**: - **"Downbound Train"** – A *Nebraska*-style narrative of economic collapse and lost love, where the protagonist loses his job at the lumber yard and his woman to another man - **"My Hometown"** – Springsteen's most explicitly autobiographical song, documenting the racial violence and industrial decline of Freehold, New Jersey - **"Glory Days"** – Bittersweet nostalgia that mocks the very sentiment it expresses - **"I'm On Fire"** – A minimalist masterpiece of repressed desire, with "catchy yet creepy" undertones - **"Bobby Jean"** – A farewell to Steve Van Zandt (who had temporarily left the band), capturing "the bonding power of rock" with "mature sentiment" that understands the past "as a thing to be cherished as well as something to move on from" ### Lyrical Peak This album arguably represents Springsteen's **lyrical peak**—striking "a good balance of direct sentiment with loftier themes in the background, without the more self-conscious wordplay that characterised his earlier work" . "No Surrender" contains perhaps the album's most perfect line: *"We learned more from a three-minute record baby, than we ever learned in school"* . --- ## Musical Architecture: Pop as Trojan Horse Musically, *Born in the U.S.A.* expanded Springsteen's palette while maintaining his core identity: **The Synthesis of Influences:** - **"Dancing in the Dark"** – "Possibly his best pure pop song" with a "strong groove tethered to that driving synth pulse" and "woozy, late-night feel" - **"Cover Me"** – Dance-rock that uses "language usually reserved for the heat of battle" - **"I'm Goin' Down"** – A bar-band blues that sounds celebratory while documenting romantic collapse - **"Darlington County"** – Boogie-rock that masks a story of futile job-seeking The E Street Band performs with **restrained power**—Clarence Clemons' saxophone provides emotional punctuation rather than dominance, and the rhythm section creates that signature "big" sound without overwhelming the songs. --- ## Themes: Reagan's America Under the Microscope The album examines **"the many contradictions of Reagan's America"** : 1. **The Betrayal of the Working Class** – Veterans discarded, factories closing, towns dying 2. **The Tyranny of Nostalgia** – Characters trapped in memories of better times 3. **Sexual and Economic Frustration** – Desire and desperation intertwined 4. **The Myth vs. Reality of America** – The gap between patriotic rhetoric and lived experience These were the same themes Springsteen had explored since *Darkness on the Edge of Town*, but here they were "put in a blender" with pop accessibility . --- ## Cultural Impact and Influence *Born in the U.S.A.* transformed Springsteen from a rock critic's darling into a **global pop icon**. The album has sold over **30 million copies worldwide** and spent **84 consecutive weeks** on the Billboard 200. **Immediate Impact:** - The **"Dancing in the Dark"** video (directed by Brian DePalma featuring a then-unknown **Courteney Cox**) played on MTV "at the top of every hour" - Springsteen became a stadium-filling phenomenon, with the subsequent tour cementing his reputation as one of rock's greatest live performers - The album proved that **socially conscious rock could achieve mass commercial success** without compromise **Long-term Influence:** - Demonstrated that synthesizers and traditional rock could coexist - Influenced countless artists to package serious themes in accessible forms - The album cover (Annie Leibovitz's photo of Springsteen's backside in jeans against an American flag) became one of the most iconic images in rock history --- ## Pros and Cons ### **Pros** | Aspect | Assessment | |--------|------------| | **Songcraft** | Contains some of Springsteen's most perfectly constructed songs—"Dancing in the Dark," "I'm On Fire," and the title track are flawless pop compositions | | **Thematic Depth** | Manages to be both commercially accessible and intellectually substantial—a rare achievement | | **Production Innovation** | The synthesizer integration expanded rock's sonic palette without sounding dated (mostly) | | **Narrative Cohesion** | Despite the singles-heavy nature, the album maintains thematic consistency | | **Emotional Range** | Moves from desperate loneliness ("Downbound Train") to exuberant friendship ("No Surrender") to creepy desire ("I'm On Fire") | | **Commercial Achievement** | Seven Top 10 singles proved that quality and popularity weren't mutually exclusive | ### **Cons** | Aspect | Assessment | |--------|------------| | **Over-familiarity** | The ubiquity of the singles has somewhat dulled their impact—it's hard to hear "Dancing in the Dark" with fresh ears | | **Production Aging** | Some of the drum sounds and synthesizer tones are unmistakably '80s, which may alienate listeners seeking "timeless" production | | **Misinterpretation Risk** | The very accessibility that makes the album great also enabled its widespread misreading as simple patriotism | | **Filler Perception** | While tracks like "Working on the Highway" and "Darlington County" are solid, they don't reach the heights of the singles | | **Loss of Mystery** | The album's success made Springsteen a celebrity, which arguably diminished the "everyman" mystique of his earlier work | --- ## Verdict *Born in the U.S.A.* is a **triumph of subversion**. It smuggled complex social commentary into suburban homes through the Trojan horse of pop hooks. The album's central irony—that its most patriotic-sounding song is actually a cry of despair—mirrors the larger American condition it documents: the gap between appearance and reality, between what we're told to feel and what we actually experience. While some purists prefer the unvarnished *Nebraska* or the epic scope of *Born to Run*, *Born in the U.S.A.* represents Springsteen's most complete synthesis of **artistic ambition and popular reach**. It proved that rock music could be smart, sad, sexy, and successful simultaneously. The album doesn't just document Reagan's America—it remains a vital document for understanding America itself, then and now. **Essential Listening:** "Born in the U.S.A.," "Dancing in the Dark," "I'm On Fire," "Downbound Train," "My Hometown," "No Surrender"

9.5/10

I do think Bruce Springsteen holds his own special corner of folk rock. I guess you could call it urban blue collar folk? Either way, it's not something for every day but it has its place.

Baseball. Coca-Cola. Bald Eagles. This album. Classic.

His rock anthems are bangers but the ballads are just way too wimpy!

Really good album even though it's not even Bruce's best. A lot of hits and a very clear vibe. This album will be iconic until it stops confusing Republicans. The influence this album's had in Sam Fender is very noticeable.

Alsace-Lorraine, the driving snow

Ok this was 1000x better than the movie… in all seriousness, this was an incredible project from start to finish. The beauty of this 1001 project is it puts these artists reverence into perspective. I never knew why people loved this man and that was due to ignorance of his work but now I understand. This was well crafted, the arrangement on Bobby Jean was chef’s kiss. Downbound Train is my standout with I’m Goin’ Down being a close second. Great start to the day!

All the Hits on this record. Bruce is a nice guy and is saying and doing all the right thinks in this dark days. The music is pretty boring to ok. Fav: Dancing in the dark

Вайбы make America grate again. Педо посылы и нытье в стиле взрослого белого гетеро мужика. Инструментал приятный btw

For me, the biggest hits like "Born in the U.S.A." "Glory Days," and "Dancing in the Dark" are marred by 80s synths and glossy production, but then there are others, like "Downbound Train" and "I'm On Fire" where the production is fantastic. "Downbound Train" in particular is interesting because I've been recently listening to the Nebraska-era versions, and this one is much superior to those. I just wish they woulda used pedal steel or something instead of synths. Overall, the songs come through and they're consistently as good as the singles. 4.5 rounding down.

very nice

Classic. 3.5 rounded up.

Muito bom, tem algumas músicas que já ouvia e que acho ótimas como "Born in the U.S.A" e principalmente "Dancing In the Dark".

I can feel its cultural significance even if I can’t really relate to it

Nothing very memorable here other than the big singles. Felt like it hasn't aged well, as I was listening - a very 80s album.

Obviously

Imagine having the confidence to have this voice and actually become a singer, and succeed.

This is American alright

ai esse bicho é chato demais.... música de americano para americanos, to fora

Can’t fucking stand to listen to the title track. Had about a million people ask me to play this guys shit over the years, no every time. Definition of a 2/5 Probably a 4/5 after 10 beers in a hoedown Also a pedophile No surrender kinda slaps Glory days too… Shit the back half is great 3.5/5 Wow dancing in the dark is better than I remember

I was a bit sceptical because, well, 'Murica and shit. But it's actually pretty cool. I remembered I already knew Dancing in the Dark, which is a very solid track on its own.

ALREADY LISTENED

Mr. Americana. A serviceable rock and roll band. His music just never moves me emotionally. I went to one of his concerts a few years ago and he puts on a great show. Very enjoyable. And I just love the guy. He's a wonderful spokesman for what's good about this country.

Good stuff

An absolute classic. There is not a weak link on this record. Springsteen at his peak. From the album cover to the opening notes of Born in USA, this record grabs the listener immediately and demands attention. The storytelling and stirring music keeps the listener captivated. A true cohesive work. Springsteen paints pictures of working class Americana and the pursuit of the American dream. He sings of passion and despair. Throughout it feels so authentic, In addition to the great songwriting and unforgettable anthems, the album also boasts exceptional musicianship, not just from Bruce, but the whole E Street Band. Easily one of the greatest records ever.

nije tolko zzz kao prošli (nebraska), al je i dalje malo seljački na američki način. što ne znači nužno da je loše, al meni nije niš posebno, eto. znam da je naslovna pjesma kao satira il štaliveć, al i dalje je seljačka i jedino je refren glasovno jasan, pa naravno da će je danas pjevat na političkim skupovima. moram izdvojit stvar "bobby jean" koja mi je bila vrhunac albuma, dosta bolja od ostalih, a nije ni sljedeća "i'm goin' down" loša. generalno druga polovica spašava album

I'm very fond of "Dancing in the dark", I've listened to it a lot while spending hours on study projects. I see this album as a fundamental cultural phenomenon, you can tell that every song is meant to be an instant hit sung by the whole stadium. Great music for a roadtrip. Also the cover is legendary. 4 only because I can't categorize it as exceptional/innovative.

Didn't realize all the songs I knew were from this album

I was dreading this album. Not because I don't like Burce Spingsteen. I grew up on him, and have been a fan my whole life. The reason why I wasn't anticipating this is because this is his most popular album, and as such it gets overplayed and its also Spingsteen's least interesting album from this era. The use of synthesizers is makes it feel less real than Springsteen's ither albums from the time, and it also seems designed to be marketable. The lyrics are less soulful and poetic, and feels designed for mass appeal. Did I mention that these songs are overplayed? If I have to listen to Born in the USA on the radio one more time, I may actually set the station on fire, or at least that was my opinion back when I listened to the radio. As such, this was the least exciting album I could've listened to by Springsteen. Now that I've listened to it, though, years after I moved countries and not from a world obsesses with his music? I can admit that it's a great album. The Boss, even when he's commercial, is still a great artist. The songs are fun to listen to, the E Street Band kills it as always, and I've even gained an appreciation for the most overplayed songs on this album (yes, even Born in the USA, which is an amazing song that unfortunately is so good that people play it ad infinitum). Even the songs I don't like as much are still good, just a wee bit boring. That is one great things about Springsteen: the man cant really make bad songs. Boring, absolutely, but truly bad I have yet to find one. And this album is mostly killer, great anthems about the problems that you have from being, well, Born in the USA. This is Springsteen's most commercial album, both in terms of production and success. It's a fun album that is a great listen back to front, even if some of the songs feel to designed to be hits than his other songs do. But unfortunately Springsteen can write a killer hook and and they players still give you great killer rifts and drum beats to jam to. Special consideration to Clarence Clemons, whose saxophone rips are always a pleasure to listen to, and Danny Federici, whose piano backing gives so much weight to every song that he plays with The Boss. This is the standard for heartland rock, and if you're in the mood this is the album to listen to. Springsteen definitely mad better, but it's still a classic. Highlights include Bobby Jean, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark, and, yes even despite of my notes from before, Born in the USA.

The Boss! This album has so much to really like on it, especially for someone like me who likes a lot of heartland rock (ala John Mellencamp). What's interesting to me is that there is more variety than I was expecting. The title track is a great, great song, even if it is often a misunderstood anthem. Regardless, the driving nature of this song is fantastic and a great way to kick off this album. That's quickly followed by Cover Me, another excellent tune that has a ton of energy, which best reflects who Bruce is. The album then wanes a bit for me with Darlington County and especially Working On the Highway. Wasn't a big fan of either of these. Both felt a bit like filler to me. Back on the right side though with Downbound Train, one of the songs on here that I hadn't heard before which I really enjoyed. Interesting dichotomy between how this song is constructed (generally up tempo) and the theming (more depressing). I'm On Fire is different than just about everything else on this album and really shows some of the diversity I quickly mentioned earlier. Another great track. No Surrender, Bobby Jean, and I'm Goin' Down are all solid rock tracks. Nothing amazing, but all good tunes in their own right. Wouldn't seek them out separately, but also wouldn't skip them as I listen to the album in totality. Glory Days is an amazing nostalgic track that we have all heard tons of times. What's amazing is how well this holds up, which can't be said for some songs, especially from the 80s. It's every bit as good as the first time I heard. An excellent listen. Dancing In the Dark, for me, is Bruce's best song. Yeah, I know, others will pick various others from his catalog for different reasons, all probably more reasonable than what I think. I just love how this is constructed: the driving drums, the energy he brings to it, Clarence Clemons sax at the end, all of it. Is it relatively simple? No doubt, but that's what makes it great, as it allows more room for Bruce to dominate at the front of it. My Hometown is an interesting way to end, given what had preceded it. It's a bit somber, but it still hits. Frankly, this isn't a cover-to-cover listen for me, which means I am squarely at 4.5 stars again, like I was for the Iggy Pop record I just reviewed yesterday. That said, going with 5 because of the impact this album had on the music landscape, how successful it was (30m+ sold!), and the fact that I ended up downloading more than half of the songs into my personal library.

Springsteen es demasiado aburrido y predecible, hay algunas melodías buenas pero no siento que tenga algo nuevo o entretenido si no eres gringo

3 out of 5. I see why this is so popular and is higher up over Born to Run for me.

I knew there will be day when this app recomends this... thing to me. This one album which has song on it that I hate THE MOST. I don't really know why, but that constant repeating of Born in the U.S.A., blah blah blah, I just can not stand it. But let's be objective. The second song wasn't that bad. Yes the cover still iritates me but that is just detail. Overall this album isn't THAT bad as I thought it will be, but I won't listen to it again.