Reviews (page 5 of 15)
I've always had a weak spot for Bruce Springsteen, and it all started with this album. I was merely ten years old when "Dancing in the Dark", "Born in the USA", and "I'm On Fire" all became huge hits. Not surprisingly, I became a fan, and this was my first record that I ever bought. As it goes with first records, I had played it so many times,** that I've barely been able to listen to it since. Apart from the aforementioned tracks, I must say, after revisiting this album maybe 40 years later, not many songs do really stand out, apart from "Glory Days" and "My Hometown", but even so, it was a pleasant revisit. And I just wish I hadn't overplayed this record when I was 10 years old. 4/5
2/11/26 Nice sound but kinda repetitive. 5.5/10
It was fine, I didn't really see any standout songs.
No fails and so many of his greatest hits. Very little is missing for this album from the Boss to the five stars for me. 4,5
I didn't need to hear the same song another 11 times.
Feels spiritually Australian
Be still my US studies heart - nothing still about Springsteen though! He’s always going somewhere, down today! Downbound Train and I’m Goin’ Down were great stuff
Woah-oh-oh-oh he’s a working class man —— Another all-time great album. A little hard to get past all the “little girl” references these days, but I’m willing to overlook this time around. Also can’t believe I’ve spent my whole life loving “Cover Me” and never once realising it was The Boss.
Never listened to a Bruce Springsteen album before and honestly didn’t even know some of his bigger songs. But this does contain my favourite (I’m Going Down, discovered via a Vampire Weekend cover) and Dancing in the Dark (huge fkr a no lights no lycra fan like me). On the whole I think I expected a bit more and wanted a few more songs to jump out at me (especially after reading there were 7 US top 10 singles on here). But I’m feeling generous after the last few days so up to a 4
Not Bruce’s best but contains some of his best songs. I think Born to Run and Nebraska are better generally but this is still an iconic album for a reason. Sometimes Bruce Springsteen is the best lyricist and sometimes he’s the worst. Depends on your mood!
Classic rock/country rock album. Already know 4 tracks! Born in the USA is such a good song Ooh, Cover Me has a good hook and rythym. Darlington County so similar in feel to Born In The US it's a bit underwhelming Working On The Highway is a bit kitsch, more Meatloaf than The Boss Gets samey around mid-way Music is generally lacklustre - production? Only really hits you when Springsteen gives it his all like in Born in the USA Best (new) track - Cover Me 3 stars, sorry but a lot is dross and a few good tracks carry it.
Muy "samey", las canciones suenan casi todas igual, muy similares entre sí. Dancing in the Dark es tremenda, igual que las 3 primeras, pero ya para Working on the Highway se hace mega repetitivo. Lo lamento Bruce
Not my favourite Springsteen album and I went to see him during the tour. But I love my hometown.
One of the few Springsteen albums I think I’ve actually listened to as a whole, excited to give it a proper listen again as it’s been a long time. Springsteen is great because the serious lyrics behind his songwriting here are accompanied by the most mainstream pop inspired rock and roll music. It’s filled with hits and great songs but the sound is very “dad rock” at times. But it’s all very good. You get these deep great tracks on the first side like Cover Me and Downbound Train and I’m On Fire. That more serious sound is Springsteen at his best. Like No Surrender is the perfect example. It sounds like a pop song but the story being told through the lyrics is so great. As a whole it’s really good. You get to the second half and it’s just well known classics like Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark. But something about that overly 80s pop sound behind a lot of the songs makes me like it a bit less. I’ve been giving a lot of 5s, this might be a notch below at a high 4, but it’s hard to argue against a 5. It’s all so catchy and the storytelling really elevates it all. Seems like would be a very easy re-listen.
Bit of a mix of all-time classics and duds.
Booooorn in the usa!!!!
80’s rock staple
Good songs, a few anthemy songs
Good
Listening to this album in full feels like I'm at a fourth of July party with an incredibly lazy DJ. The hits are hits, the misses are real misses (make no mistake, I'm far from a Springsteen fan).
Woo woo america rock, (even if the lyrics are anti-america)
I feel like I write this record off a lot - but shit it's solid. Personally I prefer The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle thru Nebraska era. The 80s synth sensibilities take this one out of my top Bruce records.
Born in the USA is one hell of a way to open a record. I also think it encapsulates the theme of the record beautifully too. It’s an up beat pop song that invokes images of the US’ ‘hayday’ of nascar, good old boys and muscle cars. When in reality it’s a scathing critique of the US particularly its treatment of Vietnam vets. This theme continues through the record, fun poppy hits like Darlington County are cut with Springsteens iconic voice revealing things aren’t as good as they seem.
il rock è un termine ombrello, ma se penso alla sua accezione classica, Springsteen mi viene subito in mente come esempio classico. Ci sono una serie di pezzi iconici, molto bello.
For me this is Springsteen's fourth or fifth best album but still excellent. 5 stars or A.
After dunking on Darkness on the Edge of Town the day before, I drew Born in the U.S.A. and was happier with the results. I enjoyed this more, and would probably listen to it again, but his voice does wear on me over time. Still, 4/5
There's a reason things become corny, I'm sure I would have been psyched to listen to this when it was new. I do still like Dancing in the Dark, but even if I hadn't heard any of the other ones before - they all sounded like something I had.
Great album
nooit veel bij de Boss stilgestaan eigenlijk, tot voor kort met 'Streets of Minneapolis'. dus eens wat beter op de teksten gelet en die zijn zeker niet slecht... The Boss is een beetje een dansbaardere versie van Neil Young
Woah! I didn’t know Springsteen was like that. This album is American music that truly captures American culture. I’ve been sleeping on Springsteen for too long.
I hate to say it but I kinda found this bland. It's not that I didn't enjoy it and I can absolutely appreciate how iconic it is, I just wasn't blown away by anything, but that could simply be a symptom of over saturation.
There is a very distinctive Midi, Guitar, Piano and Saxophone sound to this album that really describes Bruce Springsteen's music. It is a big rock sounds that feels less aggressive than other rock artists. There are three massive hits on this album Born in the USA, Dancing in the dark and Glory days. Only one of which I feel that I have heard enough. The content of this album feels like it is very much focused on reflecting on past days. I can see why this album is very popular with men of a certain age as it could be the soundtrack to a montage of any number of men's lives. The only thing that worries me about this album is just how many times Bruce refers to "Little girl"s. But I assume this is him reflecting on his youth when he was age appropriate for these girls. (3.250)
Always a classic!
Ei lemppari mutta on tällä hetkensä 3/5
Onhan se hemmetin hyvä. Antaakko vitonen, siinä kysymys. No toisaalta, osasihan mies kirjoittaa näin meneviä ralleja näin synkillä sanoilla. olkoot.
Super!
dang dude, these songs are all like, super famous most are ok
Not my jam.
Listening Notes THE pop rock record of the 80s Standout Tracks "Born in the USA", "Cover Me", "I'm on Fire", "I'm Goin' Down", "Glory Days", "Dancing in the Dark" First time? Yes Will it go into your rotation? Not my deal but not mad if it's on
Love
Album an sich bekannt, aber nie alle Songs gehört. Klassiker die immer gehen: - Born in the U.S.A. - I'm On Fire - Glory Days - Dancing in the Dark Die anderen Songs kann man gut hören. Insgesamt ein eher starkes Album.
I think this album was ruined for me by how ubiquitous it was when it came out. On listening again it's got some fine songs which for me are taken down a notch or two by too much bad 80s synth.
The Boss! Loved this album back in the day as much as I love it now.
A true classic that catapulted the Boss into superstardom. Listening to this record is to appreciate the rich storytelling he brings to his songs. It's also interesting that the chorus to a song about a dispossessed Vietnam veteran could be stripped of its meaning by people who only hear "Born in the USA" as an anthem of pride. The songs on this record are heartbreaking ("Downbound Train", the title track), full of desire ("I'm on Fire"), funny ("Darlington County," "Glory Days").
Bit too much country for me but catchy and enjoyable listen I enjoy im on fire and no surrender as i listen on. The second half seems more promising I liked the deceptive intro on glory days Dancing in the dark is very good Second half was better than first, bit too basic sounding for my taste but some good tracks
Classic Bruce - an album of our teenage years. And some classic tunes. Maybe not his "best" album but worthy of a solid 4 for me.
One hit Wonder
I haven't listened to this album all the way through since high school. It hits different now. There's a reason he's The Boss.
Underneath some of the big sound 80s flare is an absolutely brilliant album with incredible song writing. I’m Going Down, Cover Me, I’m on Fire, Dancing in the Dark are all timers. I prefer the demo version of Born In The USA but other than that this album is pretty much perfect.
Pretty boring peppered with a few solid gold classics.
pretty cool from Bruce, not something that's in my rotation always
Este disco se lo compró mi hermano mayor cuando salió, yo era muy joven y no tenía paciencia, así que después de la primera canción lo intentaba pero me aburrían las siguientes canciones. Y lo bueno, o lo mejor de este disco está al final. Además de «Born in the U.S.A.» y «Working on the Highway» creo que las cuatro últimas canciones son de lo mejor que tiene: «I'm Goin' Down», «Glory Days», «Dancing in the Dark» y para terminar «My Hometown». Un disco grande de un gran artista.
Downbound Train sincerely pulled me in - could an entire movie be made about this song alone?? This album perfectly cosplays conservative "I bleed red white and blue" maga country with the musical style and then skewers conservative politics with the lyrics. ILY Bruce!!!!
I know the lyrics to several of the songs on this album, and knew nothing of some of the others. Just a full album of bangers.
I've heard about Springsteen's legacy so it's exciting to be listening to his music at last. You know what? The lyrics for Cover Me are pretty touching. Working on the Highway is messed up. Kinda wondering whether this inspired Coheed somewhere along the way as their darkest tracks always have an upbeat kick to them. Downbound train is sad. I know I'm on fire!! What a voice! Overall, I liked the rock and pop mix on this album. I'm really glad I listened to it, but it's not music that speaks to me, you know? But as I was on the Spotify page, I saw a new Springsteen song had just dropped: Streets of Minneapolis. That song and the way it moved me makes this album a solid 5: Springsteen is a good egg.
Bruce, I'm bored. Favourite track: Dancing In The Dark
Didn't want it to end, loved every second!
No notes. Perfect mid-80s album.
01) Born in the U.S.A. - 10,0 02) Cover Me - 10,0 03) Darlington County - 8,5 04) Working on the Highway - 9,0 05) Downbound Train - 9,0 06) I'm on Fire - 10,0 07) No Surrender - 9,0 08) Bobby Jean - 9,0 09) I'm Goin' Down - 10,0 10) Glory Days - 10,0 11) Dancing in the Dark - 10,0 12) My Hometown - 10,0 TOTAL: 9,54 (95/100) Current ranking: 20/806
I've always found Bruce to be quite boring and relistening to this didn't do much to change my opinion. I do think this is one of the better Springsteen albums since it does have one or two songs I don't mind.
Great stuff
I think I’ve heard the singles too many times
A couple of classics in there, and I've always loved the song I'm on Fire, but overall it's not my cup of tea but I can see why people love his work
uhh nie lubie amerykanskiego country (or smth) rocka
I’ve tried but I’m just not a Springsteen fan. Really liked the Glory Days song though
Maybe I would enjoy this if I was American.
Album Review 055 Born In The USA by Bruce Springsteen (1984) Rating 3.5/5 Apologies in advance but I’m going to labor a sports analogy here: On most teams we’ll have played on there’ll have been a Bruce Springsteen. This is the player who isn’t the most gifted but always gives 100%. The one who is steady, dependable and always makes the sensible pass, who’ll rarely give a performance above 7/10 performance or less than 5/10. Born In The USA sums him/her up: the hard-worker who’ll never excite or do anything too unpredictable but will never disappoint too much either. It’s good not great, but it is honest and authentic. Born In The USA has those songs most of us will know already and which don’t need any explaining (the title track, I’m On Fire, and Glory Days), but the other tracks aren’t just there for filler and in some cases are at least as good and overall, it’s a worthwhile listen. Well done Bruce, another above average effort. As expected.
Highlights: Born in the U.S.A., Cover Me, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark Lowlights: I'm On Fire The faster songs work a lot better for me. The major songs are still extremely topical to this day. Don't think I could daily drive any of these songs but if they came on I wouldn't switch em.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m on fire is a pedophile song
Highlights: - … Born in the U.S.A. - Dancing in the Dark
Peak Americana! Should've finished on born to run
My first experience with Springsteen! Wasn't sure what to expect with the cover, but I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I love campy music, and this felt incredibly campy. Like a parody of Americana while also being a tribute. So many of the songs had me smiling and wanting to shake my booty. Melodically, I didn't think it was anything special. A lot of very basic melodic concepts. His vocals are good, but a little grating for more than 30 minutes. I think cutting this down a couple songs would have been a good choice. Production sounded like a lot of fun and I can tell this was a blast in the studio. I enjoyed the songwriting and the way the lyricism invokes a lot of imagery. Loved the synths. Really enjoyed the overall sound. "Country" vibes but still leaning pop-rock and very radio-friendly and accessible. I think I will revisit this whole album in the future when I want to have some fun. Solid 4/5.
Animado, dançante. Mas, é muito comum. Acho que é mediano.
Surprised that I knew almost every song on this album
- very nostalgic and makes me feel american - this album also gives off fourth of july, fireworks, and hotdogs in the best way possible - & very much reminds me of road trips with my family/dad
meglepoen tetszett, fulbemaszo dallamokkal
At first, it wasn't easy to listen to Springsteen when the U.S. is falling apart, but once I got past that this album helped me remember what I love about the country and what I know it can still stand for. I'm on Fire, and all its various covers, have a very special place in my heart and soul - what a love song that depicts so perfectly longing and passion. This was a breath of fresh air today. Certainly one of Springsteen's best.
good album and obviously has some very popular songs but i also liked the less popular ones
He is actually a good person. Despite the fact I expected him to be rather stereotype chest thumping American. Lyrically the music is more complex. Good on Springsteen.
didnt like
Themen des Albums teilweise wieder aktueller denn je und an sich klingt alles auch ganz okay. Ich glaube Springsteens Stimme ist am besten, wenn er richtigen Country singt, statt 80er Pop Rock. Trotzdem nichts dabei was ich wahrscheinlich jemals wieder freiwillig hören werde. Höhepunkt(e): Im On Fire Tiefpunkt(e): Working on the Highway Rating: 5/10
Trieft förmlich von hirnlosem Patriotismus bei dem Album was sonst mid af ist.
Storytelling ist top und er hat sicherlich seine Berechtigung in der Musikgeschichte, aber auch hier wieder I mean it’s alright just overrated as fuuuuck
A few good songs. On the whole it’s not for me.
adorei!
um grande álbum, não sei se vou escutar de novo porque algumas músicas tem uma vibe meio off, no sentido de que é muuuuito roceiro pro meu gosto, mas eu entendo o apelo! as músicas que são boas são Muito boas. favs: bobby jean e glory days
bruce springsteen é daqueles artistas que faziam parte do meu imaginário de infância meio que por osmose. meus pais gostavam e tal, mas não era o tipo de coisa que realmente escutavam - acho que não gostavam taaanto a ponto de gastar com discos. então até hoje eu só conhecia as mais músicas famosas. e que músicas! born in the usa, born to run e glory days são hinos atemporais, mas o restante do álbum é divertidíssimo. bruce e a E Street Band parecem se divertir horrores, tocando juntos. e como transitam bem entre diferentes gêneros e estilos, né? tem para todos os gostos, músicas introspectivas, músicas para matinês dos anos 1980 e grandes hinos do pop rock. também adoro como dá pra ouvir o quanto Bruce e banda influenciaram os War on Drugs - coisa que me surgiu como um estalo, uma vez, num show dos últimos e desde então não consigo desouvir. inclusive, que showzão deve ser o do Bruce.
It’s his best sounding record. Almost sounds live.
Overall Rating - 4.17/5 (8.33/10). Great album. Born in the USA captures the lived experience of me and a lot of other veterans when they come back from the service. Change a few words and it's WWII, or Iraq, or Afghanistan. Shows the litany of broken promises of America to the working class people.
Nice of Bruce to cover blink’s “down” cheers la
Good, but now is not the time to be proud of America
the music is good, just not my taste. i liked darlington county and my hometown
Can't stand his voice on born in the USA song
Hmmm, ok. Nikol nism neki ful poslušala, poznam ta najbol znane komade, kar so I guess trije s tega albuma? Kar 7 singlov z albuma, k ma 12 komadov. "Born in the U.S.A." je prvi in prvič gledam zraven besedila in, glej ga zlomka (fak, koj slovenščina nagravžen jezik), it's ironic! Kar mi ga čist mal naredi ljubšega. Hm, naslednji štirje so mi aggresively American sounding in zelo 80s rock - prou ne bi moglal bit bolj of the time and place. Že skor mal country vajb. Zadnji od teh, mi je še najbl všeč ("Downbound Train"). Po pa pridemo do "I'm On fire", k mi je pa poznan in všečen že od prej. Kratk, simpl, efektiven. Naprej gre pa po istem kopitu k prej. Presenet me sam "Glory Days", bl zato, k komad poznam, ampak nism vedla, da je od Brucea. O, lj, " Dancing In the Dark". Ugh, zj sm vidla, da je to moj 100. album. Mal disappointing.
2 stars is really generous. Dancing in the Dark is a solid track but with all due respect to the Boss, the rest is borderline unlistenable
You know the hits, of which there are many. You’ve heard them many times over the years. For some this was peak Springsteen. I never really got into him much, although recently I have acquired an appreciation for sure. But one of my main gripes about him is in full display on this album. Oh boy, the over-the-top bombastic production is really a downer for me. Is that a key as to why I like Nebraska so much more? Anyway, it’s top Boss.
This shit kinda hard ngl
Love I’m on fire, but that’s about it. Bruce is power, but also too repetitive
It’s a classic album but I’m not much of a country fan
Album after Nebraska written 1982-84 (some demos from Nebraska was used, but the recording sessions produced around 70 songs)
Big selling hit album from the boss which catapulted him to the top league of artists
Up there with Metallicas black album on the top 3
didn’t listen lmao
I’m torn on this album because on one hand there are some songs I really like, but everything else is just super forgettable. 3/5.
Stands the test of time, but not more than that.
Tres rolas wenas
Put this on and proud that my 7 year old could name the album in the first 3 notes. 40 years on a fairly flawless album, even if my mouth breathing brethren still can’t understand the lyrics to the title track.
I hate the US right now but 9/10
Basic rock album. Need I say more?
Naur
If I could give this negative stars I would
Pretty good songs on it but nothing I would listen to from start to finish
An epochal disc…defined the first half of the 80s.
I think this is going to be the peak of albums I really wanted to like more of this list. I was primed to love this and I did not. It was just kinda good to me. I'm On Fire and Dancing in th dark are incredible though. Born in the USA remains my second favourite song to be wildly misinterpreted as pro America by chuds while being virulently pissed off at America of the era.
Not really my type i like music from the 80s but not this album
ass
Must listen
Don’t even joke lad.
Very pleasant. Good vibes, easy to listen to. Made me feel quite energetic and yearning for line dances.
Buttcheeks in the USA
The boss is the boss for a reason
this album is really great!
Legendary
Wouldn't have rated highly if it wasn't established American darling Bruce Springsteen turning this out. This doesn't speak to me, and I'm not a Springsteen fan, so it's yet another bit of clutter on this list. 2/5, you can die in peace without this one.
The album is too sonically stagnant for me. Each song sounds like an SNL legally distinct parody of itself. Didn't have the lyrics to get deep with it either. Nebraska >>>> This
Bruuuuuuccccccceeeeee Ssssssppppprrrrrriiiiinnnnnggggssssssttttteeeeeeennnnnn! Good album full of classics, I would have liked a bit more energy, but iconic non the less. N 35
This is such a good album its crazy. No skips, and while the quality is a little lower at songs 2, 3, and 4, all the other are so damn good, you forget it completely. Americana, country, pop, and rock. Tools all used masterfully by The Boss. This album gets a ton of praise for being the songwriting being very down to earth, and I wholeheartedly agree. That is a huge part of the charm of this record.
A classic for a reason and what classic rock is all about imo. Some sweet hits, but for me no hidden gems. Goes between earnest/believable and corny/put-upon at times. But thru it all, those classics ring as loud today as they did years ago.
What can I say? Love Springsteen! Brilliant artist. But this is my least favorite album from him. I understand its importance, but this is one from his catalog that could be left off the list.
Great, as always. ★★★★
Favorite Track: Dancing In the Dark
amazing album
Solid 7/10 some big hitter and some heartfelt American Rock
Classic album, no real skips on the album
not my type of music idk i think it’s something that Dean Winchester might listen, but not me😭
not my cup of tea but i can appreciate it for what it is fav track - i’m on fire, my hometown
Let’s start by saying I hate Bruce Springsteen. It’s all started in the 1980s when he consumed way touch of my time as a young teen by being played too much on MTV and radio with this awful album. It continued into my adult life when he acted like a privileged spoiled baby ranting about the great country that has provided him with the most gifted life a human could live. So this was painful to listen to. And hopefully will be the last time I ever have to hear it in my life.
This reminds me of happy family memories on the boat and lake. Like old family videos. His voice annoys me slightly but it sounds really good on I’m on fire. That’s such a good song. Ok I feel like this album runs at the end credits of a movie about friendship and family.
When Born in the U.S.A. came out in 1984, it was absolutely everywhere. You couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing one of its singles. The album didn’t have a single weak track, every song was strong. That said, its massive commercial success may have hurt Bruce Springsteen as a recording artist in the long run. After that peak, his career felt like it went downhill. Off the top of my head, I struggle to name any truly memorable songs he released afterward.
It is 100% Springsteen. As per the usual, I like the actual lyrical content more than I like the fangless and approachable sound, but to each their own.
I’ve never really been a big Bruce fan and this album did not change my mind. Plus some of the lyrics are a little sketch.
Not a massive fan of Springsteen’s voice and I find it makes a lot of the songs sound the same
meh
Not bad, not my favorite music. I know that Springsteen's messages are nuanced and he seems to be a good person, but I find it difficult to separate this music from conflicted feelings about patriotism and US imperialism at the beginning of 2026. Just not what I want playing in my head these days. I'd rather have someone screaming at me or hitting me with some atonal nonsense. Wish it was Tom Waits. Curious to see how Springsteen's older stuff hits if it comes up soon. Probably a 4-star album that I'm giving 3 because of feelings
great album, but i can’t stand “born in the usa”. i hate that song.
this is a classic. any music played by my father is like music passed on to me–nothing seems to NOT be good.
No way to sugar coat it, I do not care for The Boss.
Boo
includes the two tracks everyone knows - Born in the USA and Dancing in the Dark - the rest of the album is very middle-America.
There's some hits in this album for sure, and I liked some of them. I probably need to re-listen to the album again before I form a full opinion about it.
oooh oooh oooh im on fire... what a masterpiece
Bruce Springsteen is a great singer. Idk what else to say. Favorite Track: Glory Days
Before Listening: Who hasn’t heard this one? Me, I haven’t. Let’s see what it’s all about. During Listening: I can see why it’s so beloved and such a piece of Americana history. Feels very hopeful, fun, and energetic. After Listening: pretty decent, would listen again. Okay, after letting it marinate and leaving it on repeat, I think I get the hype. Before listening: 0/12 songs saved After listening: 2/12 songs saved
The boss never lets me down. Great rock with strong thoughts attached.
I can appreciate it, but I don't need to listen to it frequently. The parts that I enjoyed were elements of style that I enjoy more in other artists.
I have a lot to say about this album, not just because I am from New Jersey. First off, I still am of the strong belief that unless under very specific circumstances, like Devo, synths and keyboards suck and songs would be better without them. Anyway, to me this album exemplifies realizing your adulthood is shaped by broken promises you were taught to believe in combined with coming to terms with navigating a home that is no longer welcoming or home. It makes me think about driving around my hometown around 2008/2009 visiting from school, still feeling the aftermath of 9/11 and the following wars, coupled with major economic uncertainty. This is one of the few records I can say I just feel. Plus it's kind of funny people completely miss the point and think these songs are upbeat and all 'merica!
Do I like it because I know it or do I know it because I like it?
Cover Me has some nice blues guitar. Other than that there's not much here that's for me.
Pleasantly surprised by the sound of this album. I always knew Springsteen to be the classic dad music however I never relaised some of the deeper meaning of his songs which i find interesting.
all time fav.
there were a few songs that i liked, but wasnt in love with most of it. although, this did point me in the direction of a few new springsteen songs that i enjoy now
Cute little album
Good but not great. All the songs sound the same and are broadly about the same subject matter, but, to Bruce's credit, it is a formula that works, not least because he is maybe THE authoritative voice on working class American life in that era. Dancing in the Dark is a perfect song
So excited for this one! love Bruce Springsteen since I would listen with my dad when I was younger. My favorite part is how Born in the USA is literally a protest song but so many republican politicians took it as a national anthem, just how ironic I love it! Really amazing album, my favs were I’m on Fire and I’m Goin Down.
i’m tired of people saying bruce springsteen is overrated, this album is amazing, almost every song is great and is one of the best albums of the 80s
Arguably one of my favorite rock albums ever. Such a strong 1-2 punch to start the album. The final 7 songs would be an elite album on its own, as well. The sound is killer, the sense of place in each of these songs makes you feel like you’re there. Hits notes of nostalgia without it being overpowering. Easily my first 5 star album.
Great record. Filled with hit songs
I don’t know what I could say about this absolute masterpiece that hasn’t been said. One of the best albums of all time.
Growing up as a non-American influenced pretty substantially by American media, listening to this album was pretty strange. Somehow, it managed to simulate just a tinge of nostalgia for a time in the US I've never experienced first hand... which is a little special in my opinion. That being said, I would never really listen to this kind of music on the regular.
It's fine. Top track: title track
- I'm on Fire - Glory Days
Pop. I'm on fire and Dancing In The Dark are fine. I was born far from the U.S.A.
Classic Americana. Great stuff. Enjoyed it more than I thought. Loved Glory Days, hadn't heard that before.
Some beautiful classics but idk if Bruce Springsteen is my vibe. I think he would’ve been so much fun to see live
Obviously, a very well-written album, featuring some timeless classics. I feel like a lot of people don't get what Springsteen was trying to say in Born in the U.S.A. and write it off as a song only gun-carrying, patriotic MAGA supporters listen to, which is tragic, because that really sells it short. I do feel like a lot of the album is really similar, especially when this is not a style you normally listen to. I was studying at the same time, and I didn't even notice when some songs ended or began, lol. But everything was at least enjoyable, with about half of the album earning a permanent place in my playlist!
dancing in the dark temon, el resto del album se m ha hexo bola usa susmu3rtos
I like the music. Not a fan of Bruce’s voice. Good songs to do karaoke I guess
Mid. Just ordinary white music - rock Not so interesting to hear Altho, I only listened to one or two tracks😶🌫️
An uninspiring album, unfortunately. The lyrics, while subversive at times, can't be enjoyed thoroughly behind the bombastic, yet dull arrangements. Perhaps I could enjoy Springsteen's less radio-friendly output.
YEAH! generational run!!!
I've never been a fan of Springsteen, and still am not.
Do I hate BS or his superfans more? Hard to say at this point. Heartland music is a genre I cannot get behind and I've always lived there. Maybe if I was from New Jersey I'd get it instead of being the redneck I am. BS has never felt authentic, and his music has never been challenging of anything. This is his highwater mark - commercial and pop oriented rock and roll. Truly a man of the people.
I guess I liked it. but also I fell asleep while I was listening to it
On Springsteen's seventh album his considerable songwriting talents are weaponized to produce missiles aimed at the top of the charts. Gone are the complex chords and dense (but potent) arrangements of previous albums like *Born To Run*, here replaced with simple strumming, shiny synthesizers and a snare drum set to "stun". Also, unlike those past albums, the tone shifts erratically across the tracks here - *BITUSA* opens with the rage of the title number and then two songs later it's girl-chasing time down in "Darlington County". It's not all dumbed-down Springsteen-lite though. The aforementioned title track unleashes apocalyptic fury, with the anger palpable in Bruce's vocals. "Bobby Jean" has enough of the Springsteen drama of yore to raise goosebumps. "Dancing In The Dark" has a simple synth hook but enough drive to lift it above the rest. The Boss' batting average back in his glory days was a lot higher, though; the .250 average he sports here is barely above the Mendoza Line.
1/3 Still a classic. Have a lot of nostalgia with this album as it was one of the first ones I had when I was a kid and it was given to me by dad on cassette.
Very familiar as someone who remembers when this was released. I appreciate the message, but it is just not that compelling. I prefer many of his other albums to this.
An album filled with hits! I actually never realized all these songs were on the same album. This really deserves to be in the top 1001. This is my first 5 star rating since I have been doing this. The Boss!
Some very good songs but others standard. Also not his best. Around an 8
muy entretenido, buenas letras, buenos instrumentales. un par de canciones no son mi estilo pero varios momentos me re gustaron. No conocía muchas de Springsteen aparte de Dancing In The Dark y Born In The USA. Canciones favoritas: Cover Me; Downbound Train; I´m On Fire; No Surrender; My Hometown; Dancing In The Dark
definitely gonna be a classic for me
I honestly just felt bored listening to this. I loved the general pro-working class and antiwar themes, but I felt like the album as a whole was lackluster. The hits are great on their own. The album simply isn’t diverse enough for me to enjoy it.
Absolutely peak
No fucking way my dad listens to it instand bad album
the bruce picks on this list are really weird. no river? no wild innocent + e street shuffle?
4 stars - classic rock album that really sets the tone for how rock should sound
Jaja the Boss, oh oh oh wat is ie goed hè. Rasmuzikant. Ja écht heel goed zeg, wauw. Het is jammer dat er maar vijf albums van hem in de lijst staan want oh oh oh wat is ie goed zeg. Bruce Springsteen is de enige muzikant ooit die echte muziek maakt. Concerten van 14 uur, waarvan 6,5 uur lang Glory Days, lekker hoor jaja. Zo goed zeg. En allemaal zó herkenbaar voor de gewone hardwerkende man hè. Zelden was m'n werk in de lumberyard zo goed vertegenwoordigd in muziek. Ja ja, goed zeg. Slobber slobber, kokhals, ho iets te diep, slobber slobber. Het zal allemaal wel. Ik heb al een paar dagen niet echt zin in dit album en dat is vandaag niet anders. Té 80's. Té platte mannenkont op de cover. Ook als je het nooit op hebt gezocht ben je met een aantal nummers van dit album keer op keer doodgegooid. Als ik nooit meer een nummer van dit album hoor ben ik daar helemaal content mee, ik zal er niks aan missen. Ik kan me niet voorstellen dat je dit hoort en er écht enthousiast van wordt. Ik kan me voorstellen dat je dit een groots en iconisch album vindt, maar ik kan me niet voorstellen dat je dit enthousiast kunt gaan zitten luisteren zolang je nog niet de AOW gerechtigde leeftijd hebt aangetikt. Ik heb The Rising een 3 gegeven en daar heb ik mezelf mee in de voet geschoten, want dit album is zeker niet slechter, maar ik heb wel heel veel zin om een hele zure 2 uit te delen. Ik heb teveel Bruce gehad in deze lijst. Niet mijn schuld. Kijk er ome Robert maar op aan.
No links to the US but feel like a patriot nonetheless
Not for me
All-round top 100.
Great record
I grew up in New Jersey and have had Springsteen's music shoved down my throat since the 70s. He's a very talented song writer but I've never liked his yell sing vocals. Musically this album is more pop rock than his earlier work and the 80s overdone production does it no favors
Sure it's all over played but man when it hits
Classic Springsteen. Americana at its best while also protesting America. Brilliant.
I'm from the town that Bruce sings about in the last track of this album. Everyday going to school, I'd pass by the textile mill that he mentions closed down. Since then, it's been converted into some low-end apartments. The Boss has always been a big deal in our town, so it's apparent that I've had an early connection to him for a while, but it was only this past year that I got to sit down and listen to some of his albums for the first time. There's so many hits on here. It really blew me away the first time I heard it, and the love for it has only grown ever since. I'm On Fire is one of my favorite songs of all time, and five of the other songs are certified classics. What a grand album.
On my way to kill the yellow man.
Not my thing
So far this list has been a bit disappointing. Lots of albums from the 70’s and 80’s that are “classic albums” but to be honest they all kinda suck, this album included. There’s a few hits that absolutely slap; dancing in the dark, I’m on fire, and the title track, but the rest of the album feels like filler. I can appreciate Bruce’s place in American culture and his immense success, but I have to also recognise I’m not the target audience so I’m probably not going to enjoy it the same way others might
I'm surprised I don't really care for this.
Wow. What album….crazy how many hits are from this. 4.5!
Classic Americana. So many KCal Roq hits it’s insane. No wonder we de industrialized
This actually confirmed my belief that Mr S can write a good song. I just wish he'd stick to that. Don't like the way he performs songs. Looking back and comparing this to other albums, 2 is the right score.
I usually struggle with a Bruce album. I love so many of his songs, and dislike so many of his cliche hits. This is no exception. Only 4 enjoyable songs on here, and none of them are the big singles.
A Dad album normally means instant dismissal. But as my dad is no longer with us, sometimes it is good to listen to something he enjoyed with fresh ears. It is as good as Dad thought it was. Well done Brucie.
Not my thing I guess. I know everybody loves it and reviewers give it tens (fives here), but it's a 3 for me.
listening to it is fun. i find myself vibing with it but it just doesn't capture the type of music that i'm into. it's a good album but it's not a fave, personally.
Solid album. Straight forward songs done well. Nice reminder of how many good songs are in this album.
3 stars for this one. Didn't mind it.
Prolly the best of the Springsteen albums. The most complete at least. I just wish all his songs were like I'm On Fire. The others are cringe imho. 5/10
I think Bruce Springsteen is like Nick Cave: you kinda just had to be there. The two big hits off the album (the title track and Dancing In The Dark) are pretty great though. Fav tracks: I'm Goin' Down, Dancing In The Dark
I think Mom liked this more than me but I guess her enthusiasm was contagious. Don’t judge an album by its cover, I guess.
I mean....soooo many hits! This is Bruce at his best!!! This album is fantastic. "No Surrender" and "Working on the Highway" are both sooooo underrated songs. Liked Songs: "Born in the U.S.A." , "Cover Me" , "Darlington County" , "Working on the Highway" , "Downbound Train" , "No Surrender" , "Bobby Jean" , "I'm Goin' Down" , "Glory Days" , "Dancing In The Dark"
2.75
Не моё время
This is a nearly perfect record. Every single was a top 10 hit and still gets regular airplay. The tour was monstrous. This is one of the biggest records ever made.
Bruce definitely has his formula that he sticks to to make hits, but it undeniably works. I appreciate the working-class themes present on the album, and still get a thrill whenever his songs are used in "patriotic" rallies. The lyrics aren't exactly subtle. Still, I find this album sounds a bit repetitive and gets pretty stale near the end. On an unrelated note, artists need to stop using ass-in-jeans album covers, it's very overplayed at this point.
8.5/10
I remember this album being huge when I was in high school. Springsteen toured Australia on the back of it and broke every record for consecutive concerts. Live he is unparalleled. I’m a big fan but hadn’t listened to this album in many years. I put it on today and was instantly transported. What a fantastic album with so many layers. Love it.
Bland American guff. Not a redeemable feature about this album
Two things about this are true: It's a 5/5 Despite being a 5/5 it's not Bruce Springsteen's best album
On va directement commencer par le visuel, parce que c’est là que l’embrouille démarre. Une paire de fesses moulée dans un Levi's, un t-shirt blanc crasseux, une casquette rouge fourrée dans la poche arrière, le tout sur fond de rayures rouges et blanches. L’image est tellement forte, tellement saturée de symbolisme américain qu’elle en devient presque pornographique. En 1984, Springsteen n’est plus le poète urbain un peu gringalet de "Born to Run", c’est devenu une montagne de muscles, un ouvrier stéroïdé prêt à soulever le monde. Et tout le monde est tombé dans le panneau. Ce disque est un paradoxe ambulant, c’est un album qui s’est vendu par camions entiers (30 millions d’exemplaires, bordel !) à des gens qui n’ont probablement jamais écouté les paroles. Musicalement, c'est une machine de guerre conçue pour les stades, polie par une production typique des années 80 qui aurait dû mal vieillir mais qui, par miracle, tient encore la route. Textuellement ? C’est un film noir, c’est le script d’un drame social où tout le monde finit fauché, seul ou en taule. Prends le morceau titre, "Born In The U.S.A.", c’est sans doute le plus grand malentendu de l’histoire du rock. Ronald Reagan a voulu l’utiliser pour sa campagne, pensant que c’était un hymne à la gloire de l’Amérique triomphante. Quelle blague. Écoutez ce que le mec raconte ! C’est l’histoire d’un vétéran du Vietnam qu’on a envoyé se faire trouer la peau dans une jungle lointaine et qui revient pour se faire cracher dessus par l'administration. "Sent me off to a foreign land to go and kill the yellow man". C’est d’une violence inouïe. Mais comme Max Weinberg frappe sur sa caisse claire comme s’il voulait défoncer un mur de briques et que les synthés hurlent la victoire, le message passe crème. C’est du génie subversif : faire chanter le désespoir du prolétariat par des républicains en goguette. Mais réduire cet album à son hymne d'ouverture serait une erreur criminelle. Ce qui frappe, quand on réécoute le disque d’une traite, c’est à quel point il est compact. Douze titres, sept tubes planétaires, c’est un best-of à lui tout seul. Il y a cette tension permanente entre le son — brillant, claquant, radio-friendly — et le fond. "Dancing in the Dark", par exemple, le clip nous a laissé l’image d’un Bruce souriant qui invite une gamine (Courteney Cox) à danser. Mais écoutez le texte "I check my look in the mirror, I wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face". Le mec est au bout du rouleau, il se déteste, il s'ennuie à mourir dans sa ville de ploucs. La musique te donne envie de sauter partout, mais les paroles te donnent envie de te pendre. C’est ça, la magie Springsteen : transformer la dépression existentielle en fête populaire. Et puis, il y a les moments où le masque tombe. "Downbound Train", putain, quelle chanson. Probablement le truc le plus triste jamais gravé sur vinyle. Pas de fanfare ici, juste une rythmique qui traîne la patte et une guitare qui pleure. C’est l’histoire d’un type qui avait tout — un job, une femme — et qui perd tout, petit à petit, inéluctablement. La description de sa vie dans un taudis, avec le sifflet du train qui lui rappelle ce qu'il a gâché, c'est du Zola électrique. C’est le lien direct avec "Nebraska", l’album précédent, sec et acoustique. Sauf qu'ici, la misère est habillée de lumière. On ne peut pas parler de ce disque sans évoquer la tension sexuelle qui s'en dégage. "I’m on Fire", dm.eux minutes trente de pure angoisse libidinale. Un beat minimaliste, une guitare en sourdine, et Bruce qui murmure des trucs limites malsains. "Hey little girl is your daddy home...". On est sur le fil du rasoir, entre le désir brûlant et le prédateur nocturne. C’est moite, c’est lourd, c’est incroyable. Ça tranche tellement avec le côté "bon pote" de "Glory Days" ou "Darlington County". D’ailleurs, parlons-en de ces morceaux plus "légers". "Glory Days", c’est l’hymne des bars PMU à 2 heures du matin. C'est beauf ? Oui, totalement mais c'est assumé. C'est la lucidité cruelle du temps qui passe. On regarde dans le rétro parce que devant, c'est le mur. Bruce raconte ces histoires de lycéens devenus des épaves avec une tendresse qui t'arrache le cœur. Pareil pour "Working on the Highway", un rockabilly joyeux pour raconter... l'histoire d'un mec qui finit aux travaux forcés pour avoir détourné une mineure. Encore une fois, le contraste est saisissant. Tu tapes du pied en écoutant l'histoire d'un type qui brise des cailloux sous le soleil. Et puis, il y a "No Surrender" l'hymne à l'amitié, au rock'n'roll comme religion. "We learned more from a three-minute record, baby, than we ever learned in school". Cette phrase, elle devrait être gravée au fronton de tous les magasins de disques. C'est notre credo, à nous les rats de discothèques, les collectionneurs de vinyles, les obsédés de la note de pochette. C'est pour ça qu'on écoute de la musique, pour apprendre ce que l'école ne nous apprend pas : comment vivre, comment aimer, comment tenir le coup. Il faut aussi saluer le E Street Band car sur cet album, ils sont monstrueux d'efficacité. Ils ont sacrifié leurs jams interminables pour servir la chanson. Roy Bittan aux synthés (le son de l'album, c'est lui), Clarence Clemons qui place ses interventions de saxo comme des uppercuts chirurgicaux. Tout est carré, millimétré, c'est de l'artisanat américain de haute précision. L'album se clôt sur "My Hometown". Après avoir fait danser l'Amérique, Bruce l'assoit sur une chaise et lui met le nez dans son caca. Le racisme, la fermeture des usines, la ville qui se meurt. "Main street's whitewashed windows and vacant stores". C'est un constat d'échec amer, on est loin du patriotisme aveugle. Le cycle se ferme : on est né aux USA, mais est-ce qu'on peut encore y vivre ? Alors oui, 5 sur 5 et c'est inattaquable. C'est l'un des rares albums de l'histoire qui réussit le grand écart parfait : satisfaire l'exigence artistique et conquérir le grand public. C'est un disque qui capture une époque, une humeur, une nation, tout en parlant de sentiments universels : la solitude, l'envie de fuir, la nostalgie, la rage de vivre. Certains puristes préfèreront toujours la noirceur de "Darkness" ou la fougue de "Born to Run". Ils ont tort car "Born In The U.S.A." est le sommet. C'est le moment où Springsteen a cessé d'être un chanteur pour devenir un mythe. C'est brut, c'est puissant, et quarante ans après, ça n'a pas pris une ride (ou alors, juste ce qu'il faut pour avoir du charme). Si tu n'aimes pas cet album, c'est que tu n'aimes pas le rock ou pire, que tu n'aimes pas la vie.
That was exactly what I expected. If you grew up in the 70s-80s in middle class America, wanted to listen to music that said something and was still a “bop” this was your jam.
Don’t let the triumphant-sounding synths that kick off Born in the USA fool you, this is perhaps the bleakest album that has ever achieved such massive levels of success. It’s a collection of tales about dying towns, deindustrialization, job loss, broken relationships because of not having work, the kinds of villains who live and prey on the margins. There are flickers of hope here, though it never seems to work out for anyone. Personally, though I like Springsteen, the bombastic 80s production values of this album turned me off and I’ve preferred other of his albums to this one; I’ve been missing out because this is a phenomenal album, and the sound of it works here (even if it ends up sounding dated now) because it gives it a subversive edge. Springsteen is one of the greatest songwriters of all time, no question.
Again, he's just too earnest for me. Too much synthesizer. I admire him, but I don't love his music.
more enjoyable than i expected, never really listened to springsteen before
not a great vocalist. Grande folksy instrumental, but honestly lacks soul. Good rhythm and fun at times.
How patriotic
Would I listen to this on my own? No. Would I drunkenly sing along to this with a bar full of strangers at 1 AM? Absolutely.
This album just feels like Springsteen lost some of his autenticity that made his previous work appealing. Its very 80's arena rock-esque, which isn't really my vibe anyway, but it doesn't have any punch to it.
Absolutely not my cup of tea. I ain't american nor is this the type of country I'm used to. Too loud. Too lazy. Too shouty. This is my first album of his too so this was not the best gateway experience.
Got through half the album. Not my cup of tea.
Some great songs on here. As an album it's uneven, but overall very good.
8.5/10
THE BOSS THE BOSS THE BOSS THE BOSS
Some nice
4.1 its good but its not interesting by the second play
people think this is a patriotic album, but it’s a critique on the american dream. his music feels like it’s a part of my dna
Nostalgique, old man qui pense a son passé, regular people, felling like home bizarrement
I feel very conflicted about this album. Half is good with important lyrics and half is just full of infinite mentions of wanting little girls that look young and pretty... And this guy was almost 40. No thanks.
Lots of good bangers on here, like I'm on Fire and Dancing in the Dark. Love me some emotive saxophone as well
3/10 not my vibe
Everybody knows the song “Born In The USA” but many don’t understand it’s not a blindly patriotic song. I don’t often listen to Bruce, but I admire his songwriting, his longevity, and his integrity. A classic album. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
okay
Best Song of the Album: Glory Days
A bombastic piece of pop rock that grabs your attention from the first note and rarely lets go. Although missing some of the grit on his best albums, Springsteen puts out a slate of classic rock staples that beg you to turn the volume up to 11. Iconic packaging to top it off. Springsteen ranking #4 behind Darkness, Born to Run, and Nebraska.
love, a fav
This was enjoyable to listen to and I definitely need to again to get like a proper vibe of it. I loved the combo of guitar and 80s sinth but there were no songs that stood out to me as in id go back- so I should probably re listen but overall it was solid but not my favourite but like I didn't dislike it you know
7/10, pretty good
Honestly much better than i thought it would be considering the other stuff I'm into. Bobby jean the best imo
Didn't know what to expect when listening to this, but I end up being surprised at the end! Quite a catchy album!
One of my very first albums (on cassette). Some good memories of just the excitement of music. Still solid album, but I don’t love it the way I did as a kid.
7/10 Favourite: I'm On Fire Least Favourite: Darlington County
If I were 10 years older, I could see myself being a big Bruce fan. I generally enjoy his stuff, I've just never really engaged with it. This is one of the albums I'm more familiar with, and it has lots of undeniably great tracks, including what is perhaps the most misunderstood song in American pop music. "I had a brother at Khe Sanh, Fightin' off them Viet Cong. They're still there, he's all gone."
I tried listening to 4 songs, could barely give one single shit about any of them and had to push the skip button after 3 to 7 seconds, realized life is too short to listen to things I don't like, turned PJ Harvey back on. Would rank this a 1, but it gets 1 extra star for its proximity to PJH. Also, there are better Springsteen albums.
There are a lot of well written songs on the record including the title track. I’m allergic to the production, but I grew up in the 80s, so there’s baggage with that sound. I think it’s mostly the snare I’m reacting to? I’m on Fire is probably my favorite track and I don’t think it’s an accident that the production is very different on that track, so I’ll won’t question the implications of the lyrics. It’s western music, and I like it. Dancing in the Dark leans into the 80s fully and that works pretty well, too. No Surrender would sound fine next to Thunder Road. The production on I’m Going Down is different too but that song sucks.
I'm a Springsteen fan, but this has never been one of my favorites. Tough for me to separate how I feel about many of these songs' quality from how their ubiquity during my college years made me sick of them. I'll take them in turn. Forgive the length. - Born in the USA: great song but I can only listen to the live version. On this one, drum monotony strikes again, and there's nothing musically interesting about the last several minutes. Live version (on the 3-disc compilation that came out a little after this) adds a lot of oomph and some screeching guitars that are very welcome. - Cover Me: okay song, not quite as overplayed - Darlington County: great song. Why wasn't it a single? Sounds like something from the River. - Working on the Highway: So-so. A little too much forced yee-haw for my taste. - Downbound Train: The one song I had to hear again to remind myself what it was. It's okay. Like a rocked-up outtake from Nebraska. Nits: (1) Calling a train "downbound" seems weird. (2) Bruce says "mister" too much. (3) I don't like the keyboards. - I'm on Fire: good track. Points off for the creepy little girl/daddy thing, which Bruce's lyrics have always had too much of. (He's not alone in that, of course.) - No Surrender: great song; I don't need to hear it anymore. - Bobby Jean: maybe the best on the album. - I'm Going Down: boring. - Glory Days: objectively a good song, but I'm heartily sick of it. Can't decide if the "speedball" lyric deserves points off; it's so bizarre I almost like it. - Dancing in the Dark: great song, and I can still listen to it and enjoy it, but I've always hated the monotony of the drum track. - My Hometown: kinda boring downbeat end to the thing. All adds up to a 3.
4/5 - Springsteen is out of fashion, but fuck the haters; this is a solid album. The title track got popular for all the wrong reasons, but what are you gonna do. I like the songwriting. I like the hits. Sue me.
Solid songs, solid band with a mix of meh. All in all it good but not amazing.
HOLY BANGERRRRRR 9/10
ARE YOU KIDDING ME
Not a bad album, just not my thing.
I can finally say I’ve listened to a whole Springsteen album all the way through. I can see why white dads love this album so much. Dancing in the Dark is the stand out track.
5. born in the usa is good
Helt greit
Loistavaa settiä, tietysti. 4/5.
I can see why people love Bruce Springsteen. It sounded like a good album, but just not my type of songs Cover Me and Dancing in the Dark are best songs 4/10
This album gave from a raging republican, ended up being from a progressive LGBTQ rights activist. Fun listen but maybe not my kind of music. Maybe if I'm a blue collar white man in my next life... Saved (3/12): - Cover Me - Downbound Train 🔥 - Bobby Jean
As boring as expected. Some may enjoy this, but I did not.
While some of the album tracks were very similar in sound, the album as a whole is iconic, meaningful, and masterful. Big fan of Bruce. I feel like this is a good example were a fractional rating would be nice. Like album tracks knock it down to like a 4.4 but since that rounds down, we net out at a 4
Even though I don’t know much ’80s music, this album somehow feels familiar. I only really knew Born in the U.S.A., yet the other tracks have a strange kind of nostalgia to them, as if I’d heard them somewhere before. And I really do like his guitar tone.
I liked it so far. Guessing the 1001 community will love it 3/5 but probably will land at a 3.5
Dad never liked him
Really strong album. Never been a big Springsteen fan and this album was huge at the time. Good writing.
Bruce at his very best. He should tour the album
My fourth Springsteen album and after the previous three all gaining five stars the perfect streak ends. It’s definitely not terrible, there are some really good songs on here but also some quite forgettable ones too. Unlike say a Nebraska or Born To Run I probably won’t rush to revisit this after today. Top Track - My Hometown
Yeah .. a few sing along classics … it was fine 🤷♀️
I love this album so much though it’s probably just because of nostalgia.
i constantly find myself wishing we could give half stars during this process. this is really a 4.5 album but i can’t give it a 5 because it isn’t one of my favorites of all time, and that’s what i’m saving the 5s for. amazing album though. i, a 24 year old girl born in the 2000s, am clearly not the target market. and yet it speaks to me. some stuff survives the tests of time. also upon reflection some earlier albums should have been given a 2 but it’s too late to change that now… i think my favorite song off this album is downbound train. other favorites include my hometown and cover me even though it’s probably the simplest of the songs. great mix of music that you could dance and cry to. would sound better if i had a cold beer.
good but too american tbh 🦅🇺🇸
Yea man. Good Springsteen here. Finally some 80s music that doesn’t fully suck.
I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this whole album all the way through but I knew most of the songs obviously. Great album.
Excellent ! Le meilleur du boss?
All American album. First complete listen and it was awesome. Many iconic tracks and great guitar and vocals along with some cool electric piano/organ parts
This album sits at a strange crossroads: universally recognizable yet frequently misunderstood. Born in the U.S.A. may have been packaged in 80s bombast and churned out radio hits like a machine, but underneath the sheen is one of Springsteen’s most pointed and humane bodies of work. It’s a protest album wearing a headband, a critique smuggled inside stadium anthems, and the contradictions only make it richer. The title track is the obvious example—famously misread—yet the whole record hums with the same tension. Bruce writes about people quietly losing ground: the veterans displaced, the workers discarded, the dreamers squeezed by a country they’re trying to believe in. And he sets all of that to songs so sturdy and melodic that you could build a highway on top of them. The run of hits borders on surreal: “Dancing in the Dark,” “Glory Days,” “I’m on Fire,” “No Surrender,” “My Hometown,” “Cover Me,” “Darlington County.” Most artists would call it a career if they wrote one of these. Springsteen put them all on a single record like it was nothing. What elevates the album beyond cultural artifact is how deeply lived-in these songs feel. There’s sweat, longing, stubborn hope, and the sense that Bruce isn’t just observing these lives but carrying them. Even when the production edges toward glossy excess, the emotional impulse stays grounded, almost humble. Listening to it now, decades later, the thing still hits with unnerving clarity. The themes haven’t aged; the country hasn’t changed as much as it pretends; and Springsteen’s voice carries the same wounded defiance it did in ’84. Iconic isn’t even the right word—this album is practically part of the national nervous system. For me, this lands firmly in the five-star tier. Not because it’s flawless, but because its impact, craftsmanship, and emotional truth are impossible to deny. This is Springsteen at his most accessible and still somehow at his most pointed. The rare blockbuster that earns every bit of its legend.
Corny.
Baffling that conservatives thing Born in the USA is a positive song.
- I'm on Fire - Dancing in the Dark - Glory Days - Born in the USA - No Surrender - Downbound Train - Bobby Jean - Cover Me - Darlington County - Working on the Highway - My Hometown
Ah, classic album and another with lots of fine memories.
Each track is top notch. Enjoyed it as much now as when I first heard it back "in the day"
It's not my favourite Springsteen movie but it's probably his best in terms of general appeal. Every single track here could be a single. Just fucking brilliant.