Born In The U.S.A.

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.

Born to Run is betta

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

🤠

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.

4.0

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.

Pas fan de l'ambiance amérique

Really enjoyed actually! Will listen again

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

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

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.

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

Some absolute bangers but a little too star spangled for me

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

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'

(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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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)

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!

muy american coded

Love Bruce

Absolutely peak.

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

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 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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!

Not my favourite Springsteen album and I went to see him during the tour. But I love my hometown.

Good

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.

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

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.

dang dude, these songs are all like, super famous most are ok

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.

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

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!!!!

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.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

- 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

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.

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.

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.

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

Album after Nebraska written 1982-84 (some demos from Nebraska was used, but the recording sessions produced around 70 songs)

didn’t listen lmao

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.

If I could give this negative stars I would

Must listen

this album is really great!

Legendary

Great, as always. ★★★★

Favorite Track: Dancing In the Dark

Solid 7/10 some big hitter and some heartfelt American Rock

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.

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

Do I like it because I know it or do I know it because I like it?

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.

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!

YEAH! generational run!!!

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.

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

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

No links to the US but feel like a patriot nonetheless

Great record

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

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.

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.

8.5/10

more enjoyable than i expected, never really listened to springsteen before

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.

Some great songs on here. As an album it's uneven, but overall very good.

8.5/10

4.1 its good but its not interesting by the second play

Lots of good bangers on here, like I'm on Fire and Dancing in the Dark. Love me some emotive saxophone as well

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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.

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

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."

Loistavaa settiä, tietysti. 4/5.

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

Really strong album. Never been a big Springsteen fan and this album was huge at the time. Good writing.

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.

Yea man. Good Springsteen here. Finally some 80s music that doesn’t fully suck.

Excellent ! Le meilleur du boss?

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

Not reaching the heights of Born To Run, but still a great album. Springsteen just has a distinct sound that only he has. A strong 4/5.

It’ll never cease to amaze me how many people still think “Born in the USA,” is a patriotic song. I was 10 when this came out, and even though I didn’t really understand everything he had to say at the time, I knew there was more to the song than simple flag-waving. Unfortunately, the rest of the album, with only a couple of exceptions, is comparatively boring pop-rock. I can forgive him, considering his overall body of work. But not enough to round up from a 4.5.

Springsteen has a way of creating empathy for every character he sings about, even the creep in “I’m on Fire.” More of a country feel to his folk on a lot of these tracks, but still compelling.

Considering there was songs on here that I actually knew it was an enjoyable listen. I never really listened to any other Springsteen songs other than the mainstream ones, but the full album was actually a good listen. I am sad that Jeremy Allen White didn't sing though.

Not generally my style but good all the way through-- beyond the hits, surprised by Downbound Train and I'm on Fire

Not his best, but still really awesome

He's the boss. I wish I'm on Fire was longer.

One of if not his most popular LIstenable and likable!

Siempre me había dado algo de pereza la idea de esta persona pero está bastante bien. Todos los temas mantienen el nivel. Se toma menos en serio a sí mismo de lo que pensaba, o al menos eso me hace pensar por la producción ochentera. Temas bastante animados bastante uplifting, ya les prestaré más atención.

Not my favourite Springsteen album of this era but still a pretty great record overall.

Sorry to break this to you, if you aren't American, you will NEVER get this album the way we do.

Classic Bruce

Dancing In The Dark is iconic. Great album, not my taste, but great nonetheless. Does feel a bit bland sometimes but every chorus here is great.

Super

:’)

8 / 10

I'm a recent convert to Springsteen and had been holding off on this one because its 80s production and ubiquity at the time are a big reason for why I thought I couldn't stand him for the past several decades. Still never going to be a favourite but I like it fine. The synth on the chorus of Glory Day has no business while the sequenced bass on Dancing In The Dark has all the business. I think I'd like to hear Drive-by Truckers cover Glory Days instead. They've probably been my route to Springsteen because I can now hear just how much they've been influenced by him. Working on the Highway is a surprisingly jaunty tune about a paed.

It's Bruce, you either like him or you don't. I like him however not my favorite album of his. Enjoyed the following songs: Born in the USA, Cover Me, Darlington Couty, I'm on Fire, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark, and my Hometown

I really should listen to this more often

Very good.

Bruce is the man. 5 classics and a few solid deep cuts.

Cover is iconic but Rob thinks the jeans aren’t tight enough on Bruce’s ass also a hat in the way of the ass is a problem for Rob.

Bunch of undeniable bangers on hear. Couple stinkers. Big album for my dad, nostalgia factor high.

Love springy, good songs, energy and that sense that this energy comes from working class angst and struggle

What like 7 of these songs are pretty much classics at this point. 4 in a row to end the album? Unheard of!

really solid album can't give it higher because nothing blew me away but I can understand it

It’s pretty fucking good

Classic

I like Bruce’s stuff. There’s just something so like, working class or something about it.

despite myself i liked this lol

I bought this on release but I haven't played it much lately.

About half of the album are bangers that we've heard for decades. Surprisingly, the other half of the album is very mediocre.

I'm not really a fan of Springsteen but enjoyed it. Found it to a good easy listening album.

If your song parodying a group of people is picked up by said group of people and becomes their theme song, this means one of two things. Either you're so good at parody that the people you're parodying think it's talking about them positively, or you're so bad at parody that the people you're parodying think it's talking about them positively. Neither option matters. Republicans are too stupid to think critically enough to know that the title track, along with every song on this album, is making fun of them. I guess this is what happens when you ban books instead of reading them. The album's fine, I just really wanted to dedicate this message to the people who voted to fuck over me and the millions of other trans people in the US. Shoutout to Non-Binary people, and Binary Trans people. You guys/gals/others/everythings are cool. All trans people get love, unlike Republicans. They get empty bedrooms and statistically higher divorce rates like they deserve.

After taking a turn into dour, dusty singer-songwriter stuff on Nebraska, Bruce returns to his heartland rock sound in full force with this album. However, it's no less competently songwritten or politically incisive for it! Bangers and biting commentary abound once more from The Boss.

8/10

Well writen songs, a band that plays really well together, catchy tunes.. good rock n'roll, track after track. I dig Bruce, I dig the E Street. I think i started to dig the big stadium filling movement... but shhhh, dont tell anyone, they might think I'm a boomer.

Carino ma non troppo

don't know why I haven't listened to more Bruce

Ik ergerde me ook vaak aan de luie uitspraak van Born. 'Bòòòò' in the USA'. Er wordt niet eens een r of n uitgesproken. Ik heb nu pas door dat dat eigenlijk alleen op het einde is. Ik had altijd wat moeite met de typische jaren '80 klanken van de hits van dit album. Toch heeft Bruce iets bijzonders gedaan met deze klanken, vooral in Born in the USA. Met zijn volle rauwe keelgeluid ertegenaan, heeft hij gezorgd voor een continue muzikale strijdigheid, die toch duidelijk een geheel wordt. Die strijdigheid is wel nodig om het interessant te houden. Als de zang van overgaat in Shalalala (derde nummer), verdwijnt direct alle magie. Dit zijn de uitersten. Soms kom je een vergeetbare 3 tegen, maar onmiskenbaar heeft bijna elk nummer grote kwaliteit.

Love I'm on Fire

A classic. 4/5

So versatile, this album is going all kinds of places

The folksiness, for which Bruce is known, pairs well with the big sound his band creates. Unintelligible at times, his lyrics are heartfelt and compelling. And there are some real bangers on here that aren’t so main stream (Going Down for example). The 80s synth work that happens on some track pulls me out of it, as does the grunty crooning. But I love a lot of this.

A classic, not sure I'd listened to the whole album before but it holds up pretty well. Old school American vibes back when that was cool.

Mun betri en born to run! Ég var hrifin

Helvíti þétt og flottir toppar.

i like this one a lot for whatever reason, i don’t like that last track though. the lyrics are interesting but it’s too slow for me. the rest carries

Historic and happy. Easy to listen to while still having meaningful lyrics. Nostalgic without ever having heard most of the songs before. It feels like the American Dream, everything good about this country wrapped up into an album.

84/100. Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen is a classic album and his most commercially successful release, packed with some of his biggest and most recognizable songs. The standout for me is "Dancing in the Dark", a track that perfectly captures the album's energetic yet introspective spirit. It’s a highly enjoyable record with a strong level of writing consistency throughout. A defining moment in Springsteen’s career.

Solid classic

Really good. The type of 4 out of 5 that makes me feel guilty for giving other, lesser-quality albums 4 stars (and even some 3 stars), but it doesn’t quite float my boat enough for a maximum score.

A good, solid 4. Nebraska is a better album and I'm not sure that's a 5.

Almost starts too good and fade out a bit to be a five but still thoroughly enjoyable

Rv/g

Cool butt.

Nice

Nice album!

A good amount of absolute bangers, even the ones that aren’t great are good. Got me through a 2am run, so it must be a solid album.

Not quite a 5 for me. Some great songs (I'm on Fire, Dancing in the Dark) but also a lot of fine but not exciting pop-rock filler (Darlington County, Working on the Highway).

He G-checked Bob Dylan with this one

He does sound constipated. But good background music. Very simple

Song: I’m on fire

I just didn't get Springsteen. Still, the album is pretty great

Nice

Pas mon album préféré je pense mais toujours sympa. Pochette culte.

Bon album ! « Dancing in the dark » était pas déjà dans l’autre album qu’on a écouté ? C’est vraiment ma préf ! Je capte vraiment l’émotion qui découle de ses sons. Et puis pour le plaisir…. Route de fin de vacances vibe !

Classic tunes. The 'Boss' at his best. Great album

i mean its da boss

The boss brings a good Americana album here. I’ve never been a Springfield fan, but I can’t deny this is good stuff. I say this as a non-fan, which means my opinion carries significantly more weight than all others.

While this isn't typically the genre of music I'd listen to, I can't deny how excellent this album is. I really enjoyed listening to it.

This feels like a Polaroid of a time that’s passed us by. Everything in this album is a snapshot of America as it were. Bruce does such an incredible job of capturing history in the moment. Much like I felt with Nebraska he was setting a very intentional scene, and doing it well. Long live the boss.

Never listened to Bruce before but I like this album so much I listened to it twice! Don’t know if I’ll check out other albums yet but he’s gone up a notch in my book.

Just a classic you know. It’s not his best album but it’s amazing.

I enjoyed this album so much more than I thought I would. Downbound Train, I'm on Fire and of course Dancing in the Dark are all great songs and my vibe, but I even enjoyed the more rocky songs like Glory Days.

So different from Nebraska, but still so good! Definitely gaining an appreciation for Bruce

Oh yes! Just what I needed today. Not my favourite of his albums but still epic with some proper tunes.

Classic

What an absolute blast of an album. It's iconic, cleverly sequenced and sounding excellent, even on very thin vinyl it has a lovely weighty sound. A great example of how patriotism and anti-patriotism can all live together.

Dobry szczególnie do jazdy, przyjemny.

Deserves a 5 but getting a 4. Nothing I would change just not quiteee my tempo.

As danceable and iconic as ever. This album transports you into the summer of 1984 in just 47 minutes.

Made a lemon cake and zested my hand by accident while listening to some nostalgic country rocker bops with more depth than I first thought. Actually works really well at getting across this proud yet washed up american vibe, so I can get over my inner snob and give this a hefty 4 stars

8/10 Favorite: Born In The U.S.A.

Solid, surprisingly heartfelt, and less cringey than expected

A bit too pop-y for me to get the 5. I quite like it though. Especially Dancing in the Dark

Great album. Mastered really well for what it is and most songs were really good. I didn't have any particular song that I disliked. The variety in tempo was very refreshing after getting a few albums that stuck to one kind of tune.

Much better than the other Springsteen I've got, but that's probably because this one had all the hits on it. they just kept coming and coming. 8/10

12 tracks - 5 radio hits Born in the USA; I'm on Fire; Glory Days; Dancing in the Dark (solid 80's pop); My Hometown "Bobby Jean" - new favorite The Boss just bringing the working class hero passion through the album; strong, driving lyrics - just a great album

A couple greats a couple meh

Overall a very consistent album, one of the best of Springsteen's catalog.

The record that introduced me to Bruce but not nearly his best. A great collection of songs, a few duds as well. How did I’m Goin Down make this record with all of the great tracks left out? Also, the production is pretty dated. Still, a great record with some of his best material

Solid album with classic songs that still feel relevant today.

Way more bluesy and poppy than I was expecting, a lot of fun

Solid album. Only really one shitty song.

Nice

Not my favorite Springsteen album but definitely his most popular. I do love this album for the place that it holds in Springsteen's canon. There are standout songs on this album but it does feel a little more formulaic than Bruce's other outings.

Went in blind, knowing very little about the songs. Ended up liking it, it transcends time, lyrics are powerful and its hits are very good. Overall a great record I expect to listen to, more often.

this album is america in the 1980s wrapped up in a nice little bow. america minus all the aids fearmongering, but ya know, still a great album.

Wow. I’ve never heard this album before. This is a strange mix of huge gigantic hits sparsely scattered between some real clunkers.

a classic

This album is really good.

I have heard all these songs before as a child. So, there is some nostalgia for this album. This album is pretty good. Most of the tracks are about different people just trying to make it in America and they want to tell their story.

Levyllinen tasalaatuista hyvää! Kiva kuuntelu!

“Born in the USA” is Bruce Springsteen's most famous song and also the title of his most famous album. While I was already quite familiar with the title track, I had only heard the rest of the album once or twice. And I have to say that now that I've listened to it more closely, I'm pleasantly surprised. Of course, not every song is as catchy as “Born...,” and this album is anything but complex, but Springsteen's voice still sounds pleasant even after ten songs, and I personally like the powerful yet transparent 80s sound (yes, I like a serious snare drum ;).

Great voice. Found myself waiting for my three favourite songs 9,10,11...and damn, are they good.

I think I get boomer nostalgia now

It's Bruce, it's great. I saw him live in Copenhagen in 2024, so fucking awesome.

I felt very silly blasting BOARN INTH YOUESSAYYYY from my office today which made me wonder why I would be embarrassed for a coworker to come in and think I'm a Bruce head. I think there's a that's music for my dad aura about this that I don't want to be associated with (my dad is a staunch Boss hater, but the sentiment stands), or it's a dumbasses think that the title track is a patriotic anthem and that makes Bruce a jingoistic magnet, which turns me off from him even though that's not what he's about. Born in the USA is obviously a smash hit and smash song. I'm not sure I've ever heard anything else on this album other than the hits. Cover me is SO good. Great guitar work and the energy makes the whole thing come together in a way that I might like it more than USA. I'm sure Darlington is fun to sing with the stadium audience. I didn't love working on a highway or downbound train. I've never heard im on fire but it was alright, surprised it's a bigger hit than USA. No Surrender got it back for me, really enjoyed the energy of that. Bobby jean kept that up. Dang Glory Days is on this album? Thats a heater. I've never really been a fan of dancing in the dark but I can admit it's a good song. I'm so used to old, leather Bruce that seeing him dancing in the little spotify canvas made me realize he was hot. My hometown is a great way to tie this thing up. None of the sleeper tracks took away points from this album but I do think they disable it from being a 5 for me.

I enjoyed this a lot - never listened to any Springsteen before, and pleased to have rectified that. I knew Dancing in the Dark and Born in the USA (I enjoyed how it really isn’t the song about national pride that I’d always thought it was!) but the songs I didn’t know I still enjoyed, which isn’t always the case, I’m finding, as we make our way through this list. For tha reason: 4* (mainly cos it’s much better than the Blur album yesterday which got 3* 😆😆)

I liked the consistently prominent drumming sounds. Clean and crisp snares and hi-hats. Bruce's vocals aren't amazing on every song, but they are distinct and he makes it his own. It shines the best handily on I'm On Fire. Good songs: Born in the U.S.A., Working on the Highway, Downbound Train, I'm On Fire, No Surrender, Bobby Jean, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark Mid songs: Cover me, Darlington Country, I'm Goin' Down, My Hometown Bad songs:

Listened to this Labor Day weekend and it perfectly captures the failed “American Dream.”

Incredible

Can't go wrong with the boss

Reading the lyrics is even better

A few great classic songs to sing to

Classic

Great album! Really has that timeless sound.

The start to Springsteen’s lesser 80s period, but with enough bangers for it to remain a classic. Not as hard hitting as some of his earlier work, but far more anthemic and feeling like is it tuned to larger stadium crowds. One of the first of his albums I heard, and Dancing In The Dark has been my go to karaoke song ever since, this one will always have a place in my heart even if it’s nowhere near his top 5.

Man. The Boss is the Boss for a reason. Anchored by three of his all-time bangers (Born in the USA, Glory Days, and Dancing in the Dark), this album weaves the story of the crumbling of rural America and the factory towns that dotted the Northeast. It's shocking how we're still living with the effects of that, that sense of a promise to a generation that may not be kept. I listen to this now as an adult with worried very differently than as a child.

Very good big fan like the saxs parts a lot some great Ol rock tunes favorites: wish he experimented more with his sound cause the songs that are a little different really shine the other songs are still fun tho. Favorites born in the USA, I’m going down, Bobby Jean, I’m on fire, dancing in the dark

This album rocks

Basic, but really fun and uplifting! Great to listen to his other songs. Tracks to Track: No Surrender, Dancing In the Dark

8/10…homeland rock

Great hits and no duds. Great album

Not a big Springsteen fan but this is a very good album

It’s the Boss!

I mean. Come on. Goated!

There’s a reason this is a classic. It’s rough it’s raw and it’s real.

сначала отнеслась очень скептически к нему, но потом распробовала. уже с первого альбома ощущение, что все 1001 будут достойными, критики знают толк. песня i'm on fire любимая в альбоме альбом одновременно badass и hopeful, ставлю 8/10, реально значимое музыкальное наследие прекрасный альбом

My Hometown and I'm On Fire were my favorites.

I debated rating this 3/5 cause it's so painfully american but oh well it's too good. I'm glad he was convinced to keep 'no surrender' in the album as it's my favourite along with 'working on the highway' 'downbound train' and of course 'i'm on fire'.

There is too much Bruce on this list but this one is hard to argue with. I’m On Fire immediately puts it into classic territory. Enough other bangers too even if some is overplayed and his fans are all weirdos

Hadn't ever listened to the full thing, but I get the hype

Some good nostalgic and classic songs. A cohesive album, but for an album that took three years and resulted in writing over 60 songs, the full collection is not that strong. Bonus for the iconic album cover and the greatness of the title song.

Amazing album!

A classic 80s album by the Boss

I’m gonna give this a 4 even though I didn’t particularly love it, but, much like Nebraska, I think it deserves it. If someone gave this a 5 I wouldn’t fight them at all. The lyrics are great, he’s a great storyteller. Nice variety across the album, including with Bruce’s voice. Very solid album by The Boss.

This is the Bruce I grew up with. This is a good album full of really enjoyable songs. I'm not sure I connect with anything else I've heard from him on this list, but this was worth the price of admission.

Great stuff from the Boss. Love his tone and his blue collar rock and roll. Some great storytelling here in these songs that paint a picture and takes you away. The guitar is also great and complements his voice.

Es increíble la cantidad de temas que conozco de este álbum a pesar de nunca haber realizado una escucha intencionada de la música de Bruce Springsteen. Claramente es un álbum que sonó muchísimo en la radio, incluso acá en Argentina, y por ello tengo las melodías en la cabeza. Creo que es un buen álbum, representativo de las vidas de una gran porción de la población norteamericana (principalmente blanca) de los 80s. Hasta la tapa del álbum es icónica y memorable. Los temas me gustaron, son sencillos, pero tienen contenido político. La adición de teclados le dio una sonoridad más moderna, que seguramente le ha permitido perdurar más en el tiempo. A algunas personas les resulta molesta la voz de Springsteen. Yo creo que se adecua bien al estilo de música que está interpretando, y además sabe reducir la distorsión de la voz cuando la música lo requiere. Si debo decir que hay pocas diferencias musicales entre los temas, y se apoya demasiado en el recurso del backbeat fuerte en la batería, lo que hace que los temas suenen muy parecidos y genéricos (con la excepción de "I'm On Fire" que estilísticamente sobresale del resto, a pesar de apoyarse en el mismo backbeat como recurso, lo hace de una manera diferente y consigue una estética mucho más tranquila y minimalista). Por supuesto, esta búsqueda genérica fue beneficiosa para la fórmula de un álbum popular y comercialmente exitoso, para mi gusto creo que hubiese sido interesante experimentar un poco más en este aspecto, pero entiendo que lo más probable es que haya sido una búsqueda intencionada.

Great album.

A lot of hit songs. I am familiar with this one, since I have a copy on CD. 8 songs that I like.

At one time was in my top ten. Since, big tracks have either been way over played, or just haven’t aged well. Still love the Boss, but when the chips are down, I’m reaching first for Nebraska and then The River.

Much like I admitted a bias in the Led Zeppelin III review, I have one here too, but in the opposite direction--I'm from New Jersey. Springsteen is ofc very revered here, a true Jersey legend. I honestly kind of geeked out every time he referenced something in New Jersey lol. Anyways, in terms of the actual music, it's amazing. Springsteen is an incredible storyteller, I get so interested in the lives of the people he sings about, and the way he writes about them makes me feel their pain, their struggle, and their joy. The vocals and instrumentals are great too, and really fit the lyrics. I feel like the album doesn't quite make it to 5/5, though, like there's something that keeps me from fully connecting with it emotionally, but tbh I feel like if I was listening to this while speeding down the turnpike instead of sitting in my kitchen, it'd be a 5/5. Alas, I can't even drive, so it's a 4/5 for me.

Great songs but poor, dated production.

Gonna give a reluctant 4 although outside of the big singles it's very weak

Me gustó bastante, lo pondría para viajar a chascomus

Discazo del señor brunito 10primaveras. Le resto una estrella nada mas por lo full yankee del disco, algunos temas me dan ganas de hacer andar un tractor y culiarme una prima

A classic plenty of great sogns

The Boss at his best. The album does drag a bit in the middle, but it has some of the best songs ever recorded. While "Born in the USA" is probably the consensus best song, I've always liked "Dancing in the Dark" better which will make the 1001 best of playlist. 4.2 stars

its a classic for a reason, but that doesn't mean its the best thing in the world, like its good. but yk

Great album I really enjoyed this

“It was the 80s!” But then the album shifts into this kinda country vibe on songs like I'm on Fire; which, for some reason, is exactly what I thought Bruce Springsteen sounded like before actually listening. Working on the Highway is super Elvis. It was a fun ride, honestly. Full of surprises and little twists I didn’t see coming.

Great heartland rock. Bruce can sing me stories any time.

I’ve heard worse

4,1/5

I thought this would have aged poorly, but it honestly still sounds good. There's so many tracks better than just "Born in the USA". Inferior to "Backstreets", but still a good album.

This might rival the Boston album for being the most full of radio hits with no filler. Not that I'm the biggest Boss fan, but this is an impressive collection of hits.

Energetic, soulful (in parts). Bruce has never sounded so good. Glory days, im on fire, cover me are all career highlights. Beautiful closing song my hometown rounds off the album. Bit clunky in the middle but the beginning and end of the album are both exciting and poignant

7/10 - this is probably his most famous album and has a bunch of good songs. I’m on fire is kind of weird

You can't beat a bit of the Boss sometimes. Here he is on fine form with some top tunes - oh you remember, the title track, Cover Me, I'm on Fire, Glory Days and that one with Courteney Cox in the video. Break out the air guitar!

Enjoyed this more than I thought I would based on how I felt listening to other Springsteen music. Good listen!

Pretty good