1001 Albums Generator
Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen

Born In The U.S.A.

Bruce Springsteen

1984
3.69
Rating
30064
Votes
1
3%
2
10%
3
27%
4
35%
5
25%
Distribution
Genres: Rock Styles: Singer Songwriter, Pop Rock

Reviews (page 6 of 15)

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.

I'm sure nostalgia influences me a bit, but this is a great album.

LOVED this. Will be returning

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

Booooorn in Somerset, I was, BOOOOOORN IN SOMERSET. As such, I don't really get this. It's not bad, I just don't get it.

I previously thought I didn’t care for Bruce Springsteen. Happy to discover that’s no longer the case, or maybe I just needed the album experience. This was good.

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!

Some classics and a strong album overall.

Okay yeah obviously a classic record. Listening to it with intent gave me a fresh perspective. I didn't realise how politically loaded the namesake hit is. Also some of the "romantic" songs are kind of predatory (lyrically). Sonically, well...not my fav sounds. Too 'eighties'. Also some pretty rough-around-the-edges guitar and vocal performances that I haven't noticed before.

Whatever whenever wherever. He’s the Boss for his classic tunes. Always a pleasure and a treasure in my opinion.

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.

I love this album.

Deeply embedded in American culture, but far from the best Bruce record. I'm a big fan and probably won't spend much more time with this after revisiting. Check out the live stuff if you're looking for a way in.

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

Right, this album. Well-misunderstood, weirdly popular. Born in the USA has a good backbeat, good drums, but oh god the screaming is awful. 4/5 song, I just...the singing is horrible. Cover Me: phenomenal beat. just great. but, the lyrics are...not there. 3/5. And reasonably, the rest of the album is like that. It's just...the beat, the instrumentals are phenomenal, but the lyrics and singing are not there. Bruce Springsteen cannot sing. Top songs: Born in the U.S.A; Cover Me; I'm on Fire

This doesn't quite scale the heights of Born to Run, but I love this album. only one or two weak songs, and some of the lesser played songs are my favorites. This is going to sound like a crappy country song, but Bobby Jean reminds me of warm summer nights hanging outside with college girlfriends

Never been a big Springsteen fan, although I do respect the man for championing downtrodden blue collars without hypocrisy or demagogy. This album - probably his most misundertood and misappropriated work - doesn't really resonate with me since I'm not American, but I do understand the appeal. Musically, however, I'm not convinced. Except for a couple of appreciable hits, it sounds like very generic mid-80s radio rock, with many of the annoying gimmicks that defined that time period (the cheesy horns and keyboards being the worst offenders). It's just a collection of easy-listening songs that never reach the level of cinematic storytelling that made Born To Run special. Not unpleasant to listen, but definitely not something I'll come back to. 3/10

A little bit of love for Born in the USA, the Viet Nam vets, the rusty belt, Rambo... It was a hit when I was 13... yet the overall sound of the album is to dated, to much synth... almost painful to hear. 3 only because of love for the Boss.

It could have been a single instead of an album; that would have been a better rating for this album. The only song I liked... is the hit "Born in the USA," which has a special energy; the rest is forgettable and already forgotten.

On this album, the song Cover Me feels like a hidden gem … which says a lot. The whole thing is insanely hard to sit through, pure 80s rock essence. Those big « shalalala » choir parts make me want to puke. On top of that, the lyrics about the miserable lives of American masses are sometimes just pathetic. The few good vibes here and there don’t save it for me. And that sax… nope.

ANOTHER 5 FOR BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN

I’m not a Bruce fan but this was a great opportunity to listen to an album in whole. Other than the obvious title track that everyone knows the story of and a few radio singles, every single song on this album is very strong. I didn’t expect it to hit me like it did.

Classic Springsteen. Deserves 5* alone for the right-wing nutters who he confused over the supposedly 'patriotic' title track, which is really anything but. It's packed with great songs aside from that though - Glory Days, Bobby Jean and No Surrender are some of my other highlights. His writing is incredibly evocative at it's best as it is on Born in the USA

Not my favorite Springsteen album, but it's a classic for a reason. It's worth the price of admission just for I'm on Fire and Dancing in the Dark, not to mention Cover Me. 9/10

That was the most stupid album so far. Felt like a dumb american waving for Trump or some fascist across the world. Redneck vibes. I know that it want to express the identity of united statians, but goddamm, is this all? It would be like brazillians singing something like "i like soccer and samba, now i,ll go to the beach with some money get some bitchs". Very stupid.

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

Love the big hits, some other decent ones, the rest kinda just blended in with my work day

I’m not a Bruce fan, but this is his classic album

Classic Bruce

The title track here is probably the worst track on the album; it's such a dirge. The rest is okay, I guess, but I still fail to see the appeal of Springsteen. Low three.

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.

Big fan of Bruce and for many years, this was my favorite of his releases.

Lots of hits!

A Classic

I don't get it. Bryan Adams gets slated for this kind of cheesy shit, but for some reason Bruce is a critical darling? Not my cup of tea.

I have never been a Bruce fan and if this album is considered his best then I know I never will. Not even the E Street band’s best. Only a few good songs on the album and Bruce still manages to sound like someone’s drunk uncle while singing on those.

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

Never liked the song born in the u.s.a. This is really samey. I love I'm on fire. In No Surrender the cadence of the voice is really Dylan-esque to me. I'm going down really picked up at the end uh? Glory days is annoying me a little bit. Well I don't know what to rate this.

One of the great albums of all time.

I really should listen to this more often

Great album. Full stop.

Very good.

5/5 album man

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.

Bruce Springsteen is the other artist who in addition to Elvis Costello I have been repeatedly told I should appreciate over my years working in record stores. He’s never done anything for me although I will admit my dislike has mellowed with age. This album has two of the songs by him that I think are somewhat undeniably catchy, “I’m on Fire” & “Dancing In The Dark”. I don’t love the sound of much of the record but this was more listenable to me than Bat Out Of Hell.

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

I've been trying to come up with a reason not to give this a five, and I honestly can't

Born to Run: I've never been too fussed on Bruce Springsteen and even after listening to this album before and watching the recent biopic that came out, it didn't awfully change my mind. However, for whatever reason this listen was different and i am a huge huge fan. Cameron Winter’s cover of “Dancing in The Dark” for that Xbox ad is better though…

An absolute classic. It has all the elements of a country album, but just frames them so perfectly as a rock anthem.

stranger things vibes

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

Great songwriting, more grounded and topical than I thought it would be. Good guitar playing. The man can't sing.

Not bad at all, but it doesn't surprise you at all. Nonetheless, Bruce Springsteen is a great musician

- bruce on kyllä kova jätkä - suurin osa tän levyn biiseistä ei iske kasuaalille bruce enjoyerille kuten minä, mutta kovimmat styget on sit kans kovia

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

I've liked this album a lot; it has many great songs and flows really well. It felt really rapid for me, so cohesive (without being bland or repetitive) and interesting. There are songs that I felt less enjoyable but, yet, they didn't get me off this album. I won't say it's perfect but it's a solid album, a very solid one. And, of course, one I will listen to more.

Nobody does “Heartland Rock” quite like the Boss. He paints a beautiful picture of working class America. Any of the songs on this record could have been singles, so it’s no surprise that 7 of them were. An album for life.

Pure, raw emotions

It's a Springsteen album, so the songwriting and lyricism are strong. It's a shame that most of these songs are wrapped in a layer of some pretty shitty 80s production. I don't care much for the washed out synths and super loud snare on the title track, and the vocals on it are quite rough too. It's a very overrated song to me. Darlington Country has some pretty tacky country-esque sounds and an annoying chorus I don't like too much either. I feel kind of similarly about Working on the Highway and I'm Going Down. There's a few more songs where the drums sound kinda bad and the guitars a bit artifficial. The album is not totally bad tho. Downbound Train is kind of an underrated song, the production feels more organic which I like a lot. I'm on Fire is also more stripped back, not the most unique song but still quite good. Dancing in the Dark is super popular but actually deserves its hype, such a good song. I feel like this albun would work well in an acoustic setting seeing how much I like Nebraska, or maybe seeing some of these songs live. As is, the potential feels kinda wasted.

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

It’s pretty fucking good

This album was played to fucking death when it came out. Can’t listen to it ever again!

I only like Nebraska by Springsteen. This is a bit too rawk for my taste.

Great start to finish. I have a lot of nostalgia for this one but it holds up to a relisten and then some.

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

Koffor har eg hørt nesten alle sangane fra før

despite myself i liked this lol

overblown stadium rock - strangled vocals, arm pumping in the air for punctuation, that exhausting snare drum, thumping pianos on the beat, all the simplistic repetitive keyboard parts - partly saved by the gentler I'm On Fire , but overall the sound is desperate, oppressive, bludgeoning

Bruce will always get 5 stars from me, he’s my fucking idol. Think this has come at a good time as I recently watched Deliver Me From Nowhere, and hearing the pomp of B.I.T.USA after Nebraska hits differently now. It’s also an excellent social commentary of Regan’s America. Not my favourite Bruce record, but again, he’s never made a bad record to me. Highlights are “I’m on Fire”, “Bobby Jean” and “My Hometown”. BRUUUUUUUUCE!!

this is the first album so far that i couldnt finish. praying i never hear this again 🤲

This album by Bruce is a 5

I had heard Born in the USA, Glory days, and Dancing in the dark before. I don't love Bruce Springsteen but this album was okay.

Hall of Fame album from one of the greatest. 9.1/10

My third Springsteen album and I still do not understand the allure and the magnetism. But I guess people like what they like and so I guess two stars make sense but I still wanna say that I am gonna give his music another chance and see where we land.

This album sounds like denim, motor oil, and quiet despair disguised as stadium rock. Everyone hears the anthems — fists in the air, fireworks in July — but if you actually listen, it’s heartbreak wearing a red bandana. Bruce wrote songs for the working class and accidentally made them catchy enough for the people doing the crushing. Rating: 4.8/5 Short Review: Blue-collar poetry hiding in a jukebox; an American dream album that knows it’s a nightmare. Favorite Track: “I’m on Fire” — whisper-sung lust that feels like a fever breaking in slow motion.

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.

Very commercial. Vocals are mediocre.

Never been one of my favourite Bruce albums. The production has always felt too sleek and it overshadows the actual songwriting, most notably on the title track.

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

I’ve never understood the appeal of Bruce Springsteen. He can’t sing. The songs are dull. It’s all a bit YOO ESS AAE for my liking.

This sounds like rock and country's bastard child: Taking the clichés of each genre to make music that tries hard to feel anthemic but falls short. Instead, it demands Springsteen's vocal chords' heoric effort to imbue the music with a feeling of gravity. The lyrics come off as a romantization of "I'm just a simple Joe and life is rough", an experience im not sure Springsteen is actually personally familiar with.

Am I a hater? Here comes the Boss' biggest album, and I just. Don't. Get. It. His voice just removes me from enjoying this, his lyrics I guess are good but they aren't resonating. I enjoy Dancing in the Dark but does that just make me a normie? Nothing excites me, I'd have to reach to describe the redeeming qualities, and it's probably more than likely that this isn't for me. Sorry Boss, but you'll likely be my lowest rated artist

Better than I remember, still can't bear the title track.

This list is turning into day after day of famous and familiar albums I would never want to listen to.

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.

This is more musically my style than Nebraska, but just like... It's not really something I'd listen to anything from independently.

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.

Struggled to rate this because while I really just did not enjoy a lot of it, there are some undeniable BANGERS, especially in the back half.

It's not quite a style of music I enjoy much, but damn if he doesn't drop some heat here and there. Love to see the same excellent storytelling that Nebraska had in a more lively context. Standouts: Cover Me • Bobby Jean • Dancing In The Dark

This is one of those albums that's so good it makes me sick. It has everything. You have the inexplicable dance track, the classic Springsteen working class misery, the highs, the lows, the melancholy reflection on a life passing by you...the only thing I hate is the really ugly snare drum on there. This album is like a whole town distilled for your listening pleasure. I enjoy this album every time I hear it and I always discover something new.

too american for me, his voice annoys me

*The* Classic Bruce!

BRUCEEEEWWW

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.

Tämä on tähän mennessä näistä eniten kuuntelemani levy. Tätä on jo kasarin puolesta välistä asti tullut silloin tällöin luukutettua. Erinomainen kokonaisuus, eikä levyllä ole yhtään huonoa biisiä. Täyden kympin levy, mikä viimeistään nosti Brucen kaikkien tietoisuuteen.

mostly fine. title track is the best by a mile, cover me is good. glory days is a song i would be content never hearing again

Classic songs

It's been a while since I listened to a Bruce Springsteen record on this journey, and, given the limelight on Nebraska with the recent biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere, I'm due to revisit that one. I bring that album up specifically because both it and Born in the U.S.A. were workshopped around the same time. Bruce opted to release Nebraska first as an artistic statement, and, after a break from touring, worked on the second album with the E Street Band. Right out of the gate, the sonic tone on this one is starkly different from Nebraska. Prominent guitar riffs and snare drums, blaring synthesizers, simple chord progressions, and earwormy hooks; this record truly tapped into the zeitgeist of 1980s heartland rock. Sure, it's admittedly cheesy, but I can't help but be moved by these tunes. Bruce and company still knew how to reel people in with a good hook or two, while also incorporating a few minimalist ballads with "Downbound Train", "I'm on Fire", and "My Hometown". Though just because there's more pop sensibility on display, this record is not lyrically toned down from Nebraska. If anything, Bruce continues to focus on working-class characters and their struggles. From the treatment of Vietnam War veterans on the title track, the maintenance of a romantic relationship amidst PTSD woes on "Cover Me", the runaway man who gets arrested and forced into labor on "Working on the Highway", the laid off worker whose wife left him on "Downbound Train", the uncontrollable lust on "I'm on Fire", the desire for friendship in "No Surrender" and "Bobby Jean", the ravaging of time as former high school colleagues face their demons on "Glory Days", and the failure of the American dream epitomized on "My Hometown", the imagery and themes that Bruce tapped into paint a darker side in trying to make a living in this country. All the while, there is still a desire for more, particularly captured in the upbeat "Dancing in the Dark" as Bruce vents out frustration with writing songs that please people. I cannot deny how exceptional Born in the U.S.A. is as a record that has withstood the test of time. This was the album that launched the Boss into stardom and popularized American heartland rock, and it is justified in that legacy.

Lilstenable.

A great country rock album from before the genre was quite so... country rock. A surprisingly melancholy album, speaking to a small town image of the country that was on the decline, noticeable even 40 years ago. Favorite track was Bobby Jean

Boomer coded

I was 8 when this came out, very much into all things big that came out of the US of A (As were my friend group)! I loved I’m Fire (with no regard to its meaning) and I think it’s the best on the album. I was into Born In The USA but over time that has diminished significantly and I can’t stand hearing it anymore.

Boring, overwrought 50s pastiche baloney

Like a lot of Springsteen's stuff, I am just indifferent to most of it. Dancing in the Dark is a tune, but the rest just kinda happens

Overall: 3/10 My 2nd Springsteen album I've gotten so far, and it's shockingly worse than the 1st one. I just can't stand the man's voice. It's a shame because he seems like a very levelheaded and cool person, and the songs he writes wouldn't be so terrible if somebody else was singing them. I've just genuinely never heard a voice that I dislike more. I want to like it but it's just not possible. I will admit though.....Glory Days is kind of a banger and I always forget The Boss wrote it. Fav Song: Glory Days

Classic. It’s one of those “I know every song” album

It's a well-executed rendition of a musical style that I generally can't stand whatsoever. His vocals got on my nerves a fair bit, and it's all a bit saccharine for me. The nice, warm bass was a positive feature throughout.

Not really my thing

Just in time for the Springsteen movie (that focuses on the creation of Nebraska), I am given the album after it. Undoubtedly his most iconic record, Born In The USA sees Bruce go full superstar mode without sacrificing what made his music appealing. The record strives on nostalgia and catchiness. The band's all there and they sound happy. I can especially point out when Bruce yells out "BIG MAN" to signal Clarence Clemons to a solo on Darlington County. But while Bruce may sound as confident and electrifying than ever, I know that he was going through hard times between the end of The River's cycle and the release of this album. Dancing In The Dark highlights that frustration with himself along with an instrumental that makes you want to move side to side. I hear a lot of purpose in these songs and I feel that the mega-success it got was well deserved. It's a shame that people still misinterpret the title track to be a patriotic anthem when it's not, but hey, it's a great song and a damn great album (8/10, 5/5 on this scale)

Bruce at his Bossiest. Dumbed down and bigger and sexier sounding but not losing any of the gravitas he came in with on Nebraska.

Guys, I’m sorry, I hate it. I’m old enough to just come out and say I hate it. Maybe it’s just a 90s punk kid hating anything that was mainstream in the 80s. I want to tell a story about how Reagan and the right misappropriated it and all that, but in the end I just don’t care, I don’t want to listen to it. “I’m On Fire” creeps me out, “Glory Days” creeps me out. I like “Dancing in the Dark” and a few other moments, but honestly I was thrilled when it was over and I could put on Nebraska instead.

mi sta antipatico

eccessivo spirito patriottico album molto monotono, già la terza canzone sembrava avere stessa melodia della prima complessivamente piacevole come sottofondo

Carino ma non troppo

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

I went into this listen with a very critical ear, and came out thinking it’s an undeniable statement. The opening chords to every track put you in a place or a mood so effectively I noticed. The upbeat pop tone of the music set to the very real world subjects is amazing as well.

Hits all around. This is a unanimous classic, though it is great it didn't blow me away in the way I feel like it's reputation warranted. 4.6 outta 5

oh wow no way a white man in the 80s singin about little girls

De Baas levert drie kwartier strakke rock uit de binnenlanden van de USA en het was allemaal zo hitwaardig dat er zeven singles van getrokken werden. Wat kan je er verder van zeggen, het lijkt allemaal zo simpel om keer op keer raak te schieten met je muziek, maar als er iets blijkt uit deze 1001 albums, is het dat het er meestal naast gaat. Bruce lukt het wel, met een niet te stoppen energie rammen drums, gitaar en orgeltje de stem van de Baas naar precies de plek waar hij wezen moet. Hatseflats.

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.

Ik heb bij 2 eerdere albums van Bruce al het woord iconisch laten vallen. Maar dit is weer zo'n plaatje dat absoluut in de lijst der iconische albums zit. Een van de bestverkochte albums aller tijden, een hoes die veel mensen herkennen. Vanaf de eerste noten weet je dat dit een anthem van de jaren 80 is. De bombast spat er van af, samen met de bekende drumcomputers. Ik ben meer fan van de 70s Broes, voor die albums heb ik een 5 gegeven. Maar uiteindelijk kun je dit album ook zonder enig probleem een aantal keer achter elkaar opzetten. Er zit tempo in waar nodig, maar er zijn ook momenten van bezinning. En het eindigt met Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark en het prachtige My Hometown. Dan moet ik toch, ondanks dat dit misschien niet in mijn persoonlijke top van Broes album zou komen, tegen alle logica in, toch moet ik dan wederom op die 5 sterren drukken. Want het is gewoon steengoed.

Oh, what could've been. Ruined by the E-Street Band, garish production, and too many creepy "little girl" references (and yes...ANY is too many).

Classic.

I appreciate the message, but it's so big and boisterous all the time, it's hard to endure. I'm on Fire and My Hometown are exceptions.

Love I'm on Fire

I’ve never really gotten Springsteen to be quite honest. Springsteen isn’t bad but he isn’t great enough to be hailed as a legend and this album further cemented that fact for me. There’s some good tracks on here such as the famous title track but the rest sort of just takes a backseat in my mind. It’s good but not great. Best track: Born in the USA Worst Track: No standout lower quality song

This is an iconic album. It’s nearly flawless. Love this album!

I love 1001 Albums because without it, I would have never known that Richie "La Bamba" Rosenberg sang backup on Cover Me! Anyway, this isn't even the best Bruce album and it is still a 5.

This album is packed full of hits that are main stays in the setlist for years to come. I compare this to Metallica’s Black album, this is what sent Bruce even further into the stratosphere. He was already huge but this made most mainstream people fans.

Full disclosure. I'm not a Boss fan. At all. But wow, I really have to give props to this one and give it 5 stars. It's that good!

Not my fave but one or two listenable tracks

Born in the U.S.A. is not just one of the greatest albums of all time. It is probably in my top three albums ever, and it is my go to record whenever I need something to lift me up. I must listen to it at least five times a week. It is an easy five out of five, right up there with Born to Run for me. The album is packed with incredible songs. The title track is one of the most powerful protest songs ever written, and still widely misunderstood. It sounds huge and anthemic, but the story at its heart is devastating. Bobby Jean, written for Steve Van Zandt, is a beautiful reflection on friendship and loyalty. I’m on Fire is pure atmosphere, simple, tense and unforgettable. No Surrender feels like the anthem of my upbringing. Then you still have Dancing in the Dark, My Hometown and Glory Days. The depth on this record is ridiculous. What makes it even more remarkable is that it followed Nebraska. From stark acoustic storytelling to stadium sized rock songs, and yet the emotional weight never disappears. Favourite track: The entire album. It is all brilliant. Least favourite track: None. Every song feels essential. Album artwork: An iconic cover and one of the most recognisable images in music history

While I appreciate and applaud what The Boss stands for (the working man, equal rights & opportunities, etc.), I have never been a fan of his music. His musical style and voice is just not for me. That said, this album is pretty good. His biggest hits are on here and are far and away the best songs, as the rest of the tracks are just sorta there. I did enjoy the lyrics that went over a lot of boomers’ heads, like how the government is mostly bad and will throw you aside (‘Born in the USA’), and that you’re a loser if you peaked in high school (‘Glory Days’). On the strength of the hits, this is a solid 3/5 for me; liked it, didn’t love it.

I did not like this album when it first came out and, in retrospect, I still don't like it. Banal, jingoistic, and bloated. I only liked 2 tracks: Downbound train and I'm on Fire. The rest, if not banal, are unlistenable, semi-patriotic crap. Bruce SHOULD be embarrassed of this shite. Especially after Nebraska, which is the best thing he's done imo. 2 disappointed stars

A classic. 4/5

So versatile, this album is going all kinds of places

More synthpop than most 80’s synthpop records

Honestly thought I’d love it but other than the titular song, glory days and dancing in the dark, it was largely boring

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.

There’s some decent tracks on this album, but then you’ve got some very sleazy anthems like “Born in the U.S.A.” which have been shoved down our throats for the last 40 years. With that being said, I’ll just leave the review at that.

HINOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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

Det er Bruce, du vet hva du får. Ikke min kopp te, men grei gubberock.

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.

Not the vibe

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.

I've listened to this before and know it well. But what a fucking great album is this, every song is such a banger.

Solid classic

Iconic, atmospheric, and maybe even a little homoerotic.

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

My favourite Springsteen album.

Better than I remember. A classic

I don't hate it There's a few good hits

Wasnt born in the usa

One of the essential albums from the Boss, with a still-impressive 7 top ten singles. He embraces the hope but also explores the contradictions of American life circa 1984.

I ... just can't with this album. Everything about it I am disliking: the production, the mastering (whatever is up on Spotify is garbage sounding), the style, etc. The lyrics themselves aren't terrible, and I understand why this album is popular, though its title track is very much not seen for what it is: an anti-war song. Having given it a listen it absolutely revealed to me where Arcade Fire gets some of its arena/anthemic inspiration from, though: Springsteen.

Cool butt.

His most popular record, and yet the four albums preceding it are easily superior. When compared to that incredible run of records, this feels like a forgettable victory lap.

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).

I probably wouldn’t have guessed at the start of this Springsteen odyssey that my favourite album of his would, in fact, turn out to be the most obvious one. But it’s the one that plays out most like a Greatest Hits - and that’s not just because a lot of his greatest hits are indeed on this record, but because all of the other tracks sound like they could be singles, too. This feels like the album where Bruce really nailed writing a pop hook (Dancing In The Dark) and learnt the value of musical restraint and concision (I’m On Fire), complementing tauter, flab-free versions of his usual working class Americana anthems.

Great album of Americana songs.

Born In The U.S.A. is actually the worst song on the album

He G-checked Bob Dylan with this one

its a shame americans took the title track of this album and made it about patriotism rather than what Bruce is actually is saying. I don't think it's his best work, but it's still very good, The River for me is the best Bruce Springsteen album

Not really my thing

Great album

Pretty surface level and unremarkable musically. Definitely of its time

Wasn’t bad, wasn’t great. Still wouldn’t consider myself a Springsteen fan.

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

Another banger Springsteen album. Definitely his biggest, most well-known album. It's primarily arena rock, but every track is great. My personal favorite is "I'm Going Down," but there really isn't a weak spot in the whole album.

I enjoyed a song, but I don’t like the synths in 80s music. I can understand why it was a hit of an album, just not my cup of tea

Continuo a pensare che Springsteen sia una roba creata ad OK per gli americani, incomprensibile per me.

Song: I’m on fire

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

born in the usa 6 cover me 6 darlington county 5 working on the highway 5 downbound train 6 i’m on fire 7 no surrender 6 bobby jean 5 i’m goin down 5 glory days 5 dancing in the dark 7 my hometown 5

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 !

Quelques sons sympa, mais assez répétitif. Ou alors j'étais juste pas concentré, je sais pas. 3/5

a large portion of this album feels like rehashing one song with minor variations (compositionally, not lyrically)

Iconic. Even though it’s been derided as more pop than rock, this was the album that made me a Bruce Springsteen fan. I loved every song when it came out and I still know all the words 40 years later.

Such a familiar album - hard to view it as groundbreaking because I know it so well. Deep cuts are better than headlines

One of Springsteen's best. Songs by the working man for the working man, without ever feeling like they're lowest common denominator. No skips.

Couple bangers, rest are pretty meh.

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

The boss

i mean its da boss

an iconic album. so many great songs and how good is the E street band.

Absolute rock perfection

THE album. Like possibly album of all time. Like the title track AND I’m On Fire AND Glory Days AND Dancing in the Dark?! Plus all the others! Genuinely iconic. GOD I LOVE BRUCE. Also if I had three wishes one of them would probably be to make every American who thinks Born is a patriotic anthem like all those yahoo redblooded gunslinging trash people to ACTUALLY READ AND UNDERSTAND the lyrics and their meaning because it might be the most misused song in history! Bruce is NOT FOR YOU. Comprehension skills, idiots! Anyway, as I said, perfect album. Perfect. And I absolutely NEED to see him play live next time he tours Australia and I’m really hoping that’s soon.

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.

★★½

A masterpiece. And I’m not just talking about the boss’s backside adorning the album cover. Bruce and the E Street Band deliver an epoch. Bruce’s poetry and declaration of being “Born in the USA” has confused faux patriots into utilizing an anti imperialist, anti-American war machine song as a backdrop for campaign rallies many times over. The artist has swindled those to sing along about shooting the “yellow man” down with a sense of nationalistic pride that they ought to be ashamed of. And that’s a beautiful thing. There’s so many great songs here and the boss is dear to my heart. Perfect.

Solid blue collar stories. I don’t know that I’ve ever sat down and listened to this, glad I did.

(3) patriotism: yes

Pretty good. High points are high, but some of it is mid.

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.

I have this album in my collection. Springsteen is a great artist. This album is straight rock ‘n’ roll. A good album to always have around. This album is an example of why Springsteen is 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.

Overrated

Ugh… I just don't get the seemingly universal appeal of Bruce. The second half of the album seemed to hit its stride. When he tries to push beyond his vocal range it just sounds forced, but not in a good way. The lyrics are all stories but just don't really resonate with me. The drumming is all just first and third beats and reminds me of that gif of him dancing, its just simple. I wanted to like it, but it just seems blah.

I'm a huge Bruce fan, so of course this is getting 5 stars. What an album from start to finish, so well written and crafted. Love it. Highlights: "No Surrender" and "I'm Goin' Down"

This album is always great to listen to.

This album suits my overall vibe more than I care to admit.

Sind schon ein paar gute Lieder dabei, aber das Genuschel im Gesang ist nicht immer meins.

Some belters in here

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

It’s Born in the USA, of course it’s 5 stars.

So many great songs on this album!

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.

That run of Born in the USA, Cover Me, Darlington County and Working on the Highway is pretty hardgoing; probably what most sceptics thing of as basic, barky Bruce. Lot to love in the rest of this though. And a nice contrast with Nebraska. Glad I did a deep dive into Bruce's entire back catalogue a couple of years back. Even if it fucked with my Spotify algorithms.

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.

Second album proposé après 'Born To Run' que je n'avais pas trop apprécié (noté 2/5). Ce nouvel album propose quelques tubes connus, à la différence du précédent. Mais pas suffisamment pour me donner envie de l'écouter de nouveau : c'est toujours du rock très standard qui ne me touche pas. =>2/5

Glory Days makes me want to vomit. 2 stars, Bruce can, and has done, better.

Bruce really isn’t my generation. But he’s my mom’s, and she’d be upset if I gave him anything less than a 3

This is like a greatest hits album.

Great album. One of his best. Glory days a highlight.

Feel inclined to rate this higher for his huge influence on music but this doesn’t grab me particularly. Undeniable hits but nothing massively standout.

Dobry szczególnie do jazdy, przyjemny.

Stanowczo zbyt amerykańskie

probably the best Springsteen cd on this list so far, i enjoyed it

2 stars. A couple of good songs but mostly mediocre. Some concepts dated and hampers enjoyability

So many hits. An obvious 5.

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

Like Sean, I have a bit of internal resistance to Bruce. I think its because my mom is from New Jersey and talks about it like its the most interesting place in the world, like being from NJ makes her interesting somehow, and in the back of my head Im still just like: you're talking about New Jersey right? That strip of highway that exists only to feed New York City? Part of it might also be the line in 'I'm on Fire' where he wakes up with sheets 'soakin' wet.' I dread that line for the whole song. I know he's talking about waking up in a cold sweat. Just say that. I don't want to think about you pissing yourself. Still, after all these years he's worn down my resistance. Born in the USA is probably the last great American protest song. Dancing in the Dark rocks. The boss is corny sometimes, but he's still the boss. Always loved Goin Down - thanks to Pat for that Vampire Weekend cover rec. Thats gonna be on rotation for a while. I think it's between the Boss and Bob Dylan for best American songwriter of all time. Both are somewhat playing a character. Neither of them would be in my top ten favorite musicians, but can't deny the clarity and urgency of their perspective.

Big big fan of this album. Outside of revisiting the hits (God damn, Im On Fire is a great tune, but that Daddy reference is awful), I liked Darlington County and Bobby Jean this time through. Generally speaking, all of these songs arent super special, but they feel super organic/authentic. Maybe its the way the drums sound or Bruce’s natural feel for a cadence. It all sounds like a band that youd hear on a perfect summer night at a small town festival. Rich “Americana”

Right as I hit play on this album on my drive home from work, Born In the USA starts up at the stoplight, and a guy with a black cutoff shirt and a red bandana rides past me on a bike, looking like just like Boss. Had a good laugh to myself. I know Bruce is not universally loved in this group, but I will always be a fan. So many great memories seeing him and listening to him over the last 20 years with my dad and different groups of friends, including most recently with Chad. This isn't my top Bruce album in terms of favorite songs - the big songs like Born in the USA and Glory Days are two of my least favorite in the catalogue, and the ballads are good but not my top. That said, it's still a really great set of songs. No skips, but my favorites are I'm On Fire and I'm Going Down (Vampire Weekend cover of this song is on regular rotation too). Reading that many of these songs were recorded during the Nebraska sessions, and carry on some of the themes of that album. Also, had no idea Annie Liebowitz did the cover photo!

I feel compelled to rate this higher because of popularity, but it doesn't quite clear the bar for me. It's John Mellencamp-esque

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

I didn't find this as grating as I normally find Springsteen. It seemed a bit more generic/poppy of an album than some of his others, which may have helped me get past it being him. I also knew most of the songs already. I guess that made it easier to tune him out a bit. I actually liked the last section of the album the best, which is surprising to me since I thought I'd be over it by then. The songs I liked most were I'm Going Down, a song that was completely new to me, and Dancing in the Dark, one I know very well. I didn't really think any of the others were bad, either. That said, I don't really see what the mass appeal is for Springsteen and his music. I find it mostly fine, but nothing special. The way people love him, I would expect something more than I ever get from his albums. I'm reminded of an international student I had as a college roommate who was obsessed with "the Boss" and left school to follow his tour for a week. I didn't get it then, and I still don't get it now, 15 years later. Along with that, I usually get pretty tired of him after listening for more than a few songs. In all, I thought it was a solid/good album. I still didn't love it, but I liked it more than I expected going into it. Overall: 3.2/5

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

If you have seen my other reviews you know I am not impressed or interested in Bruce Springsteen. I’ve never really cared for his voice and I think a few of his early albums are overrated. BUT, and this is a big one, this album is pretty much untouchable. Like I could say how sick I am of these songs that I’ve heard all my life, and I could complain about how it’s definitely more pop than it is rock. But it wouldn’t stop the fact that this album is a non stop massive hit machine. I’ve literally heard every single song on this album at some point or another because the album is that prolific! I can concede the fact that if my star rating was based of off success and pop culture relevance this album would deserve a 5. I think my absolute favorite part of the album is actually the widespread misunderstanding about the title track song. Like when I see people singing that song patriotically or using it for like a war propaganda type video, that’s hilarious. Like the song is very clear about how it feels about life in the US and yet people just won’t listen. But regardless, I think my biggest problem with the album is that I just find it to be like almost a joke. I’ll explain, if you look at Bruce’s other albums his persona is very clear but it’s more subtle and nuanced. This album is like if he was trying to parody himself. Every aspect of his songs sound like he’s almost making fun of how he is being seen, and it just totally backfired and it just made people double down on how they saw him (which you could easily point out is true because that is literally what happened with the title track, the true meaning of that song is lost on far too high a number of people). But seriously this album is like a best of or a greatest hits album. I’m sure you have already heard it honestly.

Hell yeah bruce

You can always tell what the name of the song is without reading the title with Springsteen

Listening to "Born in the USA" I feel compelled to dig deeper. I want to know more about a single lyric, a song title (Where is Darlington county?), an interpretation or concept (how did the narrator in Downbound Train end up "on a railroad gang"). This is a testament to great songwriting and storytelling- Springsteen makes you want to buy in, and the E-street band seals the deal. There is a polemical part of me that hears the album as just simply "whitewashed" Americana. Is it true? I don't think so. Art imitates life. BITUSA tells the stories of life. Springsteen and the E-street band make sure that you feel it, not just hear the stories. I think this is what makes it one of the greatest albums of all time.

meh, just normal rock and roll. nothing too special. I’m too young to think this is revolutionary :/// in the sense that I’ve already heard a lot of musicians that did music like this but better. It’s like the first phone it’s good but there’s better now

Better than Coldplay

Видимо, чтобы понять эту музыку - нужно быть американцем. Очень скучно. Ожидал намного большего

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.

Hey, enjoyed it more than I expected. Listened to the lyrics and was genuinely surprised. eg. the title track used to make me cringe as a non-american tween/teen but it is not what it seems.

Gritty and tough vocals. I appreciate his passion. How does his voice not constantly hurt though? Lol. I like some of the melodies. I know he’s seen as iconic to many people, and this is good, but not my fave.

Amazing! Springsteen rocks!

I've always understood The Boss's role in the history of rock music but never been a fan. Unfortunately, this album, as iconic as it is, does little to change my mind about him. The hits on this album are still fantastic but the songs outside of those hit are just ok and nothing to write home about.

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

Famously dark and ironic, tho seldom understood by its biggest apostles, Born In The U.S.A. explores American folklore from a place of resignation. Following the stripped-down bleakness of Nebraska, the Boss decided to be just as bleak, and in many ways, just as bare, albeit w/ production that at least offers a semblance of the upbeat. But even that's not entirely true - tracks like 'Downbound Train' and 'I'm On Fire' are thoroughly minor-key anthems. Indeed, one of the major themes of the record is boredom, or as the modernists would have it, ennui: go ahead and check out the lyrics to 'I'm Goin' Down,' 'Glory Days,' 'Dancing In The Dark.' But in the special way Beckett never leaves you bereft, Bruce roars 'no surrender' and means it.

I don’t get the hype behind this guy

good but not as good as Darkness on the Edge of Town Its a car ride typa album

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

ça va, pas trop mon truc

Solid album with classic songs that still feel relevant today.

The boss! Cover me and down bound train were fun new discoveries

I prefer the tracks that are less upbeat. Personal favorites were I'm on Fire and Downbound Train.

Iconic album, full of hits, but not in my window.

This album stands up surprisingly well. I've heard nearly all the tracks over the years, but never as an album. Nostaglia is what I feel most. Was it a simpler time? Yes. But are some things still the same? Also yes.