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 7 of 15)

Springsteen was a hit machine with this album, which addressed the struggles of the working man and social and economic decay.

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

Not bad. Probably won’t relisteb

Solid album. Only really one shitty song.

It was alright, but nothing remarkable about it.

better album than the one hit i thought of

This one was a favorite quite a ways back. I have some Springsteen LPs, including this one, but never got any CD reissues of Springsteen. I was surprised a little how my revisit listening differed from my recollection of it. I remembered it as a rock album. It now seems like a songwriter's album. No solos to speak of on the whole thing, just support for the songs and the lyrics presented in them. The sonic range was limited, for the most part, with the exception being a subtle nod to disco in the production of "Dancing in the Dark." No truly standout melodies, but the lyrics, nods to his musical heroes (e.g., Buddy Holly) and subtleties of Springsteen's delivery really flesh out the austere frameworks of these songs.

Born in the U.S.A. 3.5 Cover Me 3.3 Darlington County 3 Working on the Highway 2.8 Downbound Train 3 I'm on Fire 2.7 No Surrender 3 Bobby Jean 3.1 I'm Goin' Down 2.6 Glory Days 3.4 Dancing in the Dark 3.2 My Hometown 2.7 Score: 3.025

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.

Pretty good

Solid. I don't always feel this American but I can't deny it's quality.

Referring to women as little/young girls is extremely grating on the ear, even before the aggressive monotony of his delivery. Simplistic compositions. Not a fan.

A lot of idiots in the reviews really didn't understand what this album was about huh?

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.

I hope this is the last Bruce Springsteen album. We get it, the author loved Bruce Springsteen. I don't love BS, I don't even like him, but I don't hate him either.

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.

After The River, Bruce Springsteen turned away from Rock and, instead, spent his time back in his roots of Folk with Nebraska. He had, however, some unfinished business. If you view Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, and The River as a play in three acts, we find our young protagonists living in a gritty world, yet full of hopeful enthusiasm (Born To Run), followed by crushing reality (Darkness on the Edge of Town), and finally painful disillusionment (The River). With Born in the USA, we get a fourth installment that finds our protagonists now grown up and learning to cope with disappointment and life in general. We see them working a blue color job but remaining upbeat (Working on the Highway), dealing with their PTSD (Born in the USA), a weekend out of the city looking for girls (Darlington County), resistance to hopelessness (No Surrender, Dancing in the Dark), and reminiscing about the old days that now seem better than they did at the time (Glory Days). Born in the USA is an iconic album of the 1980s. It captures the sense of worry but resistance common at the time. It also spurred more hit songs than any other Springsteen album and made him the darling of MTV. It's not his greatest album - I'd argue for Born to Run or The River for that - but is a close second. Very close. Note: A lot of politicians use Born in the USA as walkup music at rallies. Both Presidents Reagan and Trump did this. Neither bothered to listen to the lyrics or get permission from The Boss. If they had, they would have realized it's not the jingoistic, patriotic song they were hoping for. Instead, it's a critique of what war does to people and how politicians use the armed forces for strictly political aims. It's an indictment of the USA, not a celebration.

scale: 1 - instaskip, 2-meh can be skipped/reaches point to skip, 3 -nothing wrong/easy listen/not seeking out, 4 - would listen to again, 5 - must listen "saying the name of the song early scale" (SNSES) Will be accounted for when I can remember. Born in the USA: 5 Cover me: 4 Darlington County: 4 Working on the Highway: 3 Downbound train: 5 I’m on fire: 7 No surrender: 6 Bobby Jean: 5 I’m goin down: 5 Glory days: 6 Dancing in the dark: 6 My hometown: 4 5. No doubter.

Born in the U.S.A. - 5.5 Cover Me - 4 Darlington County - 3.5 Working on the Highway - 3 Downbound Train - 3.5 I'm On Fire - 5.5 No Surrender - 5.5 Bobby Jean - 4 I'm Goin' Down - 4.5 Glory Days - 5 Dancing In the Dark - 5.5 My Hometown - 4.5

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 seems like its a book of his poetry mixed with several jams he and his band had kinda put together? Like in a way these feels less like songs and more like several vamps. I couldnt hear all the words though and i feel like a lot of his magic is there. That being said i did cry during the last song so ill give you that one, the boss!

This album is really good.

Torn, really love Im on Fire and Cover Me but the rest doesn't do it for me

Few things ooze 1984 for me more than this album. You could not escape the title track or Dancing in the Dark. Listening today I can feel all of the excitement and anxiety of 7th grade like it was yesterday. I didn’t care much for this album back then - the blue collar, railroad/highway worker, drinking at the bar while pining about the past (Glory Days) themes were beyond my 12 year old life experience. The same remains largely true today - this album feels really "mid" - and its value to me now rests in its ability to invoke feelings of an arguably simpler, more optimistic (American exceptionalism) time. 2/5

Day 5- Wasn't a huge fan of this album, i can understand the appeal but there was not much for me to grasp onto this musically or lyrically.

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.

Kyl tää vitoseks kääntyy. Ei o paljoa täytebiisejä

On se pomo! Kova levy, jossa tähdet oli asennossa ja soundit kohdillaan. Paljon radiosoittossakin kuultuja hittejä.

Levyllinen tasalaatuista hyvää! Kiva kuuntelu!

Good ole union music.

This isn’t good

It’s good

“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 ;).

As a record, it's not that exciting to me, but the singles are classics.

Love it. Own it.

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 remember this record sitting in a short stack of CDs in my grandparent’s living room. They weren’t loose; nothing in the house was. Instead, the dozen or so jewel cases were organised into slip shelves either side of a VCR and stereo unit, with the TV sitting king of the pile – appropriate symbolism for the then-biggest whale in the attention economy. I don’t recall the album ever getting played – and on the strength of this listen through, I doubt I’d have really remembered had it been. There are anthems in here, truly era-defining stadium rock gems that have delivered hours upon hours of enjoyment in varied and interesting contexts (Bum The Gibbon’s lockdown-era cover of “Dancing In The Dark” especially) … but as full albums go, there’s plenty in there that’s forgettable too. Still, I won’t soon forget the first time I held that album c.1996 and, in that peculiarly intuitive way only a child can, felt like I understood something about my grandad I didn’t before. The Boss in his blue jeans announced a dimension to my grandad’s character I hadn’t yet had a chance to apprehend; said something about his internal life I’d likely never hear him articulate directly … and would forever need to guess about anyway. And because life’s like that – layer on layer of clues, hues, idiosyncrasies, dust – music’s like that too (or is it the other way around?). Happy birthday, Grandad.

Classic 80's radio rock from a musical icon. Not my cup of tea, but I wouldn't mind a relisten every once again again.

No B.S. Son sus Glory Days, está claramente on fire, bailando en la oscuridad en su hometown, in the USA.

I tried. I was on a scenic drive. It was not good. Maybe just the wrong place and time. Maybe it’s actually not good. I don’t know, but whatever happened between me and these songs and that road… I’ll just never listen again and I am okay with that.

Actually when I finally listened to this last night I decided this album is amazing.

memories of growing up

ehh podia morir sin escucharlo

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.

This isn’t my favorite Bruce Springsteen sound, the synths and the drums sound especially dated, but this is heartland rock after all so thats kinda the point in some way I guess. This album spawned 7 singles which is absolutely wild, Springsteen was still on top of the world at this point. The bookend tracks for each side of this record are highlights. Opening with the title track is a great move. I know it’s been overplayed and misunderstood but I absolutely love this song as a story of how fucked up America can be to those it claims to honor most. Side 1’s closer is I’m on Fire. This is probably in my top 25 songs of all time. The hushed, tense vocals and instrumentation is so good. This song is creepy and I love it. Then we have the two bookends of side 2. No surrender kills live I’m sure and my hometown is classic Bruce on some classic Springsteen topics. Both very good. Going into this record I think I knew about half the songs already and going out I think those hits are still my favorite tracks although I really did like No Surrender and Bobby Jean on the second side and Downbound Train on the first (very The River of him). I can’t ignore how bad that one song of him going sha lalalala all over it is - Darlington County. Every aspect of that track is boring to bad. This has to be a 5 for me, even with its flaws this record is just an absolute force. I would still go see Springsteen today. Classic 5/5

Born in the USA and Dancing in the Dark are definitely the bangers but overall did enjoy the vibe of the rest of the album and might listen to it again

The boss! I enjoyed this- obviously knew born in the USA & dancing in the dark but the rest of the album was enjoyable but didn’t stick in my mind

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:

I truly expected this to be a country album just hearing the name and looking at the cover. So when I found out this was a rock album, I was very pleasantly surprised. I thought this was quite good. It started to lose traction about halfway through, but it was still a fun listen.

By the skin of its teeth a 5 for the all time bangers. Otherwise very good 4 level. He is the boss for a reason.

If there is a Bruce Springsteen song worth getting excited about I have yet to hear it. 2*

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

Bruce is truly something else. The man has a way of speaking directly to your soul and eliciting feelings through your body.

The unapologetic all star American album. It's got guns, booze, new york and pdf vibes.

I'm more a fan of Bruce Springsteen the person and songwriter than I am of almost any of his albums. Nebraska, Born to Run, and *maybe* the Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle, are his 5-star albums. Everything else has some great hits and some not great material. This is a massive album and you can hear how much of a hit it was but damn some of the songs really grate especially toward the end. I've always hated "Glory Days," for instance. Still a must-listen (#201).

Something between a 3 and 4 for me as it leans on a couple of singles but doesn't strike me much otherwise

BRUCE FOREVER

Perfect combination of stadium ambition and artistic integrity. Despair has never sounded so good.

Of the five album run that started with the River and ended with the disbanding of the E Street Band 1989 produced some of the most famous rock tracks of the 80s. A good chunk of those are on this album, still played on 80s station and movies in frequent rotation. Despite this it took me a long time to actually know who or what Bruce Springsteen was. My parents were never fans or if they were, never big enough ones to see him as an important part of my musical education. That changed somewhere in the early 2010s, a person on whom I had a crush had made me a CD with the songs she particularly carried close to her heart. Among those two songs from this album sat "I'm on Fire" and "Dancing in the Dark". I had heard both before yet seeing them through someone else's eyes allowed me space to love them greatly. I sought out the album soon after and have had the Boss in my rotation ever since. With time this no longer is my favourite of his. I think the wall of sound pop bombast is no longer the mode of Springsteen I love the most. On some nostalgic nights however it really sinks into me like an old dream half forgotten. A longing for better things and better times. I know more Springsteen awaits me on this journey and I'm excited to see him again when I come to him.

Great album. Born in the USA, Cover Me, I’m on Fire, No Surrender, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark, My Hometown are my favorites from the album. Solid listen through - most songs are great, everything is listenable.

this album is 4.5 for me i love the storytelling, absolute bangers

Incredible

Can't go wrong with the boss

This is one of the first albums I remember owning because I wanted it. I had the cassette and wore it out. Some great albums can be called masterpieces, this one is more of an achievement. Bruce set out to make a big album and it ended up being so much bigger than I'm sure he even thought. There's really not a weak track here (Working on the Highway is my least favorite, but it's not really bad). Standout Track(s): Bobby Jean (one of my all-time favorite songs), Downbound Train, My Hometown

I’m on fire changed the world as we know it

literally America but good

Reading the lyrics is even better

A few great classic songs to sing to

He's such a creep, it's disgusting. I'm giving it a 2 because of 2 of the songs that I begrudgingly like (NOT I'm on Fire). This man should be investigated. Clive Davis signed him I mean. Danger.

A reputação deste disco o precede. Frequente qualquer lugar que discuta música popular e você verá pessoas falando sobre este álbum. Além disso, não consigo nem imaginar o quão ubíquo este disco era nos anos 80 quando Springsteen havia infestado as paradas de sucesso. Mas eu ouvi este álbum estando completamente separado de tudo isso, não tendo vivido a época de dominância popular destas canções, e sem saber nada de Bruce e sua carreira. Boa parte desta obra são canções animadas, do tipo que faz você querer aplaudir no ritmo. Bater o cabelo pros lados igual aqueles filmes de sessão da tarde. O conteúdo lírico às vezes foge disso, e causa um certo espanto. É interessante, mas não me prendeu por completo. Primeiramente, não amo a voz de Springsteen, e sonoramente, as canções não são 100% do meu agrado. Mas mesmo que todos os elementos técnicos deste álbum não tenham sido completamente apreciados por mim, há algo bem cativante aqui dentro. Quando se foge um pouco das lentes da sessão da tarde, você acaba enxergando um mundo mais introspectivo e bem mais interessante em algumas dessas faixas. Até musicalmente elas ficam mais interessantes quando pintadas nessas outras cores. São essas partes deste disco que eu verdadeiramente gostei, e imagino que eu vá gostar bastante dos outros discos de Springsteen onde este lado é mais salientado. Veremos mais pra frente… 3/5

Great album! Really has that timeless sound.

Not his best album but there are a lot of good songs on this one

Good but I think it’s often repetitive but I love Bruce Springsteen personally

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.

Good stuff!

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.

Real Americana, fun to listen to even if I can't relate to it.

Ei se syyttä jo tämän legendaarisen albumin kannen näkeminen saa Born in the USA:ta soimaan päässä kolmea päivää putkeen. Kyllähän nämä biisit ovat tarttuvia! Jokin Springsteenin äänessä ei kuitenkaan miellytä minua, mikä tekee kappaleiden kuuntelemisesta välillä raskasta. Tykkään kuitenkin aikakaudelle tyypillisestä rokista, jota tämä edustaa hyvin. Albumi pysyykin tyylilleen ominaisena koko ajan olematta kuitenkaan yksitoikkoinen. Hiteiksi nousseet Born in the USA sekä Dancing in the Dark ovat mielestäni, ja arvattavasti, ne albumin tarttuvimmat teokset. Ja onhan tuo levyn kansi vain hieno!

Consistent throughout but overuse of the cheesy keyboard sound. Top track: I'm Goin' Down / Southbound Train

This is the sound of boomers pining for the “good old days” that never really existed

three really strong songs that vastly outshine the rest. The title track, I'm on Fire, and Dancing In the Dark are all beautiful songs. The rest are kinda take it or leave it.

It‘s the only Springsteen album that I have listened in its entirety before. It still is not for me. The title track and „Dancing in the dark“ are powerful songs, but overall too less is happening over the course of the album. I almost get annoyed by the repetitivness of the drumming, until „Dancing in the dark“ washes that thought away (side note: I enjoy the almost drum-computer-like drumming on e.g. The war on Drugs records - there the drumming feels like a necessary anchor to hold everything together; on „Born in the U.S.A.“ it feels like a pure byproduct). I like the boss‘s voice but overall the record invites the listener to much to just sway to it… Highlights: Next to the two mentioned tracks, I liked „Downbound train“ and its sligthly more nostalgic vibe. One reason might be that there is less drumming here as well ;)

Gostei de 2 músicas, o resto foi mid

Proprio americano!

Again, nothing too special for me, although I did enjoy this one more than White Light. My favourite song is probably No Surrender, but it was fun rediscovering a few iconic songs (aka 2, because I don’t know more) on this album.

Not my thing at all but Dancing in the Dark is a floor filling banger and Bobby Jean has some wicked sax.

goo0d, loved it.

So hard to hear fresh, and separate it from the conversations of America - it's use at rallies etc. But I can see why it's been coopted - it feels biiiiiig, approachable.....American. Odd - considering how much I love Sam's Town - but that doesn't sit well with me. Perhaps the 80s bombast, the prototypical American stories, but there wasn't enough ambiguity, mystery for me to get excited, or want to listen again.

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

Ive long had a vendetta against Bruce Springsteen, but I think it's mostly just for the humor factor. His songs are generally not my favorite, but they are definitely skillful and emotionally charged. Plus I appreciate the comentary on the US this album brings. Overall- good, but not really for me

Huge album for people who like boring music

A good listen. I enjoyed this one overall!

Born in the U.S.A. is a mausoleum in amber: one among many monuments to the moment when rock, bewitched by the gewgaws of its new electronic arsenal, embalmed itself. The gated drum - a thud convinced of its own eternity - is shackled here to synth patches of such queasy translucence they might have been run off an Amstrad printer. Even in 1984, this sound carried its own built-in nostalgia: a glossy cousin to The Boys of Summer, Walk of Life, and Young Turks - all already looking backward. Like mosquitoes in amber, some ideas were dead before they were trapped; others froze mid-buzz. Springsteen’s American characters were already stuck, but here they’re idealised and nostalgised, pinned in place forever. It’s a supposed celebration of working-class life with no tangible celebration. Even when they dance - in the dark, no less - it’s joyless, as exhausting as a Depression-era dance marathon. The title track is a case in point: two steps, no direction, just like the lives it describes. It sounds like a clever idea, but it’s no idea at all. A I chord followed by a V chord is not minimalism; it’s idling. A few tracks - Dancing in the Dark, I’m on Fire - flutter briefly alive when encountered on the radio, but back in the LP’s running order they’re smothered by the same synthetic and philosophic mulch. Of course, all the mixing desks were powered by glutaraldehyde then. Somewhere on an American AM nostalgia station, The Boys of Summer, Walk of Life, and Springsteen’s own Glory Days run in endless concatenation. It’s not fun. It’s motorway hypnosis in FM form. Henley aches, Knopfler goofs, Springsteen grimaces - but at speed, all faces blur. All bugs look the same once smashed on your windscreen. Who’d want to listen to so much of this depressing music? The War on Drugs, apparently. They did a reverse Jurassic Park, taking the DNA from this dinosaur rock and ending up with a buzzing, irritating sound like a mosquito. 2.5 I was out in the car yesterday afternoon listening to this album when something unusual happened. I was driving through Lurganure village between Lisburn and Moira and came up behind an estate car and after a few seconds of following it up the road a child’s hand emerged from the back window clutching a mini Northern Ireland flag (the Red Hand - not the football flag). Flegs are nothing unusual at all of course, least of all in Lurganure village, but the experience of seeing it fluttering in the wind from the window of a car I was following was striking. A couple of seconds after this happened ‘No Surrender’ started playing. I ended up behind this car listening to that track all the way up the Moira road. I don’t know what it means but it’s bound to be some sort of message from the Ether isn’t it? ‘Blood brothers in the stormy night with a vow to defend/ No retreat, baby, no surrender’ Jesus Christ, I thought, Springsteen really is the voice of the experience of the common man everywhere. I don’t know what to say about Born in the USA a day after doing The Joshua Tree. I think that sequencing certainly works in Springsteen’s favour. The drumming on this album - unremarkable on previous listens - struck me as absolutely brilliant this time. That guy can, literally, play the drums. And although the keyboard sounds on this record are much worse, and much more dated, than the keys on Joshua Tree - the terrible keyboard voices are part of the core of the musical identity of this record. Dancing in the Dark stands as one of the great terrible keyboard records in my mind, alongside Walk of Life; I absolutely adored both songs when I was a child and still have a soft spot. I enjoyed hearing this today. 3/5

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

Álbum incrível! Que momento brilhante do Bruce Springsteen! TRN VX PRO+.

Not a single weak verse.

While I like the fella’s politics, I’m not sure about his music. The title track still grates on me and sounds awfully 80’s

A handful of decent songs. I thought I would like it more than I did.

casi que me dan ganas de tiro3ar una escuel4

Total classic, perhaps it's nostalgia classes but I proper enjoyed it.

It never ceases to amaze me how Born in the USA is constantly misunderstood as a flag-waving, fist-pumping, patriotic 'Murica song. It is not. Listen to the song. Born in the USA, Cover Me, Goin' Down, Glory Days, and My Hometown are all standout songs. Glory Days in particular is so upbeat, but captures that bittersweet feeling of nostalgia so well. It is an amazing song. Dancing in the Dark is not a bad song, but I cringe thinking of the music video for it. Too much of the Boss dancing. This is his most popular album and probably the only Springsteen album that I do not mind listening to all the way through. It is excellent.

An absolute classic by a real, red-blooded American who loves his country so much he dedicated a whole album to it. All jokes aside, this album is still phenomenal, even coming from somebody who has no nostalgic attachment to it. I hear they call him "The Boss" because he's in charge of all white men over the age of 40, and this album is part of the reason why. It's got incredible highs, with mega-hits like Born in the USA (which isn't a song I particularly love, but I can appreciate), I'm on Fire, Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark, which is an absolute classic. What makes a great album though are the songs in between the highs, the "mediums and lows", but this album really doesn't stray far off course. It stays pretty true to it's sound the whole time and none of the songs suck, which is really, rare in my opinion, and really a sign of phenomenal talent. It also doesn't really feel like every song kind of sounds "the same", a problem lots of album suffer from, but Bruce really goes all kinds of directions on this album, and really changes everything up from song to song in a way that makes it incredibly easy listening. Just phenomenal.

Would I sit down and actively listen to this record ever again? Probably not. Would I mind, if someone put this record on. Most definitely not. I mean, Born in the U.S.A. is quite the collection of popular songs, but it all seems quite vanilla to me - or maye more akin to the Chernobyl TV Series "not great, not terrible".

8/10…homeland rock

понравилась только денсинг ин зе дарк.

I’m no big Bruce head, and in fact I’ve always struggled to appreciate most of his stuff…but wow, yeah, I get it with this one. 4-5 iconic hits and every other song on it is pretty damn good. I love “I’m Goin’ Down” the most of the tunes I’d never heard before. Great album, man.

Great hits and no duds. Great album

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

It’s the Boss!

Love the Boss, hate how badly misinterpreted the title track has been, love this album even if it is a little more “pop” than his previous

Wasn't very impressed byt his album, of course had the righteous selfnamed song born in the USA. Fell asleep listening to this one.

this is what bland sounds like to me i think. but songs like cover me and parts of no surrender im a fan of. not the most challenging music but a challenge for me to listen to nonetheless because of genre preferences i think.

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

Finally, an album I owned! (Child of the 80s.) Also, *so, so good*.

This is just a great album. The hits are incredible, and the filler is strong enough to stand on its own. I'll never be a huge fan of his voice, but it works here.

I do like when it sounds melancholic but it stays too long being upbeat which doesn't suit his voice

Born in the USA: 5/5 - ikonisk, peak åttitallet. Cover Me: 2/5 - litt seig, men ålreit. Darlington County: 1/5 - platas svakeste Working on the Highway: 3/5 - har du hatt jobb hvor du dusjer på kvelden og ikke på morran så skjønner du, Downbound Train: 5/5. Dette er mørkt. Kunne vært på Nebraska, det høres. I`m On Fire: 5/5 sprengkåt, dette er en hvit manns "Lets get it on". Fin synth. No Surrender: 5/5. Little Steven-produkt. Bobby Jean: 2/5. Middels. I`m Going Down: 2/5. Glory Days: 2/5. Sportsbarrock om å gå på sportsbar. Dancing In the Dark: 5/5. 4 minutter og ett sekund med helgevorspielstemning. Synther, shots, ut og leve livet. My Hometown: 5/5. Historietime.

#DÍA 17: 1001 Discos Que Hay Que Escuchar Antes De Morir (English Translation Below) Un clásico como un castillo, eso es innegable, pero no es para mí la verdad. En general el Heartland Rock y la voz de Bruce Springsteen no conectan demasiado conmigo. Puede que lo tenga demasiado ligado a un sentimiento estadounidense y yo no es que sea muy de allí… No obstante puedo admirar el talento innegable, ya sea como cantante o como escritor, del artista. Es un álbum sólido y que en general flojea poco, así que si eres fan de este sonido seguro que te engancha con la primera escucha. Es un sonido muy ochentero, con una batería metida en una catedral y con unos sintetizadores que ciegan con su brillo. Es imposible ignorar el single principal, Born In The U.S.A., cuyo mensaje anti-guerra de Vietnam ha sido bastante malinterpretado en general, pero es una canción muy sólida de Pop Rock. Destaco puntos como la expresividad de la voz de Springsteen, sobre todo en Cover Me; la estructura más cercana al Folk de Downbound Train o I’m On Fire, que pilla por sorpresa que canciones sin estribillo fuesen tan exitosas en su día; y Bobby Jean, un homenaje bastante emotivo al exguitarrista de The E-Street Band. Por lo demás, pienso que el álbum se queda muy estancado en un sonido, sobre todo instrumentalmente y en la segunda mitad pierde bastante mi interés, aunque pueda valorar que las letras sean sinceras e interesantes, como Dancing In The Dark o My Hometown. En fin, ojalá me llegase más el sonido general del disco, pero me resulta algo aburrido, no pienso que alcance la energía y el júbilo que pretenden desprender muchas de las instrumentales, por eso quizá me hayan gustado más los temas más íntimos de sonido. Favoritas: Born In The U.S.A., Cover Me, Downbound Train, I’m On Fire, Bobby Jean, My Hometown Menos favorita: No Surrender #DAY 17: 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die A classic like a castle, that’s undeniable—but to be honest, it’s not for me. In general, Heartland Rock and Bruce Springsteen’s voice don’t really resonate with me. Maybe I associate it too much with a very American sentiment, and I’m not particularly connected to that… That said, I can still admire the undeniable talent of the artist, whether as a singer or as a songwriter. It’s a solid album that rarely falters, so if you’re a fan of this sound, it’ll likely hook you from the first listen. It has a very ’80s sound, with drums that feel like they were recorded in a cathedral and synthesizers that shine blindingly bright. It’s impossible to ignore the main single, Born in the U.S.A., whose anti-Vietnam War message has often been misunderstood, but it’s a very solid Pop Rock song. I’d highlight things like Springsteen’s expressive vocals, especially on Cover Me; the more folk-leaning structure of Downbound Train or I’m On Fire, which were very successful at the time even if they didn’t have a chorus; and Bobby Jean, a rather emotional tribute to the former guitarist of The E Street Band. Beyond that, I feel like the album gets a bit stuck in one sound—especially instrumentally—and the second half loses my interest quite a bit, although I can still appreciate that the lyrics are sincere and interesting, as in Dancing in the Dark or My Hometown. In the end, I wish the album’s overall sound resonated with me more, but I find it somewhat dull. I don’t think it reaches the energy and joy that many of the instrumentals seem to aim for, which is probably why I ended up enjoying the more intimate-sounding tracks more. Favorites: Born in the U.S.A., Cover Me, Downbound Train, I’m On Fire, Bobby Jean, My Hometown Least favorite: No Surrender

Still an outstanding piece of work

Great album. Sounds timeless

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'.

Still not sure about Bruce. Mostly find this very hokey but then he will still absolutely slay every once in a while, with the likes of Dancing in the dark. This is probably peak 'The Boss and his 4 hour gigs' era. Personally I wouldn't want to stick around anywhere near that long. But hey, he's a big figure

Somewhat of a banger

Fantastic album from the Boss! Dancing in the Dark is an all-timer. I really like I’m on Fire (although I prefer the fat guy’s cover on youtube). Glory Days, Cover Me and the title track are all great examples of what John Mellencamp could never be. My Hometown is a great closer too. I definitely prefer earlier Bruce but this still hits the heights.

This is the antithesis of the music I enjoy. This album is not for me, and I didn't like any song from it at all.

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.

God damn Bruce Springsteen. His music is far too mediocre to get the amount of radio play it does, but I guess some people must like it.

Amazing album!

ROADHOUSE - Darlington Country - I like the bit where they go sha la la la (Dancing in the Dark slaps. Music video on Top of the Pops 2 with the staged Courtney Cox dance is a defining moment) It sounds like Bruce Springsteen. I guess that's why it's on this list. Would I play it again. Maybe. Will I forget that I might play it again? Probably

Not a big Bruce fan, but this was a great album and more like his greatest hits. Enjoyed the variety and storytelling on the 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.

he's a good storyteller/songwriter, but his voice just grates on my after a few songs. overall, an ok listen & (unlike SEVERAL others albums recently) I understand why it's on the list. 3.5 stars

A big ‘ol slice of American blue collar apple pie right here. Bruce was firing on all cylinders with this record, and it fills me with a good dose of warm and fuzzy nostalgia. Just don’t play the title track at the 1984 RNC because it might be helpful to read the lyrics first. Great album.

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.

Bruce has been crushing for decades, and this one is an absolute Beast! A transition, the recognition of his age and his need to speak up and out. The title track is once again the weakest part of the album, and the most abused. The rest is pure pleasure. Fuck yeah, I love it. God Bless Springsteen!

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.

Ce serait pas le chanteur le plus surestimé de l'histoire notre ami Bruce, avec ses caisses claires qui résonnent et ses trompettes merdiques ?

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.

Yankee Real Classic

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

Some of the first songs I heard from Bruce Springsteen growing up. Enjoyed listening to them again!

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.

Starts with a miss understood classic. Great story teller with catchy music. It still feels as cutting and relatable as it did in the 80s. One I will come back to often.

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.

A certified classic! This album is pretty good and probably Bruce Springsteen's best at this moment. Mainly, the thing that gets me on this album is the lyricism of Born in the USA (the song). While the poppy tone is there, it is one of the most somber pop songs about an average American coming home from Vietnam falling on hard times. It is one of those American songs that are based on fact rather than propaganda. It is probably one of the best and most clever songs ever written. Some other highlights on this album are songs like Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark of course. But the second song on the album Cover Me unexpectedly sounded really well-done to me in my opinion. Overall, great album and one of the great classics of the 80s! Favorite Tracks: Born in the USA, Cover Me, Glory Days, Dancing in the Dark Rating: 4.5/5

I get why people like Springsteen, there's a certain anthemic quality to what he does but as I've said before, heartland rock just doesn't really do it for me. It's fine, I can listen to it but for my tastes, I find it to be a bit 'bright', a bit plodding and just lacking a bit of bite. I believe he's very good live and 'Id probably get more out of it in that environment.

Some high spots

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

I remember buying a copy of this on vinyl for four bucks around 2002 and getting the shit eye from the hipsters behind the counter, and one was like, "seriously, bro?" Now that same hipster trash has aged out, bought the same record for 40.00 and also has a big boner for the Boss. You know it's true. Boss boners for all. I said it on another review (so many Springsteen albums on here....) that I am down for anything up to 87 or so and this obviously falls in that range. I feel that pretty much every track on this album is a classic and recognizable in it's own right. The production and delivery (which seems to rub some people wrong) is direct, and punchy. Much more in your face. Probably driven in large part by that iconic verby snare. I don't know....this album just hits right. Best track: I'm Goin' Down. All day, every day.

DAD ROCK, sounds, tastes and smells like the 80s. Undoubtedly some great songs, but hard to believe this followed up Nebraska. Two albums that are rather far apart... still, better than other Springsteen albums I've listened to.

Never really been a Bruce Springsteen fan, but there are a couple of fantastic songs on this album. I particularly enjoy the fact that the Americans have adopted the song “born in the USA” which is ironic considering it’s about the Vietnam war an how the country failed the veterans who returned from the war. Would listen to a couple of tracks but not the whole album again

Me gustó bastante, lo pondría para viajar a chascomus

God bless américa, Trump for president my country is the whole continent cause i dont know shit about geography. Yessss.... no.

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

Supongo que es un disco para escuchar disparando mientras manejo un Camaro a 100 hamburgesas/pie cúbico

*Dripping with Americana delight. Fave track - Dancing in the Dark RATING - 7.5/10

School went mad when he played Roundhay park in Leeds. I'd never heard of him. I was surprised by how many of these songs I knew. The rhythm on I'm on fire is good.

Just so sleepy and droning on.

Fuck the Boss. trump-loving shitbird motherfucker.

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

Well... It's pop rock, right? It's, fine. I dunno. I wouldn't choose to listen to this, but I might add it to my vinyl collection and not object if someone else chooses it during a gathering. It's iconic. I'm not exactly sure why, but, whatever

Working on the Highway is on here. You don’t need anything more.

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

An absolutely stellar album. I'm happy to have gotten it in the middle of the summer.

God, what a great album. Such a great blending of pop rock. The hit singles from this album are some of the most famous rock songs, but the other songs on the album are about as good.

not bad!!

Great album I really enjoyed this

If those MAGA American exceptionalists only knew...

Not a fan of the big sound on this one but it’s a good album overall

Never got the success of this guy, but this albums is alright.

Bruce Springsteen is a cool man, I love that man. I've never been a fan of his music tho, but... I must admit that Born In The USA has its moments! Great one, Bruce!

“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.

Really quite disappointing. Uninspired both musically and lyrically.

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

I’ve heard worse

Really hate this.

Just what we needed: Ol' Bruce still sounds like he's singing while taking a dump, but now that dump is drenched in 80's reverb. But wait - there's more: every song consists of the most predictable melody repeated ad nauseam with no development of theme whatsoever and not a single note or rhythm to challenge the ear. Even when Bruce decides to branch out and attempt more challenging genres than regurgitated two chord American folk slop, it ends up being a pale, pathetic, plagiaristic imitation (see the rockabilly of "Working on the Highway"). But generally, this album is about as basic as music can be - essentially what would happen if you wrote music for people who don't like music. Lyrically, this sounds like ChatGPT being asked to write the least self-aware doggerel possible. The first two Springsteen albums on this list got 1 star for being a blackhole of creativity and this makes it a trifecta. 0.5/5.0: Unlistenable

more tolerable than the other bruce springsteen albums on the list but nothing of note on here either

American classic

No me ha desagradado. Puede que eso se deba a lo que me tocó ayer, porque nunca pensé que diría eso de un disco de Bruce Springsteen. Tiene un buen puñado de temas conocidos y otros que, a pesar de no destacar demasiado se dejan escuchar. 3/5

This annoying but feels good to listen to

It's been a great week this time. However, "Born in the U.S.A" is the weakest of the albums. It's still good compared to albums from other weeks. "No Surrender" is the best from "Born in the U.S.A". It's better than most of the singles from the album. 3 stars for "Born in the U.S.A".

Meh, stabil rock men trökigt

At first, I felt like I didn’t really understand a lot of the hype around Bruce, but I finally listened to this album all the way through. It really is a masterpiece, definitely one of my top surprises from this project. Every song is enjoyable, I feel like I could just sit and listen all the way through. There’s no way it’s coincidence that it came on my list around the Fourth of July either. Five stars easily.

Overall a good album with some standout tracks (Cover Me and especially Bobby Jean being on constant rotation), but I could have gone my whole life without hearing 'I'm On Fire'.

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.

Not a Springsteen fan!

I'm yet to fall in love with Bruce. I understand this has some classic tracks but i can get excited about a man who slurrs like a dementia patient.

Enjoyed listening to this album, had only ever heard the singles. Favourite song was im goin down

Banger cant wait for his biopic

Had some tempo beats i could get used to, and being quite a classic album couldn't completely hate on it. Is a bit hick for my liking

A very difficult album to listen to. The vocals are grating and flat in many of the songs. However, I did find a couple of the songs earworming my brain afterwards to save it from being a 1*

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.

Bruce Springsteen is 'Basically Fine: The Musical'. Nothing about his music stirs any kind of feeling in me. Even his biggest hits - both of which are on this album - leave me with a feeling of ambivalent indifference. I can't understand how anyone could dislike this music, and I can't understand why anyone could like it. It's magnolia dad rock which as a non-american has zero cultural meaning.

⭐️I’m On Fire

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

Ugh. Bueno, más que el tema conocido, el resto parece una extensión de el. Nota: 2.8

not as awesome as i thought but respect to bruce’s politics!

Easy 5 stars, but lower 5 stars than I anticipated. May not be a Top 5 Bruce album? "I'm on Fire" "Dancing in the Dark" and "No Surrender" are undeniable, but the rest of the record is a touch underwhelming. But 5 stars here, for sure.

I think born to run was maybe better (title track is def better) and I gave that a 4 but I like this so im giving it a 5. Also, I love I'm on Fire.

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

Did not impress me nearly as much as I thought it would. Maybe a 4, but I’m gonna give it a 3 for being kind of a letdown. Born to run better

Couple of good songs, but mostly a bit middle of the road.

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!

1) Born in the U.S.A.: Good song. You'd think the socio-political criticism and anti-nationalist sentiment was too on the nose, but apparently not blatant enough for most (US)Americans to get it. Which in itself adds a whole meta-layer of dramatic irony. 2) Cover Me: Solid song. Simple but effective. 3) Darlington County: Too formulaic and repetitive for my taste. Gets annoying past the 3-minute-mark. 4) Working on the Highway: I do like the catchy melody, but what's with the tonal dissonance between it and the subject matter? 5) Downbound Train: Interesting. Very monotonous melody, but that feels intentional given the subject matter. And the drums add a rebellious drive. 6) I'm On Fire: Rather short, quite energetic. Themes of obsession, using palpable imagery. 7) No Surrender: Strong, poetic song, albeit with a really strange introooohooohoho. 8) Bobby Jean: Not bad, but not particularly memorable either. 9) I'm Goin' Down: Strange one, in that I do enjoy the composition itself, but not so much the vocals. 10) Glory Days: Fun, upbeat, catchy. Not sure whether it's candidly revelling in nostalgia or looking at living in the past with a critical eye. 11) Dancing In the Dark: Great song. A bit poppier than the rest of the album. Solemn lyrics though, and generally relatable. 12) My Hometown: Nice track about the ups and downs of life, about how nothing stays the same, and how people still hold on to their past. Some really good songs, some mediocre ones. But most notably, the album comes across as very disjointed. To the point where I'd argue that one of the songs coming on in a playlist or on the radio presents it more favourably than getting them back to back. Sure, half of them are topical to living one's life in a declining environment. But the other half are most definitely not. And there's very little variety in the song-writing, for better and for worse. Still, I have to applaud this album for producing so many high-quality commercial hits.

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

Despite having been there at the time, I’m not a huge fan of the 80s. The tinny drumming and synth that kicks off the title track just makes me unutterably miserable, so even though I’ll allow it’s not the paean to America I had thought it was as a kid, it still sounds dreadful. That keyboard riff is so repetitive and strident I want to chew my own face off. And then Glory Days goes and does ‘da da DA da, da da DA da’ which just drives me insane. It’s like Dire Straits’ execrable Walk of Life but somehow worse. Anyway. I liked Cover Me. But not much else. Friends tell me if you see The Boss live you get it, but this is not live and I did not get it.

Two bangers - I'm on Fire, and Dancing in the Dark

Pretty good

Springsteen gravely voice over mostly ballads. Was a great album

Surprisingly good. Great song writing. Classic rock energy.

I FUCKING LOVE BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN I AM A GAY MAN WHO DOES NOT PLAY ABOUT BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND I AM NOT SORRY

5/5. Bruce is the best storyteller and the songs just rock. So many iconic hits.

Born in the U.S.A is obviously a banger. The rest of the album was lost on me a bit.

I’ll never know if this was ever a good album or not, it was senselessly beaten to death on the radio. As a result of that, I will never listen to a word of it.

I find Bruce Spingsteen a little cheesy but this album still hits.

This is a tough one. Legit a great album, but I self-admittedly never actively listen to Springsteen and I set my four start cut-off to albums I'd choose to listen to again. Don't know if this will be 3 or 4 stars until I hit submit later tonight.

bruce springsteen good. does suffer from some 80s cheese though and not the kind i’m a fan of lol

The hits are undeniable, in saying that some of the deep cuts on the album are quite a chore to get through and really break up the enjoyment of the album and make it hard to listen to as a whole project and had to use the weekend to listen to it. Again the hits are what save this album from being rated lower, I might come back to this later in life and enjoy it more but right now not so much

This is definitely one of those road trip albums with songs that make the legs and head bob. I would argue that perhaps the title of The Boss based on this album is a little exaggerated. Overall, this album will receive a rating of 3.5/5 with a bump up to 4 as it definitely deserves to be separated from other ratings of 3s.

Legendary album in terms of impact and lasting influence from The Boss. Some classic anthem type tracks that stood the test of time for the most part. Would go back to some of the songs from time to time but not the full album. Standout tracks other than the title track: Glory Days & No Surrender 3.5/5

Born in the U.S.A. is a great song to start a Friday with, gets you pumped and is a great reminder how lucky I am to have not been Born in the U.S.A. Other standouts are I'm On Fire, Glory Days, and Dancing in the Dark. Wouldn't be a big fan of Bruce in general but with the amount of stand outs on one album and how many bands have made careers off imitating him, looking at you Sam Fender, this deserves a 4/5.

5 stars! A lot of hits! Most of the non-hits more than good enough!

feel rather nostalgic about bruce springsteen, my parents love him and always played him growing, im on fire is lovely

I not really a fan of Bruce. Not really sure why. Maybe his political views or maybe some things he’s done outside of music. Not really sure. But I have never really dived into any of his albums. But I have to say this is an awesome record. From beginning to end.

I know well and like this album

9/10 Absolute stonker of an album. Near perfection of the heartfelt, good ol' boy American rock. After having Born to Run earlier this month, I didn't have high expectations, but where that album is almost musical theatre, this is proper songs keeping to the right side of overwrought, heart bursting emotion. Every song is good, a few are great. Well done Bruce.

This is like THE American album of the '80s, even sporting an iconic album cover. I've always liked that this seems like an upbeat, happy album but there's a sense of sadness in the lyrics and vocal delivery ("Dancing in the Dark", for example). The song selection is mostly strong, I'd cut "Working on the Highway" and maybe "Glory Days". The latter was a hit so it doesn't make sense but it has never been my fav with the "Alright, boys, keep it rockin' now" shouts and the sports arena organs. Maybe that's just my European brain. Highlights: "Born in the U.S.A.", "Downbound Train", "I'm on Fire", "No Surrender", "Bobby Jean" & "Dancing in the Dark". 4.5 stars.

This is actually my seventh favorite Springsteen album. As much as I love Bruce Springsteen's material my ranking of his is rather unconventional. My absolute favorite is the one previous to this, Nebraska, and also my top five are his debut and sophomore albums which are usually not very highly looked upon but I find them absolutely a joy to listen to. This one is still good as always his songwriting is in good form I think it's a bit weighted down by the '80s production. In fact I think a few of the songs feel a bit more upbeat considering the lyrics that contain it, including the first single "Dancing in the Dark". Honestly where this album really shines are the darker "I'm on Fire" and "My Hometown". But to me the crown jewel of this album is the title track and as much as it is misunderstood, I think his actual message is clear and concise. It is neither jingoistic or anti-america. It is just basically looking around and asking himself is this the America I bought into. All in all there are some really great tunes on this album "Cover Me", and "I'm Goin' Down", but it is often muddled with some overly bombastic songs that sound very 80s and very dated. The less I talk about "Glory Days" the better. 8.4 ★★★★

Many great songs, but too heavy 80s production. 4 stars

Heard this a million times and it's one of my favorites. Some days, it's my favorite Bruce album. Some of my very favorite Springsteen songs here -- "I'm On Fire", "No Surrender", "I'm Goin' Down", "Dancing in the Dark", and what's probably the most underrated Bruce song for me, "Bobby Jean". A heartland rock classic. 5 stars.

Solid, dependable classic Bruce for the 80s with extra scrummy big arena synthiness and some megaton barnstormers. The opener title song is the key blazing, ultra-raw; out of this world composition but there are other hefty whoppers like Glory Days, Dancing In The Dark and even Downtown Train which is a dead ringer for Dead Ringer by Meat Loaf. Other highlights I’m On Fire and faint sundown closer My Hometown. Strong 4 for the site.

BRUUUUUUUCE

Q demas empezar el día escuchando al bruce 10/10

À réécouter.

When a red hat meant you were a real American.

This album is a 50/50 split of amazing songs and mediocre filler.

Noen virkelig flotte ikoniske låter på denne platen.

Pretty ironic that this album came up the weekend after the global crisis occurred. Regardless, banger album. Fuck Trump. Fuck war. Roll Bruce.

Sincerely surprised by how much I enjoyed and related to this album

I never understood the appeal of Springsteen. I listened to this album and I just don’t like his music. It’s one of those things where there’s nothing wrong with the music, it just doesn’t click with me at all.

Not enjoying this one as much as Born to Run. Never realized how repetitive the title track, and some of the songs are a bit too poppy/country for me (Darlington County). Still some good stuff on here though, Downbound Train, No Surrender, Glory Days (classic). Springsteen's vocals continue to be hit and miss. Generally though, this album is just fine for me.

I posted a review and it’s not here? What happened?

Dad- 8 Mom- 10 Mike- MA Lori- 7 Michael- 8.5 Miles- NA Cole- NA Avg- 8.38

I automatically hate any music that makes people stand in place and clap over their heads. And that’s what I’ve seen every time Born in the USA is played. No thanks

the atmoshere this whole album is just annoying

Classic album. Was massive when I was a kid. Great to listen again

It is such an American album from the title track to baseball nostalgia, I just feel like I am out of context here to really connect with lyrics even after reading up on it. Musically it haven't grasped me either.

Better than ever before since the jackass in chief is in a pissing war so he can bathe his face in yellow pee.

I used to really enjoy Springsteen, but admittedly this one did not stand the test of time for me.

An enjoyable album with some highs and lows. Dancing in the dark especially good.

I feel like I should like this more because of what album it is, but...I just didn't. Not my style.

"I'm on fire" is such a beautiful, haunting sounding song.

Not quite what I was hoping for with all the hype I've heard from this album, mostly from my parents tbf. A few too many forgettable tracks for being such a huge pop-rock album. Perhaps it got carried by the singles which are decent but Born to Run is better in almost every way. 6/10

I had previously heard this album before and I already knew the hits very well. It's a very good album. Bruce Springsteen has a very distinctive voice and sound, which is on full display here. I would listen again for sure.

I think this creates the rock sound of the 80’s

Always down for listening to this one. 4.5/5

It may be a great album, but the songs have been played to death (e.g., Born in the U.S.A.). I found the songs that didn't get radio play were the most interesting. I have to also admit that there is a lot of Bruce Springsteen's music I just don't care for and I don't know why.

Hmmm, never really got into Bruce. There is a song or two that I like, but never really got the appeal. This album suffers from a lot of airplay back in the day, and a really dated 80's feel.

Absolute classic. I love Springsteen, and there are timeless songs on this. This marked the beginning of his transition from his "bar band era" to his "troubadour era." The results are fantastic, even if some of the songs don't resonate as much as the others.

can't stand born in the usa (the song). overall the album got 80s-ified compared to his old stuff so not my favorite of his albums but the non hits are the most enjoyable listens. always love a clarence clemons solo though

Absolutely brilliant. Love it, and will continue to love it for all of time. Brings back so many memories for me.

Listened to this album recently as part of my 2025 resolution to listen to at least one new album per week. Wrote the following note for it on my spreadsheet: "Probs one of my favorite album covers; can't believe I haven't listened to this one in its entirety - post-listening comments: extremely satisfying; gorgeous" Previously listened to 3 songs (Dancing in the Dark; Born in the U.S.A.; I'm On Fire) Favorite Song: Dancing in the Dark

Bruce captures small town nj so we’ll

Can’t argue with the title track, but the rest is thin gruel. A pop sheen over grit that never quite surfaces. Wonder if the rednecks ever noticed it’s not a victory lap but a eulogy.

This is a fucking classic! Must have in every collection!

10/10 Album cover 9/10

I get the sense that the real Bruce heads don’t love this one quite as much because of how overexposed it is but I could be wrong. And as a more casual fan, I love it. Just an insane track list from top to bottom. Title track is beautifully 80s, I’m on Fire is haunting, Glory Days is Glory Days. And we’ve got I’m Goin’ Down, which is probably in my top 20 favorite songs.