Darkness on the Edge of Town

For what it's worth, this album wasn't too bad, but it was a really weird pic for an artist as accomplished with a catalog as broad as Bruce Springsteen. Not sure I'm going to continue this list.

I probably should like Springsteen but this really feels like it's not going to penetrate my brain. Nothing at all really stands out or grips me at all.

Oh Bruce, the banger machine. I didn't know this album all that well, apart from the title track and a couple of others. It felt grimier and less polished than the big beasts of Born in The USA and Born To Run. More down-at-home and somehow very personal. I liked that, even if it did lack some of the grandeur of his biggest hits. Once again, I'm left wondering who these people are who consider The Boss' voice to be anything other than absolutely stellar.

Mumbles

i'm a decent fan of bruce and this one, i think is my favorite of his, at the end of the day. although it doesn't have the same peaks as 'born to run' i think the crop of songs are more consistent, and i love the dark, more aggressive sound he employs on this one. of course, his songwriting on this is top notch, as it almost always is. just a great album through and through

Always liked Bruce's music

not gonna listen

Classic rock. Excellent album by Bruce Springsteen (though not in my top 3) with some classic songs. Bruce is a phenomenal songwriter and his raspy voice conveys the heartache and longing central to his lyrics perfectly. His band is excellent and his music occupies a special place in the classic rock canon. Badlands, Candy's Room, Promised Land, Prove It All Night and the title track are all excellent.

Classic Bruce but not really memorable.

This feels like an album wedged between two much better albums. Still, it's okay. Probably a 2.5 for me.

Classic Springsteen with solid lyrics covered by his gruff, unimpressive voice. BUT...you simply cannot help feeling good after listening to his music so who the hell cares about the technicalities! 4 / 5

Bruce valt in de categorie grote artiesten die ik alleen van naam ken. Ik mis hier weinig aan, geen echt fijne stem, verder instrumentaal goed, maar ook de themas van de nummers doen me weinig.

Un tremendo vozarrón. Cavernoso. Pasional. Eso y una banda sólida definen a éste disco. Buena recomendación.

Was für ein Album! Gefüllt mit Klassikern, schlicht instrumentiert und mit dichter Atmosphäre. Ich bin einmal mehr begeistert! 5

Bruce in seinen Anfängen. Schon damals sackstark. Manchmal besser manchmal weniger.

Un style blues et rock qui a bien vieillis. Sans avoir de pièces particulièrement accrocheuses, demeure un très bon album

It was an ok album. best song: Factory

8.52/10 Top 3 Songs 1. Adam Raised a Cain 2. Badlands 3. Candy's Room

A very good Bruce Effort - 4 stars

Not super engaging. I am not a huge fan in general, but I like some of his other music much better. I do think his band is talented.

Bruce is a clasic.

FIVE

Bruce Springsteen is a legend and this has got to be one of his best albums, the second half definitely just keeps going from strength to strength.

Arguably, the Boss’s best album. Great songs with meaningful stories and kick-ass music!

I find Bruce very hit and miss. I love some of his stuff, but I find a lot of it good but not great. This album falls into the good but not great category.

I can see why people like him so much. Some great stuff but every song is too long like all 70s albums. Just wondering, is he American?

Superb

Americana , he’s got a wide range of talent and style, definitely a classic

Very good album. Maybe one of his best. But that E-Street sound just doesn’t float this boat. And the stigma! The Boss? Give me a break.

Ned so fesch 🦅 RAHHH WTF IS A KILOMETER MURICA FUCK YEAH🦅 wie born in the usa, chli ruhiger und eig recht hübsch aber haut mi etz au ned um

bruuuuce badlands. er singt scho speziell aber de song isch mega fest bruce. sochli trurig-nostalgisch aber mit power und chli vager romantik. Adam raised a cain. oh sorry bisch du so wichtig bruce. vlt checki de text au nöd. oke isch no geil. chli sehr simpel und oooh ooh aber no cool. something in the night het e mega schös intro mit glöggli und dem bitz gitarre zum klavier dezue. jaaa luute refrain use belte jaa. racing in the street bitz pathetisch? aber scho cute. the promised land isch chli meh rockig aber immerno ehner langsam und sochli nochdenklich streets of fire isch immerno langsam aber s gitarre solo isch seeehr geil. prove it all night isch au son song woni nostalgisch defür wär wenni ide 70er en chevrolet gha het und so. aber irgendwie nöd.

wow nach 2 lieder positiv überrascht au en artist wo mismami nöd gern het er druckt d stimm schochli fest, aber v.a. adam raised a cain hani easy guet gfunde hahah mengisch ischs echli cheesy (promised land) aber ich han easy e gueti ziit omg hahahahahah streets of fire findi jz ganz heavy gsang de druckt meh als ich uf de schüssle bruuder he ja eig no überraschend cool aber am schluss hets sich doch zoge und das sött bimene 42 minütige album nöd umbedingt sii..

Sehr cool

I hate Bruce with a passion but these songs weren't all bad and was even a lil badass at points

A haiku: Have you heard this one Characters love cars and girls Always hate their town

I'm not a big Bruce fan but it's good. Need to sit down and really listen to it.

Un album où Springsteen s’engage et s’investit à 100%. Je comprends pourquoi une population s’y identifie

Bruce Springsteen is one of the greatest performers I’ve ever seen live. But, I’ve always thought his actual music is wildly overrated. Badlands is a classic, but the rest is just generic Springsteen. This is a harsh take, but I’ve always felt like Bruce is just the NY/NJ equivalent of country music. That being said, it’s also not awful. Perfectly fine, just not up to the hype.

Reflective, melancholy Bruce is one's favorite Boss. This contains some of his best and bitterest songwriting and most aching/heartfelt vocals. So many haunting songs and such humanity. “Badlands” and “Promised Land” are classics, of course, but it’s the deep and powerful introspection of “Something in the Night,” “Candy’s Room,” “Racing in the Street” (masterclass in songwriting) and “Factory” that sets the record apart. Nary a misplaced note. In assessing the quality, consider that “Prove It All Night,” with one of the best lines in the Boss canon (“if dreams came true/ah, wouldn’t that be nice”) and great sax/guitar solos, may not even be a top 5 song on this record).

Never was a fan of Bruce's voice, or of his mainstream hits. I grew up in the late 70's/early 80's, so I was exposed to a lot of his music. This, however, surprised me a bit. I enjoyed the arrangements, the lyrics, and when Bruce sings the ballads, his voice isn't as painful to listen to; in fact I felt myself getting into it a bit, emotionally. Classic Americana Soft Rock. 3.

The album is fine but its a product of its time. Nothing stands out but its not a bad album.

råkk men ikke helt min stil

I love Bruce Springsteen

Fantastic album. I'd somehow never heard "Racing In The Street" before and it's utterly heartbreaking.

Not really a Springsteen fan but this album is easy to listen to.

Other than a handful of songs, I'm not really a Springsteen fan. However, the older I get the more I appreciate his songwriting and the passion that he puts into his singing (you can debate his ability there all that you want to). This is a great, heart-felt album that reflects the hopes/lost dreams of angst-ridden teenagers and the American working class.

I just discovered "Racing in the streets" and it's magnificent.

I feel the same way about Springsteen that I fo about fish. Both are things I wish I could like but absolutely can't stomach

Good ol’ rock and roll

Badlands - 8/10 Adam Raised a Cain - 8/10 Something in the Night - 8/10 Candy's Room - 8/10 Racing in the Street - 8/10 The Promised Land - 7.5/10 Factory - 8/10 Streets of Fire - 8.5/10 Prove It All Night - 8.5/10 Darkness on the Edge of Town - 8/10 TOTAL - 80/100

Not for me!

Not a big fan of the Boss but it's good stuff

Effortlessly American. I loved the saxophone solos Springsteen threw in, as it was not something attributed to rather brutish and bravado leaning American rock. Good album but I personally didn’t find it appealing. 3.5/5

Bruce is an amazing singer song writer, but his message is to real to gritty. its as if he enjoys wallowing in misery. rarely do any of his tracks lift me up. they only remind me of times better left forgotten. I read he was inspired by the author stienbeck, this makes sense as stienbeck also is bleak and unrelenting. i know this mirrors life but i dont need constant reminders in my music and books. lyrics aside the musicality is great and probably the only redeeming quality.

3/5.

wasnt particularly into this. thought the lyrics were fairly uninteresting and the music wasnt much better

Helt udemærket Bruce Album. Skal nok være i humør til det men så kan det noget.

Personally not for me

badlands adam raised a cain candy's room streets of fire prove it all night darkness on the edge of town

I like the second side most, but definitely all worth more listens.

Prima album om het weekend in te gaan. Iets waar je pa een cd van zou hebben die al 5 jaar in de auto ligt

Toch weer erachter gekomen dat ik geen enorme Bruce Springsteen fan ben, al maakt de beste man natuurlijk zeker geen slechte muziek.

De baas Ken van tevoren alleen Badlands Prima album

I just did a Springsteen discography in the last few months and a lot of Bruce fans put this one in their top 5, it might not even get top 10 for me. It's still a

Didn’t enjoy this much. The vocals on the first song were atrocious, and while they did get better, it was hard to get past that. The songs and music were fine. I know he’s apparently revolutionary, but not for me.

As Zach pointed out to me, I didn't need to listen to this one to know I would give it a 5. I know this album better than anything that's been on the list so far. Badlands is simply awesome. Adam Raised a Cain is one of my least favorite Bruce songs - one minor blemish on the album. I really like The Promised Land and then the album finishes with my two favorite tracks: Prove It All Night and the title track. Overall - an absolutely wonderful album for me.

A somewhat meh album all the way through with no standouts.

I didn't know this album as well as I know born to run or the wild the innocent and the e street shuffle, but I was really glad it ended up coming on a Friday cuz I ended up listening to it all weekend and every song made it into my favorites list. Just a spectacular sun from stay to finish. Immaculate energy, great songwriting, great drums, great piano. I also learned that the e streets pianist is the same piano player used by Jim Steinman on Bat out of hell and total eclipse of the heart

I’m not a huge Bruce Springsteen fan but this sounded like a masterpiece compared to the other albums I reviewed today.

What a wonderful album!

I really struggled to listen though this album. droning vocals basic music. great lyrics but it feels very dated as a non American in 2024.

Bruce Springsteen - Darkness on the edge of town This is the follow up to Both to Run which was Springsteen's biggest album at the time. This album has a darker tone than Born to Run. While not as joyful or fun, I think it's a great album. And it's interesting to know that there were lots of songs written during these sessions, some would appear on the follow up album the River and some Bruce gave to other musicians. Notably the song he gave to Patti Smith, "Because the Night" which became her biggest hit and a song that did well for 10,000 maniacs. 4/5

It’s fine. There’s nothing here I’d go out of my way to listen to again.

i liked it but Bruce ain't for me

It's not quite peak Springsteen (Born to Run) but it's up there.

an okay introduction to bruce springsteen i think

It’s no born in the USA but it’s pretty great 4/5

In a vacuum, Darkness is a great album. Unfortunately, my brain has to compare it to my love of Springsteen’s previous release, Born to Run. While I don’t usually let an artist’s other work cloud my judgement, Born to Run is such a gargantuan achievement and one of my very favorite albums ever. It was also Springsteen‘s “last shot” record and it sounds like it. I feel Born to Run set the pace for Darkness and no part of it is able to top the raw, going-for-broke glory of its predecessor. Alright.. so what’s good about this album? A lot, of course. For one, the production is cleaner and the band is tighter than on any previous Bruce album. As a vocalist, Springsteen takes a step forward in his confidence as, on a couple moments through this album, he is absolutely howling. Badlands, Prove it All Night, Racing in the Street and the title track are all top tier E Street songs. Darkness, in spots, even finds the band exploring heavier riffs and more soulful arranging than ever before. There’s just something here preventing me from feeling it as genuinely and thoroughly as his previous album. 8/10

The closest The Boss came to making a hard rock album. A number of searing guitar solos which is quite surprising but Bruce pulls it off. Really solid but because Born To Run and later Born in The USA are such high benchmarks, this one is a tad behind. But still highly recommend.

Being someone who is largely unfamiliar with Springsteen's work, my biggest takeaway here is how much he served as an influence to a few artists I actually do listen to (ex: The Killers). A booming, sound fit for stadiums, a big voice, all that jazz. On its own merit though, I don't know. I'm sure people love it but maybe I lack the lifelong, American connection to Springsteen that'll let me fully enjoy this record. It's good but it's not blowing my mind. If it was more energetic I think I'd like it more, that seems to fit him better than the softer melancholy that's present for much of this record. Adam Raised a Cain and Streets of Fire were pretty cool, for example.

Great driving music!

Right up there with The River for me. It took me a long time to like Bruce, but this album is a great example of his songwriting. Racing in the Streets is one of my all-time favorites!

This feels like Springsteen-core but nothing feels as memorable as his other singles and classics. Might have to re-listen.

Peak Springsteen. Phenomenal collection of his hits as they were produced in one fail swoop.

The Boss!

Quintessential Springsteen sound Promised land.

ADAM RAISED A CAIN

Hard for an album to have a stronger opening track than “Badlands.” Definitely one of the all-time greats! Listening to Springsteen makes you feel like you just worked a double-shift digging ditches at a steel mill, only to come home and find an eviction notice on your door and yet feel that you’re strong enough to keep doing what needs to be done. A cognitively dissonant blend of feeling bleak and hopeful at the same time. It’s brilliant!

I liked a few of the songs and won't argue that Bruce Springsteen has talent and writes good lyrics, but he's just okay for me.

Mostly a 4 because of nostalgia

Classic.

I think I finally fully get The Boss. This album is incredible, the band is tight and the emotion in The Boss' voice is great

Best Songs: Streets of Fire Listen Again: No

I don’t think I realized how piano-forward a lot Bruce’s music is. This album didn’t really resonate with me with the exception of Adam Raised a Cain, which got stuck in my head all day.

The first track made me think of Meatloaf, which is interesting. I appreciate that he isn’t precious about every note being perfect. I’m not hugely drawn to Bruce’s music, but when I listen closely, it sinks in. He really puts his heart into it. 3.7

I like the rockers, but the slow ones are a little too sluggish for me - tend to sound the same after a while. Still, Springsteen is good at taking lyric heavy songs and making them palatable. Good ones on here, but maybe not my favorite album. 3.6

Not a bad album, but not great.

Just awesome from start to finish. If I could only have one Springsteen album, this would be it

I was immediately turned of by the chord progression and sound of his voice on “Badlands” but I kinda dig “Adam Raised a Cain”. Everything after that I didn’t care for.

Can really see the hype but not at all my goat the way he is for so many others💀 Good stuff tho

Not a big Springsteen fan, these songs were OK for me.

This one wasn't for me. I found it quite drab and boring, its good background music. If i had the choice of this or Moby, I'd pick this so thats something I guess.

Son 4ème album. Rien de fou. Note sévère.

He really gets emotion across in his vocals.

Ah, “The Boss” - as misnamed a musician as there is. Springsteen has got one of those unique voices, but an extremely limited range, and you either like him or you don’t. I give him his die for his energy on stage but I’m firmly in the don’t like camp. This album is no exception. It has a few good tracks on it but for every Badlands there are 3 or 4 Adam Raised a Cain which suck. I’d like to give it 3 stars but I’m going to deduct one because he’s such a douche bag.

It's Bruce, there really isn't much else to say. I liked this more than born in the USA, but it just doesn't really click with me. This seems like the kind of album people love because someone else told them how much they love it.

This is, in fact, a Bruce Springsteen album. I had never heard this one before, and I liked it. Favorite tracks were Badlands, Adam Raised A Cain, Streets of Fire, and Prove It All Night.

I prefer the more upbeat tone of Born to Run, but this is still solid Boss

Western

It was some cool 80s stuff. Not much for me to say, it’s better than On The Run.

Lite småtrist.

it's just nice

Enjoyed this. Never listened to Springsteen. I definitely enjoy his more energetic songs here to the slower ones. Candy's Room absolutely blew me away. What a song! Close choice between that and Adam Raised A Cain. Standout Track: Candy's Room

If you like Bruce Springsteen you will like this album

Not terrible, love the piano rock, but bruce's voice gets annoying as fuck to me after awhile.

I haven't even listened yet and will say I straight up don't like bruce springsteen. He music strikes me as boring and try-hard to be dramatic. I like some of his songs but generally I don't like his deep cuts. That said, I will give this album a shot anyways. "Badlands" is a strong opener. "Adam Raised A Cain" is a cool bluesy number. "Something In The Night" is kinda a snooze. Now at "Racing in the Street"... snoozefest. I think Springsteen is kinda like Bob Dylan. Often he comes off to me as more of a folk artist. His songs are about the lyrics more often than the sound in my opinion. Yeah my opinion hasn't changed, some good songs, a lot of boring folk-esque music.

Auf The Boss ist ganz einfach Verlass. Tolle Texte, tolle Musiker und eine unverwechselbare Stimme macht dieses Album zu einem sehr guten Album.

Not what I would consider his best work.

Good composition, you can feel the emotion, but I said I like abstract lyrics, and he’s always telling literal stories.

Some real gems here - Badlands, of course, and Racing in the Streets, a beautiful song; one of Springsteen's best. The stripped back production on this album, in contrast to the bombast of Born to Run which preceded it, really lets the songs shine. I have a sneaky suspicion this might be better than Born to Run - the songs feel more complex and emotionally weighty - there’s a thoughtfulness around choosing the musical style to suit the story of the don’t. I gave BTR five stars so…

My favorite record of all time and probably the best expression of Brice's contribution to rock music Pete Townshend put it best: "When Bruce Springsteen sings on [Darkness], that's not about "fun", that's fucking triumph, man !"

Good music, not my style.

I mean what do you want? It's the boss. In all honesty, I really do appreciate the majority of Springsteen's work over the years, but as a whole, I'm not super hot on this album. I think it strikes a nostalgic chord for listeners who grew up with his music, but I didn't. I was a late bloomer, so a lot of the less-than-iconic tracks just don't strike that same chord with me. That said, there is a bit of greatness to be found here like on Promised Land or the title track. And this isn't a bad one to start with if you're looking to become more familiar with the catalog.

Springsteen illuminates the dashed dreams, dead-end jobs, and decayed towns at the shadowed heart of so many working-class lives, but ultimately his somber soliloquies can't quite light up this heart of mine.

Did not know It, but It was worthwhile

With all due respect, and I mean this most sincerely, this is yet another example of how Critical Acclaim® is a poor determining factor for whether I will like something. In fact Critical Acclaim® appears to be something that puts me off more often than not and unfortunately this very list is just a list of Critically Acclaimed® albums. Critics™ want you to know they have better taste than you, possibly. Maybe you meet the artist, that's very special, so now you give an excessively positive review otherwise that artist (and their record company mates) won't be as willing to give you any attention in the future. Bit of a racket when you really sit down and think about it. Especially back in the 60s through the 90s when Major Labels™ and The Radio® were the primary form of music delivery. Critics at places like Rolling Stone and the NY Times could influence opinion for the unwashed masses who had neither the time nor the taste to decide for themselves what was good and what wasn't, after the Labels and The Radio told them what they should be hawking. It was a good system for those inside it. Everybody made a dollar (except the artists, of course!) I'm not trying to be one of those trolling contrarians (everybody knows one - check out yfbspod.com for an amusing example of the contrarian taken to an extreme for comedic effect), but for reasons I am still trying to understand, if all the critics love something then I am immediately biased against the disc right out of the gate. Don't tell me what to think, I guess. Which is why, after a mere 83 albums, I must remind myself NOT TO READ ABOUT THE ALBUM BEFORE I LISTEN to it so that I don't otherwise taint my own review. For some of the older albums I am already aware of the Critically Acclaimed® label (CA from here on out) and my own bias about that. You gotta ask yourself: maybe there's a reason why every mainstream rock journalist can't keep themselves from being the first to fawn over certain albums (this, and all Bruce Springsteen albums, or anything by Tom Waits, for instance), put them on the best of the year lists, and so forth? Maybe this work is real world changing music unlike anything ever known, which will upend your existing worldview and alter the very course of the culture of humanity. It is possible, and I do myself a disservice by not allowing it. Anyway, this is one of the most CA albums ever made. It's okay, a little dirgy, takes no risks to speak of, the instrumentation and technical quality is generally middle of the road. Springsteen isn't hurting anybody, and that's fine. There's some catchy songs here and some thought-provoking lyrics. The band is good, Clarence Clemmons (sp?)has a recognizable style and Springsteen's iconic voice is familiar and welcoming, but he can bring the heat when needed (not too much, though, we're not here to upset people). All due respect. Springsteen is an icon. That doesn't make it great. I'm going against the critics on this one.

I've enjoyed a few covers of his songs, so I was excited to hear this one. I couldn't really under a stand him to appreciate the lyrics.

Good music. Lots of great tracks here.

Solid riffs and some nice melodies

All timer.

Nebraska, Western Stars, Darkness, BITUSA, Born To Run, The River..... This is a really good rock record

Ja was wel lekker maar was ook wel minder dan die vorige 2 albums van hem

Ik ben inmiddels bekend met de sound van Bruce!

Fine.

Allright, but not may thing

I can't say I've ever paid much attention to The Boss before, I've certainly never sat down and listened to a whole album of his, so I was excited to give it a crack. Can't say I'm very impressed with this album. At all. It's just bad right? His singing is terrible. He sounds like a drunk guy who switches between mumbling and screaming. If you heard him doing karaoke at the local pub you'd be embarrassed for the poor guy. 1.5 stars

very classic 70s rock vibe. it feels like good highway driving music on a late night and therefore i should give it a shot one day 5/7

My favorite Springsteen album. Saw this tour in ‘78 and became an instant Springsteen fan. Amazing show, amazing live performer supporting an amazing album. Great Rock & Roll.

Solid album. There is a reason Bruce Springsteen is the boss. Album gets better and better each time you listen to it.

My first Springsteen listen. His voice is not my jam. Failed to move me even slightly. 1/5 stars

This album wants me to work in a steel mill just so I can spit on the ass hole forman's desk when I quit and pursue my dreams in the big city. I got the spirit of small town America in my soul after this. Great album, a little too boomer nostalgic for me though.

One of the best works of the Boss

A bit so-so to be honest. This album may be a little more sophisticated that previous ones but lacks the power. Born To Run is full of great anthems and is just fun. I found this album to be just background music, fine during dinner or at a club while you're busy doing something else but I wouldn't listen to it for itself

A very working man’s album. I do like some Springsteen songs but not a lot of these really hit with me. 3/5

Gear: Fostex TH610 (Lawton) Mix: teils zweckmäßig (insb. "Badlands") - aber immer ehrlich. Bass schiebt bei "Adam Raised a Cain" ordentlich. Piano/Orgel in "Racing in the Street" und "The Promised Land" wahnsinnig hochwertig. Musik: Beim ersten Hören (und quasi Erstkontakt mit einem ganzen Springsteen-Album) positiv überrascht! 😎 Wertung: 3-4/5

Absolute drivel. This can't be the same guy that's revered by so many rock lovers around the world? First time properly listening to him is from this list and it's god-awful. Every single song.

I’m not a big Springsteen fan but if I you are you probably would like this album.

I respect the Boss, but this just seemed kind of slow and wasn't really my vibe.

Darkness on the Edge of Town is another album i have done through this project that is unremarkable but solid. Bruce's singing, and the music were all pretty good and had some fairly interesting moments but i feel it didn't have enough of them to really warrant being a great album for me. It's an alright album but nothing too amazing. Best Song: Streets of Fire Worst Song: The Promised Land

Nooh, mää en taas mikään Brucen ykkösfani oo. Tän tyylin rock ei mulle niin maistu.

This feels like the soundtrack of a Midwestern bar thats full of middle aged men who've been drinking for a long time.

songs that are slices of life that were not mine but became so.

Mumble singing with a strained voice sounds like he’s trying to record this while anticipating having to throw up. Good lyrics, his storytelling is great, the band is rock blues with some guitar, sax, or harmonica shredding so it’s got a good format, his singing is just awful. Sorry Boss.

Critics may have liked this, but I didn't. Guess I was done with Bruce after Born to Run.

Ok

Classic

Pas sûre d'avoir aimé. Eu envie de changer/couper la musique à plusieurs reprises.

Like a drunk uncle singing karaoke. Would not choose to listen to this again

I can understand why it’s held in such high regard, just not for me

Good shit

mmm not my best listen especially the voice but i love the percussions and instruments

Okay!! First time listening to The Boss. Sounds like dad stuff. But it was fun.

I have never been a fan but I recognized some of the songs.

Straight-faced ballads about cars. Nah thanks. For the last year I’ve been convinced I was turning into a Bruce-fan. Reconnecting with my childhood affinity. I even saw him live last summer. But I am starting to realize my distance wasn’t some youthful music snobbery, but a genuine distaste for a lot of his music. Springsteen has made more than a handful genuinely great tracks, but for the most part I don’t connect with it. I don’t need Springsteen in album form.

🥰✌🏽

timeless. you can still hear this album’s influence everywhere today

Not a fan... do y'all seriously not have any Classic Alternative?

Not bad, but bland?

Funny that as I get older I appreciate Bruce more. While the power of his passion cascades from song to song, his music just never seems to capture my imagination. It's good, but just not great to my ears.

It’s alright. Probably the most Springsteeny album to ever have Sprungsteen.

I can see how others appreciate this album, just not my cup of tea overall. Candy's Room was good, some of the others didn't feel like they were well thought out. Sounded a lot like a garage band just kinda messing around on a whim. 5/10

Some good lyrics and music. Don't really like his style.

Beautiful, down to earth and a good reason to check out more of The Boss

This album did absolutely nothing for me. I’ve never been a big Bruce Springsteen fan but I can see the appeal for some people. If the album had more of a faster pace I feel like it would be better.

Classic. As a big Dylan fan I wasn’t really into Bruce. Not sure why. Totally respect his run. Not a huge fan tho.

Timeless, classic storytelling at its best.

Great record!

Did not capture me.

Adam raised a Cain is a banger the rest is okay to fine

I found I liked the album but then I don't remember much about it afterwards, not much in the way of hooks. It's generally a kind of desolate americana which maybe you need to be closer to to truly understand, but I think it's still a decent album.

Ok as background music but didn't do enough of anything to capture my interest.

I understand why Hammond hates him

I don't like Bruce Springsteen from singles I've heard on the radio, so I thought I'd give this album a chance. Nope, I don't like it. At all. I genuinely struggled to listen because I absolutely hate his voice. The music is fine, Adam Raised a Cain has some absolutely awesome lead guitar stuff in it, but that's where the good stuff starts, and ends. Nope.

Racing in the Street is going straight in my basket

A bit slow and depressing to say the least. Can definitely hear how it has influenced Gaslight Anthem, but it's admirable how they've turned something quite drab into their excellent music! Racing in the street is a very boring song considering the name, pretty disappointing, and the start of "something in the night" sounds like a cat in heat. Definitely my least favourite so far.

Amazing

legrbd

Previously rated: Born to Run (4/5) *********************** Did Bruce's grandma take the cover photo when he came to visit for Thanksgiving? Anyway, the music itself is alright, if not a bit formulaic and mellow for my taste. Not as good as Born to Run.

Loved it, raw gravelly vocals, working class struggle and pride

Felt as much as it was heard

Wasn’t sure what to expect after first listen of “Badlands”…initially, Springsteen’s voice didn’t sound like they matched the instrumentals. Listened a second time, while paying close attention to the lyrics, and I couldn’t help but feel like I’d heard a truly great song. “Adam Raised Cain,” “Something in the Night”, “Racing in the Street”—his voice and the subject matter feel familiar despite the fact I couldn’t be more different than him. Listening to this album makes me feel nostalgic and youthful (not naive youthful, rather a learned/wise youthful).

There was one song I liked.

Springsteen is definitely not my style, just liked a couple songs

Okay as background but all tracks a bit samey but I am not a Springsteen fan so this is middle of the road for me, 2.5/5

These type of albums are tough. Badlands is one of my favorite Springsteen songs and I really enjoy Prove It All Night. But other than that there’s not much I like on this album. But I REALLY like Badlands. Ultimately I think I have to give the album as a whole a 3.

Probably should have given this more attention.

i just dont care its boring singer songwriter shit from the 80s Significant 30/95 Liked 14/95 Added 4/95 NNN

Already knew the hits from this one - I did discover Racing in the Streets, Candy’s Room and Something in the Night. Bruce bores me, no denying his genius though.

Didn't grab me like Born in the USA did, but I will probably try to listen to it again

america, good, kinda annoying

Great album, one of Springsteen’s best

Decent album. I can see why he popular. He's a good songwriter and musician.

I like a bit of The Boss. I like what he stood for and what his songs have become. I’m not a big fan of this album. I understand the behind the scene politics of it…however this one isn’t for me. Badlands is a great song but I can’t get into the other songs.

Good album. I actually preferred The Rising. Album 2 of 3 straight The Boss albums.

Snooze fest

Chill driving music. Not really my vibe - quite old timey.

I never liked Springsteen. Never really disliked him; he's just not exactly my style. This album has not changed that opinion.

Another fine album and it definitely sticks together thematically across the album as a whole. Although Springsteen is an excellent writer, I find that many of his songs fall into the same kind of stylistic form--definitely one that works but somewhat repetitively formulaic. His use of piano, saxophone and other horns and the melancholy of a working middle class that wants something more from the world it has been given, do capture a picture that is unique. He is solid in his abilities both lyrically and musically. But I'm not sure the emotions of the music and of the lyrics always tie together. There is a sense in which the music presents a repeated cycle of rising to a challenge in which it seems like there might be a break-thru but which in fact is never lyrically resolved by the characters. I find the guitar parts particularly excellent on this album and much more strongly in a rock'n'roll vein. Also I feel the characters of these songs are more solidly defined and less theatrical in their construction than those on Born to Run. A strong album for certain and one worth multiple listens.

Incredible album start to finish. One of Bruce’s best. Adam Raised a Cain, Candy’s Room, and Prove it All Night are my top 3 favorite tracks. -Klep

Y'know, I don't dislike this album, or even Springsteen (I think I like BORN TO RUN more, actually), but, gawd, he really does sound like he's singing in some kind of made-up gibberish language sometimes.

Really liked this album,the vocals really amazed me as Bruce has such a great range singing with a nice roughness at times but also a more delicate voice in others.I think Adam Raised A Cain and Racing In The Street are great examples of this and are my personal favorite tracks.

The Boss has got some good tracks.

I feel like a moron for not listening to any Bruce Springsteen before this. This is a brilliantly produced, cohesive project that makes its theme obvious throughout and it's a treat to listen to, but it's another strong 4/5 for me.

If I ever wanted a complete foreigner, an alien say to understand a certain glorious feeling of burgeoning, rangy, late teens energy of an American summer in a tight t-shirt, perfectly worn pair of jeans, a cherished moment of perfect hair and flirting from car windows? I’d play them this album and lend them my converse sneakers.

I’ve never understood the allure of Springsteen, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard a full song other than Born in the USA, either. So I was incredibly surprised at the music on this album. Many of the songs were surprising, the hard rock, versus the “working class“ pop rock that I’ve always associated with Springsteen. Now, for the not so good. Springsteen‘s voice is absolutely horrific. I do not understand how anyone would willingly subject themselves through any amount of time, listening to him, mumble shriek, unable to hit anything close to approximating a high note. I’m torn on how to rank this album, because I don’t think it was bad, because the music was good. But I don’t think it was good, because I never wanna listen to anything that comes out of Springsteen‘s mouth for the rest of my days. I would give it a 2.5 star rating if I could, because two stars does seem a bit harsh. However, I think giving it three stars is an incredible injustice to some of the good music that I’ve listened to over the course of this project.

This is just music for guys and also dudes.

Super!

Not my favourite Springsteen album, all a bit slow and plodding. Still plenty of the Boss' swagger and emotion, but I'd rather listen to other BS albums.

Best: Something in the night

I'll admit that I've never really "gotten" Bruce, I've enjoyed a few live recordings but haven't really found anything life changing in the studio records. I think the production sounds a bit thin by modern standards. The songwriting might really resonate with some people, it doesn't do much for me.

it's alright. I'm not a huge fan of the full band Springsteen.

His first few albums are extremely loved by the critics and fans alike. The songs are complex and lyrics are compelling. Standouts: Darkness on the Edge of Town, Prove it All Night, Candy's Room, Badlands, Adam Raised the Cain, Racing in the Street, The Promise Land. 4.5

Ahh, late 70s Bruce. The impossible task of following up Born to Run, which means it was held to an incredibly high standard. As time has passed, I think the appreciation for this album has grown-it's classic Bruce, great lyrics and great music, telling stories from his world. Love it.

I don't really like Bruce

today I was in the proper mood to listen to a cheesy rock-pop album where a bloke cries in my ear while barely articulating sounds. musically it's pretty good

I don't know if there was one song I knew well on this album before starting. It's hard to follow up an album like Born to Run with anything, but this does a good job. It's almost as if the characters from those stories made their way out of Jersey and into the world after school and faced more wide ranging adult issues. Though it misses the peaks and valleys of some of his other work, it is undeniably Bruce 3.75/5

This was considerably better than I anticipated. Man knows how to paint a picture.

Average. Taylor Swift of old generation and same as her it’s just and ordinary and average. Might resonate with people since it’s so generic.

Loved it

Solid outing from The Boss.

Heartland rock isn’t really my thing and this album didn’t convince me of anything I didn’t already know. Just some good songs and good performances.

He's kinda the James Dean of rock music, eh? I don't think it needs to be said but Springsteen is great. Had a fantastic run in the 70's and 80's, so you really can't go wrong with this one. My beef is that the list went a little overboard on Springsteen. You've already got Born to Run, Nebraska, and Born in the USA. Three great choices and it's all you really need as an intro pack to Springsteen. Darkness on the Edge of Town is still worth a listen, but I think the list could make room for other artists.

Slowly but surely Bruce is finally starting to win me over. Never got the hype no matter how many times I've tried. Something was different today. Bruce's vocal stylings have a unique energy that I never took notice of before. Give me some more time and I could see me growing to enjoy Bruce and this album a bit more.

Good album - more typical Bruce. I wish it had a little more weirdness on it but I can't complain overall.

Aching, yearning, rocking. Not the greatest Boss record but pretty damn great nonetheless.

The only Bruce Springsteen I really like is his slower, more somber stuff like "Nebraska." However, I highly respect him, his playing, and his songwriting. I just find that nothing really stands out to me on his more rock albums. Everything just bleeds together. I don't feel it has the catchy hooks of a Petty or the hard-hitting lyrics of a Mellencamp. I'd probably give this album a 3.5 based on a combination of my respect for Springsteen and my actual preferences.

I am of two minds on the album. I mean it's the Boss, so right away expectations are high. The thing is, though, I haven't ever been able to get my brain to latch onto his non-mainstream songs the way I have with the ones that have deep hooks in me. So, I love the vocals and the instrumentation, but it's tough to really want it because compared to some of those other tracks that are part of my core music mainframe, there aren't any like that.

I've got to stop and admit that I really just don't get Springsteen. Every album that I've heard from him is just forgettable. However, I will say that I was mesmerized at a Springsteen live show. The first hour I spent getting a beer and trying to find my seat. The rest of the show I was in awe. Not by the music, tho. It was more of a "how can this guy play for so long ...?" Four hours, it was a four hour show. He's 70+ years old, how can he do this...? I'm pretty sure I left early.

In anyone else's hands it would be too try-hard or cringy. But somehow Bruce Springsteen successfully embodies the earnest blue collar rocker by making it not just a schtick. He comes off as remarkably genuine, a rare thing in entertainment. Ultimately, however, "Darkness on the Edge of Town" doesn't surpass "Born to Run." It lacks the urgency and catchiness of its predecessor's title track, but is a solid collection of songs. Holding out hope that "Born in the USA" or "The Rising" is the Springsteen album that finally connects.

Finally a Springsteen album I’m willing to claim as my own. It couldn’t have started out better than Badlands. It’s high energy and engaging. I won’t claim Springsteen’s voice though. It is OK most of the time, excels rarely, and sounds strained at other times. One thing I just realized that I don’t like about Springsteen sometimes are his lyrics. He has songs that I equate to country-typical lyrics that are a turnoff for me. It’s the my truck, my dog, my guns, and my girl stuff. It’s the most basic, straightforward, simple down home verses. Springsteen sings about a “ ‘69 Chevy with a 396” and “driving over the county line” et cetera. These types of lyrics work fine with Bruce’s rock music, but I like those passages less than the rest. Something clicked because Bruce uses, what I associate as, “country style” lyrics often and I think that’s a reason I’ve never really gotten into him. The music on this album is wonderful though. The opening to Something In The Night is great as is the aforementioned Badlands.

I think born to run is his first breakout album but I may prefer this one. While not as grand, there is more variety. Candy’s room is definitely my favorite Bruce Springsteen ever. Promised land is beautiful. The closing title track is a barn burner of an ending too. He’ll never be my favorite artist but he is an undeniably singer songwriter. You know his voice/his style when you hear it. Very quintessential American feeling.

Born to Run was able to grow on me with time. But yesterday was my first time hearing Darkness, and it's another case of an album that has to grow. It's more of the same as Born to Run with a harder rock sound. I like how the second side essentially repeats the first side in order but with a fuller pop-accessible sound. Great vocals and lyrics that explode in emotion. Favorites: Badlands, Prove it All Night, Darkness on the Edge of Town

This album is a great example of why you should not listen to "best of" or "greatest hits" compilations. These songs weren't all popular but as a whole the album was great. It had me captured from start to finish and was an experience I'll be revisiting for sure.

This reminds me of elevator music—not offensive, but completely unmemorable. A few times I wanted to yell through the speakers to him, “Enunciate better, like Tom Waits!” This album does nothing for me, and I don't think I'll listen to it again.

I'm really only familiar with Bruce's big hits, so I was kinda surprised by the vibe of this album--softer than I was expecting. Who knew early Bruce Springsteen had so much piano? (Fans of Bruce Springsteen, probably.) This reminded me in some ways of the Warren Zevon self-titled album, although I liked Zevon more. 3.5.

I am not overly familiar with Bruce Springsteen, but what I have heard enjoyed more that I did this.

Solider Rock, easy and good

Bruce Springsteen simply isnt my style :(

Klassik, but acutally I did not care. Zoned out more or less instantly

One of my all time favorites! Love how the music is arranged and great lyrics. A little bias as I have deep Jersey roots.

En la película Pretty Woman aparece una versión de Racing in the Street, sólo en piano.

This album has one of the all time most awesome opening tracks (Badlands) and an equally awesome album closer (Darkness on the Edge of Town). Again, the power of a fully balanced record. The hits are still amazing and the songs that link to them are sold as well Was never a big Brice fan but thos album is special.

No Nebraska but pretty good

The general consensus is that Springsteen's best album is either Born To Run or Born In The USA. Are we sure it couldn't be Darkness On The Edge Of Town? It's where the whole Springsteen as Eveyman ehtos was cemented. People tend to give this one the short shrift because it doesn't have any hits. That's almost a benefit and not a fearure. There are at least three songs that are Springsteen legacy hits if not radio hits. And it's a great palette cleanser from all of the Boss songs you've already heard a million times. It probably lives in the 4.5 zone. For now. It's aged remarkably well so I'm grading up.

Classic Bruce - I really like the piano and saxophone. Fairly repetitive but fun to listen to and get in a groove.

Pas vrmt mon style, rock américain très cowboy même si un ou deux morceaux sont sympa

Great album by The Boss, massive hits and great deeper cuts.

hel naw

Another bleak one. What is it with these miserable albums?

Good album by The Boss. It's Bruce being Bruce singing Bruce songs. It has solid rock vibes with Bruce's blue collar voice.

Been years since I tried to listen to Springsteen and its still the same out come. Its a solid no.

The music is really good. Bruce's voice just doesn't do it for me, especially on this album.

The opening track, Badlands, is executed really well, perfectly setting the mysterious, goofily-lighthearted-yet-kinda-serious tone of the rest of the album. His distinctive singing fits the songs really well, especially on the album’s first side. The sound is slightly less “commercialised” than his later album Born in the U.S.A., which I’ve already encountered on this list (and gave a 3/5 rating). Instrumentation is good, but doesn’t vary noticeably from song to song (with the exception of the piano-ballad tracks, which are arguably the weaker tracks anyway). Still, good stuff. A jolly good time.

The instrumental here is some of the most crisp and layered of the decade. Each song paints an engaging landscape from start to finish. Bruce Springsteen is not a good singer.

Another Bruce Springsteen album, wasn’t a fan of the one before so will see what I think. So far, better than the last (the USA one). Maybe a 3/5?

Springsteen would take his edge further with Nebraska but this is a defining album for him.

Good as expected

Допада ми се, пријатно за слушање, нема неки хит да грми, али за лагано слушање у позадини веома солидно. 7/10

Better than the last Springsteen I had, but still not feeling Bruce. Sorry, NJ.

Brilliant.

I've always been interested in learning more about The Boss. This great album is a mix of heavy guitar jams, mellow ballads, bluesy licks and contemplative coming-of-age stories. Every song is unique and distinct but it flows great as a single album about the trials and tribulations of the working man in the 70s. Adam Raised a Cain - great guitar playing. Racing in the Street is definitely my favorite and will be added to my regular playlist of beloved songs. Factory reminds me a lot of my dad working at the BASF plant in the 80s and 90s. The only problem I've ever had with Springsteen, and maybe it's just me, but his voice is so flat in all of his songs. That's the only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5.

First off, I can't believe this album is 45 years old and it's his FOURTH studio album. Bruce is undeniably one of the greatest American Singer-Songwriters alive. And he is still making music. This album is a whirlwind of emotions. It's overall probably a little darker than his previous albums and it's gritty—a real blue-collar rock and roll album. The songs vary between darkness, hope, love, and loss. I don't know that I've ever listened to this album front-to-back, but I played it 3 times in a row at work yesterday and heard new things each time. Standout tracks for me - Racing in the Street, Something in the Night, and Streets of Fire

Not my favorite album by the boss. I do recognize I might be in the minority on that opinion.

Day 2 does not disappoint! One of my favorite Springsteen albums! If I was a day laborer who liked to drag race at night, this album would be the soundtrack of my life. Dark and broody, just like the title suggests.

Really enjoyed it

Known before: Standouts: 1.Badlands 5.Racing in the Street Rating: 6.5

Known Before: No Standouts: 2. Adam Raised a Cain 6.5

He is the boss after all. Never realized how bad he sung though

All songs sound the same, slow tunes that dragging along for too long and his voice doesn't help either. Forgettable, dull, boring. I don't often give a 1 for an album but this is nothing more than a 2.5/3 out of 10.

I expect to be poppy and very very het 2 or 3. Some catchy music and hes definitely a heart throb, but man is it forgettable.

Wanted to write "Ok Boomer music", but it's not ok. It's boring Boomer music. The annoying kind of boring, not just the easily forgettable kind.

Bueno Pero ni es tan de mi estilo

Springsteen at his best. My favorite of his and a top 20 album of all time.

5.0

Decent.

If only for the lyrics of "Adam Raised a Cain"!

Friends tell me that Springsteen's music is very "Jersey shore." Since I've never been to the "Jersey shore," I guess I'll have to take their word for it. I just never understood the whole Springsteen idolization.

Didn't expect to like this, but can't stop listening. Silvio is the man. Bruce is the Boss.

Not a bad album but a slow rocker for sure.

Bruce Springsteen has somehow consistantly escaped any album listening experience for me. It is pretty much everything I'd expect from springsteen, as even from his big hits you can tell he nailed his sound down very early. It's sung from the heart, it's grand in scale, and there's so much going on in every track. The guy was born to write songs like these.

I don't like Bruce Springsteen and don't really understand the hype. I appreciate the album though. 3/5

i liked it, just not my favorite

Not my music. To mutch sax and piano, nice melodies and harmonies tho.

Power ballad elvis vibes

A seven minute long ballad about a fuckin car. CHECK. Lots of groaning. CHECK. Glockenspiel. CHECK. A song about going to work. CHECK. Yep... it's another Springsteen album.

Not worth listening to again. I’ve never understood any of the hype behind Bruce Springsteen and this just solidifies that.

Some absolute classics on here. A couple haven't aged as well. Great album

Nice listen, nothing crazy though

2 3.3 1.5 eeeueeuehehhehheheeeeeeeeh aaanitakkeeherrtuhtheefloahhh 2.3 nah im not listenin to any more of this shit i know who Bruce Springsteen is btw. but why is this shit in here. why did i never realize he's just like a "coolboy elvis" wannabe?

luv da boss man