Nebraska

Absolute classic .This is the album that opened the world of Springsteen up to me .

Some of my favorite Bruce songs on here. Atlantic City, Reason to Believe, and Highway Patrolman are all classics. Despite being stripped down this album has great range.

it reminds me to my dad as he had this vinyl. Pure legend Bruce. A classic 5/5

I guess there's just a meanness in this world.

close to a double dose of bruce...cant complain!! i think whats most striking ab this one isnt just the sound tho its a dovetail w/ the sound...a lot of springsteen material takes the mundane and elevates it to a kind of ecstatic, transcendental status, whereas the clear angle here is a much more complicated and shattered one presented with a kind of inconspicuous solemnity. even the most vivid stories on here are just One Of Many, part of a world that creates them all the time...the slightly uncanny, slightly horrifying, slightly comforting emotional alchemy is unique for bruce's catalog but also maybe just in music generally. also really love how bruce changes up his vocal styles here...a necessity ofc, but one that could have been accommodated with a lot less thought and effort than was clearly put forth here...he was looking for a New Mode Of Expression altogether. prob one of the best attempts by a distinctive artist to complicate their artistic project.

CLASSIC!! A raw and harrowing tour through middle america. One of his best.

So good Jesus Christ. He is such a good writer

"Nebraska" is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen. Bruce recorded songs as demos using a 4-track recorder in a bedroom at his Colts Neck, NJ home, intending to record them with the E Street Band but decided to release them as they were unsatisfactory after full band renditions. The album is noted for its stark, lo-fi sound and stories of ordinary, blue-collar workers who try to succeed in life but fail. Initial reviews were mostly positive but many in retrospective think it a masterpiece and one of his best albums. Commercially, it hit #3 in both the US and UK. The album starts with the self-titled "Nebraska." A stark open with a harmonica and subdued vocals with a Southern/rural accent as Bruce tells the true story of Charles Starkweather who murdered 10 people and showed no remorse as he was sentenced to death in an electric chair. The volume cranks up a bit in the second song and first single "Atlantic City." Acoustic guitar and urgency to Bruce's voice with a more rapid delivery. I do like the background howls. A young man relocates to Atlantic City after trying to make it with an honest living. Howling appears again in the intro to "Johnny 99." Bruce shouting with a faster guitar. A hint of rockabilly. In this story, Johnny gets laid off from a Ford plant, kills a hotel clerk and gets sentenced to 99 years in prison. However, he feels remorse and begs for the death penalty. I guess I'm attracted to the songs with Bruce howling. In "State Trooper," he tells the story from the point of view of a car thief who steals a car and becomes paranoid the further he drives of being caught. And, he howls like Alan Vega does in Suicide's "Frankie Teardrop." Brilliant. Bruce had to lighten up the mood a bit and he does that in the rockin' "Open All Night." The only song where an electric guitar is used ( I believe). This is a stark and compelling album. No surprise with that statement. Bruce's vocals are emotional, subdued, howling, whispering and sometimes with a Southern accent. The music matches his vocal mood and song subject content. Bruce had been reading Flannery O'Connor, watching American movies and listening to folk music. He intentionally made the lyrics story-like and more direct which really works. I've always really liked this album and put it up there with his best. I can see why people who like anthemic Bruce may be turned off. Overall, this a great and influential album and an obvious high recommendation.

Bruce wie ich ihn liebe. Einfach, ohne Firlefanz.

There are two Bruce Springsteens. There’s the happy go lucky fellow, goofing around on stage with his best mates from the E Street band, playing a four hour show to a packed stadium. Then there’s the other one, alone with his guitar and a four track recorder, wracked with self doubt and trying to write songs of pain and darkness from the heart. The original plan was to record these songs with the band, but for various reasons they never quite came together so in the end he released the original demos more or less as is. The result is haunting and deeply personal. The title track is a proper murder ballad, telling a true story of a spree killer on the run with his girlfriend, coming to a gruesome end in the electric chair. Other songs cover familiar ground of poverty, brushes with the law (from both sides) and used cars, telling authentic stories, accompanied with just an acoustic guitar and occasional harmonica. The one song that stuck with me was Highway Patrolman, with a story about a policeman and his brother Franky who ‘just ain’t no good’. Is blood thicker than water? This song might have the answer.

this is a springsteen album that i've always heard raved about but historically i couldn't quite get it. hadn't listened to it in a long time, so i was excited to give it another spin. maybe i am older, a bit wiser, a bit more amenable to the sparse sound here, but i really liked it this time. it is very sparse. just bruce and his guitar. the spotlight is entirely on the songwriting. luckily, he is a great songwriter. the highlight to me is always going to be 'atlantic city' but i also have to give a shoutout to the title track, 'state trooper,' 'open all night,' and 'reason to believe' as highlights here. although i don't think there's a bad song on here. it's raw, it's sparse. it stands alone in bruce springsteen's discography as its own thing.

Not my personal type of music but get it. "The Boss" as my grandma used to say. Was her favourite performer.

A dark cloud rolls in Melancholy swells and dwells The boss welcomes it

perfection, no notes.

I like this. It's a very relaxing album. Kinda depressing though. I'd give this a 5/5. I liked the story telling aspect of it.

BRUUUUUUCE

Songs of heartbreak and struggle so relatable that it could help bridge a lot of the political divide today - assuming people realize that divide is more up vs. down (socioeconomic) as opposed to left vs. right.

Not quite a perfect album, but it's a 5* regardless. A bit glum, though, so I don't come back to it as often as I should.

Loved it

I am "I bought this on cassette when it was released" years old, but admittedly my 14 year old self wasn't quite ready for it at the time. Now though, I am here for it and can appreciate how remarkable Nebraska is (the album, not the state...)

The only record I stole from my mom. My #2 favorite Boss. Haunting, but not creepy, sad, but not depressing. It’s a record that you can’t always throw on, and it’s weird, but I somehow always forget that it exists, because it’s such an oddball Springsteen record. That’s it. It’s a ghost.

One of the greatest albums ever recorded.

Listened to this 3 times over the course of the day. With some personal thing and a rainy day it hit different. Ate a Costco pizza with a joint on my porch and it just hit hard. Never really enjoyed Bruce's stuff too much but this has me interested in trying again.

amazing

This album is an American classic. It is an artist that went against the grain of Bruce and the style that made him a hit. But he tapped into a cultural and person vein and let the songs flow. They could only exist as his home recordings.

This will be my final Bruce Springsteen album to review. I wasn’t sure if I’d listened to this album before, but after skipping around the songs a bit, I don’t think I have (I think I’ve listened to The River though, for what it’s worth). I love Bruce Springsteen, and I gave four stars to Darkness on the Edge of Town and Born to Run, and five stars to The Rising and Born in The U.S.A. Looking at this album on Wikipedia, I see the E Street Band wasn’t involved in the recording of this album, so I have no idea how I’ll feel about Nebraska. Here’s hoping The Boss will go out with a bang for me! This was definitely different than what I’m used to hearing from Bruce Springsteen, but I thought it was fantastic. The sound was stripped down and raw, but I thought it was a appropriate way to represent the emptiness of the American Dream in the post-Vietnam War era. This album feels distinctly folk, but it sounds right at home in the early eighties, before new pop started driving the sound of the majority of music. The songwriting on this album was fantastic, and I loved how the songs were all tied together by the theme of people who fought to get ahead in life, but ultimately failed. One thing that I like about Springsteen’s ability to connect to the listener. On “Highway Patrolman,” he sings about a police officer who’s always helping his brother avoid scrapes with the law. I’ve never had to help my brother out of a jam that serious, but I can still relate to the lyrics through my own bond with my brother. And on “My Father’s House,” while I’ve never had that exact experience, I happen to be estranged from my dad, and I could easily relate to the narrator’s emotions as he tried to reconcile with his dad, but found out it was too late. This album was beautiful and haunting, and while listening to it wasn’t an uplifting experience, it was still an experience that I enjoyed. I hope I can add a copy of this album to my collection soon!

I’ve never been too fussed on Springsteen but this album was PHENOMENAL. Not at all what I was expecting. Hopefully he has more on the list of this quality.

Springsteen stripped down to just his voice, and acoustic guitar, and a harmonica is the best Springsteen. Sure, the usually big, bombastic Springsteen sound is also good on the ears, but there's just something about the rawness of Nebraska that scratches right where I itch.

Over the years Nebraska has grown to be one of my favourite Springsteen albums. Essentially acoustic demos, recorded in a cabin, guitar, harmonica, Bruce's voice, and natural reverb. It sounds like he is in the room with you. The songs are dark and downbeat, as many of those on the subsequent Born In The USA would be, but without the E-Street band anthemic sound. And they are all the better for that. The sound, the subject matter, the semi-mumbled vocals - all excellent.

There’s a bit of a viral video out there right now where a woman from Nebraska, wearing a Cornhuskers hat asks “Does anyone even care about Nebraska?” The responses, by and large, were “no” or “fuck Nebraska” or “when did Nebraska ever care about anyone else or itself?” The subtext of it all is that her question came as reports that Nebraska would (allegedly) be bankrupt in the next few months due to the Trump administration’s immigration policies that will gut their farmland workforce, which largely consisted of migrant workers…Migrant workers who have now stopped showing up for work in a state that voted to have them deported, a state that said “fuck you” and is now worried that they’re not going to survive without the help of the people they just said “fuck you” to. The woman who posited the question later took to Tik Tok to clarify that she did not intend for the question to stir such political debate and she was just curious what/if other people thought about Nebraska, which…ok, fine…but surely the possibility that people might take this question as a political one might have crossed her mind at some point. For good or bad, nearly everything is political now. I don’t like it, but that’s the way it is. …and she just found out that not only do people not care about Nebraska, a lot of them kind of hate Nebraska. I’ve never been to the state of Nebraska, so I don’t really care about it or even know much about it because I have no ties to it. I don’t actively hope that people will have to deal with hardship, but, at the same time, it’s hard to feel bad for people who knowingly vote against their self-interests in such a blatant way. (Fuck, how am I going to turn this into a review…) I do know Springsteen’s Nebraska after today and honestly…I kind of think it’s a masterpiece. (Phew…what a transition, I really turned that one around. What a deft touch I have.) I would be hard pressed to think of an album cover that better conveys the feel of an album than this one does: sparsely populated and occasionally desolate, with a dark, menacing undercurrent running through it. Musically, Nebraska’s minimal, lo-fi production suits that image and feeling well. I’m grasping at straws now and, honestly, this review got away from me a bit, but I loved this record and I’m sorry to anyone from Nebraska for the things I’ve said about your state. Unless I’m right about everything I just said, then…uh…I’m sorry about that too.

Bruce is one of the best story tellers in music

Disco esencial, de los mejores del Boss. Poco o nada que ver con The River y Born in USA, pero de una calidad y belleza inigualable. Desde la portada ya se indica que será un álbum diferente, intimista, con instrumentación sencilla y escasa. Una joya donde brilla con luz propia Atlantic City.

4.5

Respect for Springsteen the storyteller.

Best boss

Went into hearing this not as a Bruce Springsteen fan and to be honest was not expecting to enjoy it. But I was surprised, this is probably one of the best albums I have ever listened to. The songs, the sound, the low quality finish all make this unique. Can't say I will ever be a fan of the big loud Springsteen rock sound but this is truly something special and one album everyone should hear. Amazing

Bruce Springsteen started his career as a folk singer. In the beginning, he was viewed as a Bob Dylan replacement, who had gone all rock and electric by the late 1960s. Alas, the record executives were incredibly wrong. The Boss rocked harder than Dylan ever could. In his heart, however, Springsteen had a deep love and appreciation for folk music. That is all the explanation you need for this album. Coming on the heels of his famous three act play (Born To Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, and the sublime The River) , this was not what Springsteen fans expected. Instead of the heavy sound of the E Street, most songs are just Springsteen and his guitar and harmonica. These are lush, beautiful, and usually sad songs. Atlantic City especially, is so hopeless it's hard to listen to, but listen you must because it makes you feel. Feel! This is real music, not throwaway pop. Not that The Boss ever made that kind of pap... In the day, only certain fans embraced Nebraska. It's fared much better over the years and understood as an understated masterpiece.

田野 轻松

This is my favorite Springsteen album. The first of his albums that I really listened to closely and loved immediately. There is a bleak beauty in what it takes to get by that he seems to completely understand in these songs. Everything tatters on the edge of American despair, it’s amazing how he gives us a sad romance using stripped down rock and roll and banal specificity not a generalized portrayal of Americana.

Great album, provided you like that americana guitar stuff. It's folk-y rather than roots-y, a kind of natural progression from stuff like Thunder Road and forecasts his Woody Guthrie stuff. Full disclosure, I love Woody Guthrie. Normally don't care for murder ballads, and I struggle to know if this is a 4 or a 5, but I'm too stingy with my 5s and I know I'll be back to this one again, so up it goes. Snoozefest reviews are understood, it's a low-key album. But I'll take any song on it any day. It's big and small at the same time, which seems to be a common thread for albums I like.

This is peak Boss. I'm less of a fan of his big sound with the full band. Nebraska shows off his songwriting.

Bruuuuuuce

This album makes me feel like Bruce has channeled Neil Young. There are some tunes that have more of a R&B sort of feel, but broadly, this strikes me as the least Bruce Springsteen album from Bruce Springsteen, if you catch my drift. That said, for me, it's great that it has a more dark feel to it, more emotion. Reminds me a little bit of Merle Haggard too. I am not generally a Bruce fan, and I'm surprised I'm giving this five stars, but I think it deserves it.

Dark, raw, but hauntingly true stories about the hardships of life. Accompanied by emotional guitar and sweeping harmonica, it really engulfs you with all it can muster. Bruce's usual ability to be the happy-energetic singer is in no way overshadowing the emotional ride that is "Nebraska".

Excellent

One of my favorite Springsteen albums which makes it one of my favorite albums period. This departure from the E street band, just him in his house with his guitar produced some of his best song writing. Can’t wait for the movie about this time period and anyone who enjoyed this album should go read deliver me from nowhere.

Bruce Springsteen is one of the all-time greats. This one in particular is filled with absolute gems.

So powerful and emotionally resonate, most times depressing. It’s an underrated gem and showcases the Boss’ songwriting on full display. Big influence on lo-if and indie rock too, he recorded the whole thing in his bedroom using a four track! Reading shit like Howard Zinn and listening to Frankie Teardrop really put Springsteen onto something, it’s an odyssey into the real lives of many working class Americans. My Father’s House never fails to make me tear up.

I listened to a lot of Springsteen during covid. Late 70's / early 80's are my peak Springsteen years and whilst Darkness on edge of Town is my favourite album this is a close 2nd. I dig the dark tones and low-fi musical sparseness.

bruce you've done it again

Bruce gets it

The best hoots and hollers on any Springsteen record.

Nebraska is Bruce Springsteen's sixth album, and a significant departure from his previous work. These songs are solo, acoustic pieces, without the band that usually supports him. In addition, these are dark, solemn songs - far from the energetic exuberance that was typical in much of Springsteen's early work. Springsteen's change of direction was very well received critically. The songs on the album have been covered frequently, and the album is one of Springsteen's to influence generations of musicians. Springsteen had originally planned to record these songs with his band; he was preparing this recording as a writing process to teach the songs to his bandmates. The result - these sparse, folk/Americana sounding renditions - demonstrates the strength and breadth of Springsteen's songwriting skills.

Clearly his most Misunderstood album. But really, maybe his career defining album. This was just so unexpected and I think it just gets better with age.

the most Springsteen album - even more than his more famous efforts. Hard to pick a highlight, but I have to mention Atlantic City - a song I can't remember ever not knowing

What an album of storytelling. A clear five out of five, even allowing for my obvious bias when it comes to The Boss. This is such a stark shift away from the sound of the E Street Band. It is stripped back, intimate and haunting. Just voice, guitar and atmosphere. It feels like Springsteen meeting Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan somewhere on a lonely highway. The production is minimal but the impact is huge. I love this album, although emotionally it does not quite sit alongside Born to Run, The River or Born in the U.S.A. for me. Those records soar. Nebraska broods. But lyrically, Springsteen proves he can do absolutely anything. These are short stories set to music, full of desperation, regret and quiet humanity. Favourite song: Atlantic City. A masterpiece of tension and storytelling. Least favourite: None. Every track is listenable and has a story worth hearing. Album artwork: A fantastic cover that perfectly reflects the bleak, empty landscapes within

Still can't believe they let him put this out just as he was poised to be the next great arena rocker-- interesting to listen to this one after the Suicide record, you can hear that influence on State Trooper for sure! Incredible storytelling, and a perfect fit for his voice. A classic.

Excellent and heartfelt album. Really enjoyed this and was super happpy to listen to this through.

Haunting stark magicial masterpiece.

9/10

Had this album on cassette. Beautiful sound from the harmonica and such a distinctive voice. Really enjoyed it.

A man and his guitar. This memorable voice telling stories about sadness and loss in a country, blues style. Bruce Springsteen is the American hero for a reason. I especially love the ballads on this very pure and uncovered acoustic album.

Springsteen at the core of his (darkest) songwriting without all the extra layers on top. Hauntingly beautiful. Love this album.

Hey Bruce, you just put out a classic double album of rock and roll with some huge hits. What’s next? What a moody, dark album without a band? Influenced by Suicide? Sure, why not?

I love the unique flavour of Bruce on this particular record, and Atlantic City is one of my favourite songs of his.

The boss

Springsteen early stuff is primo. Stripped back without the band he lays bare the issues in America at the time. Sparse . Honest. Challenging. One of my favourites. I love the E street band. But sometimes one guitar one voice and a harmonica is all you need.

This is where he shines. Stripped right back. I once thought I knew Bruce by his anthems. But this album for me goes back to who he was ‘before’ . I remember it was like finding his true origin music that no one ever plays anymore. It might be confusing for latecomers. Nebraska at first feels unfamiliar - even bleak, but soon this campfire style and warmth feels intimate and pure. For me it’s still his best and most powerful work. But I only discovered this 1982 style in 1997. His stripped-back steel string album called "Ghost of Tom Joad" had just completely flopped. So, a bargain-bin find introduced me to a really different, non-commercial, really rural sounding “ campfire folk singer Bruce “. And it blew me away. It was my favourite album for years. The raw intimacy and new meaning in his lyrics knocked me on my ass - just when I was getting into the subtle emotional range of acoustic music, jazz and blues and roots. So the “Tom Joad” surprise led me to totally re-evaluate Bruce’s music and then curiously check in on his back catalogue, leading me to Nebraska which I remember, I felt then was his best work. So I came to this listening session remembering that. And it’s a heartwarming joy to hear it again tonight. And have the view confirmed. I feel renewed to remember a chart-topping megastar can courageously step back into a forgotten quiet style, to remind people what his roots and songs were really about. And so; for me this is part one of a two-album set, so Nebraska + Ghost of Tom Joad kind of go together. What I like best is how artists evolve, explore and drop the facade and re-invent then return. And we taste different sides and get surprised sometimes - who knew?

My fav Springsteen

Magnificient.

So much of what makes Springsteen great stripped down and laid bare. Lots of times I prefer the loud, rock version of Bruce but when I need an album to listen to in the dark, this is top notch

Just so damn powerful.

Nebraska is an underrated masterpiece that showcases his storytelling prowess through a collection of ten hauntingly perfect short stories. Released in 1982, the album presents a stark, stripped-down sound that deviates from Springsteen's usual rock style with the E Street Band. Recorded on a 4-track recorder at his home, these tracks were initially intended as demos but ultimately released in their raw form. The decision to release the songs as they were adds a layer of authenticity and intimacy to the album. The characters in these songs are desperate and ground down by life, ranging from criminals to bitter individuals grappling with their circumstances. The minimalist production enhances the bleak themes, allowing Springsteen's evocative lyrics and emotive voice to take centre stage. The album's lo-fi quality gives it a haunting and timeless feel that rewards listeners with each repeat listen. Despite its initial reception, the album has grown in stature over the years, standing as a testament to Springsteen's skill as a songwriter and storyteller. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 8 STAND OUT TRACK - Atlantic City

I mean come on

Stark, brooding, sparse, bare, chilling. A masterpiece from the Boss.

This is a great album for how it came about and for it's tone. Haunting, sad, and absolutely love the jump scare.

Mostly just relieved to not have another random British alt band. This is a great one. Atlantic City basically gets it to a 5 by itself but there aren’t really any bad songs and the entire album creates a vivid scene. There are better Bruce offerings but this is up there for me.

Atlantic City obviously a 5 star banger. The rest of the album is beautifully written, charged with emotion and story telling that evoke Johnny Cash’s style and Bruce does it just as good or better

It took a while for this album to grow on me because it was so different from what I knew and loved about Bruce. Ultimately though, this is a great album, stripped down to the bare minimum. Really underlines his ability to tell a great story. In addition to being great acoustic songs, some of these are fantastic as full band epics, especially Atlantic City and Open All Night.

Stark, haunting, and beautiful just like the cover. Atlantic City is an all time favorite (though I do prefer the full band version) but this is honestly the first time I paid close attention to the lyrics of many of these songs and wow. There are entire novels contained in these songs. "Highway Patrolman" was stunning, "Johnny 99" was vivid, and "Reason to Believe" provides that glimmer of hope needed to continue. Pretty stunning, and must have been shocking to hear for the first time when it came out in 1982.

Simple and superb.

Not the usual. Very stripped back, almost folks style....Really decent.

His best

Always one of my favorites

The best thing about this album, not one single bite is taken from the commercial apple. Not one. This album is perfect for an overcast Saturday morning. A master class in songwriting delivered with just guitar, harmonica and voice. Masterpiece.

I quite loved this, with its intimate feel and compelling stories. A bit of a surprise for me but a happy surprise. Uh, maybe "happy" is not the right word for this album...

Moody.

This is one of the albums that I’ve known for decades I should listen to, and now I finally have. Contemplative and beautiful.

Damn good album. 5/5

Dark shite. But good.

Always liked Atlantic City, but never really dug into this album in detail. It is definitely one that a deserves repeated focused listens to truly reveal its stark magic. The tales of the dark and tragic sides of Americana are beautiful. Springsteen never sounded more like Dylan, but also mixes some unique influences like Suicide into the album. The stripped down sound brings surprising life into the harrowing stories, and stands in contrast to the heavy instrumental of Born in USA, which was developed around the same time. A bold move at the time, it now stands out as a high mark in Springsteen’s career.

Love, love this album. It's Bruce doing what he's best at, telling stories, real stories with all the dirt and grime and with a heavy dose of emotion.

Probably my favorite or second favorite Bruce record. Stripped down, sparse, genuine. Showcases Bruce’s songwriting skills as a more mature product. Maybe his last great record.

A very stripped down record. The story behind it is almost as good as the record. My favorite Springsteen record so far.

I'm not a huge Bruce fan, normally. But I REALLY liked this album. A whole lot. The stories, and stripped down production, everything. It all just worked.

This is a truly historic album, Bruce taking a big risk introducing a whole new sound without the band, channeling Roy Orbison and American roots (routes) music to great effect for me, at least. Not everyone liked it, but I loved it and still do. They gave another guy a Pulitzer, but for my money, Bruce is as great a writer as any. Not many of the Boss's albums are less than 5-star to me, and this isn't one of them.

Second in a row that I'm intimately familiar with, and wow, what an album. In many ways this is the antithesis of Springsteen's work with the E Street Band, but just as much himself as when he's playing with Clemons, Van Zandt, Weinberg, et al. "Nebraska" is spare and absolutely devastating, but also beautifully crafted. Though they're all (mostly) fiction, each song tells a real story of modern Americana; hopes and dreams tempered by struggle and strife. An amazing piece of art.

JOISY BAYBEE Really liked State Trooper

Springsteens story telling shows through on this album. The songs flow perfectly together to tell a story.

9/10. I like this album even better than Born in the USA overall because of the flow and story telling feeling like it all meshed into one. Individual songs not as good but album better if that makes sense. I’m bought in on the Bruce hype. Didn’t realize he had the depth he has because I just always hear about the big party his shows bring.

Such a fantastic album! Just Bruce with his guitar and some of the most beautiful and tragic stories. A must listen for sure.

I like Nebraska, in my top three Springsteen albums I think.

Stripped back and all the better for it. The Boss bossing it.

Not a huge fan of most of Bruce's stuff but this one was really good, really good story telling type o' shit.

Great one. Springsteen's acclaimed stuff is filled with vocal recording that pulls emotion out of achy screams and yelps that overwhelm recording equipment capacity. I'm very here for it: state trooper at the end! Title track, Atlantic City, Used Cars, Highway patrolman are all awesome. Open All Night sounds most like a traditional hit, so I first loved that but this with more listening has got to reveal more great stuff. 4.5/5

It’s the Boss

Great album. Shows what an artist Springsteen is

Much prefer Springsteen’s acoustic albums and this is his best. Lyrically there are none of the ‘Jimmy the Saint’, ‘Wild Billy’ or ‘Crazy Janey’ caricatures of his early stuff, the characters, seem far more realistically drawn and it’s all the more effective. Highway Patrol Man is full of great details, Used Cars is genuinely sad, State Trooper spooky with just the slap echo, minimal guitar and harmonica (plus that sudden ‘whooooo’ in the fade out is a great moment). Johnny 99 would be cheesy with the E Street Band parping all over it, but solo the desperation comes across. And that’s not to mention the title track and Atlantic City, which are both among his best. They were apparently demos for a full band album (hence re-used lyrics in places) but it was definitely the right decision to leave them untouched. Five stars all day long

This is my favourite Bruce album, the most emotionally affecting and evocative to my mind. A great set of songs that coalesce around the themes of bleakness, despair, compromise and unfulfilled dreams and ambitions, the immediacy and minimalism of the demos that turned out to be the recordings give them a primacy and directness that serves the feel of the album so well. It captures so effectively in my imagination a feel of the vast empty spaces of the Midwest, with a sense of mysteriousness and creepiness. Love it. A stone cold, undoubted classic to my mind ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

stone cold classic, his best

Love love love this album. Stripped down, raw and barren and yet still powerful.

Excellent listen. I have never heard most of the songs. Apparently didn’t make it to much radio play.

Love it! Certainly gonna listen to this again!

Sehr schön

Lots of people were disappointed when Springsteen ditched the band for this solo album but I think in the long run it really helped him to be a great songwriter. These stripped down stories of characters who struggle are haunting. It's not rock music, it's not folk, it's not blues but also not your singer-songwriter dreaming. 'Nebraska' contains a different spirit that you can't properly locate within the boundaries of these genres. And that makes it so great. In my top list of Springsteen albums it might not be number 1 but certainly in the top 5. As we all know, he made many great ones. Best tracks: 'Atlantic City' & 'State Trooper'

Highway patrol and state trooper back to back, well I can tell what’s going on here. I think I understand why Obama is so into this. It’s kind of a vibe, like this better than the American flag one . Damn lyrics straight fire if you’re in the mood.

Lyrics: The heart of "Nebraska" lies in its lyrics. Springsteen masterfully weaves narratives of blue-collar struggles, broken dreams, and the dark underbelly of the American Dream. The opening track, "Nebraska," introduces us to the grim reality of a spree killer, setting the tone for the album's bleak yet compelling storytelling. Each song serves as a character study, delving into the lives of individuals grappling with despair and the harsh realities of life. The lyrical strength of "Nebraska" lies in its ability to evoke vivid imagery and emotions. Springsteen's storytelling is both poetic and deeply human, drawing listeners into the lives of the characters he portrays. The themes of economic hardship, desperation, and the search for redemption are pervasive, creating a powerful and cohesive narrative throughout the album. Music: In a departure from his signature E Street Band sound, "Nebraska" features Springsteen alone with his guitar and harmonica, recorded on a basic 4-track cassette recorder. This stripped-down approach amplifies the authenticity of the album, emphasizing the rawness of the narratives. The simplicity of the arrangements allows the lyrics to take center stage, showcasing Springsteen's ability to convey profound emotions with minimal instrumentation. The folk and acoustic blues influences are palpable throughout the album. Springsteen's guitar work is understated but effective, serving as a perfect complement to the storytelling. The decision to eschew the bombastic instrumentation of his previous works adds a layer of vulnerability and intimacy, creating a unique sonic landscape that distinguishes "Nebraska" from the rest of Springsteen's discography. Production: The lo-fi production of "Nebraska" is both a strength and a potential drawback, depending on one's perspective. The decision to record the album on a basic cassette recorder contributes to its raw and unpolished quality, enhancing the sense of intimacy. The imperfections in the recording process add authenticity, creating an atmosphere that feels genuine and immediate. However, some listeners may find the production limitations of "Nebraska" challenging, especially if they are accustomed to the more polished sound of studio recordings. The absence of studio gloss might be a hindrance for those seeking a more refined listening experience. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that the production choices align with the album's thematic focus on the struggles of everyday people. Themes: "Nebraska" explores the underbelly of the American Dream, delving into the lives of individuals who have been left behind by society. Economic hardship, crime, and a sense of hopelessness permeate the narratives, painting a stark picture of the human condition. Springsteen's characters are not heroes; they are flawed, desperate, and often morally ambiguous. The theme of redemption also plays a significant role in the album. Despite the darkness that shrouds the narratives, there is a persistent yearning for a better life, a chance at salvation. This duality between despair and hope creates a complex emotional landscape, inviting listeners to confront the harsh realities of existence while holding onto a glimmer of optimism. Influence: "Nebraska" has had a lasting influence on the singer-songwriter genre, demonstrating the power of storytelling through music. Its impact extends beyond Springsteen's fan base, inspiring subsequent generations of musicians to explore the potential of stripped-down, acoustic arrangements in conveying profound narratives. The album's influence can be heard in the work of artists ranging from folk and Americana to alternative and indie rock. Springsteen's willingness to break away from a successful formula and embrace a more raw and intimate approach has set a precedent for artists seeking to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level. Pros: Compelling Storytelling: The album's lyrics are a standout feature, showcasing Springsteen's ability to tell poignant and evocative stories. Authenticity: The stripped-down production and acoustic arrangements contribute to the album's authenticity, capturing a genuine and unfiltered essence. Emotional Resonance: The themes of despair, redemption, and the human condition resonate deeply, creating an emotional impact that lingers. Cons: Production Limitations: The lo-fi production may be a barrier for listeners accustomed to more polished studio recordings. Lack of Diversity: The album's consistent acoustic sound may be perceived as monotonous by some listeners seeking more musical variety. In conclusion, "Nebraska" stands as a landmark in Bruce Springsteen's discography, showcasing a willingness to experiment with both sound and storytelling. Its enduring influence is a testament to the timeless nature of well-crafted narratives and the emotional potency of stripped-down musical arrangements. While the production may pose challenges for some, its raw authenticity and thematic depth make "Nebraska" a poignant and essential work in the singer-songwriter canon.

Amazing album showcasing Bruce at some of his best songwriting. It’s sad and it tells a compelling story

A breathtaking view of life in the impoverished corners of rural America. WARNING: listen to this when you have some time and space to yourself! It is a gut punch.

Possibly my favorite Springsteen record.

I love Bruce Springsteen, and this album made me love him no less

Working class tragedies that could kick start the labor movement. Poetry.

Fav: Atlantic City LF: Johnny 99 (it's pretty much a noise song with that fucking harmonica, Bruce was definitely wearing that Dylan inspiration on his sleeve) Actually such a good vibe, and even if not every song hits the same, they all certainly make the feel of the album more cohesive and real, in a way. Low 9

A dark and personal, gritty album from one of my favorite songwriters. While it isn't the one I reach for the most, it is with out a doubt his best work.

Crying. Beautiful. Soul wrenching.

great

This was peak Springsteen. He wrote so many songs that year. A whack of them went to Born in the USA LP and another whack of them stayed acoustic and form Nebraska. The radio friendly Born in the USA was the favourite of the public and his best selling album while Nebraska was the favourite of fellow artists and his fans who spend more time listening to the lyrics. This era of writing did a couple of things: 1) It elevated his status as a songwriter for the blue collar at a time when the US was ravaged by recession, plant closures and deficits. The title song along with Atlantic City and Johnny 99 are three of his best songs ever. Atlantic City and Johnny 99 both contain the same statement to explain the blue collar man's transition to criminal behaviour: I got debts no honest man could pay. 2) This era also showed how good the E Street Band was. For example take an acoustic version of a song like Darlington County, recorded acoustically as a simple G-C-F-D chords played using only the first few frets, and compare that to what the E Street Band did with the song. It's quite impressive. Too bad Bruce decided to go away from E Street after these sessions and the Born in the USA Tour.

Excellent petit riff d'harmonica pour introduire l'album (un consensus se dégage de ces écoutes pour le moment : un bon album c'est un album avec de l'harmonica). Je connaissais déjà pas mal Atlantic City (dont il existe une très bonne reprise par The Hold Steady), moins le reste de l'album, mais de toute façon Bruce Springsteen quoi. S'il est légendaire c'est pour de bonnes raisons (bon par contre c'est un peu dark les paroles de la première chanson, non ? On dirait Johnny Cash encore plus dépressif). Si je devais trouve un défaut, c'est un tout petit peu trop lent à mon goût (sauf Atlantic City), mais ça reste un excellent album.

It feels weird to have Bruce Springsteen in my favorite artists list, but I happened to get the two albums of his I’m giving 5’s as my second and third from him. Nebraska is a chilling, atmospheric album much different from Springsteen’s musical fare. The stories here are dark, highlighted by how minimalist the arrangements are. Although the morals have a tendency to be not quite right, the storytelling is on point. Overall, one of his best.

Hadn’t really given this one a x chance before. Excellent record. I love really stripped down records in general. This one captures him at a great point.

The first Bruce album I ever fell in love with - it’s perfect end to end and it’s the perfect introductory album to be able to appreciate the heart of Springsteen’s songs once you get past the pomp of the bigger albums. Haunting, memorable, honest and heartfelt and yet somehow with the right amount of swagger and cool.

Bruce Springsteen at his best, telling stories about being working class in America with a more folky instrumentation and an awfully somber mood Favorite Tracks: Atlantic City, Used Cars, Open All Night, My Father's House 4.5-5/5

A stirring and beautifully stripped back album of raw Springsteen songs showcasing that his fine song writing skills do not always require the bold E Street sound. This captures everything good about Springsteen - blue collar men on the fringes of the law, looking to get by, making poor decisions, impulsive, romantic and reckless. A fine achievement.

Amazing, top album! State Trooper is my favourite.

Recorded on a 4-track cassette recorded as demos in his house and carried around in his pocket for months until they finally decided the band could not improve this material. Crazy that the record company let him release this instead of a big rock album. Haunting and simple music and lyrics. Bruce must have been in a bad mental state when he wrote most of this. Highlights are Bruce's echoing background vocals on Atlantic City, the chugging guitar on State Trooper, and everything about Open All Night. Not a feel good album but a masterpiece nonetheless.

Perfection. Not my favorite Springsteen album, but very close. It has risen especially the more I hear the songs live. Atlantic City, Johnny 99, Open all Night, and Reason to Believe are my personal favorites. Any album that blows up the chicken man in Philly is elite in my book.

Fantastic album that transports you to rural, heartland America circa the 1930s-1960s. I think like 3-4 of these songs use the exact same chords and picking style, but the storytelling is interesting enough to keep you engaged. Nebraska, Atlantic City, Johnny 99, and Open All Night stand out to me. I’m really glad Bruce was able to put a hold the rocker persona to give us this treasure, just a shame he had to sell out and make the painstakingly average “Born in the USA” album 2 years later.

Great album

This was the album that turned me on to Bruce. His rock and roll stuff is good, but I prefer this. Great album. (Although like many an album, it suffers a little from first half syndrome.)

One of my favorites.

This is an all-time classic album, and cover versions don't do the songs justice.

Wow really great record with a haunting atmosphere. I wasn’t expecting that.

I didn’t know Bruce had this in him, I love this stripped down version of him. I get that the E Street Band is good but this album just works so well without all the horns. The content moodier and darker than what I’ve grown familiar associating with Springsteen. I’ve listened to all his other essentials but somehow missed this one and it seems to be my favourite. 5 stars

Ein Juwel

Spare but not sparse. Springsteen brings an aching melancholy to each intimate moment.

Reading about today's album, I got pretty optimistic about it. Traditionally, I like Bruce Springsteen, and understand that he is very influential in the music scene. Hearing that this was a fully acoustic album (just Bruce, a guitar, and a harmonica) made this even better! I love coffee shop/singer songwriter acoustic music. This album is pure gold! It takes everything that is awesome about Bruce, and puts it in the spotlight. His songwriting abilities shine through on this one. There are themes of heartache, love, loss, and crime. His guitar and harmonica playing skills are on point too! So much beauty on one album. Not a dud in the bunch! I frequently listen to a Canadian East Coast artist named Adam Baldwin, and I would say he definately drew influence from this album for his style of music!! Overall, a phenomenal album! Listened to it twice today, and will absolutely listen to it again! Favourite songs: Highway Patrolman, Nebraska, Open All Night, My Father's House, Reason to Believe, Atlantic City, Used Cars, Johnny 99 Least favourite songs: if I have to pick, State Trooper 5/5

Couldn’t hit the five stars fast enough. This is a complete radical departure from everything Springsteen had done before, and would go on to do after. They’re effectively demo tracks which somehow made it out as a finished record. The sparse arrangements (often no more than Springsteen, a guitar and some echoplex layered on top) somehow add more than they take away from these really heartfelt songs. His character work on this album displays an empathy with the working man which has always underpinned Springsteen’s ideas and rooted his music in the universal human experience of the underdog. I guess this is the true measure of a great songwriter - for these tunes to work on every possible level is testament to the genius of Springsteen. I can’t claim to have been a massive fan before recently, but this album was an absolute joy to hear. Favourite tracks: “Johnny 99”; “State Trooper” & “Reason to Believe”.

My 2nd favorite Springsteen album, and absolutely one of my favorite albums overall

I just love this album. I listen to it when I want something soothing, when I'm feeling a little sad. After I first listened to it I finally felt like I "got" Bruce Springsteen, and was able to listen to his other records in a new light. Favorites: Atlantic City, Highway Patrolman, State Trooper, Reason to Believe.

This is the one that can usually convert the skeptics who are only familiar with the hits. Shows you his full range as a performer and a songwriter. Absolutely haunting.

I listened to this three times because it was not expected at all. Definitely would not have thought it was Bruce Springsteen. It's quite minimalist but intimate which ends up making it captivating. Lyrics are dark/sad/introspective but also somewhat hopeful? Instant teleportation to Americana Folk land. Really like it and I have a new respect for Bruce Springsteen.

Haunting (I may overuse that word but in this case it is the perfect word). Shades is Woody Guthrie and Nick Drake. This album is bleak and filmed in grainy black and white. I can feel the wind biting through my clothes, chilling me to the soul Bruce is another one of those acts that this list has made me explore more and find a deeper appreciation

Desnudo, simple, The Boss, pasándola bombi. Atlantic City, Nebraska y The Trooper son tres temazos.

One of my favorite records by the Boss. This sure is a record with some very dark subjects. The chillingly Nebraska, the jolting Johnny 99, the thumping State trooper, there's a lot of great ones here. Bruce's lyrics paint a very vivid, though somber painting. It's a beautiful record, and the fact he did it all alone is pretty cool! And the cover is perfect, really encapsulates the themes of this album. Favorite lyrics: -Now, our luck may have died, and our love may be cold. But with you, forever, I'll stay. -Well, if it was any other man, I'd put him straight away. But when it's your brother, sometimes, you look the other way. -License, registration, I ain't got none. But I got a clear conscience 'bout the things that I done. Key tracks: Nebraska, Atlantic City, Mansion On The Hill, Johnny 99, Highway Patrolman, State Trooper, My Father's House 9 out of 10

Depressing, but in a good way? Bleak from the start. Traced the lyrics for a few songs because sometimes it's hard to hear exactly what he's singing, and all I can say is geez, are ya okay there Bruce? Are we certain Springsteen didn't accidentally murder someone in the early 80s, cover it up, and this album is his way to atone?? Picked this up on vinyl a little while back not knowing very much besides the fact that it was Springsteen. Not My favorite Springsteen album, and not my least favorite. It's somewhere in the middle (I think my taste in his music is a little backwards from what is traditional). Still a really strong album. Just... talk to a therapist, Bruce.

Sombre, gritty Springsteen. Really enjoy this album. Atlantic City is a favourite.

Bruce Springsteen on synkissä tunnelmissa parhaimmillaan. 5/5

Springsteen's finest.

Instead of rerecording his demos with the E Street Band as he originally intended, Bruce Springsteen decided to release them as he recorded them. The result is a startlingly intimate and somber album that tells the stories of ordinary people, outsiders, and criminals with no future. Springsteen's voice is cloaked in reverb and the lonesome harmonica further adds to the expansive hopelessness. This album stands out among Springsteen's extensive catalogue and is a testament to his ability as a storyteller and songwriter able to capture the pathos of the disaffected.

Great album

Stark. Distilled Bruce. Shows his development as a storyteller. A polar opposite from the busy E Street arrangements on the first two albums.

Stream of consciousness notes: Okay, I'm so excited for this! I've been meaning to listen to more Bruce Springsteen for a long time. Jesus, these songs are depressing... Beautiful album, I'm so happy I finally listened to it and will definitely be revisiting! Favorites are probably Atlantic City, Highway Patrolman, and My Father's House.

LP

A perfect album of story songs that encapsulates the American mythos. My favourite album of all time

Fantastic. Gets at the universal truths that the real American spirit is one in which all people struggle to get by in a world that is harsh and unforgiving.

Amazing album. Atlantic City is clearly one of Bruce's all time best, but the album itself is very writer and story focus. The songs are engaging and convey a pretty compelling honesty and passion. Really enjoyable.

beautiful, bleak favorite track is probably State Trooper but the whole album is bangin 10/10

Amazing album. Nor a weak track. The story behind the album is fantastic.

Perfect album? Bruce's song writing on this album is exceptional, with small-town, everyman vignettes set to an acoustic performance so vulnerable it's heartbreaking. The production creates a sound that's deeply intimate, like sitting up front, listening to the last performance of the night in a 2 am-empty bar. Amazing work.

I did not know this album existed! It is beautiful, dark, and sometimes quite violent. I very much enjoyed the stripped back and austere production. 4.5+/5

Takiego albumu nie spodziewalem sie po panu Springsteenie, bo przeciez popularny muzyk radiowo grany, juz darkness on the edge of town wydawal sie albumem malo przyjaznym dla szerszej publiki, ale Nebraska idzie na jeszcze wyzszy poziom, rocznik 82 i szosty album w dyskografii artysty i pierwsza plyta ktorej nie promowal pozniejszym tourowaniem, bo nie ma tutaj koncertowych trakow, cale 40 minut nagrania jest dzielem jednej osoby, nagrywane w warunkach domowych, gdzie instrumentalnie slychac glownie akustyki, od klasycznej gitary, mandoliny, przez organy czy cos cymbalowego, a to wszystko okraszone potezna dawka harmonijkowania, wyjatkiem od tej reguly jest trak open all night, ktory zamiast akustka ficzuruje delikatnego elektryka, ktory nadal jest utrzymany w klimacie prostego troj akordowego grania, do ktorego dochodzi sporo zabawy z poglosowymi efektami na wokalu i muzycznie wychodzi ambitne folkowe rokowanie rodem z heartlandow, jesli chodzi o kontent liryczny to plyta jest przepelniona springsteenowymi bohaterami, wiec przegrywami walczacymi z beznadziejnoscia losu jaki trafili na loterii, dziesiec opowiesci malowanych odcieniami szarosci, ale jednak tak urzekajaco wciagajacych sluchacza na dziesieciu trakach, od seryjnych mordercow przez opryszkow, po wiejskich szeryfow czy kupowanie uzywanych samochodow i innych wspomnien dziecinstwa, ktore nie wydaje sie byc jakims bogatym, jesli przed Nebraska szanowalem pana Bruca za skillse gitarkowe czy energie z born to runa i darknessa, tak teraz jestem fanem tego jak samemu potrafil nagrac taki material, tak osobisty, a jednoczesnie pozwalajacy sie sluchaczowi utozsamiac z kreowanymi bohaterami, prosty muzycznie, a jednak tak wciagajacy w sluchawki, ze musialem go przesluchac juz chyba z piec razy przed jakimikolwiek notatkami albumowymi, na plejke dodam atlantic city, za skojarzenia z boardwalkowym imperium, state troopera za najbardziej niekonwencjonalne wyjcowanie plyty, a jako ostatni braterska historie z highway patrolmena, a cala plyta leci na poleczke, bo dawno tak nie wciagnal mnie krazek jak dzisieszy Springsteen

So bleak. So perfect. This is the first time I've ever sat down and listened to this album. I know most of the songs really well. The others are familiar. Hearing the whole album should be depressing but I'm too busy with my feelings of awe. Simple songs with sparse backing, sung by a singer with limited range should be a recipe for boredom. Far from it. Springsteen imbues the songs with so much passion that he takes you with him into this dark land and you enjoy the ride

Haunting and powerful. This is the Bruce Springsteen I really love. His voice is perfect for these songs of longing and regret. Amazing album.

I think I listened to this years ago but never got into it. Really enjoyed it this time! I love the stripped back, intimate style of the whole album. It contrasts nicely with his more radio friendly hits I'm familiar with. This really put me in a contemplative mood and was ideal for driving to. It might not be something I'll listen too often but I will definitely come back to this when the mood is right.

Dark. Hits hard with something for everybody.

Great album.

My first time listening to this album. The production is rougher than I expected. I’d previously only heard a live version of “Atlantic City” but this stripped down original version is really growing on me. I’m very used to hearing Bruce Springsteen in wailing rock star mode but he’s a wonderful, emotive singer in this mode too. Wow - “State Trooper” has a really hypnotic energy. I really like the bells (?) that come in around the one-minute mark of “Used Cars.” On the first go-around, I enjoyed the album but wasn’t convinced it was the masterpiece everyone says it is. But I spent the weekend listening to it a few more times and I’m starting to get it. A subtle but great album.

Who was I joking? Of course this is one of Springsteen’s most memorable. This aged better than a fine wine for me.

Prefs: Nebraska, Atlantic City, Mansion on the Hill, Johnny 99, Highway Patrolman, State Trooper, Open All Night, My Father's House, Reason To Believe Moins pref: Used Cars

all killer

25th August 2022 Listened while at work. Went to see South Pacific last night with Dougs in it then met Sav and Sal in town. One of the greatest of all time. The storytelling, the characters, the balance of this album, it’s astonishing.

The antidote for Springsteen haters. If you loathe Bruce Springsteen, you will probably love "Nebraska".

The first solo album and a cracker

I've listened to this many times, but finally taking the time to review it. This album is so American. Springsteen is often said to be at his best on this album. I can't disagree. While it's not my favorite, it might very well be his best. Overall, it feels sad. Life coming up short. Getting older.

A fantastic album. Bruce's first album that was just under his name and not with the E Street Band. Realised just when everyone was expecting another big rock banger and he goes and does this very slow, dark, sad acoustic album. It's great stuff.

To quote Tom Morello, "You don't gotta be loud to be heavy as shit."

Bleak and grim and utterly beautiful. It’s amazing that an artist would go this direction at such a point in his career and fully explore one dimension of his talent and creativity. “Atlantic City” and “Open All Night” are great, but “Mansion on the Hill” and “Highway Patrolman” are sublime. The last section lags a bit, which is the only thing keeping this as sub-5. And I’ve always wondered: who dances to “The Night of the Johnstown Flood”? 4.5

Beautiful

Rustic Bruuuuuuuuuce

9/10 Best Song - Atlantic City

One of my favourite folk albums beautiful subject matter about crime and pain in america. It’s so raw and insensitive because of the fact That all the songs are demos. Nebraska and Atlantic City are amazingly good, I love this album

Perfect record. Top 10 of all time.

small-time criminals, desperate people, desperate times, love and love lost. But, in the end, somehow, we find a reason to believe.

The 8 album sequence starting with From Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J and ending at Tunnel of Love is 5-star album only, and this is number 6, so five stars.

Beautifully melancholic

Really good, I liked it a lot. Very stripped down and good!

La pièce titre est juste incroyable, juste ça fait que c'est un excellent album. Un Springsteen acoustique c'est difficile à battre. 5

Like a cross between Woody Guthrie and Suicide.

I was truly surprised at how much I enjoyed this album. it's not at all the genre I usually go for, but this album tells a story in such an effective way.

I find it a masterpiece. Good for work and blue mood.

Best album

I love this stripped down, acoustic Springsteen. The imagery of these songs are all so vivid. Beautiful album

Fantastic, a classic.

There are times when this is my favorite Springsteen album. It creates a certain dark, foreboding mood in a way that none of his other work does except for maybe “The Ghost Of Tom Joad.” This album also might have his strongest songwriting of his career. It’s sort of amazing that only one of these songs has been adapted into a movie. Ever since reading Bruce’s book, “My Father’s House” kills me every time

Bruce is singing funeral dirges for lost potential.

I started the album feeling very skeptical. It sounded like he was trying to emulate Bob Dylan. The faux Southern accent rubbed me the wrong way. The characters in the songs were terrible people that didn't get my sympathy. As the album went on and the harmonica started to die down I started really enjoying the album and Bruce Springsteen's own unique style started coming through. The album is a wonderful cohesive sorrowful listen.

Fav songs: - Nebraska - Atlantic City - Mansion On the Hill

10/10

Atlantic City best song ever.

Beautiful small rock and folk album by Bruce Springsteen following the big stadium rock of Born in the USA. None of the songs really stands out, but the consistency of the quality makes it great nonetheless.

Loved it

Großartig übermächtig Sensation 10 Sterne

I enjoyed this album the most out of what I've listened to so far for this project. Beautiful music, vocals, emotion

Superb, an introspective delight. If you're looking for more of Born In The USA there will be disappointment to start with but stay it's worth it.

I loved this album back in 1982, and still love it today. I am probably in the minority, but THIS is my favorite Springsteen album.

I absolutely love Bruce's country sound. An amazing album.

2nd time ever listening. timely with the whole super bowl and DWI story floating around with the boss. Really liked this album 2nd time and will be adding to regular rotation. very chill

Awesome album very Bob Dylan inspired

I honestly wasn't expecting Springsteen to strike me the way he did given there is no writer who makes more dad music than he does and he kind of has a sentimentality to his standard fare that's too much for a cynic like me. But maybe I should have as a fan of classic and modern folk because by making his least technically complicated album ever, Bruce proves the driving factor of modern music -- that if you believe what the singer is saying it's good music. And I believe it. This is working class misery porn music. Not even a noble strawman of the working man, just a genuine depiction.

Springsteen confronts a nation's demons and his own, armed with only a guitar and a harmonica. He goes to look for America and finds serial killers, dead dogs on the side of the road, petty criminals, empty houses and disappointment. Hardly a likeable, fun album, but certainly an immensely powerful, chilling reverie. Incredibly impressive, even if it's hard to enjoy.

As I think I've mentioned before, this is my favorite Bruce album. But I'm not a huge Bruce fan (I probably like him more as a person than as a musician), so I think this is a solid (leaning to high?) 4 stars for me, but not a 5. If I paid more attention to lyrics, who knows? (My bad!) But I've always been drawn to the stripped down, wide-open, spread out sound of this album, which (I imagine) represents (or corresponds with, or is meant to suggest and evoke) the wide-open, sparsely (human)-populated areas in the middle of the North American continent, and how that shapes the scattered humans living there, etc. An imaginative leap by New Jersey Bruce, recognizing that our country is vast, and diverse.

My first Springsteen album. Surprised how much I liked it!

beautifully sparse and bleak

There is a reason why he called the Boss. Great and fantastic album. So: 4/5

This album reminds me of driving back on dirt country roads after a weekend getaway or a long hike. The good times are still in full view, but you slowly realize as you keep going down the road that they've become nothing more than memories as of that very moment. This album is one of wide open, desolate landscapes and forlorn, windswept plains. These songs were apparently demos recorded on 4-track tape to be arranged for the E Street Band, but I can't imagine hearing any of these intensely intimate pieces with full instrumentation. These are lonesome songs designed for an acoustic guitar and harmonica, and the lo-fi recording that captures everything down to the uneven echoes lend a truly living, breathing feel to this whole album. There is, of course, a distinct air of sadness about virtually every track, but this is far from something truly morose like Songs from Suicide Bridge. There's even an almost rock song in "Johnny 99," so there is still some drive and energy in Nebraska. Now that I think of it, the slow sparse songwriting can almost be thought of as a precursor to slowcore, which started being called that about a decade later. Nebraska is considered a big departure from the previously spirited heartland rock Springsteen made his name with, and it's certainly a big left turn from the feel-good, heroic persona The Boss had cultivated previously. I chalk up the change to him living in an isolated town out in the boonies while he wrote the album. I also like to think this was heavily influenced by what Springsteen must have seen developing in real time; the hollowing out of Middle America and the birth of the Rust Belt. De-industrialization and austerity policy had just started gripping the Western world around this time, and the world's cynicism became apparent: the New Deal was over, the old money pigs had won. It doesn't help that the album is full of tales of injustices for common people, lost opportunity, and crooked people in power. Not that Springsteen had never written this type of material, but Nebraska is set apart by just how downright BLEAK this album is. It's a singular release that could not have come out of any other context than the empty, isolated landscapes of its namesake state. Key Tracks: Nebraska, Mansion on the Hill, Johnny 99, State Trooper

Springsteen's "I woke up and I was still drunk" album. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Nebraska - Atlantic City - Johnny 99 - State Trooper

Listenable but not my favorite Bruce album by a longshot

album suggestivo, poi è ancora più interessante se si considera che questa versione dell’album era nata come demo ed è stata registrata in casa senza nulla di professionale

Bell’album, totalmente acustico e forse gli avrei dato più stelle se avessi letto con attenzione i testi

Not his best but I still really enjoyed it. Atlantic City is so good. Very strong three light 4.

Pretty good

Mansion on the Hill stood out. Love the overall theme of this album and how it's so different from his others. Johnny 99 has been a fav of mine from this album too. The lyrics really make this, but the music is pretty much all the same. I don't think we have Zach Bryan without this album. 4.5/5

mmm heart land rock!!

Springsteen is my favorite artist of all time. Atlantic City is my favorite song of all time. I have never listened to this entire album until this project. Why? I always kind of assumed that it would be too slow and boring, I guess? I don't know. I'm an idiot. It's not my favorite Springsteen, but it's way up there. I guess if I have any complaints, it's that this does get a little samey. I know a few of these songs have evolved into full band songs, and the long-rumored "Nebraska Electric" showed up a while back.

It seems like a powerful concept album from a master songwriter. Would I listen to it regularly? Probably not. I'm just drawn more to Bruce's hits than this material right now.

Very Bruce. I like it, but it's not the most challenging stuff.

might be my first time actually listening to bruce springsteen, pretty good.

Springsteen is going the Dylan route on this album. Or maybe it should be Johnny Cash. A lot of these tracks sounded at least a bit country. It turns out Springsteen can do the singer songwriter bit just as well as the anthems he is generally known for. It's a good album if a bit boring in the middle. It's depressing, though, so you have to be in the right mood.

That's the problem with the 1001 albums generator... sometimes it gives you an album you are absolutely not in the mood for. I'll have to come back to this later to properly rate it. For now it's probably an 8/10. The lyricism is great and the stripped approach is really fitting, I'm just not mentally in the mood for this

Time for the final Springsteen album of the project! Bruce Springsteen is an artist that I've come to really appreciate in my time with this project. You can't go wrong his stuff! Nebraska here is one of the most interesting albums in his discography. The songs were intended to be recorded as full E Street Band performances, much like his prior albums, but Bruce decided to instead release an album full of solo recordings he did entirely in his bedroom. This was a huge shift in sound for him, and it was very possible that the album could've flopped. There's just one little problem with that possibility that fortunately prevented it from being a reality. This was still Bruce Springsteen we were dealing with. Nothing about his songwriting had changed, and these songs are just as good as what you'd find on Born to Run or Darkness on the Edge of Town. I will say that I don't quite enjoy Nebraska as much as either of those two albums, but it's still a great record that I respect a ton. Bruce's voice works pretty well with the lo-fi recordings, and the songs here are still great. The songwriting definitely takes a more somber turn, but it fits the musical shift and it still demonstrates considerable talent. "Atlantic City" is the most popular song here and for good reason. It is absolutely one of Springsteen's best songs period. The harmonica is a nice touch that makes the song feel full despite the solo performance. Other songs like the title track, "Johnny 99," and "My Father's House" paint bleak pictures that give the album emotional weight. "State Trooper" is an interesting track inspired by Suicide's "Frankie Teardrop," though Springsteen was kind enough to not destroy my ears with blood-curdling screams on the song. I do think that the songs kinda blend together a bit too much for me to call this his best album, but Nebraska is still one of Springsteen's most innovative and impressive albums. If it's good enough to get a movie made about its existence, it's good enough for this list, okay? High 4/5.

Middle America banger

Such a grim and evocative album. I don’t really hold Bruce up in my top tier of songwriters, and a few of these songs are overly dreary and repetitive, but I really respect him taking such a bold swing here. He has more range as an artist than he usually gets credit for.

A dark and sparse album that really works sonically considering the subject matter. Atlantic City is still a masterpiece. Would say I find the first half of this album a lot stronger

Not generally a huge Springsteen fan, but i found this album much more to my tastes. The stripped down lo-fi ambiance fits the subject matter.

Close to 5. Makes you feel things, which to me, is the point of music.

Very enjoyable album, got this on a Sunday do a perfect Sunday morning listen.

8.5/10

Not my favorite album of his, but still very good. ★★★★

Song about Charles Starkweather why, Bruce?

So this is where Eddie Vedder got his Into The Wild soundtrack inspiration from... Normally I can't stand Bruce, but I guess i only really dislike him when he's pretending to be a blue collar worker during his harder rock songs. I actually really enjoyed this album? Weird.

stripped down and with an acoustic focus, this album really captures the feeling of vast Americana, open roads, hard themes, nostalgia and pain. The lyrics are potent and at times story like, the songs are well put together in minimalism and simplicity. I really enjoyed it. I think it should be a required listen, as it culturally feels important to this country and the era in which it was written. Almost movie like. I think it's almost a strong 4

Beautiful.

I don’t know why I didn’t think I’d enjoy this. It’s folk, and I love folk. Springsteen at his most Guthrie. It works and it’s wonderful

Listened while driving through Iowa farmland. Different state, similar vibe.

Monotonous after a while but still remarkable

This album sounds like some old-school country rock, with songs about life in the rural areas of the Midwest. While I'm not necessarily a big fan of country or Bruce Springsteen's music generally, this one was certainly a vibe. The relative simplicity of the songs and instrumentation was not my cup of tea, but works for the lyrics. This would be a pretty good soundtrack to a late evening drive through the countryside. I can give this a 4/5.

Eine der großen Springsteen-Platten, an die ich mich nie so wirklich getraut habe und mir auch jetzt Zeit gelassen habe, bis ich mich mal in Ruhe inkl. Lyrics damit befassen kann. Ohne die Texte ergibt das Hören auch gar keinen Sinn. Die Instrumentierung ist meist sehr reduziert, die Songs null catchy, Springsteen-typische überlebensgroße Refrains sind nicht vorhanden. Selbst wenn mal ein Song weniger Folk- und mehr Rock 'n' Roll-Elemente einstreut, ändert dies wenig an der Stimmung der Komposition. Die Storys über Angehörige der Arbeiterklasse, die trotz aller American Dream-Versprechungen von Dollar zu Dollar leben oder durch diese widrigen Umstände zu kriminellen Handlungen gedrängt werden, sind sehr berührend und bedrückend. Auch Einschübe aus Bruces eigene Vergangenheit als working-class kid passen in dieses Bild. Die Texte sind recht einfach gehalten und damit meist sehr gut verständlich. Mir gefallen besonders die Dylan-inspirierten Songs. Sobald es zu sehr in die Lo-fi-Folk-Richtung geht, wo in den Songs musikalisch fast gar nichts mehr passiert, verliert mich das Album etwas, auch wenn die düstere Stimmung nachhallt. Eine perfekte Vorbereitung, um endlich "Deliver Me From Nowhere" nachzuholen.

Another descent album from the Boss! I love Atlanmtic City but I am afraid other songs are nowhere near as memorable and it's kind of mid in general. Despite sounding negative, I would have a hard time to give this classic less than 4 but I will stick to this for a while today before deciding.

Country, but like an eastern country. Not cowboys, snow cowboys?? “Mansion on the Hill” and “Atlantic City are cool”

Good sound and i loved the emotions great album

Surprisingly haunting album about the darker sides of contemporary Americana that rewards you greater the deeper you go.

Nice.

Muy bueno

Nebraska - 4/5 Atlantic City - 5/5 Mansion on the Hill - 4/5 Johnny 99 - 4/5 Highway Patrolman - 4/5 State Trooper - 4/5 Used Cars - 4/5 Open All Night - 4/5 My Father's House - 4/5 Reason to Believe - 4/5 Well this album was good and extremely depressing. Turns out he was also depressed when writing this! I would be too! I would get upset at the reality of the so-called "real America" when talking about just bleak things like this. This is the equivalent of the Boss just sitting next to you as he recounts his experience with the people who he wants to make music for. The downtrodden, the all-hope-is-gone, and the vulnerable belly that is the working class. It's raw, and I think that it makes this whole thing that much more impactful. Favorites: Atlantic City

Unique

Dark songs for dark times

Pomo 😍, toimii! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

well.... they blew up the chicken man in philly last night....... been lookin forward to more springsteen since the last time we rolled one of his albums but god this vibe is so different than born to run. the instrumentals are so much more reigned in, stripped back to not much more than a guitar with a little harmonica thrown here and there, and the lyrics and vocal style are much more somber. kind of surprising but like, he really pulled it off. im not sure i enjoyed it quite as much as born to run but i still enjoyed it. i think my favourites are two of the moodiest tracks, "atlantic city" and "state trooper". i feel like the former achieves a much bigger sound than it has any right to with so few instruments even before the mandolin kicks in, and it sounds great. meanwhile the latter has this hypnotic pulsing quality that fits perfectly with a song about speeding down a highway with nothing to lose and the sudden screaming at the end is incredible. the rest is good too but those two really stood up over everything else to me. its a great album. not the best, but still great. looking forward to the next time this guy comes up.....

A very soothing experience. I loved the rawness of it, wasn’t really too much frills just some good writing and great delivery.

A stunning sparse album that always draws me in. Deeply personal and fantastic.

Love the passion of this as a solo record.

mournful and beautiful, but not really on-repeat

Keyifli bir albüm akustik ama çok yerel kaçıyor sözler

One knock against some of Springsteen's albums is they're *too* polished and perfect-sounding. This one can't be accused of that, but it carries some great songwriting weight and an edge to it that hit home for me.

Atlantic City will always be a banger but I have to say I lost interest as the songs started to blend together in my head.

Rerige mooi album actually.

Camping music

8.5/10 - This is a masterclass in song writing. It’s stripped down, moody, and dark. The album cover is a perfect cover for this record. This is the pinnacle of Bruce Springsteen career in my opinion.

This album makes me want to move to a small town, get a drinking problem, and white knuckle my trauma. 8/10

This is Springsteen’s best album by far, Traditional Springsteen fans didn’t like it but I did. About how the working class is faring in Reagan’s America. Not well. Stripped down Springsteen. Mostly him and his guitar. Great songs: Nebraska, Atlantic City, Johnny 99, Reason to Believe. A good album. Four stars

My dad and I once drove straight through from Chicago to Denver because the thought of having to stop for the night in Nebraska was so demoralizing. In that sense, this album is aptly named. This isn’t an album that I felt like I “got” on my first listen years ago since it’s such a departure from the understanding of Springsteen that I had grown up on with my mom’s beloved vinyls of Born to Run and Born in the USA, as well as her 5-CD live compilation that showcased the E Street Band in all its glory. I still prefer that side of Springsteen, but since this is an album I’ve found myself revisiting on more than one occasion when the mood strikes or the sun sets before 5pm in the winter, it earns its four stars from me.

Every once in a while this website offers me a great album that I would not have chosen to listen to otherwise. Most of the time it just gives me bad to mediocre albums. This is one of the time it brings me a good one.

I have wavered in my appreciation of Springsteen in recent years but I like this stripped back version where the lyrics and melodies take centre stage.

Found this interesting to listen to this after a number of the other albums listened to up until this point. I feel like there is a thread of Johnny Cash that comes through in Springsteen’s work, not stylistically, obviously, but more in the sense that it is shining a light of a more working class, blue collar America rather than a glorified but filtered version of it others might sing about. As a result there is a degree of authenticity I find in the music which is appealing. ‘Atlantic city’ has to be there with some of Springsteen’s best. Acoustic guitar, harmonica, vocals and very little else is all that’s really needed in the song to make such an impactful statement.

#386 Not the Springsteen I expected but I ended up giving this a second listen to get a better feel for it. It’s slower, more intimate and raw sounding, especially compared to his well known hits but it’s great to see another side to him. As an aside, Arcade Fire must have taken a lot of inspiration from this album; he’s certainly an influence on them but listening to this for the first time made me make that connection, particularly where Neon Bible and The Suburbs are concerned. Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Listen before you die? ✅ Fave track(s): State Trooper; Atlantic City Rating: 7/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

i have listened before. feels like a sister album to Born in the USA, just replacing the swagger and fun with a wretched post-industrial wasteland. your dreams don't come true and the happy moments end, usually in bitterness. like the hungover morning after Glory Days when you're done reminiscing and you still wake up in your small town. really gloomy and misty-eyed, it's beautiful but it just doesn't let up. great storytelling. favorite is absolutely Atlantic City, i also love Highway Patrolman and State Trooper. very strong 4

Singer-Songwriter/Contemporary Folk/Americana Favorite Songs: *All but one* Least Favorite Song: Used Cars (And even then, it’s not the worst song out there.) So I have this CD, and I was planning on putting it into my personal digital music library anyways, but wow, this was a good album for me. Bruce Springsteen usually does his songs from being proud of being an American, but this one is more about when there’s no American Dream left to have. It really shows his overall strengths of his songwriting as a whole. (Though, looking at the reviews on this site, while I really wish that people would pay attention to the lyrics, I can see why this might be a dud for some people.) 9/10

Is this the best Springsteen album? (that I've heard so far, that is) Why yes, yes it is.

Last album from the Boss, and his simplest in terms of sound. Still has the heart, though. Solid 4 Stars.

Tolles Album, von einem klasse Musiker

Not usually a huge Springsteen guy but this album is classic

Quote good and moody

Country Bruce can be a wonderful thing. Contains some of his best songwriting, though it kind of drifts to a conclusion.

4.4

Good sad boy music, too many cop songs

*1982. *Sad Bruce is my favorite Bruce. *Nebraska and Atlantic City are great songs to start off the album and get you in the right depressed state of mind. *Fantastic background music with the correct amount of harmonica. It just feels like a nostalgic road trip. *Apparently this is about desperate and hopeless blue collar Americans, but it's impossible to say, as no one can really understand Bruce's singing. RATING - 7.5/10

Haunting, didn't know Bruce had it in him. State Trooper is like if Bruce wrote a Suicide song, absolutely crazy

Sounds like Bruce but more inside feelings

Good stuff

Very good. Cracking first two songs.