Nebraska

The best way I can describe it is that you feel like you’re with him, but also you can’t touch him.

This guy doesn’t sound like he’s from jersey.

First time listen Was surprised how much I loved this considering that I don't consider myself a huge Springsteen fan. There's a through-line of Midwestern Melancholy that really tugs at my heart strings. Much more emotionally raw and lyrically interesting than Springsteen's later, more pop rock stuff. Feels like a nostalgic, downtrodden slice of Americana. Would probably rate it 4.5/5 if I could Favorite Tracks: Atlantic City, Highway Patrolman, My Father's House Least Favorite: State Trooper

This comes from pain and experiences and is soulful - such an early example of his style. I am drawn to it.

Far and away the moodiest Springsteen album, but in a good way

Acoustic only Interesting story about how the recordings were initially meant to be demos for a larger E street band performance, but with the band the songs didn't resonate. So they just did the solo acoustic versions. Very powerful this way. Vibe is as stark as the cover art.

Even with how depressing it can be at times, I enjoyed Nebraska. The lo-fi aspect to it was really interesting, and the simple instrumentation left Springsteen in full focus, which I enjoyed. The emotion throughout the album feels very genuine as well, which I actually enjoy as well, despite me tending to be uninterested by "depressing" music. I especially liked "Atlantic City". Favorite Song: "Atlantic City"

I actually liked this alot more than I thought I would. I like the barebones instrumentals; twangy electric guitar, gentle fingerpicking, the occasional harmonica, xylophone or tambourine. I enjoy the subject matter of Springsteen's writing. I enjoy his vocals - he uses screaming and low crooning sparingly and to great effect. This seems to be a love letter to a life lived in a part of the world that irrevocably shaped him. On further research, I found he recorded this album in his home on tape - it is perfect for what he is conveying. The whole album is bookended perfectly by the title track, Nebraska, and Reason to Believe.

Favorite Track: Atlantic City

Gonna need something to cheer me up after this one.

I’m not the biggest Springsteen fan but there is a beauty to Nebraska. But I prefer the harder rock of Born in the USA.

As a Nebraskan, I love the references. This album has some county influences and slow ballads that really ground it.

Before there was MTV Unplugged, there was Springsteen’s Nebraska album. In my experience, most people either love or hate this record…doesn’t seem to be many in between. Count me among the first group. I have always loved this album; the haunting tunes and lyrics, the raw simplicity, and the vivid storytelling have always spoken to me. I get why this isn’t for everyone, but it’s an easy four star (and on some days five star) album for me. It was good to hear it again after many years. I won’t wait so long next time.

An album that relies heavily on the storytelling and narratives. Don't expect to find the melodies that interesting. Just get lost in the tales of countrysides, poverty, brotherhood, family, and (for some reason) state troopers.

Gorgeous and stark, a quiet album from Springsteen. Very good and very sad.

fire

I liked!

Whoa. This one caught me seriosuly off guard. I'm a fan of The Boss and his politics, but his music, not so much. Not the case here. Absolutely loved the stripped down aesthetic, lends itself perfectly to the initimate, character driven songwriting. Listened: at 5MW. Favorite tracks: Nebraska, Highway Patrolman, My Father's House

I really enjoyed this record - a good salve if you’re feeling low. Really highlights Bruce’s songwriting ability in an instrumentation that could become boring quickly with a less skilled songwriter. 8/10

Really solid. Very different to the other Springsteen stuff I've heard, but in a positive way. Super cool.

This album felt empty in a way that’s both bleak and strangely peaceful, like sitting alone with someone and them confessing the things they’ve done,?and not knowing what to say. It’s an album that doesn’t try to comfort you at all, it just lets these broken, unlucky characters talk, and that honesty is what makes it hit pretty well for me. The recording style feels essential, like you’re overhearing confessions that were never meant to leave the room. It plays more like a short story collection than an album, like every song is another life quietly falling apart. I didn’t “enjoy” it in a normal sense, but I respect it a lot for what it had to say about America at the time. I’m glad I listened, even if this feels like something I’ll only come back to when I’m in the right headspace.

Excellent songwriting.

Never really liked Bruce Springsteen growing up. Like a lot of folks, I totally didn't get what Born in the USA was actually about. Over time I've grown to appreciate his music more.

8.5/10

8/10 Best songs: Atlantic City, Johnny 99, State Trooper What I find fascinating about this album is how restrained Springsteen is. He never goes hard with his singing; he never uses obscenities; his music very very rarely reaches a huge, bombastic crescendo. He's quite talented. His music doesn't entirely work for me for this reason - I like my music to have more extremes; because of this, State Trooper is probably the best song on this album because he marries his restraint to something "more." Overall pretty good. I won't make my mom (a Bruce Springsteen fan since the 70s) angry after all!

A quietly poignant picture of Americana that finds beauty in the banality of life.

Jeg er glad for at jeg har set BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE så jeg forstod, hvad inspirationen bag Mansion on a Hill var (dengang han så et stort hus på en bakke)

Чудово, поставила б 4,5.

Beautiful, essential. “Atlantic City” is an all-time great. The album’s closer to 4.5 than 4.

Really surprised me, it had an early Bob Dylan vibe to it? Nebraska was such a good song! I honestly really was shocked, loved it

Great album. Has a stripped down sound. Works well with Bruce’s vocal delivery. Notable tracks include Nebraska, Atlantic City, Highway Patrolman, State Trooper, Used Cars.

Gritty and raw, this is quintessential Springsteen. The storytelling in his songs is great. My only issue is you really have to be in the mood to listen to this album.

Every day in America, it feels like it gets harder and harder to accept that I have to live in the same country as people with truly monstrous beliefs, such as those who gave this a lower score than Born in the U.S.A.

It’s a gritty , real album , that you need to be in the mood for. I loved it

Much more up by street than the usual full-band-mode Springsteen

Shit vad boss.

A bit samey, but at the beginning the album has some amazing songs. This sadness and compassion to it at the beginning shifts to life-affirming stories in the second half of snapshots of life. Snapshot storytelling

this genuinely healed me. thank you bruce and your awesome harmonica love you

7 - GOOD

This is how Springsteen should sound, stripped down to the basics.

ok THIS Bruce Springsteen I can get behind

Don’t support Trump but liked the album

Going through a lot at this time of his life, that much is made extremely clear throughout this album. Little Bob Dylanish at points, both in the voice and (of course) the harmonica. The folky, bluesy guitar playing is a little same samey, however quite nice to listen to. His storytelling, as always, is exceptional and is what makes him such a unique muscian. Nice to hear a different side to Springsteen, other than his over played radio hits. Highlight 'State Trooper' - sounded almost The Doorish.

After all my "this is dull" comments for many other albums, I come to this. Yet I don't find this dull. Slow paced? Sure. But I've always found the album to be one of my preferred Bruce albums. J99 I used to sing to my kids as infants. Odd choice, but I knew the words and it was at bedtime, so it fit. With two sons, the song about the highway cop.

looove him, made me kinda sad

Always a favorite. Have bounced off most of the other Springsteen albums but I’m sure more will be on the list and I’ll give them an another try. 4 to 4.5 for me.

Better than Coldplay

This album was perfect with the storm right now.

For a good brooding sesion

loved all the harmonica in the album. the top track was state trooper for me. its a bit mellow for me, but maybe the right time and place will come again for me to play it in its proper setting…

Easy 4.5 stars. Love this album. The lack of production elevates the grittiness of the stories in these songs and makes them feel more authentic. This is my America 🫡🇺🇸

I really don't know how to describe my feeling without sounding generic. The lyrics are so incredibly raw and dense with storytelling, where the songs are written from the perspective of Springsteen's characters, it almost feels like you're vicariously living all of these different lives from post-vietnam war America. But when they're autobiographical songs, it's so completely emotive. I like that the instrumentals are stripped down for the sake of the lyrics and storytelling. Really liked the identical lyrics in both 'State Trooper' and 'Open All Night' which both have completely different meanings. It's so cool. I really really REALLY enjoyed this. A couple of songs that weren't it for me, but thats about it. 1. Nebraska ⭐ 2. Atlantic City 👍 3. Mansion on the hill 👍 4. Johnny 99 ⭐ 5. Highway patrolman ⭐ 6. State trooper 👍 7. Used cars ⭐ 8. Open all night 👍 9. My father's house ⭐ 10. Reason to believe 👍

Springsteen is beginning to grow on me. I think that most of all he is a good storyteller, and this album shows that very well

Good background music, quite chill

4.5

Bruce. A guitar. A harmonica. Great songwriting played in the most stripped down way possible that makes it really hard to dislike this. It can be dull & they can sound similar but the STORY is different.. He writes stories like Dylan & like Dylan, the voice is the issue. Why do all these lovely storytellers have such shit voices? 4

This felt like a real departure from most Bruce that I know. Really meaningful, really poignant, you can feel that these are stories and tales that are close to his heart. I thought I was going to end up finding it dreary and perhaps too stripped back but that never really happened for me. I do feel the album was missing an edge l, excitement or a 'hit' but it was never meant to be engineered that way so it's hardly surprising. Strong enough for me to want to return to experience it again.

Enjoyed this one! I listened to it in the car - since it was heavy lyrically, I would listen to it again to better understand all the themes. Very intriguing.

Had some nice story songs, not exactly my cuppa tea but I appreciated it!

Different to expectations Very chill/ Americana Don't like 2nd song

My favorite Springsteen album...the only one I'll actually seek out and listen to. 4 lonely prairie stars.

Depressing, but really good. Need to listen to more of his old stuff.

harmonicas are so raw and sentimental i could bust. so folky. gives me nostalgia of a deep america i haven’t even stepped on. STATE TROOPER SO GOOD. i think Ethel Cain listened to this too. STILL AT THE END OF EVERY HARD EARNED DAY PEOPLE FIND SOME REASON TO BELIEVE

Atlantic City and the album more broadly is probably the most Bruce has ever worked on me. Will revisit. Fav tracks: Atlantic City RYM: Y (#749) Saved a song: Y

Stunning and very chill

3.5 State trooper 👌

Love Springsteen, this is a great stripped down album that as a songwriter love every song. I would give it 5 stars if it weren’t my favorite album of his.

I don't know much about Bruce Springsteen, but it seems he gets into a depressive state when he visits Nebraska cuz this shit is DEPRESSING. Like usually playing solo with guitar and harmonica evokes this slightly adventurous mood, like riding in horseback. Idk what Bruce did with his guitar but it sounds like you ripped it out of his nightmares. Don't listen if sad, otherwise a nice beautiful album. 8/10

The harmonica is the electric guitar of the mouth. Was t really grabbed by the acoustic. Glad Born in the USA was saved for the next one

It’s not my favorite Springsteen, and probably not his best work, but still exceptional

Baring in mind I watched an entire biopic about how this album kinda sucked and nobody really liked it, I didn’t hate it at all. His voice sounds as good as usual and it’s a sweet one.

Stark, spare, dark. Some of his best song writing.

Slow, calm and felt like a man talking with all the usual rules of music, in the most positive eay possible

Taint bad. Darker Bruce is better than blue jeans Bruce.

Such a a strong sense of space listening to this album, felt like I was in a cabin with the boss himself, with a saxophone laid across my lap, waiting for him to let me honk on it.

Bruce on his Joan Baez/Bob Dylan/Led Zeppelin III grind and I'm here for it; great storytelling; one thing about me is that I love an acoustic album; a lot of the same chords were the same (D, G, A in the same sequence in particular) and I wish there was a little more variation to the chord progressions

hooray for acoustic bruce!

4/5

Funny how a guy who's famously from New Jersey's and his biggest album is named after the state perhaps least like New Jersey. Really good. For sure my favorite from him, since I'm not typically a Boss kinda guy. 8/10

Too country but great lyrics

4.1 Probably Bruce's strongest effort from a strictly singer-songwriter perspective. And if the Band is covering your song, you know you are doing pretty good.

i really was not familiar with bruce springsteen’s game. prior to the movie that came out this year, all i knew was born in the usa (song). this album is so gloomy and personal and it works with his voice so well.

Atlantic City is a banger

Definitely can hear where a number of influences came from here. Dug it.

Melancholy, straightforward, but so evocative. Why am I nostalgic for a city in a time I will never meet? It's all-american and yet somehow relatable on every level. That's the power of Springsteen.

Album review 015 Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen (1982) Rating 4/5 I’ve never given this album much time in the past and my previous (attempted) listens didn’t give the attention that’s needed. I knew what to expect this time round, stripped back, minimal and fairly bleak songs but, sitting without distraction and giving Nebraska my full focus, I found that I really enjoyed it.

Very interesting, I realize I didn't know hon and really love the voice and the guitar.

I take back everything I said about Bruce Springsteen. I never understood the hype. Now I get it. This whole album was good.

Deep, slow, and sad.

I enjoyed this, of course, because Springsteen is basically incapable of writing a song that doesn't at least have some merit. It loses a lot from not having the E Street Band with him, and it's so dark and maudlin, but even so, it's a great example of evocative songwriting and heartfelt performance.

Well, what a surprise this album was, never been into Bruce, but I absolutely loved this album, played it twice in. Row, and have added to my collection - love the stories in the songs.

Some of these songs do feel like they blend into each other, but there are absolutely some standouts and the storytelling is great as always. First time listening to this springsteen album, still think the movie was mid.

Nice listening. Would buy this album.

the boss in a new form

I definitely don't listen to enough Bruce Springsteen. What a depressing album, but I guess New Jersey was a pretty depressing place back then. Great lyrics, great vocals, great guitar work. What more could ask for.

wonderful

bra bra

Drivin down that lonesome highway, I drank a toast to my father’s ghost and wrapped that Pontiac round a tree. Times is tough, I said to the highway patrolman who had stolen my girl from me. There’s a darkness on the edge of town - is it my soul, or because the streetlights burned out again?

Springsteen has become one of my favorite artists recently and this list has been great at making me listen to more of his music.

Lot of songs about New Jersey for an album called “Nebraska”

Some Springsteen you rock out to, swing and dance too, sing to. Nebraska you need to LISTEN to.

--Nebraska...sets the mood --Atlantic City...the desperation feels real --Mansion on the Hill...nice but doesn't jump out at me --Johnny 99...a great change of pace --Highway Patrolman...similar to "Mansion..." but this one is perfect --State Trooper...meh --Used Cars...simple and sad. things are starting to blend together --Open All Night...we pick it up and things get fun again --My Father's House...nice but things have become samey --Reason to Believe...it's fine

A nice departure from the large anthemic sound that Bruce is more known for. Even cooler is how this was unplanned and almost accidental. Just a dude in his bedroom using a 4-track recorder. A very polarizing album for many fans and critics, but I dig it. Listening to it in context front to back paints a more dark, bleak and not so joyous story through the lyrics and it made for a really good listen.

Pretty textbook example of an artist going on a stylistic side quest and nailing it. This is so good, so haunting. Glad to have an excuse to sit with this one

This hit the mood driving home from work on a raining autumn evening. Very raw, vulnerable and stripped down. Not what I expected from the boss but I think highlights him as a songwriter and artist. Not sure I loved it front to back but very solid. 3.5 with a round up for the boss.

I get why Bruce Bros like this album. Stripped down and shit. I enjoyed it. Putting it up there with the Born albums as my favorites of his. Really good, but not amazing. Maybe I'll put it on the next time I'm driving my 4x4 down a long and lonesome road all alone.... sounds pretty amazing actually... 4/5

My favorite Springsteen album. I think the storytelling and world building are great. This is the first time I've romanticized Nebraska. 8/10

Creo que en otras circunstancias me podría haber planteado un 5, es un álbum del que me gustan todas las canciones, pero estoy harta de tanto hombre y tanto inglés.

Creo que en otras circunstancias me podría haber planteado un 5, es un álbum del que me gustan todas las canciones, pero estoy harta de tanto hombre y tanto inglés.

Albummet blev åbenbart optaget på en billig 4 spors båndoptager på hans eget soveværelse. Det var meningen det skulle have være poleret og "velproduceret" til at starte med, men det blev i stedet en meget rå og enkel lyd hvor det bare var ham, guitaren, mundharmonikaen og stemmen. Det er åbenbart også inspireret af gamle amerikanske gotiske tekster og film noir. Det er americana som er mørkt, melankolsk og intimt. man kan virkelig mærke at det er som om han synger direkte til én selv, hvilket er meget fedt. jeg er ved at samle lidt på de albums fordi det føles så personligt og det er virkelig noget man bare kan leve sig selv ind i. Jeg kan godt lide lyden af det dark folk som det er, lidt i modsætning til det andet heartland rock han plejer at lave? idk.

Bruce is great

One of my favorite Bruce albums.

A haunting, sparse album of the downtrodden. Recorded on a 4-track with just some guitar, harmonica, and the occasional keyboard, it was intended to be a demo tape only to be released as it stood with no other contributions. Bold, and for the most part, it works out. It's certainly a pioneering effort for more lo-fi, bedroom demo folk, which I can enjoy. That being said, the lack of differentiation between tracks is a hindrance, where it's quite same-y. And after listening to The Band's version of "Atlantic City", the original just sounds bad in comparison. I do think this album is mandatory listening - some people will love it, some people will hate it. It's a good listening exercise, anyways. Springsteen is at his best when he has the E Street Band with him, though. Born To Run, Born in the U.S.A, Tunnel of Love, and Darkness On The Edge of Town are some better Springsteen albums.

A change from his previous rock albums. This acoustic solo album is magnificent. Just excellent.

Bruce Springsteen uses emotion so well in this album. Unfortunately it does get way too repetitive near the end. Still, some really heartbreaking stories are told beautifully. It's hard not to love this. The instruments aren't anything amazing, but work perfectly here.

I love the atmosphere and narrative of this entire album, and I've listened to it many times. One complaint would be that there's very little difference in the songs themselves, musically. Would have liked a little variance from song to song. 3.5

I like Bruce but I never fell in love with him like everyone else I know

A fantastic acoustic album. Perfect for enjoying in the rain. "Nebraska," "State Trooper," "Open All Night," wow!

This sounds like a 1982 version of Bob Dylan. Singer, guitar, harmonica. Pitchfork: 10 Rolling Stone: Top 500 Albums #150 Best Songs Nebraska Atlantic City Mansion on the Hill Johnny 99 Used Cars My Father's House

4.4

My favorite Bruce Springsteen album. I prefer this acoustic, country-inspired sound over some of the more triumphant and anthemic albums in his discography like Born to Run (god forbid an artist is happy!), as I feel like maybe they haven't aged that well. I've never been to Nebraska, but this album creates such a vibe and paints such an imagery, it feels like driving through the state and looking at the window of your car when it's raining outside. Doesn't make me wanna visit it tho. The acoustic guitars have a very nocturnal and kind of lo-fi vibe, which gives the album a cold, autumny feel that is also quite unique. I love how genuine the songs feel, Bruce's vocals are pretty muffled, but sentimental, full of melancholy. Also weirdly comforting in a way. And musically, the arrangements are quite minimal, but they do just enough to contribute to this overbearing atmosphere. Also, being unemployed, some of these songs hit hard. If there's one thing I could do without it's the harmonicas, but they don't appear on every song and aren't the main element anyways.

acoustic music has my heart. sweet autumny vibes. something very comforting about his voice. funny accent. an overall good listen! the first song is quite chilling with the topic and the calmness of his voice "well, sir, i guess there's just a meanness in this world". with the rest of the album the sound makes me wanna close my eyes and sway my head slowly from side to side. such calmness and peacefulness, almost meditative. i particularly liked mansion on the hill.

I think this is going to take more listening in the appropriate settings. Its a listen for a lazy, wintery Sunday morning. Can't say I'm a huge fan, but admire Springsteen and he has done some great tunes. I see the merit in this album, even if I don't immediately get it.

Good album. Pleasing pared back sound that has aged well with good songs.

Pre: I haven't listend to this album front to back Post: I liked it, 4 track stripped down spirngsteen was great

Such a great album! Love the boss! This is a good one cause it's very stripped down and just feels like bruce being so open and vulnerable

Much more folk than I have heard from Springsteen before. Springsteen channeling Johnny Cash.

8/10 first time listening to a springsteen album. pretty good

Way more interesting than born to run or whatever his more well known breakout album is

Curti curti

Probably the only Springsteen album I like. Instead of his normal overly dramatic yell singing he just sings. It allows his lyrics to be the focus.

an incredibly haunting record - that I just wish wasn’t made by Bruce

Only recently came to the correct realization that Bruce is the best. Go see him, seriously. This album is exactly what I DON'T need from Bruce. Gimme the E-Street Band. My favorite songs are the ones that boogie a lil' bit (assuming I will like the Electric Nebraska versions more when it drops tomorrow).

Honestly really good. Nice and easygoing, but genuinely a joy to listen throughout. What a range on this guy. He should be famous!

Great raw album. Movie coming out Friday!

Beautiful stripped down, only Bruce and a 4 track. 8/10 Favoirte tracks- “Atlantic City” “Jonhhy 99” “Sate Trooper”

Loved title track!

Actually a pretty good album. I'm not a big Boss fan, but at least the lyrics are meaningful and cool!

I really liked this!

I like it. Mellow, simple, good Springsteen

I could see this becoming a 5* on repeat listens but not quite yet. Reminds me of the best Killers' album, Pressure Machine.

Highway Patrolman pushed it to 4 for me

Hey girl long time no see. Confess ive not actually listened to nebraska in full so. Lez go. Oh this is. This is gorgeous. Maybe im biased and maybe its aided by listening on a lazy sunny sunday morning but hoowee. Lot of people in the reviews like 'ugh this is just him getting his guitar out round the campfire' and youre telling me you arent feeling a little melancholic round the campfire?? Youre not going apeshit when he tunes it to eadg for state trooper??????? Grow up.

A little too country for me at times

Subdued and not flashy. I really enjoyed this.

Actually better than the “red blooded American born in a small town” type music I thought he made

I love the raw sound and several of the songs remind of the mood on the ghost of Tom Joad album that I listened a lot to in the past. I will listen to this again. Four stars

If I could give 4 1/2 I would. It’s a great album but sometimes a little too mellow and folksy for me.

Better album than state.

Harmonica is the most American instrument, overlayed by a phenomenal storyteller.

Favourite Track: Highway Patrolman, Mansion on the Hill

I had no idea that this was a fully acoustic record! Acoustic projects can get boring but I think Bruce did a great job of keeping this one lively with minimal instrumentation. And the range of influences (rockabilly, folk, country, blues) is very subtle but key to making these recordings work as well as they do. The narrative is strong, and I can see more clearly now how directly The Killers were influenced by Springsteen's work. Great album.

This is an easy listen for me. This album is mostly acoustic, maybe entirely acoustic, has elements of blues, rock & roll, folk, set over themes like run-ins with the law and meeting God. There are excellent harmonica riffs that gave me chills. There is some great emotion here. This is an 8.4 for me. AH

Oui!! 4 étoiles

Reminds me of all the good of america

A great album. It's a little slow at times and the lyrics can be gut wrenching (though very good). Something different, wouldn't listen to it all the time, but it's very good.

Such a different side of Bruce Springsteen than I’ve heard before. Will come back to this one again

Un album Folk intimiste qui parle de bandits. Le proto lofi emo folk scene. Un petit 4.

Not an album i would go to right away, but still a pretty good album regardless

8.1

First time listening, and wow did some feelings get elicited. Definitely an album that needs consecutive listens. I didn't grasp a lot of the lyrics but the delivery and lonesome sound presents itself so well. I almost cried haha

Album 15/1001 This is Bruce at a time where he was struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts...and you don't need to be a doctor to recognise that when you listen to this album. These songs are all beautifully writen, bleak stories about the struggles of life. Don't know about you, but sometimes I just want to wallow...and for me, there's no better companion in those times than The Boss, armed with just his guitar, his harmonica and his sad weary voice. Favourite lyrics: ATLANTIC CITY "Gonna be a rumble out on the promenade And the gambling commission's hanging on by the skin of its teeth" "Well, I got a job and tried to put my money away But I got debts that no honest man can pay" "Now I've been looking for a job, but it's hard to find Down here, it's just winners and losers And don't get caught on the wrong side of that line Well, I'm tired of coming out on the losing end So, honey, last night I met this guy And I'm gonna do a little favour for him Well, I guess everything dies, baby, that's a fact But maybe everything that dies someday comes back So fix your hair up nice and set up pretty And meet me tonight in Atlantic City" OPEN ALL NIGHT "Radio's jammed up with Gospel stations Lost souls callin' long distance salvation Hey Mr. DJ, won't you hear my last prayer? Hey ho, rock 'n' roll, deliver me from nowhere" REASON TO BELIEVE "Struck me kinda funny Funny yeah indeed How at the end of every hard earned day People find some reason to believe" Favourite song: Atlantic City 🌊🏙 Honourable mention: Nebraska 👫🔫 Mansion on the Hill 🏠🌄 Highway Patrolman 🛣 👮‍♂️ Reason to Believe ✝️

Never been a huge fan of Springsteen, but never hated him either. I hadn't listened to Nebraska all the way through before and was a bit surprised by how many songs I already knew from other people's cover versions. Gotta say I like the quieter, more introspective side of The Boss. Faves: "Atlantic City" (The Hold Steady do a great cover), "Mansion On A Hill", "Highway Patrolman" (Johnny Cash himself covered that one), "My Father's House"

they blew up the chicken man in philly last night

This was a touching album. Say whatever you want about liking it or not but it's honest and earnest and you can feel the artistry in it. Good one to have on the list and I'm glad I listened to it as an album versus just random songs.

Yeah, this is good! Great atmospheres, good lyrics, I like it.

I never really knew much about this album, and I didn’t care much for what I heard at the time. Album-oriented FM was no longer the soundtrack of my daily routine. But listening to it now, and having learned its back-story, I can appreciate it for what it is, even if it isn’t an album I’m going to play over and over.

Wow, what a nice surprise!

That was a strange one. I like the atmosphere and the background behind the album but I'm not sure I liked it as a whole. It sounds thoughtful and a bit unsettling, I like that a lot, but after it was over I wasn't sure what to think - I was kinda glad that it was over but at the same time now I want to listen to it again, perhaps, in a different headspace? I liked "Johnny 99" the most.

Really enjoyed.

For some reason I expected this to be an hour plus… 40 minutes was just fine.

Pleasantly surprised by this album, i didn't enjoy born in the USA, so didn't have high hopes for this. I enjoyed this album a lot more, Springsteen's stripped back approach was a nice change of pace, and I enjoyed the theme of Morality that was laced throughout this album.

I'm not really a Springsteen fan by any means, but this album is objectively pretty good all the way through. It's a first listen, but one of those that I feel like would get better over time. I like the acoustic guitar, the harmonica. A definite folk feel.

Surprising this is actually sick. I cant even belive it. I really dont like born in the USA or born to run or Jason borne or any other birthright songs. Those are terrible. I was expecting that type of stuff. But he makes actual music. Like real heartfelt stuff. Just a guy with an acoustic guitar and maybe some xylophone or something to bring it all together. I liked almost every song here. A few get a bit too much toward the end but its a 90% hit rate. What happened from here to the next record. It worked out for him thats for sure but this is much more for me

Enjoyed this - good strong songs and story telling

I hate Bruce Springsteen, but I liked this album.

nice stuff - never new it existed

Great album

Such classic americana. It's really typical music but I do think Springsteen captures something of the rural american spirit from this era in an honest way.

Favorite tracks: Atlantic City Man, I hope someone checked on Bruce after this album was released, this was incredibly depressing. Americana is definitely not my style of music, but I can appreciate that this was well made and shows another side of him that I had not heard.

Very nice

Good

I have loved this album for 40 years, so I was pretty happy to see it pop up. Ok, maybe “happy” and Nebraska don’t naturally go together. One of Bruce’s finest sets of songs and I love that they went with the demos over a full E Street album that would have taken some of the magic and pathos out of these beautifully tragic songs. It’s tough to make solo acoustic interesting across an entire album, Bruce shows us how it’s done.

I would consider myself a Bruce fan. Clearly not a huge one since I've never listened to a single song off this album. It's not the exact vibe I look for when I want to listen to Bruce was it was actually better than I expected.

Oh Bruce we're really in it now 🥲❤️‍🩹

Really stripped down. Like it a lot. Great song writing. Lots of feeling, super intimate.

I needed to be in the right mood for this one. Even though I still think Bruce’s strengths are in his more bombastic stuff, he’s a good storyteller and is capable of hitting some solid emotional beats here.

Dobre country, aż by się chciało do tej ameryczki pojechać

Haven’t heard much of the folk side of Bruce Springsteen so this was a nice surprise.

I grew up familiar with the Boss’s greatest hits, as my mom was a huge fan (at least, of the hits). This album was a pleasant surprise. I’d first listened to it as part of a “Deep Listening” project (one album suggested by a group member per week, required you to listen fully, and then provide comment). I can see why someone wouldn’t like this, but the somber intimacy of it is moving (to me, obviously). I’d recommend this album to a select group of friends, though I doubt it would move the needle for any Bruce Springsteen haters.

Een bekende 'outlier' in de discografie van Springsteen. Zet hem eigenlijk niet zo vaak op, maar wel leuk dat-ie kennelijk inspiratie haalde uit de muziek van Suicide.

This one was good to listen to while working and I imagine it’s also good for a bad mood. Enjoyed the album more than I was expecting to after the first song which was my least favourite. Fav song: Atlantic City - I also liked Open All Night and Reason to Believe Least fav: Nebraska

It starts brilliantly, but does lose momentum over its runtime... At the end, it is to long to much of the same... I like the style, but there is only so much, you can do with singer-songwriter stuff, and this album does demonstrate this. Still, it is good and I enjoyed at least the first half, so it is a strong 4.0.

I loved this album! A more introspective Bruce

Big roadtrip sunset vibes

Impactful experience listening to this album

3.5 rounded up undeniably compelling, and something i sort of feel bad rating right now, because i think i’ll need to spend more time with this record to fully appreciate it.. but it also didn’t quite grab me highlights: atlantic city, state trooper, reason to believe (mar 14 2026)

I think this might be my favorite Springsteen album

Big classic. Big love.

I think I prefer this to Born In The U.S.A. overall; Less standouts but i don't dislike any of these songs. I would listen to this again! Favs- Atlantic City, Nebraska, Johnny 99.

Haunting. Made me want to jump off a bridge (positive). Great stuff.

The Boss, the king of the heartland, pares down to just himself, an acoustic guitar and a harmonica - and it works wonders! A thoroughly depressing and beaten-down album with a sound to match. Yet more proof, as if it was needed, that Springsteen is one of the greats. Easy 9/10.

good album not as good as bornt o run

This album is a beautiful and soft acoustic album with so much heart and soul.

Never had much time for Mr Springsteen, but this album was simple but powerful. Much preferred to other stuff I've heard from him. My Father's House was special.

Its a great showcase of Bruce, the Folk singer. Nebraska captures the desolation of the plains. Atlantic City is one of my favorites of the album.

Good

Springsteen is right up there with Bob Dylan and John Prine in his genius of writing about and for the Everyman. His writing is simple and cuts right to the bone. This album is genius.

More mellow than Springsteen's other albums. I like it.

Cana go wrong min

Bruce is one of my favorite artists. Decent album.

Excelente disco. Bem tocante. Celest Pandamon

Looks like Bruce Springsteen is about to become my first 'controversial artist' - this is miles better than all the stuff I've heard of his previously; raw, low-fi, heartfelt recordings. Favourite tracks: Nebraska, Atlantic City, Highway Patrolman, State Trooper, My Father's House.

Started off really good, got a bit boring at the end. Bruce really surprised me with this one in a good way, I expect something different

Som skrevet tidligere fungere Boss’ens musik bare bedre for mig når det er strippet for saxofoner og keyboards. Det fremstår mere ærligt og nærværende. Desværre når alle sangene ikke op på niveau med State Trooper. Havde de det niveau var det en klar 5er

I’m 52 years old and this is the first time I’ve ever listened to this album or any track on this album. That’s a travesty. This is poetry. Like most people I guess, Born in the USA was my intro to Bruce and I don’t think I fully knew about the album Nebraska until now. This reminds me of Woody Guthrie, Wilco and Flannery O’Connor all rolled into one. These are not chart toppers, but they are real.

dark and foreboding. intimate performance full of masterful storytelling. this one is special.

Dit is niet het eerste album van the Boss, en vermoedelijk ook nog niet het laatste. We krijgen geloof ik Born in the USA nog. Gek genoeg staat the river er niet in. Ik kan the Boss altijd goed hebben (nou ja, de 70s en 80s boss bedoel ik dan), dus in dit geval had ik dat ene extra albumpje niet zo erg gevonden. Nebraska is een beetje een buitenbeentje in die tijd. Hele trage singer-songwriter liedjes. Niet eens voor bij het kampvuur, maar meer eenzaam mijmerend, over het harde leven van de working class. Iets dat hij zelf niet echt heeft meegemaakt volgens mij. Maar waardoor er wel een aantal absolute pareltjes tussen zitten. Atlantic City is mijn persoonlijke favoriet, 5 sterrensong. Als dit album je grijpt, dan is het een dikke 5 sterren waard. Ik kan ook helemaal begrijpen als dit te saai voor woorden is en je een 2 geeft. Aangezien ik voor the Boss al 2x een 5 heb uitgedeeld, vind ik een tandje te hoog gegrepen voor nog een maximale score. Een enkel nr van het album zou het wel verdienen, maar ik zet liever Born to Run of Darkness on the Edge of Town op. Dus ik hou het bij dit album op een keurige 4 sterren.

nice

Springsteen going a little country with all the harmonica, enjoyed it

Awesome, brooding, lonely, haunting, classic.

Very pretty I enjoyed it a ton

First time listening to an album of his, and I wish I had listened sooner.

Not entirely my thing, but y'know, the guy can sing.

Ive never really fallen for Bruce, but this is the closest ive got. It strips away all the 80's pop rock and does a few things very well: gentle, evocative lyrics, well played and simple guitar and harmonica and simple songs. Its probably due to its Dylan proximity but i enjoyed this

Fish are friends, not food!

Moody, stripped down. I feel like I am not listening to the lyrics deeply enough. Really enjoyed this album. Probably won’t add to my regular rotation but glad I listened to it.

This is the first Springsteen album that I've listened start to finish. Excellent storytelling and viscerally American.

This music was so sad and mournful -- I didn't know what to expect but this really took me places.

Not my favorite Bruce album I’ll be real, I still appreciate it but

I love Bruce. This is an interesting album, and some of the tracks are indeed personal favorites (highway patrolman - My father's house). I do like it very much, though you gotta be in the mood.

Not quite what I thought it was going to be. Had to listen a second time. Still find this difficult to rate. It seems almost unfinished because it kind of is. I read he wrote this thinking it would be with the band. Probably 3.5. Rounding up.

I’ve never really liked the Boss. I can take or leave the E Street Band. I do like Springsteen, and I like this album. Striped and raw, simple and jagged. I could listen to this guy’s voice and guitar and harmonica all day!

At first I was like eh then I kept listening and listening and listening

Traurig, schwer, großartig

Nice surprise.

Good acoustic record but not much variation in melody. The stand out song is definitely Atlantic City. But I do love the storytelling of this record.

Surprisingly good. Strong country vibes. Will listen later more

The Boss's solo album is minimal and heartfelt, only a couple of dud songs keep this from being 5 stars.

A Dylanesque album of brilliant folk lyrics and soft presentation. This is no Born in the USA, it is Neil Young with a better voice. 4/5

one song from this album I remember hearing at the end of a Sopranos episode and I liked it so much I had to shazaam it and was surprised to find it was bruce. i don't really like bruce springsteen so was surprised by this album - the sparse voice+guitar+occasional harmonica really works.

4 stars

Probably my favourite of the three Springsteen albums so far, amazing storytelling.

The Boss did good!

I'm not a die-hard fan, but I will listen to anything between Born to Run and Born in the USA. The bookends on this album are two of the most extraordinary songs ever written. And the decision to just release the demos was brilliant. Can't give it a five because the stretch from Highway Patrolman to My Father's House gets tiring. But I'll listen to this album from time to time until the day I die.

As I write this, Bruce has been just up the road from me in Manchester, calling out the Trump regime for its lack of humanity. Go Bruce! Here, many years ago, he was writing about the working man, struggling to the point of desperation in the early 80s as white-collar workers were being enabled to stash away the wealth for themselves. He was also writing about characters from films that had interested him. The heart of the album is in the lyrics - some of the music is so muted and simple as to be truthfully pretty basic. But it has so much power and heart.

A Dylanssqur collection of folk tinged short stories that is unlike most of Springsteen’s catalog. Delivered with a stripped down authenticity that fits the material

Another awesome album from the Boss. really enjoyed this more stripped down approach.

Listened before?: No Folksy, bluesy, good listening.

He's a god damn storyteller and he makes you 'feel' the stories.

With this album, I can see why Bruce Springsteen is widely revered. I never really liked his music or this genre, or at least I thought I did, until I started listening and thinking about the lyrics in each of these tracks. The stories in each track are told masterfully, and the stripped-down instrumentals and the delivery from Springsteen's vocals emphasize the raw emotion in those narratives. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this album. Favourite Track(s): Highway Patrolman, Mansion on the Hill Least Favourite Track(s): Open All Night

einfach, aber gut. tolle songs die man kennt.

They blew up The Chicken Man in Philly last night

I always thought this sounded unfinished, especially lyric-wise. Makes sense now that I read the backstory. Still, there are some great songs here. Particularly Atlantic City and Reason to Believe.

Great songs, tonally bleak. I don't entirely love the recording.

Honestly my first thought seeing Springsteen's name was "fuck, not another Springsteen album". Then I was taken aback by the atmosphere of the songs, the fact that it's a very raw, simple and folk album. With sometimes a surge of raw energy -- almost proto-punk in the spirit, like in State Troopers. So yeah, this is not a "yet another Springsteen" album

I actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I didn't like the idea of the restriction of an acoustic album, but found it quite atmospheric, mellow and moody. It does tend to get a bit samey (ballad about someone with a terrible life, instrumental break on a harmonica etc.) but it doesn't outstay it's welcome.

i think the sleepy Monday morning vibe I'm in is lifting this album up higher than it would normally. really enjoyed it

I’m a sucker for shambling albums such as this (also Skip Spence’s “Oar” and Big Star’s “Third”). What makes this all the more awesome is that Springsteen kept the songs at demo-level and decided to go with a much less polished product following the big budget River record.

Not sure why this album is so polarizing to some. It’s a great story and well told, by Bruce. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Favorite tracks are Atlantic City, Johnny 99, and Used Cars.

Another great album by the boss. Not someone I ever listened to, but I see the appeal. However, four albums is a lot!

Standout Songs: Atlantic City Highway Patrolman Open All Night My Father’s House

Hm, love Springsteen's voice but these songs are pretty repetitive. Actually, I anyways think his songs are repetitive. This did grow in me, however, and I enjoy a lot of what he's doing here.

First listen and knew little. I’ll definitely return to this one.

Atlantic City is an all time classic.

nunca consegui gostar de nada do Springsteen, mas acabei de descobrir que toda vez que qlqr artista faz um disco esquisito em 4-tracker eu tenho uma tendencia bem grande de gostar

Sad album. I like the stories it tells. 8.7/10

Wow. Dark. Did not expect this. Good album, weird for Springsteen. Or weird for my expectation of Springsteen as I'm not a huge fan. This was really compelling though. Story songs for the most part about criminals and dudes who made bad decisions. What does this all represent for Bruce himself? Well done, sounds great, all acoustic, very intense. Interesting contrast to the Leonard Cohen album I got just before this, or even Neil Young a couple days before.

Album 757 of 1089 Nebraska -Bruce Springsteen (1982) Rating : 4 / 5 Toned down Bruce. A departure from his expected offerings but with the same brilliant result, in my opinion. Same awesome songwriting presented with raw honesty and simplicity.

I’m not a big Bruce fan, and I really wanted to hate this. I didn’t. There’s some great songs with some killer harmonica. 1001 album worthy: yes 75/137

nice to hear Bruce stripped down to the studs and just showing off a barebones example of what makes him work. out of the ordinary for him but very cool and welcome.

Spruce Bringsteen.

Homie can write a massive song with a huge band or a nice little ditty with just a gooter. What a guy.

Oom Bruce cheft het hele album in z'n eentje en de boel wordt daar wel aangenaam door moet ik zeggen. Bij De Baas denk je al gauw aan toeters, bellen en aanwezige synthjes, maar dit album blijft daar verre van. Ik ben geen fan van The Boss, maar daar staat tegenover dat ik 731 van zijn 733 studioalbums niet ken. Ik vind dit dan toch wel een kleine verrassing. Meanderen, mijmeren, Dylanesk zonder de slijtageslag, koeboys en dindiaantjes, een dauwige zondagochtend op de prairie, Stoner of Ten Oosten van Eden als leeshaakje. Niet elke track is even geweldig. 'Johnny 99' en 'Open All Night' springen er wat lelijk uit. Ik kan hier wel een dikke 4 voor uitdelen. Het was een 5 als die twee tracks waren weggelaten. Die halen me een beetje uit de lekkere sfeer van de andere nummers.

good album, listened to it on our long drive. 4/5

Well I'd never heard a single track off this album before, and I came to it with dread, as I hated everything I've heard previously by Bruce Springsteen. But I liked this quite a bit, not enough for 5 stars, but enough for 4. It's melancholy, simplistic music with good lyrics and I could see myself listening to it again. No one song stood out to me, although the story about the cop who pursued his own brother to the border to ultimately let him go free was a fun ride. Similarly, no songs felt like they didn't belong here, and, although the material was all of a similar mood, it didn't become boring or repetitive at any point.

Like a cattle drive over the dusty plains, this album is raw but rewarding. Even in its simple state each song (guitar and vocals) sounds unique.

It was good. Some good tracks. Very raw and personal. I would buy it if I saw it, but not seek it out

Okay album. Pretty chill.

His first of what I call Springsteen as Woody Guthrie

I had never listened to a Springsteen album before, but this was really enjoyable. Powerful messages delivered simply and effectively. A very good album.

This is one of those right time right place situations listening to this

I love sad stuff. And, as I've learned through this project, I love The Boss. I imagine this one will age well with repeat listens.

Enjoyed the sparse, stripped down sounds. Ironic this was what we got right before Born In The USA.

Favourite Bruce Springsteen album so far. Much prefer him more understated

9/10 Was not expecting Emo Springsteen, it has that very appealing Heartland feel but on the saddest Monday you’ve ever been through. Some fantastic songwriting here all the way through, and funnily enough the “worse” moments on the record are when Springsteen is trying to appeal to audiences more with less gloomy writing. Just a phenomenal Emo Americana album. Proof that an Emo and Country boy really can fall in love

My dad played this for me once a long time ago and I didn't find anything to connect with in the music. Now I'm older, I really enjoyed it.

Very Dylan-esque.

This guy really writes half of his songs about cars and highways, huh? Bruce always makes me feel more American than I'm proud to be and this albums a decent listen. 7/10

7/10 BBBBBRRRRUUUUUUCCCEEE. 3-27-2025

I love Bruce, but weirdly this is the one I usually skip in his “classic” era. Maybe my unfamiliarity with it actually helped, because this felt like a first listen and MAN I was FEELING it. The starkness of the instrumentation, the melancholy of The Boss’s voice, the dark and morose stories he was telling…whew, it all just hit me like a ton of bricks.

I like melancholy brooding Springsteen. Such a mood.

Very exceptional storytelling. Feels like little minimovies in each song.

This is a wonderful record. I love the stripped down songs and the atmosphere of this record

★★★★⅓

Jeez this album is fuckin depressing

a work of art that immerses you into its world

I had listened to Nebraska before, mainly because I heard about how State Trooper was Bruce's attempt at doing a Suicide song in his home, and while that song is great because it's interesting to hear him just do a pastiche of one of the weirdest punk bands ever, I never really came back to this one since I wasn't into this super cold, echo-y and minimal folk album. But that was years ago when I would find anything too minimal and folky to be dung compared to now where I can find this sorta thing more relaxing and enjoyable... which only makes Nebraska even better for me because suddenly it makes sense to me, the instrumentals, the atmosphere, the way everything feels so like someone cooked up in their house during winter trying to hammer out some songs after checking out some weird album to fit the mood, and it's cool. I debate which I like more since I think I need to be in the right mood for either this or Born to Run, but I think as of right now when it's cold and have to stay home all the time, it's the perfect album to just sit and relax to a similar atmosphere.

This was quite surprising! Having not listened to much Springsteen, this was far more introspective and sensitive than the machismo I expected. Strangely lots of law enforcement content. I appreciate the blue-sky harmonica and stripped down guitar. Standout track is: “State Troooper”

This shit sad man