Nebraska

Good but kind of sounds the same after a while

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

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.

Not what I expected - kind of liked it. Little stories and vignettes. Still, I can’t see myself listening to it again.

I really only like popular and later Springsteen. With the band.

Nothing special but I enjoyed my time with it

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

Not really feeling this one, pretty boring

Listened to a bit of it. Very sad, very country. Would listen to the whole thing, but need the right mood

Bossin around with basically just one song in different versions. Where one stops, I am told, the next began.

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.

It was okay.

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.

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

Eh. Maybe I'd like it more if I paid attention to the songwriting, but I just couldn't be bothered.

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

Atlantic City is an all time classic.

perfection, no notes.

i mean some good storytelling but I don’t think this needs to be on the list

Not a huge Bruce guy as noted previously

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

Actively didn't like it. Only one song hit the mark for me. The one about his brother.

I went to Nebraska for harmonica

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.

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.

BRUUUUUUCE

Not a sound I like from Springsteen. I wouldn't judge someone who says this is a favorite album of theirs, but my first impression of this was that it wasn't great.

Is this when Springsteen decided he needed to be Dylan? While his voice is slightly more tolerable than Dylan's, his songwriting isn't anywhere near it. Maybe this is an album of poems set to music - again another Dylan style thing. While they stick with Springsteen's well known American working class guy with big or average problems, none of them are really good. The only one I got really invested in was "State Trooper" but it ended up going nowhere. I was hoping for a twist about a murder or something but it's just some guy that doesn't want to get pulled over and has a death wish I guess. I liked "Mansion on the Hill". The rest of this is marred by shitty singing, shitty production and shitty songwriting. This is pretty bad.

It's not horrible but it doesn't have a single one of the Boss's bangers. Next album will have hit Trump campaign song "Born in the USA"

Holy shit. Idc

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 hate Spingsteen. But I didn't hate this one for some reason. Way to go, Bruce!

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.

bruce springsteen, corn belt goth

Brucey

Sorry girlie's I don't care enough about brucie pensive emoji :(

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

Not my favourite of his but still good

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.

It was aight, I can see how he had a broad appeal, but I think it just doesn't hit the blues space with much musical novelty. He had a unique vocal style with that, it's kind of a depressed Elvis thing. But it wasn't up my alley.

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.

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.

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.

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

So boring. Needs the E Street Band with him (Max Weinberg 😍) to be interesting to me.

Technically proficient, but this has never been my kind of music.

oh wow! another Bruce Springsteen record. FUCKING STOP ALREADY WITH THE SPRINGSTEEN RECORDS. LISTEN TO THE RECORDS BEFORE RAVING ABOUT THE FACT THAT HE IS BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN FFS. THIS IN PARTICULAR SUCKS ASS

Loved it

Couldnt get into it

Okay album. Pretty chill.

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...)

*A boring,dark, and redundant album.

this guy...such a jerk I can't stand his music.

Very stripped back, storytelly songs about petty criminals and troubled people. Solid, honest folk stuff

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.

It was alright, not a very big Springsteen fan

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.

This is #day247 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... here's to my second Springsteen record on the list. As I'm listening to Nebraska, I'm about an hour away from turning 35. Well, 18 hours, if we're being precise. According to my mom, I was born on a Friday, April 13th, around 5 p.m. It was Good Friday before Easter, which, for some reason, feels meaningful to me. Now, my wife and I have finally settled into a new place. We did a great job together, and one by one, and it's starting to feel like home. It's been a hell of a week, so it's time for a little bit of "me." I've invited a few friends over to celebrate, and I'm looking forward to seeing my mom and dad, too. Nebraska is a fine album to end my 34. I also like its artwork. This is a strong 3 out of 5. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Looking forward to my birthday, aka #day248.

Wow. Slow and depressing. Not an enjoyable listen in any way.

Correcto

Mellow, thoughtful, reflective, and emotive Bruuuuuuce.

Nice.

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.

Heard a lot of Dylan in this.

Not my favorite of his. Too slow

5/10 great campfire music

I feel sad and sleepy listening to this album and then WHAM harmonica whiplash... fully awake again until the next drift off, I can be damn sure the harmonica is coming back to wake me up though. I don't really understand why it's in the list, it's a complete miss from me. A bit dull, a bit repetitive, a bit dull, a bit HARMONICA. It's kinda like if your drunk dad got on the guitar at an open mic and tried to be Dylan. 1/5

It's sad. I've listened to so many albums on this list, yet I feel no closer to being an authority on music. I remember nothing about the last Springsteen album and would have nothing to say about this artist were he ever brought up in a conversation. I need to find a way to rid my brain of all the useless shit floating up there so I can start making room for the things that really matter in life. I'm talking mild to severe brain damage. The small town, desolate setting of the album is very compelling and something I would like to return to in the future. "Narrative songs" are a kind of song that I sought out the most when I was initially getting into music, so I already have an appreciation for songs of this variety. Springsteen is a talented vocalist, though it comes with a catch. The way country songs are sung is very alienating and inaccessible to me. The pacing is generally very slow and the vocals are accented in a way that is somewhat difficult for me to follow. Once I'm lost, it's very difficult for me to regain my footing with these albums. The instrumentals are very humbling and nice. While the album was unrelentingly tragic and bleak, the delicate instrumentals convey a feeling of light at the end of the tunnel, or perhaps to emphasise the fragility of the characters these songs are centered around. The harmonica doesn't really work for me in country, though it's a staple of the genre and something I can respect. I'm going to give this album a 4, though mentally it is sat at a very comfortably 3. Hopefully I can make my way out of the backlog hole I have dug for myself, as I really would like to revisit this one. ==================== Edit (8th of July, 2025): Yeah, I haven't revisited this one in the time since first listening to it. I may in the future, but for the time being I think I'll withdraw this lil buddy from my summary page. Original rating: 4 stars Amended rating: 3 stars

this would go very hard on a long drive through the US in constant rain. It's very American, even the lyrics remind me of Cormac McCarthy stories with their nihilism and despair. I enjoyed it but I must admit that it got a bit boring towards the end.

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

Nebraska is a slow and depressing album that I don't put on too often. Every time I do hear it I'm a bit older, and as I grow older the little details hit harder. I got the CD years ago because I liked 'Open All Night'. Listening to it a couple times through today, there wasn't a track I wanted to skip, and 'Reason To Believe' brought the whole thing together at the end.

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.

Stuff like this typically isn’t my vibe, but this is the kind of greatness that’s undeniable. I’d be crazy to call this bad or just say I dislike it completely. Songs like Johnny 99 particularly I really like. Same with Highway Patrolman. The album gets increasingly enjoyable the longer it goes.

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

5/10…heartland rock / folk / country

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

Very bleak listen, no redemption is found to the characters in the album, there's no rainbow at the end of the road, just the everyday life of middle America. Not something I'd listen regularly, but it's a nice change of pace in the boss discography 7/10

Surprisingly didn't get along with this one on my initial listen after having been told it's like his Nick Drake record. Maybe it's because he's still Springsteen at the heart of it. Maybe it'll grow on me.

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

boring and exactly what i expected from this man

Pre-listening thoughts: rolled my eyes when I saw this. There are FIVE Bruce Springsteen albums on this stupid fucking list????? My week just went from bad to worse. Genuinely I might give this a one because I’m so pissed off and I haven’t even listened to it yet. Only one person gets to write a song about Nebraska and that is Lady Gaga in her song Yoü and I. Post/during listening thoughts: PUT THE HARMONICA DOWN!!!!!! Also do we really need two back to back songs called Highway Patrolman and State Trooper? What's next, Town Sheriff? Traffic Cop? 5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: NO Fav tracks: Atlantic City Least fav tracks: everything actually sounded the same.

3 stars

The story of this album is pretty crazy - it was recorded as demos with the intention of recording again with the full band, but he released it as it was. The lyrical content here is pretty grim but undeniably Bruce Springsteen. The best track here is Atlantic City. Overall it's interesting and I would listen again, despite probably preferring some of his other material.

amazing

Ah jeez. I really wanted to like this but it really is a dirge. None of these songs are fun or up lifting. It’s all bummers all the time. I don’t know when I’d ever listen to this. Atlantic City is the exception, and if more of the songs were like it this would be 5 stars. But I can only give it 3

This was a bit all over the place for me. Hated Nebraska, liked Atlantic City, disliked Mansion on the hill, rinse and repeat...

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.

Meh

I am not a fan of Bruce Springsteen at all; he just seems to lack the kind of insight into human nature, the ability to make a song embody a situation rather than just describe it. I'm sympathetic to the blue collar concerns in his lyrics- he just seems like a second-tier songwriter who somehow hit it big. That said, this album is as close as I've heard to him getting it right. If his career had devloped from this point, instead of this point being a deviation, then I might be a fan. it's still a bit too slow, and the lyrics a bit too literal, but I can feel the pain and anger in them. and the two songs about cops were amazing. so all in all a decent record from Bruce. I know it stands tall in his discography, and the critics will give it 5 outta 5. but this is just my opinion.

the writing was good when i could pay attention to it but unfortunately this was so boring

liked this soooo much more than i expected! don’t know why i thought i’d hate it

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.

It's a lot more stripped back and folky than most of Springsteen's work. I mostly enjoyed it, but it's a little too dreary for a full album for me.

Somebody recommend this album to Gene Clark. This is how it's done, Gene. I imagine Springsteen sitting on the edge of his bed in a T-shirt and jeans, with his acoustic guitar, harmonica, and four track, the only light in the room coming in through the window on a late afternoon in the fall. Except it's Nebraska outside instead of Jersey. There's not much more you really need to know about great American rock-'n'-roll. 5

Very Dylan-esque.

When I'm feeling bad I listen to Nebraska so that I can feel even worse. I love it.

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!

Never been a fan of Springsteen, and this didn't change that fact. There were a couple songs I kinda liked, but mostly it sounds like he's trying to be Dylan. Which might be fine for a first album, but not for a (checks notes) 6th. Dylan does this better, as do Johnny Cash and Nick Cave, who have covered similar territory thematically.

I am so glad that millennials killed the harmonica

-I did not much enjoy the previous Bruce Springsteen album I got on here, but I liked this one more than I thought I would -has a very haunting and elegant quality I don’t usually associate with country music or any of its variants. it was a nice change from what I expected… still not my absolute favorite, but damn State Trooper had me on the edge of my seat. beautiful -Favorites are State Trooper and Reason to Believe

Pretty sleepy. Sounded fine

4/10 - Bruce, you really killed it with born to run, but this was just boring. I feel like his voice even was not as interesting as it was during the other albums.

Don't like mellow Bruce nearly as much as energetic Bruce. This isn't as good as his other old stuff that we've listened to

319/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

What a fun barrel of laughs this was! I can see Bruce fans enjoying this, when in the right mood, but for me it was just a downer.

I just couldn't

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.

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

если BORN IN THE USA я поставил два, то этому опусу от ненашинского Газманова ставлю меньше. ОФИЦЕРЫ РОССИЯНЕ

Highlights: Used Cars, Atlantic City. In a nutshell: The Boss - Unplugged If you're only familiar with Born in the USA, Nebraska will be a shock to the system. The lyrics deeply introspective, perhaps more than previous releases. As a listener, it was a tedious and depressing experience for me. I don't think Bruce intended to mimic Neil Young or Bob Dylan but it sadly came across that way. Nebraska is touted as a masterpiece by fans. I'll take their word for it. Overall: 5/10

Pretty solid, despite the somber mood throughout the whole album. There were some really beautiful tracks like Highway Patrolman and Used Cars that stuck with me. I still feel like Bruce is at his best when there's a big band with him. That said, if you don't like country music, you're probably not gonna like this.

comfortably very boring. the entire album could be one song really xD

Solo acoustic record from young Brucey. Rips off early Dylan quite a lot and, surprisingly, Alan Vega's Suicide in a meandering, dull set of songs about (would you believe it?) 'the dark side of life'. He manages to dial down the horrible throaty chest-beating stuff to reveal a nice singing voice akin to the currently fifteen year old Sun Kil Moon who would go on to outstrip this at every conceivable level. Nebraska isn't bad. It isn't good either. It's just there.

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.

Not bad

I like melancholy brooding Springsteen. Such a mood.

This does nothing for me. It all sounds the same, and it’s not particularly interesting to me. Bruce is no story teller, it all sounds inauthentic, there’s no heart and soul, no drama, no humour, no poignancy coming across in his delivery. Next

Beige in musical form

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

I'm told I'm supposed to enjoy this album and it's some of his finest work, but to my ears, this is just Springsteen doing his best "guy with an acoustic guitar" impression. The kind of stuff you'd hear played to death in a coffee shop in 1994. Bruce is a fine songwriter, and acoustic Bruce is also fine but maybe only for a song or two per album, but a whole album of that stuff is just too one note and drab.

this reminded me i haven't seen my bruce springsteen shirt in like a year

I really enjoy my routine of starting the day with whatever album I randomly generate. However, sometimes that does mean waking up already depressed and generating Nebraska.

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

This album was okay. It’s a decent blues album in the vein of someone like Bob Dylan, even down to the sometimes hard to listen to voice!

Melancholy which I'm not used to with Springsteen. Hauntingly beautiful in places. Overall, this was pretty repetitive and dull.

I was honestly a little disappointed by this album. I understand he was going a different route and direction and that’s probably why this album is on this list, but it was haunting yet boring. I was wishing for something more and it just never came. If it had gone elsewhere- haunting but story telling or something, it would be more intriguing but i don’t know.

While I don't explicitly *like* this music, there is something unique about an ascending star (superstar) running off the path to create something so barren and unsafe as a 4 track acoustic album. There's an old review that said it might be "more admirable than likeable" and I get that. The lyrics are a little "ok ok already" for me, yeah auto plant, johnny down at the mill, mister trooper kinda clichés so that gets old but it's really about the overall mood/feel. The simplistic album cover kinda nails it. Overall feeling: listening to it through a different lens than a knee-jerk "...well this is *nothing* like 'Hungry Heart'...." does give it a different kind of potency that - surprisingly to me - makes it worthwhile for the occasional listen. (the harmonica does kind of bug me a little, but I'll side-eye it and move on.) 7/10 3 stars.

Sleepy

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.

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

The third verse on the first track is about driving away from somewhere. The second track has Bruce moaning his own vocal harmonies. Springsteen sucks and having listened to the FIFTH album of his throughout this project hasn't done anything to prove otherwise.

Didn’t like

4.5

Respect for Springsteen the storyteller.

Best boss

★★★★⅓

Melancholy

I liked this more than I normally like Bruce, which is not at all. It sounded closer to Johnny Cash than his normal work, which sounds like he's recorded everything while he's on the john. I like that it was stripped down to just him and his guitar, instead of a full band. That being said, I won't listen to it again.

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

Great lyrics and I’m a big Springsteen fan but this was a little boring for me production-wise

Nebraska's a synonym for depression. Not a fan of this, all of them sounded the same to me. Boo hoo sad song boom harmonica.

Very chill, good for a late evening drive, just as the sun is setting. Highlight has to be Highway Patrolman and Johnny 99

Fave Songs - Johnny 99 - Open All Night - Reason To Believe (the Harmonica was kept minimal and it was also the last song lmao) As someone who doesn't like Bob Dylan (a few songs idm) a long Harmonica intro (anything more than 5 seconds is long) is just... already starting off weak. I proper strapped in and thought oh god I won't like this album. The songs I liked had some sort of image in my mind. Definitely something you put on while you're drink driving in a chevy through the Snake Pass or something like this album is giving #iwanttokms. Anyways, I prefer Born In The USA and I don't even care for Springsteen. I prefer Neil Young's brand of sad white man with guitar. Atlantic City was okies but I just hated Harmonica... I couldn't understand what he said in a couple of songs. State Trooper needed a beat drop. All in all, it's a 2.

I liked 4/10 songs. The rest of it felt very samey so I can only give it a 2 though it's better than the Neil Young album so I wish I could give it a 2.5

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

There is something soothing in country.

Jeez this album is fuckin depressing

a work of art that immerses you into its world

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.

First listen. Not the biggest fan of this guy.

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.

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.

I didn't have high expectations for this after reading that the songs were demos that Bruce decided to release as is. Normally I would like the raw, stripped back sound, but these songs sound half baked. More time spent on them would have been a great idea.

Lite tradigt

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

It’s a bit too samey and lyric heavy for me. I might give it another shot in the future but this listen was a bit of a struggle.

Bruuuuuuce

Kinda indifferent towards this. Not bad but a little more country than my taste

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 is not one of my favorite albums by Bruce Springsteen. Nothing really bad with it, but I’m just not likely to listen to it again.

Probably most boring album here, every song sounded the same and there was very little creativity behind anything. Fell asleep on my second listen bc the first one flew by without me even realizing it

It seems to me that the two main selling-points of this album are the unglamorous, often bleak character studies in the lyrics and the stark, surprising contrast it provided to Springsteen’s maximalist output up to this point. It succeeds on both these fronts, but musically it can be a bit *too* sombre and austere to really make me want to revisit it, with the exception of Atlantic City.

Мне видилось, что этот чел - это АОР инкарнейт, но здесь ничего такого нет. Это такой дилановский гитарный фолк в классическом понимании, с гармоникой и какими-то мелочами, без этой все не-колхозной эйфории американских стадионов его главных хитов. Приятно удивлен. Лучшая песня - Johnny 99.

I just wasn't feeling this slice of americana overly literal story telling to be honest. I didn't hate it but it just didn't resonate with me.

This shit sad man

obviously the bruce springsteen album to include in 1001 albums to listen to (i am being sarcastic)

moody Bruce

Pretty low key. Enjoyable but not really something I find myself drawn to.

A solid 3 for sure. It was merely ok but it’s not something I’d want to listen to again

nice relaxed vibe but just didn't stand out to me

Not his best. Needs some drums.

I try and I try and I'm still mystified as to why Bruce just doesn't do it for me. This was his best shot - I love intimate music and he's clearly talented but it almost always misses my heart and hits my spleen instead. It wears me out trying to get something special out of his music. Next!

This is number two of five Springsteen albums, and definitely a lot more unfamiliar than the songs on his earlier "Born to Run". In many ways, though, I found this a more interesting album than "Born to Run", as he doesn't sound like he's trying to pound his sound in your face. It's also interesting as a collection of solo demo tracks that never got the E Street Band treatment (for good and bad); I'm kind of reminded of Neil Young's Voice-O-Graph album, "A Letter Home" (courtesy of Jack White). My favorites are probably the opening track "Nebraska", "Atlantic City" (apparently his first music video), and the haunting "Highway patrolman" (very cool that Sean Penn created a movie based on this song), but I enjoyed almost all of the album, with the possible exception of the more conventional "Open all night". I like the concept much more than I expected to, and really enjoyed all of side one, but I'll admit the second side didn't sustain my interest quite as much, and it's a bit hard to ignore how monochromatic most of the tracks seem without much else besides his voice, a guitar and a harmonica. Interesting, though, that this predated the whole "unplugged" movement by quite a bit, and it certainly gives me a lot of respect for Springsteen for branching out this way. I was also reminded strongly of both Townes van Zandt and Nick Cave, in different ways, but in very good ways too.

Dang, dude was down when he wrote this. No more ride to the promised land, just a meet up in Atlantic City. Not as a good an album as I'd hoped--the music and tone are a little tired--but when he's good, he's great, see Atlantic City & Reason to Believe.

For me, this is the best Springsteen. I think his voice is better in it's low key folk mode than on the large scale rock albums. This album fits neatly aside early Bob Dylan and the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack.

This is basically a folk album and as such I just found it boring. I'm sure the lyrics are beautiful and inspiring, but I don't really listen for the lyrics so that's lost on me. I like and appreciate Bruce and I could see this being good for a certain set and setting, but I don't think I'll be returning. 2.3/5

Different sound for Bruce. Not bad, but not what I was expecting.

I like this one. I know it was recorded alongside Born to Run, and maybe I appreciate it because I know its context, but I do like these songs. I don't really care about the rough edges. Actually, I kind of like it more for them. Full of somber soul.

Listen, i love Bride Springsteen. And I like the stripped down sounds of this album. But I was looking for either catchy or searing lyrics and this just didn't quite get there. It's a 3 for, liked it, didn't love it.

My son says that this album sounds like Nebraska tastes. Not sure what that means, but this was dull and forgettable.

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.

Bruce channelling his inner Woody, pretty sad and lonely from psychopathy to family obligation, we all answer to something. 4*

I liked this more than Born to Run, but maybe it swung too far the other way; while that was too bombastic, this was frankly a bit dull. A low three.

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".

Meh

A little bit slow in places, but some great tracks and lyrics in there.

Ah, Bruce Springsteen, where did I go wrong with you. Normally he's more Americana than folk, and I don't know why he went in the Bob Dylan direction for Nebraska. He has his own sound, just like how Dylan has his. And I like Springsteen as he is, and I don't care very much for Dylan's style. As soon as this album started with the whiny harmonica, I knew I was in for a slog. Still, Nebraska had Springsteen's voice and touch, so it wasn't all bad. I just expected different.

I started out saying about this album, and I quote: "Springsteen: the more tolerable Bob Dylan". But as this album developed, it became clear that this album leaned a little too Bob Dylan; it was extra mumbly and extra harmonica-y, even for Springsteen. Production on this album is pretty minimal, but it doesn't feel intimate so much as it just feels like a drag. That said, it does feel kind of dark in tone and mood, and I can appreciate that. All said and done, pretty average inclusion from Springsteen.

BRUCEEEEEE

I listen to a lot of Bon Jovi and I can see a lot of the inspiration that Jon may have gotten in this album. Thinking of some of his solo stuff and some of the later stuff around Not Running Anymore and What's Left of Me

Raw, meaningful, A REVOLUTION IN INDIE MUSIC THAT CAN'T BE UNDERSTATED?!?!?! Certainly cohesive thematically, it says a lot to the weight of fame and holding true artistic integrity. I'm happy to say that in this case, Bruce was successful in navigating that. I love that he wrote this at home with a four track recorder, thus giving agency to every kid with a guitar in the modern age.

It's a very strong folk album, and Atlantic City is the standout for me. I think Springsteen works best at his most bombastic and cheesy though, so I'd give this a 4 rather than the 5 of Born to Run.

this album is a lot quieter and sadder than i thought it would be. while it's very somber throughout, this album is still worth the listen, especially if your mood is a little sour. while i'm not typically into pure acoustic rock on this level, this album is pleasant-sounding and feels very relatable to the human soul. it's very different compared to what he usually puts out, but if the time is right... this album will hit you like a high-speed train.

This album is another proof that Bruce Springsteen is one of the most overrated American musicians. This album is boring, badly written, very badly produced and his nasal voice is anything but good. They wanted to make him the new Dylan with this sound but it's a failure. His music never felt genuine to me anyway - he sings about problems he never faced as someone who came from New Jersey from a rather privileged background. He is too elitist for these songs.

Lyrically, this album is superb. Springsteen’s storytelling shines through in every track, painting vivid portraits of blue-collar America and tales of hardship, crime, and despair. However, the stripped-down, acoustic nature of the album makes it feel a bit too laidback for me. While it’s undeniably relaxing to listen to, many of the songs tend to blend together in terms of their sound. That said, the simplicity of the arrangements allows the lyrics and emotion to take center stage, and I can see why this album has been so highly regarded over the years. It’s one I’d revisit when I’m in the right mood for something reflective. Score: 4/5

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.

Good, if a little bland. Favorite Springsteen album so far though, pleasant surprise.

I always found this album to be kind of boring

why are you people such haters on this album omg classist

Much like Nebraska, that was boring with spots of brilliance. Goes well with a melancholy mood.

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

Melancholy Bruce

I grew up hearing Bruce Springsteen, but was never exposed to this full album. I've only ever heard the single "Atlantic City" because it was on the (excellent) Greatest Hits compilation. It's the best song by a mile, so fair enough, but the whole album is an interesting part of Springsteen's discography. As always, he paints pictures of the joy and despair of working class America. What makes "Nebraska" interesting is that it's recorded without the E Street Band, based mostly on the original demos. It makes the entire thing feel more stark and sad. The characters in the songs feel a bit lonelier. The towns feel emptier, like it's the break of dawn and you've been out all night with no where to go. The sun has risen, but only a handful of disparate people are awake because they have to be. I can't call it Springsteen's best album, but it certainly stands out against his better known anthems and gives a reprieve. You don't need to feel the excitement of "Glory Days". You can just be.

It feels very Bob Dylan in a good way, but it isn't what I'd expect from a Bruce Springsteen album. If anything this just makes me appreciate his other music more.

The thought of Bruce sitting in his bedroom with a glockenspiel on his lap is very funny to me for some reason. The explosive rock backing tracks of prior albums are gone, but the tales of blue collar struggle are turned up to 11. Very clearly inspired by the folk rock of Bob Dylan and the like. I understand what he was doing here and I respect it. I just think that Bruce works better with a band behind him. Favorite songs were Atlantic City, Johnny 99, Open All Night, and Reason To Believe.

This was a good time. Felt like I was at a campfire with the dude just listening to the man’s stories. He knows whats up

Solo acoustic, country-adjacent, like Johnny Cash light.

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.

Mr. State Trooper, please don't stop me. Please don't stop me. Good album. Good songs. Boss going all acoustic.

I was hoping this was going to be the soundtrack to the Alexander Payne movie Nebraska. Then coupled with Philadelphia, Bruce would be the guy who does soundtracks for movies names after American places. Then he'd be asked to do soundtracks for films like Chicago, Nashville, Fargo, Truth and Consequences, New Mexico

I was expecting a high amped album like born in the usa but this is a nice quieter stripped down album, I quite rate this

Folk lore sprongspoon

Very good, was not expecting the minimalist folk approach, this was my first Springsteen album and he's been on the list for a while. Time to explore The Boss

Shit will make you cry in a long car ride home, melancholical as fuck

3 BS albums on this list?! Fuck that.

No

Snore!

Bruce makes me feel things. Mainly anger and fatigue

Bruce is a 2 star at the best of times. I just don't get the formulaic, Americana of it all. It's like Taylor Swift for 40+ white men. But now make it ONLY acoustic. Yea, nah. America can keep it.

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

I liked Bruce way back in the day. I couldn't get past this though. Too lo-fi? Too sombre? That accent he puts on ? It just didn't click with me.

Bruce gets it

Shades of early Dylan with the harmonica action

Sad Bruce took a while to grow on me. I didn't enjoy itwhen I first got it, during winter. But I took my time, and after 6 months it paired very well with the melancholy of long boring summer days

This is my kind of Springsteen, sombre, storytelling, acoustic. The title track is fantastic telling the story of a spree killer from the first person perspective. I like the fact Bruce recorded the tracks at home and then said actually these are good to be released in its own right with out the E Street Band. Stand out tracks: - Nebraska - Atlantic City - Mansion on the hill - Highway Patrolman - Used cars - My Fathers House

Not one winner on there. I still feel he is one of the most overrated artist.

Nett.

Very, very good.

Bruce gets depressed from earning unimaginable amounts of money and fame and records a bunch of demos on a four-track in his garage. It's more depressing than usual and it's ace. The production just makes these stories even more harrowing. Quite possibly his best album if you're able to stomach these bleak stories from people in the middle of Nowhere, Shitsville U.S.A. Best Tracks: Nebraska; Atlantic City; Highway Patrolman

This got repetitive real fast. Quite a boring album, not the greatest day to listen to this driving in heavy traffic with too little sleep. Gotta give this 2/5 as I don’t see listening again

say what you want about the great songwriting - this thing is hard to listen to on a literal level. his voice isn't the best, and the simple instrumentals that could help under different vocals just don't suit him well.

Corn. Highway. Main Street. Factory workers. Taillights. Beer. Town. It's like Americana mad libs.

Just depressing, not Bruce's finest. And what's with the fake accent, the man's from New Jersey

I really rate Bruce Springsteen but for me this isn't an album I would choose to listen to. I prefer the more energetic upbeat material he produces but saying that I gave this album a good listen and I can definitely appreciate the writing and production and the general theme of this work of art and I fully understand why this album is highly rated

I my first reaction to getting this was "okay, this is Springsteen album #3, and can we please be done with him, then?". Now. That was a bit unkind towards this album, which, to me, is way more bearable than any of is other stuff. It isn't so overly 80s adult-contemporary produced, and basically a collection of songs and stories not dissimilar to Bob Dylan, harmonica and all. I actually found that the original Born in the USA Demo was on the tapes that were the foundation for this album. Lo and behold - in that shape, it's actually a very listenable track. I'll never be a fan of Springsteen's, but this album actually takes some of the edge of my overall dislike for his music.

The best hoots and hollers on any Springsteen record.

Bit country like for me 5/10

While I'm not a Bruce Springsteen fan, I'm not opposed to becoming one. This album didn't do anything to get me there. It was pretty one note of Bruce with an acoustic singing in the same tone and cadence for 40 minutes. This album should have been one song on another album. Hopefully his other work will do it for me.

I suppose this album is all about the lyrics. Los off story songs. But the monotone nature of his voice makes me not able to listen for very long. Most of the songs are musically indistinguishable from each other. As a person whose enjoyment of music comes mainly from rhythm and melody, this one is not for me.

Bruce sings "wee wee" on a track here. That's all you need to know. Very important to tell the story of forgotten parts of America. There's a lot to enjoy here if you like being sad about our country's rich history of the wealthy exploiting the working class. The music is fine. The mixing was odd for me. Bruce's voice on some songs was so quiet it was barely a whisper, while the harmonica was so effin' loud it hurt my ears. In short, okay music about an important topic.

I can't decide whether this is genius or terrible, so my rating is entirely a compromise. Simple, noodling, yet strangely comforting tunes involving only an acoustic guitar and Springsteen's vocals. The singing is kind of bad, especially compared to his more bombastic works, but it somewhat works in this context. The guitar-playing is pretty good – again, incredibly simple, yet charming and moving. As far as I can tell, the only "upbeat" track is Open All Night, but oddly it doesn't manage to be a standout. Instead, I picked the songs with the most comforting and heartwarming feel to be my key tracks. To those people giving this 1 star: fair enough. To those giving the album 5 stars, you're clearly not paying attention to how unengaging and uncreative some of these tracks are. Or maybe you're one of those people who pays attention to lyrics. (In this economy?) 3/5 Key tracks: Atlantic City, Johnny 99

It was always a pleasure to bump into Bruce on the circuit. With Houmous & Chutney it was far too common to generate jealousy amongst others. But not Bruce, it was more mutual respect. Take this record, we all knew this wasn’t his best but the thing with Bruce is that it always comes from the heart. It always means something. Which is lovely. And let’s face it, he’s gotta be the most compelling front man this side of Len Houmous! 3.1

favourite song - highway patrolman favourite lyric - well they closed down the auto plant in mahwah late that month / ralph went out lookin' for a job but he couldn't find none / he came home too drunk from mixing tanqueray and wine / he got a gun, shot a night clerk, now they call him johnny 99 cover - 8/10 overall rating - 3/5

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.

Although I’ve never listened to him personally, I’m not going to sit here and try to undo history. Bruce Springsteen has probably done more to legitimize and popularize country-affiliated rock music in the mainstream than any other artist ever. He’s called “The Boss” for a reason, and he’s easily one of the most successful and celebrated rock musicians of all time. So my opinion of him or his music isn’t going to change anything for anyone. Although I wouldn’t say I really had any concrete thoughts, because I don’t know if I’ve ever put on a song from him on my own volition. Although I’m not going to allow my thoughts on this record decide how I feel about him as a whole. Because I know this is very different from his typical style. You know, generally something like this is inspired by tragedy and sorrow. But I don’t think any personal event led to the creation of this album. It’s more so based on individual fictional stories about the sufferings of others. It’s so interesting seeing such a record like this come before what would end up being his biggest and most commercially renowned success. If the contrast between the red and the black and white wasn’t enough, Nebraska is incredibly dark and solemn. Almost exhaustingly so. It’s strange to hear someone who is almost always backed by his band be so stripped back and musically naked. I can almost envision him sitting alone in a completely empty warehouse with just his instruments. He recorded everything you are hearing on this, and there really isn’t even one ounce of a rhythm section to be found. It’s like the 80s Americana equivalent to Pink Moon. As much as this helped me learn to appreciate Bruce as a songwriter and become accustomed to his methods, his voice here is definitely an acquired taste. And it’s such a bare set of recordings that it’s not something I would want to revisit. It’s foreboding melancholic, and doesn’t make for an enjoyable listen, which I doubt was really the purpose in the first place. Rating: 6/10

It’s hard to judge the Boss. On one hand his born in the USA uptempo songs are emblematic of the American experience and can leave you dancing in the dark. His down tempo songs are heartfelt storytelling at its best, yet not something you can’t listen to them at a wedding. This album is mostly the latter. His songwriting is amazing, and I respect that fact that you can see him preforming these in an Obama coffee shop on a Tuesday night. Key songs are State Trooper and Johnny 99, though I liked the ‘50s Buddy Holly feel of Open All Night. Much like Dolly Parton, he’s an American treasure.

I think my Bruce awakening is happening thanks to the Blinded by the Light movie. This is a very stark album and is definitely not gateway Bruce. I really like Atlantic City track. I will revisit this one and read the lyrics and do some real active listening.

Possible unpopular opinion, not my favorite from Bruce. I love Bruce's storytelling and how he can conjure a complex vignette of feelings and images in my mind with simple lyrics and music. To me, Nebraska was that concept taken to the extreme, and it leaves me wanting every time I come back to it. It's great, but it's not his best, and maybe could have been better.

Mansion on the Hill and Highway Patrolman are beautiful songs.

Bleh Rating: 2.2

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.

It doesn't live up to the hype. I remember the hype for early Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run, Asbury Park etc, and recall the success of Born in the USA. The Nebraska came along, and the music press went doo-lally for it. But me? It always seemed like the "I'm a serious musician, yes I am" project. Worthy, serious, but just not particularly enjoyable. If it didn't have Bruce's name attached, it would have sold 10,000 albums, max.

This one is a pretty somber and mellow album overall. Not a bad thing but also just doesn't make me as excited as other stuff by The Boss.

Ja mooi maar beetje saai

Kut Amerika Kut album Rot op met je mondharmonica Waarom staat dit erin

I am not a huge Springsteen fan and this one did not really change my mind. I think he is better rock than suedo country. It was okay, but a lot of the songs sounded very similar with the same story lines.

Stories are pretty good even if his voice isn’t the best convey decent things

Okay so in terms of my enjoyment this was probably a 3. I’ve never really listened to The Boss much before and I’ve found his voice is kinda meh. I really couldn’t understand a lot of what he said. However, I think this album is a 4. It is really well crafted, the storylines and the lyrics are compelling, the feel of the album is very appropriate for what Springsteen was going for. I did like the stripped back melancholy feel to the whole thing.

never been a fan of the Boss. his voice is too nasal/Dylan-ish. this album did not make me a fan. musically the stripped down sounds were fine. just not a fan of his voice

I rated Springsteen's Darkness on the Edge of Town a 3 but later came to feel that I'd shorted it, so when Springsteen came up again I thought I'd have a chance to make it up to him. Nope. I really disliked Nebraska. It's just sort of miserable.

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

I thought I wouldn’t like this album very much because I don’t really care for the popular songs by him that I already knew, but this album really surprised me. It made me empathize and feel and get lost in another time and place. I would listen to this album again.

Intimate

As someone who grew up in Jersey it feels like blasphemy to give Springsteen two stars, but this was a boring one from the Boss.

Meh

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

decent vibes and a couple cool songs but boring

Husker suck but this album is okay. 3 stars

Just beautiful Americana

Elitist douche bag from Jersey writes a bunch of bad depressing songs and decides it describes the fly over part of the country. Elitist critics in NY and LA praise the album. Meanwhile the people in Nebraska don’t give a fuck what you think. Maybe life in the mid-west is hard, but for damn sure some Elitist douche from Jersey has no idea what it’s like and should keep his ideas to himself. This album is a turd, written by a clueless Jersey boy and praised by equally clueless coastal critics. Boo.

As mentioned before, I am no big on Bruce, sadly. I admire him for making this a bit of a different album compared to the other ones. Unfortunately it's not to my taste either. Everything just flew over my head, don't remember any song barely. Pretty boring overall. Strong 2.

I think liking this album comes down if you like Bruce or not. I am a fan of his singing style and lyrics so I thought this was quite good. Atlantic City is my favourite track on this album. It is very different from his other early work which I think is kind of cool. While not as catchy as his other albums I still think it holds a certain charm. No big hooks but it feels cozy and the stories told pull you in. Weak 4.

good intimate album

This is a great record with great songs, but I have to admit it's not the kind of thing I'm going to reach for often. I deeply appreciate the 'folk' roots of the writing here, but it doesn't get my juices flowing the way I think it's 'supposed to'. I would say overall I still maybe don't 'get' Springsteen the way true fans do. There was a duo of songs in the middle of the record Highway Patrolman and State Trooper that I found esp captivating on this listen.

I've always been tepid on Bruce Springsteen. I totally get his place in music history, and I really like some of his songs/albums. But with any major artist, the obsessive fandom really turns me off. This is a collection of decent demos.

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.

I know this is the record store guys fave Springsteen. I can recognize the kill. Big Springsteen is my fave. This is nice tho.

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

Took me a while to get Bruce Springsteen and even longer to get this. But I see the woody Guthrie comparisons here and obviously Dylan. Best tracks State Trooper, Nebraska, Atlantic City.

Nice little acoustic album, i could come back to this.

Nebraska can't be *that* boring. Music needs a little more spice ig.

Not a Springsteen guy, but this is my favorite of his work even though I find it dull in places. Atlantic City and Highway Patrolman are extraordinary songs

This is so interesting, it’s so different than his later full-band things, almost singer-songwriter. Nice, though!