Badlands (A Tribute To Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska) - Various Artists

Advantages: Great songs, lyrics included, cheap price
Disadvantages: Too short!! (I jest)

...When i started listening to Springsteen just over a year ago, I thought it best to listen to purchase his back catalogue in chronological order. Nebraska was his 6th release and came after his most successful album to date in The River. Every review promised it to be a stark, dak, deeply depressing take on American life. This did not fill be with great anticipation, as Hungry Heart was still doing the rounds in my head, however, i was in for a great surprise. Basically the album is great. It's definitley not one to play when a party's in full swing, but if you have time to sit down and take in the music and it's message then without a doubt you'll be surprised at the depth and range of Springsteen's songwriting capabilities. It's particularly relevant in the current economic situation. I'll bet anyone and everyone that they... Read review

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Advantages: One of the most intense collections of songs ever
Disadvantages: May too intense and raw for some

...Recorded a in 1989 , post “Born In The USA” and “Born To Run” and “The River”, Springsteen didn’t have to take any risks with this album. However it was recorded alone, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar with occasional harmonica on a portable four track recorder. Although the United States of America is the richest and most populous nation in the world, it has some of the worst poverty, human rights abuses , and illiteracy there is. Springsteen is from a blue collar background and address subjects of poverty and desperation and varying ways throughout this album. In my opinion it is one of his finest triumphs and the critics of the time were approving of the album, but it is anything but easy listening , a million miles away from the swagger of say “Born in the USA”... Read review

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Advantages: emotive, personal
Disadvantages: -

...Shall we say something of a different review from me this time round. Modern rock aside, grunge gods given a break and onto one of the most respected musicians of my era. Bruce ?The Boss? Springsteen is a man that has always known how to connect with his audience, whether it be through a 10 million selling album, a appearance on any one of the numerous American late night talk shows or even a John Kerry political rally, he?s a man with a great influence on the public. The music he makes gets to the point and is direct, generally incorporating beautiful harmonies as heard on ?Born In The USA? and ?Streets Of Philadelphia?. Despite not being what you would consider a fan, I find it very easy to sit back and listen to his music and feel genuinely emotive. He?s a man that, if you don?t respect as a person, then should definitely respect as... Read review

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