Joy can be spontaneous, disappointment has to be planned
Joy can be spontaneous, disappointment has to be planned
Member since:31.08.2009
Reviews:32
Members who trust:3
I suppose Bruce Springsteen is the Marmite of the music world - you either love him or you hate him - or, like many youngsters who encountered him at Glastonbury this year, you have never heard of him (shame on you).
For me, any music that evokes memories of my mid-80s school discos, is automatically beyond any criticism, and the title track from this album is no exception. Of course, one track doesn't make an album, but it can very often be the sole reason for purchasing it.
I have often thought that Springsteen's lyrics were a little suspect, but very often these take second place to the power and emotion of the music and the mood he creates - and this album is Bruce at his raw, belting best.
BORN IN THE USA - The massively powerful title track that seems to have become a patriotic anthem despite its anti-establishment sentiment and its open criticism of the Vietnam War. Laced with Springsteen's trademark hints of frustration and pent-up anger, you have to go a long way to find a more memorable track from the 80s (9/10)
COVER ME - A love song of sorts, with an underlying message of how hard life has become (5/10)
DARLINGTON COUNTY - A relatively upbeat tale of two guys misbehaving on a road-trip (7/10)
WORKING ON THE HIGHWAY - Paced halfway between Rockabilly and Line-dance, this is a foot-tapping account of the weekend antics of a road-working gang (8/10)
DOWNBOUND TRAIN - A moving, heartfelt story of regret and despair that will touch all but the hardest hearts (6/10)
I'M ON FIRE - Released in 1984 as the AA-side to Born In The USA, I remember being completely captivated on first hearing this song and thinking that it was the best ballad I had ever heard. 25 years on, my opinion is still the same (10/10)
No SURRENDER - A back-slapping tale of friendship and cameraderia with a feel-good vibe to it (6/10)
BOBBY JEAN - Another friendship story but this time with a much sadder edge to it. Whoever Bobby Jean is, he's not happy that she's gone (7/10)
I'M GOIN' DOWN - My least favourite song on the album. The theme this time is a relationship that has obviously run its course and become a little tired. I find the clappy rhythm a little annoying (4/10)
GLORY DAYS - Anyone who looks down and can only just see the ends of their toes poking out from under their belly will relate to this - what fun it is to reminisce. Fantastic instrumental work (8/10)
DANCING IN THE DARK - Another tale of frustration, this time set to a powerful, lively tune (8/10)
MY HOMETOWN - A nostalgic account of life in a different (better?) era. A thought-provoking end to the album (6/10)
In summary, an album that can make you feel happy, depressed, pensive, proud, nostalgic and regretful all in equal measure. Something for every mood.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
With its roller-rink keyboards, trash-can drums and generally festive air, this is ... more
Springsteen at his most joyous and radio-friendly. Spinning off seven hit singles ("Dancing in the Dark", "Cover Me" and "I'm on Fire" among them), USA is deceptively ac...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
very helpful by (82%):
helpful by (18%):
![Back In Black [DualDisc] - AC/DC](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/505/prod_small-6303505.jpg)
![101 [SACD] - Depeche Mode](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/598/prod_small-43598.jpg)
![River Is Wide, The [Remastered] - Forum (The)](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/251/prod_small-6006251.jpg)
![Appetite For Destruction [PA] - Guns N' Roses](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/237/prod_small-44237.jpg)
