Greatest Hits - Bruce Springsteen

Advantages: Some outstanding songs here
Disadvantages: Some odd choices for a greatest hits CD

...and life's struggles. The greatest hits title is a bit misleading, as I'm not sure that all these tracks were big hits - certainly not in the UK anyway, but based on the albums I've heard it's a good sampler of their content. For those not familiar with Springsteen, he is a native of New Jersey, which influences a lot of the lyrics here and his music is sometimes referred to as 'Heartland Rock'. I'd describe it as Rock and Roll with some heavy ...
...of Sound' style. Poetic lyrics about working class struggles over a guitar/piano/sax arrangement are common, as is a melancholic harmonica/acoustic guitar combo. Artists that provide a useful reference point are Tom Petty, Bob Seger and John Mellancamp. The Tracks and the albums they first appeared on: 1. Born To Run (Born To Run) While this is often referred to as his most famous, or signature song, it's not one of my favourites here. The grand, ... Read review

Advantages: Every Song a gem
Disadvantages: One CD is not enough

...either the Bets of or Greatest Hits. However what you do get is a very good selection from the Springsteen canon on a single disc , and as good as an introduction as you're going to get, although the inclusion of four new songs must be a bit of a rip off for fans who had purchased the rest of his output. On the plus side it does include "Streets of Philadelphia" from the soundtrack of the file "Philadelphia". Despite the reservations above and the ...
...excellent compilation, and a great introduction to "The Boss". The programming is remarkably coherent given its disparate sources, and the CD is crammed to breaking point. The four new tracks are all excellent especially the vicious "Murder Incorporated" and the gentle "Secret Garden" although the latter almost transgresses to Sting territory. The album opens with "Born to Run" with that awesome middle eight and saxophone break, and probably the ... Read review

Advantages: Rock n roll classics
Disadvantages: He is still producing great work, so this is incomplete

...sit and listen to this greatest hits collection that you fully begin to realise just how good Bruce Springsteen is. As soon as you hear the opening rock n roll classic ‘Born to Run’ you know that you are about to listen to something special. However, don’t think that your just listening to some dumb rock star, there is true diversity to the tracks on the album and listen to the lyrics and you begin to appreciate the feelings of anguish and ...
...Philadelphia’ to the thought provoking ‘Better Days’. Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a nihilistic album full of the despair typical of modern day alternative rock bands; a sense of pragmatic optimism carries through all of the tracks. This album acts as a fitting tribute to one of the true greats. ... Read review

Advantages: Everything. Brilliant album
Disadvantages: 18 songs just are not enough

What a rock icon. The louder the Boss is the better. Everyone who has ever heard of Springsteen will know most of these tracks. Bruce is a fantastic artist and writer and with the talents of the E street band behind him the music just sounds better. Im just going to review a select few tracks. All the songs are great, there is no reason for the ones ive chosen. Born to Run - Brilliant feelgood track. Really rocky and upbeat. The River - The Boss ...
...such a way that keeps you gripped. Lovely chilled out track, not to much of a ballard. Secret Garden - I feel its on par with Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms. Excellent track to unwind to. Born in the USA - Need i say anymore. This has always got me going. Blood Brothers - Really loyal ballard. Another relaxing one. All other songs:- Thunder Road, Bad Lands, Hungry Heart, Atlantic City, Dancing in the Dark, My Hometown, Glory Days, Brilliant ... Read review

Advantages: Great album !!
Disadvantages: Cant play it loud enough

This great album was released in 1995, and is a collection of "The Boss" finest songs; this is his first "hits" cd. If you want a Bruce Springsteen album to see what his music is like, I suggest you get this one; it's got a fantastic collection of Springsteen's work. The cd covers Pop and Hard Rock and a bit of Rock & Roll. Personally I think the "Essential compilation" is better than this cd, But this still has the best songs from the boss. First ...
...only Bruce and the record company can say. Some of Bruce's classics are missing, "Cover Me" "I'm On Fire" "war" is just three I can mention that are not on this cd. Dancing in the Dark maybe the first song I actually remember hearing of Springsteen and I still hear it on the radio and see it on the TV regular. Remains even today a great track to sing along to. Born in the USA is Springsteen "anthem" like Bohemian Rhapsody is to Queen. This song ... Read review