Nebraska - Bruce Springsteen > Reviews > Springsteens Darkest Days

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

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

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

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”, and an obvious major commercial risk.

The cover of the album is black and white, and the album does nothing to lift the spirits , but the intensity of the stories that Bruce tells make for probably his most riveting listening, not one for the car, but one to listen to at home where you can devote your full attention. It provides no answers but presents the listener with some of the bleakest aural paintings that you will ever hear.

We have the story of “Johnny 99” about a man going wild with a gun who “has debts no honest man can pay”. Lets face in the credit hungry world of consumerism that can happen very easily when your laid off from your job for “economic reasons”.

“Used Cars” dreams of the only way to actually own a new car is to win the state lottery. Remind you of anywhere? The beautiful , plaintive despair of “Atlantic City” results in one of Springsteen’s most enduring songs.

The album in undoubtedly Springsteen , but he recalls the spirit of Woody Guthrie and creates one of the most intense albums ever recorded. You cannot fail to be moved by this collection of songs.

Recorded in the days of vinyl limitations, so you only get ten songs, but they are worth their weight in gold, very black gold.

The album is available on mid price and should have a place in everyone’s music collection. As I’ve stated it is not easy listening , but a rewarding experience nonetheless.