When you go to see Bruce Springsteen live, it becomes clear just how much of a plethora of hits he has available in his back pocket. His songs stem back decades, all made during different periods in his life, and they reflect various messages. That’s the beauty of his music, as one minute you’re listening to a heart-wrenching tale straight from his album Nebraska, and the next you’re dancing to a song that was written to inspire joy and foolishness.
Each album that Bruce Springsteen has written has been reflective of a very different period in his life, and that resonates strongly. Regardless of whether he is happy, sad, or all things in between, and irrespective of whether those feelings are internal or external, Springsteen has a way with words that means he can write effectively and resonate with listeners around the world. There is a reason why he continues to sell out stadiums everywhere he goes, and that’s because his songs transcend time and generations, still effectively moving people to this day.
The reason why Bruce Springsteen can write in a way which taps into emotion so freely is because of his inspirations. Though he was a big fan of rock music, one of the first artists to move him with lyrics was Bob Dylan. Springsteen thought Dylan spoke so well as a reflection of the world around him that he felt compelled to try and do something similar throughout his career.
“I want people to get the same experience from listening to one of my records as I had when I listened to Highway 61 Revisited,” said Springsteen, “The idea that something was revealed to them that was fundamentally true and essential, and gave you a view of your world, your country, your town, your neighbours, your family.”
He did this with his first two albums, and while they resonated with critics, they weren’t commercial successes. Songs like ‘The E Street Shuffle’ very much tapped into what Springsteen discussed above, as they painted a picture of his town and neighbours in a way that was reflective of other areas across America. The idea was there, and the seeds had been planted, but he just needed to grow them in a way that appealed to a broader group of people. He eventually managed to do this.
Springsteen’s third album, Born To Run, was one of his most successful. Even today, when he plays those songs live, or when the introduction to the title track bleeds through the speakers of a bar somewhere, it creates a reaction amongst listeners that is infectious. The way that he portrayed this idea of individualism and hope, while also creating music that was fun to listen to and rock your head to, was truly inspired, and it set the foundation for the rest of his career.
“[W]ith [Born to Run] I was shooting for the moon,” he admitted, “I said, ‘I don’t wanna make a good record, I wanna make The Greatest Record Somebody’s Ever Heard’.”
While many people believe Springsteen achieved this with his album, it didn’t end up being the record that he was proudest of; that honour was reserved for his 2002 release, The Rising. This wasn’t just because of the songs but also because of the process of making it and the fact that all of the band were involved throughout. It’s one that Springsteen looks back on and feels immense pride towards.
“[I]f I had to measure it all up I don’t think I’ve ever been as satisfied as I am right now,” he said. “The combination of this particular record coming at this particular time, and the band being present and everybody being alive and accounted for — only a few bands can say that.”
Regardless of which Bruce Springsteen album is your favourite, there is no escaping the fact that he has an innate ability to write from a deep place of emotion and connect with fans worldwide as a result of that ability.
