Springsteen’s “Better Days” and the promise of a more limited redemption

We’re all looking for something better, but are unlikely to achieve it through some magical moment, some mystical epiphany, or some mythical transformation.  Ironically, Bruce Springsteen’s two albums most focused on positive outcomes and the possibility of redemption, are also his most underrated if not outright forgotten.  After spending almost two decades penning songs about… Continue reading Springsteen’s “Better Days” and the promise of a more limited redemption

Springsteen’s “Badlands” and the moment that just don’t come

The search for something better defines us, and will always do so.  The only way to cope is to tell the world itself to fuck off. We can rise above our fates only if we spit fate itself in the face and live in the moment. “Badlands” isn’t my favorite Bruce Springsteen song.  A perennial at… Continue reading Springsteen’s “Badlands” and the moment that just don’t come

“I Wish I Were Blind,” revisiting Springsteen’s oft forgotten classic from Human Touch

The Boss released Human Touch and Lucky Town on the same day in 1992 to some of the worst reviews of his career. This doesn’t mean there aren’t stellar songs on both including the most poignant take on jealousy in his canon. By Springsteen standards, the early to mid 1990s was the nadir of his… Continue reading “I Wish I Were Blind,” revisiting Springsteen’s oft forgotten classic from Human Touch

Bruce Springsteen: A conservative critique of his latter day anthems

It’s easy to conclude “Land of Hope and Dreams” and “We Take Care of Our Own” are fundamentally liberal songs, pushing liberal policy ideas, given Mr. Springsteen’s own far-left leanings, but is that truly the case?  As the Boss himself used to say, trust the art, not the artist to unlock an underlying message of… Continue reading Bruce Springsteen: A conservative critique of his latter day anthems

Backstreets: Is this somewhat forgotten classic actually Bruce Springsteen’s best song?

Rich lyrics with interpretations ranging from a heterosexual high school couple sneaking away from their parents to drink beer, to heroin addicts trapped on the outskirts of town, to gay lovers hiding their affair, combine with a melodic, rocking composition to create an unforgettable song.  It’s part Shakespearean Sonnet, all rock and roll, a true… Continue reading Backstreets: Is this somewhat forgotten classic actually Bruce Springsteen’s best song?