Bruce Springsteen - Nebraska

Released in 1982

Two years ago you released your first truly commercial breakthrough, drastically expanding your following and leaving fans drooling for more rock goodness. So what do you do? Well, if you're Bruce Springsteen you follow up with a demo-quality folk rock album featuring nothing but your guitar, a harmonica and your raw vocals. Sounds like suicide, right?

Normally it would be, but this was Springsteen's defining moment. Not a defining moment because it's necessarily his best album (though some would argue it is), but rather because anyone less than a master musician and songwriter would fail miserably with such a foolhardy attempt. Bruce Springsteen not only did not fail; he succeeded admirably.

Don't expect the bombastic and catchy rock of his previous and forthcoming album with Nebraska. The pace is subdued and the atmosphere generally dark and pessimistic. Throughout the album Springsteen paints insightful portraits of criminals and the desperate individuals that life has seemingly passed by. From the first person outlook of serial killer Charlie Starkweather in the grim title track Nebraska to the bitter protestations of a child condemning his working class father in Used Cars, Nebraska is an insightful look at the darkness and despair that lies within the desperate and dregs of society.

Choosing highlights from this album would be folly, for this is an album that is truly a sum of its parts. The tracks work together to create one cohesive, albeit often pessimistic, portrait of humanity. Catchy or aggressive instrumentation and polish are not important in Springsteen's canvas; it's the thoughtful lyrics and moody atmospheres that carry this album.

I normally dislike raw acoustical folk rock attempts such as this one, but as I listened I found myself becoming immersed within Springsteen's world. His passion and talent shines through despite the unpolished approach, and in fact it can be argued that the raw approach perfectly complimented the nature of these particular songs.

Since I am inherently biased against this type of effort, I won't lie and suggest that this was my favorite Springsteen album, but I can honestly say it's a masterpiece that earned my respect despite my initial disdain.

Rating: 8 stars

Track List Nebraska Atlantic City Mansion on the Hill Johnny 99 Highway Patrolman State Trooper Used Cars Open All Night My Father's House Reason to Believe

Additional Resources:

• The River Review
• Born in the U.S.A. Review
• Tunnel of Love Review

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