Bruce Springsteen - Tunnel Of Love

Released in 1987

Tunnel of Love was a significant departure from the anthemic, hard rocking sound of Bruce Springsteen's previous album, Born in the U.S.A., and as such although it spawned three Top 40 hits and was relatively successful in sales, it failed to even come close to reaching the commercial success of his prior work. But anyone that has followed the Boss' career knows that he is an artist that isn't afraid to experiment with and diversify his sound.

While his previous works largely focused on societal issues such as the deterioration of small towns and the trials of the working class, Tunnel of Love is a mature study on the various aspects of romance. But perish any thoughts of Springsteen having gone soft, for although he tackles romance most of the thoughtful tracks are about mistrust, resentment and the difficulties both sides experience in relationships.

Going along with Springsteen's new subject matter is a more subdued sound that replaces the hard rock of his prior album with introspective softer and sometimes folksy rock. Although Springsteen uses his famed E Street band to lend their musical support, the overall sound is significantly less "busy" – almost a blend of the sparse Nebraska and the bombastic Born in the U.S.A.

Some of the album highlights are:

• Tougher Than The Rest – This softer rock song is a guilty pleasure filled with macho posturing and defiance. I rank it up there with Springsteen's best.
• Brilliant Disguise – The most commercially successful track on the album, yet also dark despite its attractive sound. It speaks of the deep mistrust of each other that a couple harbors.
• One Step Up – A mid-tempo rocker with a very pleasant sound that tells of a loved relationship on the rocks.

Tunnel of Love is an album filled with passion, sincerity, emotion, introspection and beauty. While it fails to achieve the same level of glitz and recognition as his previous work, it remains an essential album for any Bruce Springsteen fan.

Rating: 8 stars

Track List Ain't Got You Tougher Than the Rest All That Heaven Will Allow Spare Parts Cautious Man Walk Like a Man Tunnel of Love Two Faces Brilliant Disguise One Step Up When You're Alone Valentine's Day

Additional Resources:

• The River Review
• Nebraska Review
• Born in the U.S.A. Review

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