Born To Run made Bruce Springsteen a star, yet nearly three years would pass before his next release, Darkness On The Edge Of Town.
It is interesting to reflect upon the scope of Springsteen's back catalogue, noting the variations in his musical vision as well as how he maintained his artistic integrity and expanded his commercial appeal. His early releases ranged from the sweeping storytelling and improvisations of The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle to the energetic and epic grandeur of Born To Run to the darker lyrics and textures of his fourth album, Darkness On The Edge Of Town.
For this work, Springsteen now turned his attention to the underbelly of ordinary life, in part evoking how the passage of time is less romantic than realistic and, though it's a fate often resisted, it's something one ultimately must face. Musically and lyrically, he exhibited sophistication and an increasing ability to convey his songs in mature and moving ways. In a genuine sense, this is Springsteen emerging from adolescence into adulthood.
The sessions for Darkness On The Edge Of Town produced a plethora of songs that Springsteen didn't release at the time, some of which were covered by other artists and, perhaps ironically, garnered more Top 40 success than the singles to come from his own album. Tracks such as “This Little Girl” by Gary U.S. Bonds, “Rendezvous” by The Greg Kihn Band and “Fire” by the Pointer Sisters served Springsteen well, though, as their eminence increased his popularity and esteem as a songwriter.
“Something In The Night” features a beautiful and sensitive piano on this narrative of chasing elusive dreams. “Racing In The Street” portrays a refusal to grow up and the loss of relationships. “Streets Of Fire” is an exhausted lament.
The song that most resonated with me at the time of this album's 1978 release was “Factory.” I spent a summer working in a toy factory in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, making plastic pumpkins for Halloween and, by the end of the first week, I hated having to get up in the morning. Many people, including myself at this time, perceived Springsteen as writing about defeat, giving up, and the dreariness of everyday life.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Christopher Rose
I just don't really get Springsteen. His music is conservative mainstream rock of little individual character and, except for people of a certain age, really quite dull. Must be an American thing I guess.
2 - Mark Saleski
it's ok. you don't get it. some don't. i never got, like, The Smiths...for example.
and little distinction? if you take the E St. Band circa Born to Run and Darkness, they had a unique sound, especially on the former record.
and i hate to tell you but the Bruce following in europe is far more rabid than it is over here.
3 - Wild Billy
"I just don't really get Springsteen. His music is conservative mainstream rock of little individual character and, except for people of a certain age, really quite dull. Must be an American thing I guess."
"conservative mainstream rock"
Well, it's not. Check this out:
For you - live at Hammersmith Odeon, 1975 Prove It All Night Capitol Theatre, Passaic, NJ. 19-9-1978 Drive all night - Live Sweden 5 july 2008
4 - Christopher Rose
What I mean is I don't get BS (lol) now. Born To Run had a certain flair to it 33 years ago and he's been trading on it ever since. That's a third of a fucking century ago.
Sure, the E Street Band had an identifiable, though not really unique, sound back in the day, but music has moved on a long way since then.
I've not seen any signs of a rabid European following for BS. What do you base that on? Maybe you need a Zimmer frame to enjoy this retro stuff! :-)
I'm no fan of The Smiths either, as it happens. Their best song was "Hand in Glove" - and Sandie Shaw did a better version of it than they did. Why did you bring them in particular up? It doesn't seem relevant to my point.
5 - Mark Saleski
i just brought up the Smiths as a band who were very popular in europe but not as much over here...and i "didn't get" them. i even have a record or two.
the rabid european following is evident in the touring he does over there. reports from the show are ecstatic.
6 - Christopher Rose
Wild Billy, I think the videos you linked to prove my point not yours.
Mark, I didn't say BS isn't popular and don't see how his popularity invalidates my point that he is just another mainstream rock artist. I would imagine BS is more popular in Europe than The Smiths but so what? Still not relevant to my point.
As a large part of your personal musical taste is rooted so strongly in the long gone 70s, I'm not surprised to see you sticking up for him/then.
7 - Wild Billy
"I've not seen any signs of a rabid European following for BS. What do you base that on?"
Well, I saw Bruce on Camp Nou in Barcelona this summer. 2 nights x 80.000 sold out in 2 hours.
So, heres a clip, enjoy! Badlands - Camp Nou (Barcelona) July 20, 2008
Also saw him in Gotenburg, heres a clip of that. The whole town had the Bruce fewer, not possibel to go anywhere without a Bruce song playing:
Bruce Springsteen - Out in the Street Gothenburg Sweden 2008
8 - Wild Billy
"Wild Billy, I think the videos you linked to prove my point not yours."
Sorry, i missunderstood a bit. But you are still dead wrong.
How is this main stream: Bruce Springsteen - Long Walk Home - When you understand the lyrics you will understand that this is far from main stream (republican or democrat).
Bruce Springsteen - My City of Ruins (WTC Benefit) This 20 levels above main stream!
Open All Night - With The Seeger Sessions Band Milan, 12th May 2006
(skip the opatti bit in the start :-)
9 - Christopher Rose
WB - many old school rockers tour profitably and perform to big crowds. The masters of that are probably the Rolling Stones.
There is a huge difference between those, mostly older, people who go to see the acts they remember from their youth and artists who are actually making new contemporary music.
PS, please don't post raw links as I have to keep tidying them up for you. If you don't know how, here's a simple explanation of how to format a link
10 - Mark Saleski
As a large part of your personal musical taste is rooted so strongly in the long gone 70s, I'm not surprised to see you sticking up for him/then.
we've had this "discussion" before. we're done.
11 - Wild Billy
"actually making new contemporary music."
Take a look at what Springsteen has done since Ghost Of Tom Joad in 96.
He has songs like:
YoungsTown, Ghost Of Tom Joad, Dry Ligtning, Streets Of Philadelphia, American Skin, Land of Hope And Dream, The Rising, Waiting On A Sunny Day, Lonsome Day, Empty Sky, Your Missing, My City Of Ruins, Devils & Dust, Long time comming, How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live, American Land, Radio Nowhere, Long Walk Home, Magic and Girls In Their Summer Cloths.
Give me one contemporary artist/band with this many great songs over some many different genres, with such intent and substance.
And, yes I will agree with you that there are bands that are more innovative than Springsteen. But that doesn't mean that being innovative is the most important criteria in making good music, at least not for me.
12 - Wild Billy
I forgot to answer this one.
"I've not seen any signs of a rabid European following for BS"
Didn't my links prove you wrong on that one? And by the way there is just as many youngsters as oldies on Springsteen concerts in Europe.
In the U.S I wouldn't know.
13 - Christopher Rose
Mark, I don't mean to offend you, but perhaps you should have a think about what I said. I don't read all your musical writing but a large part of the music you write about IS rooted in the 70s. Shall I start posting "Oh, 70s!" every time I see that?
WB, so basically you agree with me, "there are bands that are more innovative than Springsteen".
And no, your links proved that it is possible for bands to tour successfully based on their 30 or 40 year old heritage. Which is not news.
14 - Mark Saleski
a large part of the music you write about IS rooted in the 70s.
and an even larger part isn't.
seriously though, why does it matter? it doesn't seem to bother you when i write about a band from that era that you like (recent example: The Who - Live at Leeds).
sure, friday morning listen's in particular have music from that era because that's when i started soaking it all in. it's not like i have a huge reverence for "The 70's"....i mean, you think i sit around every night listening to Abraxas, with my blacklight posters and stuff? ;-)
15 - Wild Billy
"And no, your links proved that it is possible for bands to tour successfully based on their 30 or 40 year old heritage. Which is not news."
Uh, you said: "I've not seen any signs of a rabid European following for BS" on that one you are proven wrong.
What is different between Springsteen & Stones (ex) is that he is still relevant, and attracts new crowds from musical genres and from a younger audience.
So, Bruce, at least in Europe, is touring with just as much his latest 10 years work as much as his records from the 70`s and the 80`s.
There are many "has been acts" that comes to Europe, but non of them sells tickets as fast as Springsteen. In so many consecutive years, in so many different styles. He wouldn't be able to do so if he was not relevant and still put out music that speaks to the listeners.
So you need to start listening. Because I don't think you do. All you hear is what you think he sounds like.
And if you are right, how could both Seeger Session and Magic be rated among the best album of 06 and 07 at an average critic`s list. And if he is just a "has been" how could Rolling Stones rate Springsteen & E-Street band as best live act of 2008 when half the 25-30 songs set list is songs that are made AFTER 2000?
16 - Mark Saleski
p.s. i was shocked to discover that my local grocery store actually carries blacklights.
17 - Christopher Rose
I just find myself increasingly troubled by how dated and conservative a lot of music is these days. There was a lot of great music made in the 70s but music has actually moved on a great deal since then.
"Live At Leeds" is a classic moment in rock history but it's just not really going to find it's way to the top of my playlist, even though I have the original vinyl album complete with all the groovy inserts and stuff.
If I was feeling nostalgic, I'd probably focus on the 60s or 80s rather than the 70s or those particularly disappointing 90s years.
I find a lot of great new music through sites like Jango and just prefer to look forwards than back.
18 - Mark Saleski
by how dated and conservative a lot of music is these days.
the mainstream music landscape is very bizarre these days. almost frozen in the headlights, so to speak.
i honestly don't care where something comes from. hek, after listening to a few hours of cats-on-piano improv, a little "normalcy" doesn't hurt.
19 - Christopher Rose
There is more creativity in a simple beat on a Missy Elliott tune, a Basement Jaxx song or a Dizzee Rascal rap than most rock music these days - or past days. Rock has moved from the cutting edge to the old people's home.
20 - Wild Billy
Another thing, Mark Saleski
If you are looking for the best music site, the name is Spotify. Actuelly it`s not a site, it more like iTunes or Mediamonky online the music libaty is not on your computer, the Spotify libary will have 95% av all music ever published in 4-6 weeks. Spotify is still in Beta. :-)
I have used it for a week now, and it is just fantastic. It`s the best thing since MP3.
You should check it out.
Musically - Hands on with Spotify
www.Spotify.com
21 - Al Barger
Christopher here is basically displaying his own philosophical prejudices rather than any idea of appreciating actual music. If he could apply the words "conservative" or "mainstream," then that pretty much discredits the music - without even really listening to it. Obviously no conservative or mainstream music is creative or worthy of the attention of a sophisticate such as Mr Rose.
But if you can't see why Darkness is highly regarded, then you're just not getting it. He's not really even listening. This is a great album with some awesome songs. Leave aside the silly ideological baggage - and on the other side any of the cult of Springsteen crapola that I certainly don't share - and you've still got a slew of classic songs. If you can't see the appeal of "Prove It All Night," then you just don't get popular music.
Rose always refers to supposed creativity or innovation, but what's so amazingly frickin' creative about a Missy Elliott beat? She's got a couple of pretty good songs, but her whole catalog isn't the actual musical and songwriting equal of "Candy's Room."
He seems to value any little bit of electronic gimmickry as more artistically valuable than actual songs. But by those kind of standards, David Seville's "Witch Doctor" would be a greater piece of art than "Hey Jude."
Rose foolishness aside, nobody here has mentioned the greatest and most classic song on the record - "Adam Raised a Cain." It doesn't even vaguely resemble any dynamic in my own life, so it's not even some special personal resonance. It's just a great tune and an awesome performance. Plus, that opening guitar solo is one of the best on any Springsteen record.
22 - Christopher Rose
Thanks for displaying your aged prejudice Barger. (I would have called you Al, but you seem to like the use of surnames when you're whining).
I don't think describing Springsteen's music as conservative or mainstream is in anyway wrong. Are you willing to try and make a case for it being progressive or modern music?
Of course, you can't do that for two reasons. One is that it simply isn't and the other is that you don't seem to like much contemporary musical genres at all.
I wouldn't expect you to like Missy Elliott, Barger, it is way too progressive for your predictable and retrospective taste, but I would hope that someone like Mark would be able to see the truly radical use of sound and music that she and her producer create.
Springsteen may have written some pretty decent rock songs many years ago but rock itself, rather like you, is showing its age. There was far more exciting music going on in the comparatively poor 70s than Springsteen made.
Personally, I'll put my faith in the future, not the past, but you live on in your nostalgia tinted world mate.
23 - Wild Billy
Al Barger:
Darkness is one of the true masterpieces of rock history. You have songs like Racing In The Streets, which is actually NOT really about racing in the streets, but Mr. Rose is`isn't even close to understand what that would mean, but here's a hint:
"Some guys they just give up living
And start dying little by little, piece by piece"
and
"When I come home the house is dark
She sighs "Baby did you make it all right"
She sits on the porch of her daddy's house
But all her pretty dreams are torn
She stares off alone into the night
With the eyes of one who hates for just being born
For all the shut down strangers and hot rod angels
Rumbling through this promised land
Tonight my baby and me we're gonna ride to the sea
And wash these sins off our hands"
Hearing this song live, with the professor really killing on the out, well one of my absolute highlights this summer.
Then you have Badlands, as a critic wrote after Gothenburg 2.nd this is not a song "it`s an earth quake" . If you cant relate to words like this, well you are either stone cold, really not intact with your own feelings or just on some sort of a 24h happy drug.
Lights out tonight
trouble in the heartland
Got a head-on collision
smashin' in my guts, man
I'm caught in a cross fire
that I don't understand
But there's one thing I know for sure girl
I don't give a damn
For the same old played out scenes
I don't give a damn
For just the in betweens
Honey, I want the heart, I want the soul
I want control right now
Shit, I could go on like this with every song on this album. Adam, Promised land, Candy, Darkness on the edge..
If there is a point to be made on the Darkness album on is that the album version don't capture the raw intensity Bruce put into the songs at the time. All the "fab five" bootlegs is mandatory must have`s for any person remotely interested in the true essence of rock.
[Edited]
Note - I have always wondered why he didn't include that wonderful intro to Prove It on the album? Did he come up with it after the release of the album? and why did he stop playing one of the best intro`s to any song after that tour?
24 - Wild Billy
Here you go Mr. Rose, something real innovative.
All sounds are sample from cheese, biscuit and vocals. Enjoy!
Ost & Kjex - Boston Food Strangler
25 - Christopher Rose
Actually those lyrics read as pretty banal to me but whatever floats your boat Billy. Of course I would take your advice a bit more seriously if you weren't so gullible as take Ost & Kjex so literally.
And what does the latter have to do with Springsteen?