5 Stars
At this stage of his career, Bruce Springsteen was just a new upcoming kid from the Jersey Shore. He had gained great critical acclaim for his early albums and for his high-energy four-hour live sets, but he was not yet the superstar we now know. After this album, he became the Boss and could do no wrong in the eyes of working America. His support of the blue-collar worker never faltered, and you have to admire him for that.
The Album “Born to Run” was released in 1975; it was a wonderful experience listening to it for the first time. You’re hooked as soon as opener ‘Thunder Road’ breaks in, building from its piano and mouth harp beginnings followed by Bruce Springsteen’s heartfelt lyrics, and when the band breaks in, sweeping you along to the first verse. The point is taken home by the next song, ‘Tenth Avenue Freeze Out,’ leaving you in no doubt you are in the presence of a class act. The title track and the last ‘Jungleland’ are stone cold classics and in this company the other four are relegated to just being excellent.
He’s a singer/songwriter at the peak of his game.
But you cannot take it away from the E Street Band in support. What a powerhouse they became. Here they show all their potential, honed during many a long gig.
On keyboards was Roy Bittan, with his stunning display, always on top of his game and at the forefront of the music.
Clarence Clemons, a giant of a man with jiving saxophone, pumps to match his stature. His solos are the highlight of many songs.
The rhythm section of Garry Tallent on bass and Max Weinberg on drums was the envy of every other band in America.
Bruce Springsteen’s best friend, Steven Van Zandt, was just on the cusp of joining the band but was present through the recordings to add his influence. What an asset he proved to be over the years. Songwriter/ guitarist / production / musical arranger/ inspirational force all wrapped up in one. A busy man, Stevie Van Zandt. He also had his own band, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes, which toured and recorded concurrently with the E Street Band. Who cannot warm to his roles in both The Sopranos and Lilyhammer when he branched out into acting.
Who can also forget that Toupee? At least on the rock’n’roll stage he kept things hidden by hats and a bandanna. But for TV, it’s right there staring back at you.
Born to Run sales went at least Gold in every major market around the world, Platinum in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, double Platinum in Canada and Australia, then six times Platinum in the United States of America.
No wonder Bruce Springsteen spent so much time in court fighting to secure his royalty rights.
Of course, this was only the breakthrough. Over the next ten years, we got “Darkness on the Edge of Town” (1978), the double album “The River” (1980), “Nebraska” (1982), and then “Born in the USA” (1984), which went Platinum a mere thirty times and spawned seven Top Ten Singles.
But Born to Run is still considered a classic amongst the fans, the songs bringing out some of the loudest cheers when they are brought out in the live arena.
Now in his eighth decade, Bruce Springsteen is still very active, recording and on the stage. He is a political activist, and his popularity means that his endorsement means a lot.
“Letter to You,” his album released in 2020, is a masterpiece.
Stevie Ray Zandt. ‘Little Stevie.’
Written by Mott the Dog from Pattaya’s Darkside Shore.
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