Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA

33⅓ Main Series #27

by Geoffrey Himes, L.J. Ganser (Narrator)

When Bruce Springsteen went back on the road in 1984, he opened every
show by shouting out, one, two, one, two, three, four, followed by
the droning synth chords of Born in the U.S.A. Max Weinberg hit
his drums with a two-fisted physicality that cut through the swelling
chords. With a rolled-up red kerchief around his head and heavy black
boots under his faded jeans, Springsteen looked like the character of
the song, and from the very first line (Born down in a dead man's
town) he sang with the throat-scraping desperation of a man with his
back against the wall. When he reached the crucial lines, though, the
guitars and bass dropped out and Weinberg switched to just the hi-hat.
Springsteen's voice grew a bit more private and reluctant as he sang,
Nowhere to run. Nowhere to go. It was as if he weren't sure if
this were an admission of defeat or the drawing of a line in the sand.
But when the band came crashing back at full strength building a
crescendo that fell apart in the cacophony of Springsteen's and
Weinberg's wild soloing, paused and then came together again in the
determined, marching riff it was clear that the singer was ready to
make a stand.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Essays, History, Pop Culture, Journalism, Biography

Audible Audio

First published August 19, 2005

Reviews

[keatssycamore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of my favorites in the 33 1/3 series. I think, had I read this when I between ages 13-26, I would have nodded along with the author. "All praise Bruce." I loved Springsteen during my sincere and earnest youth. A sensitive lad without the literary skills to decipher lyrics that weren't basically straightforward , he was there to always put too fine a point on it. Loudly. An alarmingly tuneless teen, I appreciated vocals loud in the mix so I could hear them clearly.

I was 13 when Born in the USA was released. Within a month or two, I had the money to buy the LP. I thought it was smart/witty (I was 13). But, in addition to the songs I thought of as insightful (Glory Days could've been about my dad & his friends, Dancing In the Dark ennui but self-deprecatingly addressed), both sides of the album had classic rock/southern rock production sound (paired with that pop thing of a loud vocal mix) that, as a rural Kentucky kid, struck me as the default setting for the rock and roll I found most appealing. Exemplified by Darlington County being the album cut I think I played the most (and Footloose'd by myself to most often).

But I grew up. I reluctantly moved on. The author did not. Himes may have been young himself when he wrote this. So I can't say he hasn't. Maybe since 2005 his perspective has changed? But I find that's not usually how peoples' fandom works. For me, I turn on something I loved more fully and easily and completely than others around me. Most fans of things seem to me to always enjoy/excuse/exonerate/exculpate the thing they love(d) no matter its on-going quality (or lack of). Never been sure if they are as dishonest about it to themselves as they are with others.

And, I admit, for a long time, probably ages 26-36, I defended Bruce pretty thoroughly. As a performer (made my wife go to concert in '99) and as a musician and as a lyricist. But by The Rising, I was having a harder time defending Springsteen and his music to myself. Eventually, he became a grating personality in my life. A reminder that there was a me in the past who would've been devoted to Parks and Rec or would've assumed an over-cooked New Yorker cover concept was "challenging". Anyway, I grew up. Came out with my soul (not completely) untouched (<- still corny and earnest tho). And I moved on.

However, even as a young Bruce Springsteen superfan, I never felt the need to go out of my way to support/defend Born In the USA as his best or most important record. It wasn't. This flaw is the main reason the book didn't succeed for me. The author seems to be pulling a "reverse contrarian" by proclaiming Born in the USA the best. He wants to provoke ironic, too-cool-for-school, hipsters who laugh at Springsteen and read 33 1/3s. Because those guys and gals are, in fact, kind of laughing at us. The Springsteen superfans. Calling us gullible or tone deaf, or much worse, blindly patriotic. And that's IF these hipper-than-thou tastemakers even think about us. Maybe more of a momentary sneer in between rounds of "would you rather: thin white duke or ziggy?"

Adding insult to injury, many of these hipsters will see they've upset us superfans and try to make it better with a discourse on how the funky 11 minute faux-heiminism of Wild and Innocent. Tell you conspiratorially that Springsteen was on the right track back then. An artistic pursuit superior to making the kind of album that was, in its time (the author works hard to "situate" Born In the USA in its moment to better defend it) BOTH critically and commercially undeniable. Knowingly pronounce, with some disgust, "Landau." And, truthfully, these types annoyed 13-26 year old me so much I probably would've PRETENDED to agree with Himes. Just to own the kind of people who make fun of "good boys" like me and Geoffrey.

But I would have been pretending. As soon as I acquired The River, I knew it was better. And then Born To Run was better. Darkness was best ( although those hipster ones like Nebraska & the first two, were not better back when I was a superfan). Because I so identified my past superfan with the kind of fan Himes reads as (for instance, I bet he too has a compact disc of The Saint, The Incident & The Main Point Shuffle), I felt he wasn't being completely honest with us, or himself, about the relative merits/rankings of the discography. I read some support for this belief in the paragraph length critical sketches of Springsteen's full discography (up to '05) but that might only be bc he wrote that "Tom Joad is tuneless" and I found that was a reason to believe he and I, had actually been changing together.

Regardless, the book itself exists as a moment in time when he hadn't yet moved on and it suffers for it.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Himes makes a compelling case for considering Born in the USA as Springsteen's best album. I've always considered it "too poppy" and not as serious as my other favorites, such as Darkness on the Edge of Town or Nebraska. But Himes calls me out for that kind of thinking, and made me reconsider why I've been hesitant to give it full accolades. After all, this is the album that drew me in to Springsteen in the first place way back when I was only a sophomore in high school. Before its release I was only vaguely familiar with his music, mostly through my older brothers and their friends. But then I heard a line from Dancing in the Dark and was immediately connected. I felt that spark, that fire. I wanted to change my clothes, my hair, my face before I heard him sing those words, but once I did I began thinking maybe I'm not the only one who feels that way. And I felt less alone. Springsteen has been my steadfast companion ever since. So yeah, maybe I've been too hard on Born in the USA. I thought its insane popularity must somehow be the album's weakness instead of its strength. Himes helped me see that.

[Jonathan Hiskes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Springsteen wrote the songs for his biggest-selling album and "Nebraska" at the same time, then agonized for two years over getting the album selection and track listings right. Himes tells the back stories of some of Springsteen's most popular, most misunderstood, and most balanced between tragic and comic songs. He makes a strong case that comedy is under appreciated by rock connoisseurs, who valorize tragedy to the risk of melodrama.

Himes always makes a great argument that "ten years burning down the road /
Nowhere to run ain't got nowhere to go" is a defining lyric in Springsteen's career. The earlier music was about taking to the highway to flee one's hometown; "Born in the USA" and "My Hometown" are about taking a stand right at home.

My favorite book so far in the 33 1/3 series.

[Mary Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure, I like the Boss; I'm from Jersey. But I hadn't looked much past my sister's favorite, "Born to Run". And "Born in the USA" is hard to hear anew. It's one of those songs neutered by repetitious playings at feel-good public events such as demolition derbies and firework displays.

I had to start all over again with the album, and the book really helped. The author dips into Springsteen's life and the events of the day to explain the importance of the album both to history and to Springsteen himself.

"Born in the USA" may be Springsteen's best album. He explores outsiders, veterans, the powerless feeling of being working class, and even lusting after someone you should leave alone. Listen to the album again, and read this book if you need a little more.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very good for anyone who hasn't read about and doesn't care for Bruce Springsteen. Most of his assertions are strictly speculative, often contradicting well documented and aged aspects of Springsteen's mentality and style. Himes spends an exceptional amount of the book trashing on Springsteen's 70s discography, which only furthers a general perception that the reader is not particularly caring or interested in Springsteen. Of all the books I've read about Springsteen, this is the only one I wish I hadn't.

[Ric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do think Born in the USA is up there with Bruce’s best albums, but even though it may not be the top one the title track is one of his best. I still find it hilarious how many people think it’s a patriotic song when in reality it’s one of the best anti-war songs in recent memory.

It was also enjoyable to hear the author talk about other classic tracks like Glory Days, The Rising, and I’m on Fire, but for some reason this book was just fine for me. 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Bel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

i’ve loved bruce springsteen since i was 17 which, in my opinion, is the perfect age to fall in love with a rock stomping, jersey man who sings about running away from your boring town together. like… hello!! thats what girl dreams are made of! the night is cold but babe the engine is hot and ready to go. it doesn’t get much better than that. the day i heard thunder road for the first time, my life changed drastically and i’m not being dramatic at all. he just has that romantic, emotional swagger that is totally authentic and real!!

this book had some really fabulous moments. when the author was breaking down the songs and pulling out little stories from born in the usa it was fab but there was a LOT of meandering. i understand why he talked about nebraska so much because it was made at the same time as born in the usa and critics think that one is miles better but suprise they’re two sides of the same coin so really they’re both equally good yada yada. listen. i’m reading this book because i already think born in the usa is his best album. you don’t have to convince me!! tell me more stories!!

i did find a deeper appreciation for rock and roll and bruce tho and so i guess he did his job! i feel like the complexities of born in the usa r lost on the general public and people r fucking stupid and have no media literacy so the dynamic of the album is lost in false patriotism when that’s really not the point at all. bruce said “rock n roll has always been this joy, this certain happiness that is in its way the most beautiful thing in life, but rock is also about hardness and coldness and being alone.” and “i believe that the life of rock n roll will last as long as you look down into the audience and can see yourself and your audience can look up at you and see themselves- as long as those reflection as are human, realistic ones”

the album works so well because bruce experienced it. he knows how it feels to wake up feeling like shit, do a job that’s getting you nowhere, and then come home tired as a dog and too spent to create or be. it’s not a ballad to america and the promise that hard work makes dreams come true. it’s a blatant criticism on capitalistic society and war and love and friendship and how everything is steeped in the idea that america will never do anything for u but instead it’ll take your money and your body and your rights and then spit u out in some backwater town. but inside that feeling of weakness theres joy in a good book, a three minute record, and the warm embrace of a woman. i have no clue how he’s able to balance the pain with the joy without making it corny as hell but he does!!!

bruce has a superpower and that’s story telling. i’ll love this guy forever and i don’t think we’ll ever have another singer of this caliber ever again. luv u boss <3

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main argument here is that Born in the U.S.A. is the perfect--and the best--Bruce Springsteen album. The author's argument is persuasive and though it's clearly not The Boss' best album, it may be a perfect one. The songwriting, the musicianship, the range of topics, the presentation are all a step beyond (though not necessarily above) what came before. This most readily apparent when you take Nebraska and Born in the U.S.A. as two parts of a (conflicted) mind and set them against Born to Run and The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle. Everything is pared down to what is essential to tell the story at hand--something more apparent with writers and poets, but important for songwriters to understand too. This simplification gives these songs (and the listener) room to breathe and to soak in some pretty challenging ideas that weren't previously part of Springsteen's art. And the commercial success of the album changed how we listen, and what we expect from Springsteen.

Like all of these 33-1/3 books, the writing is not always the strongest. This is full of repetitive and sometimes dicey claims and was in desperate need of an editor to help it stay on the rails. But, overall, Himes does a good job of placing this important album in context--for America, for pop music, for Springsteen's journey--and his discussion of the strengths of the album is certainly compelling. Reading some of the reviews of this, it seems that this little book has indeed changed the minds of many a listener which, after all, was the obvious goal here.

And for the record, when I say this is a perfect album but not his best, it's in part because there are several perfect Springsteen discs, in my book: The Wild, the Innocent and the E Street Shuffle, Born to Run, Nebraska, Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Born in the U.S.A., Tunnel of Love and The Rising.

Finally, a tip for you. Here's something I finally figured out about this album after many years of a love-hate relationship: Ya gotta listen to it loud for it to do its work. Crank it up and you'll be surprised to hear a whole new record come alive (this, on the assumption that you're as old as me and don't find yourself cranking anything up as often as you used to).

[Steve Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book rather disappointing--or at least not what I expected. The book seems to lack focus, is repetitive, and veers lustfully toward bromance territory. Some of the focus issues are a product of Springsteen's work pattern at the time. The book spends a lot of time on Nebraska, which is understandable as much of the material was written simultaneously. As far as the creation of Born in the USA, Mr. Himes spends a lot of time on the title track, adorning it as Springsteen's finest recorded hour. This depth is missing from most of the other tracks. Ultimately, my take on the record is far different than the author's. This is fine, but at times the book reads more like a long-form review than a behind the scenes making of the album. Mr. Himes asserts (on more than one occasion) that this, and The River are Springsteen's best albums. Fine, but not quantifiable. To me, what makes Born in the USA so damn good is its depth. Songs like Bobby Jean, which is largely dismissed by the author is where the greatness lies (my favorite cuts from this record were the non-singles and to me are the mark of a great record). Springsteen's quote about the anti-disco movement being veiled racism is fatuous. That "Cover Me" was a de facto response is also peculiar. The author also gets into the overtold misunderstanding of the title track by George Will and President Regan. They pulled patriotism from the reprimand. So did many of the Boss's flag-waving devotees. This happens and it's not worth lamenting. People play "Every Breath You Take" at weddings. Songs get misconstrued all the time, and by the author's own account, there is a sliver of patriotism in the track. The USA, with its myriad flaws, is still our country. To summarize, a solid, but often meandering look at one of the great records by a great artist. I'm not sure true Springsteen afficianados will find anything new here.

[sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this!! read the first two pages in the bookstore and was entirely absorbed, im glad i went back to get it :) it was so interesting to learn the backstory and process for all these songs and i especially loved the (very brief) insight into the making of dancing in the dark since it's the best song ever. the writing was pretty engaging, at least to someone who was already interested in what he was talking about like i was, although there were definitely bits that felt redundant and a bit of a slog to get through. it is, however, impossible to ignore that a good amount of this short book is just some guy's opinion stated as fact. luckily i shared most of his opinions, it probably would've been annoying to read if i didn't. the thing i completely disagreed with though was his insistence that springsteen's desire to wait until he felt he had the perfect track list line up, production, timing etc was a weakness and not a strength. he claimed that the album would've been just as impactful if it was released with a different arrangement of songs or released two years earlier rather than sitting on it. it might've still been a successful album if it was released differently but born in the usa is obviously the album that it is because of the songs there are, in the order that they're in. nothing can ever happen any way other than how it happens!!! and in any case i'm glad everything happened as it did because this album freaking rocks 🇺🇸🦅❤️

[Christopher Renberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a casual Springsteen fan and thus an anomaly of sorts. I've seen him in concert (The Rising tour so way late to the party). This album saturated the radio and MTV my senior year in high school to the point that I kept it at arm's length. "Pink Cadillac" was good for a listen but that was about it for me.

I've tried to read more about Springsteen but get so bogged down in the mythology. I do like these 33 1/3 books, so it seemed the perfect chance to try again. Himes is definitely on the opposite end of the fan spectrum than myself. He has done the research and opened my eyes to the voluminous outpouring of songs by Springsteen at this time. I still have the Gary US Bonds single he wrote somewhere in the collection. The way he fretted over album material, song placement, etc. was fascinating. The book as a whole served its purpose. I came away with a better understanding of an artist and his process during this one sliver of time and a slightly better appreciation of this album.

One nit is the error in referring to the guitarist for Black Sabbath as "Tommy" Iommi rather than Tony. Himes is a music guy and should've caught that.

[Ralph Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a fatal flaw — it thinks this album is Springsteen’s best. That’s Nebraska. If a Martian came down to Planet Earth, I would have them listen to “Born to Run”. But Springsteen’s best album is Nebraska. All in all, not terrible writing and a good summation of the album and a superbly-researched history of Springsteen’s life around this time. But because the book is so hagiographic, it fails to note the many contradictions in “U.S.A”. Nebraska is a protest album that sounds like a protest album, its music wrung from America’s bloody visceral roots with sparse instrumentation and yowling, agonised vocals; for once, Springsteen transcends his New Dylan label and becomes Better Than Dylan — Nebraska a better folk album than even The Freewheelin’ (it lacks joke songs). Born in the U.S.A is a protest album that sounds like a pop album; so comvincgly, it allowed millions to listen to it without hearing or seeing the protest. I don’t hate “U.S.A”, I don’t even dislike it, it still kicks and has classic after classic but if Nebraska was better than The Freewheelin, Born in the U.S.A. isn’t even as good as Infidels

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid book from the 331/3 series. If I had any criticism it’s that there is so much information from this time period in Springsteen’s creative life that it’s hard to do it justice in a short book. Himes does a solid job of going beyond the Born in the USA album to tackle the mammoth amount of material Springsteen created at the end of the 70s and early 80s. There’s just so much! Any book about this period has to include a discussion on Nebraska, Born in the USA as well as all of the music Springsteen wrote for others like Gary US Bonds. While Himes does just that I feel at times it’s rushed. Rightfully Himes devotes the first quarter of the book detailing the hit single Born in the USA and then we get into the mountain of songs that make up the rest of that album and others. I get it, it’s hard to separate. It’s just hard to do it all justice in a scaled down format.

[Russ Bertetta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had previously vowed not to read another book by a music critic but...my son gave me this because he knows I'm a Springsteen fan and since it was a short, specific piece it wouldn't bother me too much. Well, since two of the chapters were good and the other 3 were lousy, I was almost half wrong. The first chapter about how the song Born in the USA came about was good but the writing was often ponderous and pompous (as it was throughout) and the last chapter about a concert in August '84 was fun because I imagined myself sitting in my seats listening to his monologues, waiting for certain songs and then singing along when I could.
Really only for a real Springsteen fan.

[Tyler Presley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Born in the USA (33 1/3)” by Geoffrey Himes delves into the making of Bruce Springsteen’s most commercially successful album, outlining the circumstances in the songwriter’s professional life that led to the creation of this piece of work.

In this short book, Himes makes a compelling case for “Born in the USA.” to be considered Springsteen’s best record by analyzing his songwriting and production choices.

Fans of “The Boss” will enjoy this examination of his most iconic collection of music.

[Jonathan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better entries in the 33 1/3 series. It is not, I think, a coincidence that it's written by an experienced music journalist, who relies on research, and not just superfan, 'This album changed my life' gushing (this trope, once refreshing, has now become predictable and repetitive). Indeed, one of Himes's arguments for the greatness of the album's storytelling is its willingness to reach beyond the shallow insights of autobiography.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, brief, introduction to Born In The USA. I wasn't convinced by the author's claim that it's Bruce's best album, but it makes sense that this was written by somebody suitably enthusiastic. I haven't really listened to Springsteen for a couple years (personal reasons, long story), and this helped remind me how important his music has been to me. Since I started the book, I've been going through his albums pretty much non-stop, and for that I can't thank Geoffrey Himes enough!

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as much about Nebraska as it is about Born in the U.S.A.. I'm not much of a Springsteen fan beyond Nebraska and a few of the hits, but this was a good book. I have a new appreciation for how Springsteen writes, tinkers, and rewrites his songs, writing many more tunes than he could use on albums, or at least during this period. The books also covered his varied influences. A good read.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dense, a lot of information, not all of it necessary IMO, but probably five stars if you're a big Springsteen fan. I do take issue with the author claiming this is his best album. It's got some great songs on it, but the production is so cheesy 80s it will always be hampered by that, unless at some point they can remix it and turn down those horrible keyboards.

[Jitte Van · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not the greatest book in the series by any stretch of the imagination... Not amazingly well written, quite a number of weird spelling errors (Bruce's famous album The Riper anyone?) and quute a few inconsistencies and inaccuracies (unreleased songs turn up in various recording sessions as newly written)... Would not recommend.

[Jason Kahn · Rating 1 out of 5]

overblown & overly opinionated

We get it. The author has a thing for born in the USA But this overly long live story obliterates the brilliance of born to run and darkness in favor of the “comic” songs the author loves. Sloppy and heavy handed, this could have been an article.

[Ross Maclean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A methodical journey through Springsteen’s fertile period encompassing Nebraska and Born in the U.S.A. and the attendant dilemmas of what to include and how it should be presented on each. Less personal than others in the 33⅓ series, it gives a great high-level overview of the album in context and where it sits in Springsteen’s career without ever feeling entirely revelatory.

[Michael Migliaccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking down one of the greatest albums of all time, lyrically, musically, thematically, and putting it all into both historical perspective and within the framework of Bruce's career and life. If you love Bruce or even just Born in the U.S.A., you're likely to love this book.

[James Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite in the series. It’s undoubtedly a classic album and a commercial favorite, but his best? Depends on what you’re listening for, I guess. It’s hard to look at the album with fresh eyes and someone else’s excitement.

[Ted Gurley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passionate Primer

The Born to a Run album is used to create a passionate primer to the cannon of work by Springsteen. One of the best I’ve read from the 331/3 series.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another ho-hum entry. This one was better because I liked the information. But, not really much new or really interesting. Just a focused deep dive.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm kind of obsessed with the 33 1/3 series. This one gave me a different perspective on Bruce Springsteen and includes ratings for all his recordings up to the time of this book's publication.

[David Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to be a fan,obviously.

[Julian Spivey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some odd takes by Gregory Himes here but all in all it’s a good read for Springsteen fans.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thus far in the series. Like the album, it opens strong and keeps you hooked the whole way through.