I'm sure my own father will not agree with every pick of mine, but what better Father's Day present to get dear old dad than an opportunity to prove himself over his own child - in this case, in regards to taste in music.
10: Highway Patrolman - Nebraska; 1982
I warned you guys about this album last week. It's not a happy album, and this is not a happy song, but it is a great representation of Bruce's storytelling ability. He carves out a wonderfully detailed story of a man torn between his duty to his job and his family. I consider this to be the most underrated song in Bruce's entire catalog.
9: Wrecking Ball - Wrecking Ball; 2012
The title track from his latest album is also my favorite off that surprising album. It's message of persevering through hard times, which are going to consistently come and come again, is one I find particularly poignant for me these days. And one I'm sure Bruce and the band are well aware of as they try to move on despite the deaths of two original band members. But through all the trials and tribulations, through all the changes they've gone through, the band keeps rocking!
8: Loose Ends - Tracks; 1998
This little known track sat on the shelf for about 20 years before Bruce included it when he released a ton of previously unreleased material. It tells the story of two lovers who thought they had everything together, only to find their relationship crumbling apart. But our protagonist is done with the fighting, and he's ready to make amends and start over again, if his sweetheart is willing to meet him on the loose end.
7: Save My Love - The Promise; 2010
This simple yet elegant love song took 34 years to finish. Bruce rediscovered early recordings and lyrics while preparing the remastered re-release of Darkness on the Edge of Town. Bruce finished the lyrics and did a brand new recording, releasing it on a two disc set of songs that didn't make it onto the original 1978 album. My girlfriend would kill me if I didn't include it on this list since it has kind of become our song.
6: Born to Run - Born to Run; 1975
The quintessential Bruce Springsteen song. The song, and the album, that really launched his career. It's basically his version of Peter Pan - singing to a girl named Wendy, running away from their lives, the wild ambition of youth. While this Peter Pan can't offer the gift of flight, he does have a motorcycle he's willing to share if Wendy will just put her trust in him.
5: This Hard Land - Tracks; 1998
Another song that inexplicably wasn't released around the time it was written. Somehow this wonderful tune of a man trying to find a place for himself in the world didn't make it onto Born in the U.S.A., but it did make it onto Tracks. That four disc set has some seriously good stuff on it, and goes to show how good Bruce is at songwriting. So much unused material that just didn't fit with the message he wanted on a particular album and had to wait for years. Who knows how many gems like this one are still waiting to see the light of day?
4: Adam Raised a Cain - Darkness on the Edge of Town; 1978
Looking to craft a more mature album that dealt with serious topics and inspired by his ... let's just say complex relationship with his father, Bruce penned this electric song. You can hear a little influence from the then emerging punk rock scene in this song; lots of rage, angst, and guitar. Happy Father's Day!
3: Brilliant Disguise - Tunnel of Love; 1987
Coming off an album I've sort of rediscovered only recently (I forgot how good it is!), this song tells the troubled tale of a couple who just can't find trust in their relationship. Is it her, or is it just the narrator's paranoia? As someone who struggles a lot with trusting people, this song speaks to me, and reminds me how thankful I am to have found someone I do trust with everything.
2: Rosalita (Come Out Tonight) - The Wild, the Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle; 1973
You can't call yourself a Springsteen fan unless you like this song. Arguably the ultimate show-stopper. Have a look and just try not to enjoy yourself.
1: The Promised Land - Darkness on the Edge of Town; 1978
It's been called "the working man's anthem." No song, by Bruce or any other artist, connects to me like this song does. It perfectly encapsulates Bruce's entire career - you've got to work hard to find what you need. You've got to work hard to overcome life's pitfalls. And if you work hard, and if you persevere, you might find your promised land.
Honorable mentions: Hungry Heart, Racing in the Street, Thunder Road, The Fever, Atlantic City, The River, Kitty's Back, Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, Talk to Me, and at least a dozen more! I'm a fanatic, I can't help myself!
You can find a list of my favorite non-Springsteen songs here. Like this one, that list is also subject to change over time.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there who have something to share with their children!
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