Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run

I'd like to forewarn you, my readers, that this review will at some point probably spiral into me heaping praise onto this album in a rather repetitive fashion. If this does not sound like your cup of tea, finish this paragraph and close the browser window. However, I will try my hardest to stray away from this, and instead, address the album from a completely objective point of view. Thank you for your attention.

We all have a favorite album, and whether it's something clichéd like Led Zeppelin IV or just something that reminds you of better, simpler days (I still have a copy of All Star Smash Hits by Smash Mouth around here somewhere...), our favorite albums hold a special place in our hearts, perhaps to never be dethroned. We get an adrenaline rush of powerful nostalgia when we hit the play button, and sing along wistfully as all the memories associated with the notes coming out of your stereo fill your brain. These are the albums that we play whenever it seems like nothing is going right in the world. And sometimes, I feel like no album will ever overthrow Born to Run as my personal favorite.

Bruce Springsteen is by no means perfect. His records have their shortcomings, just like any other. His voice can be a bit gritty at times. But what he has created on his 1975 commercial breakthrough is nothing short of an epic, pompous masterpiece, towering over the other urban poets of his own generation. Bruce has poured his soul into this album, from the delicate piano notes that open "Thunder Road" to the grand, theatrical final moments of "Jungleland". His incredible lyrics, epitomizing life in the backstreets of Jersey, bleed with sorrow and romanticism, but are dwarfed by the man's incredible ability to write a song. Just listen to the way he bridges the gap between the slums of the East Coast and bright lights, big city aesthetic of New York on "Meeting Across the River". Listen to the way the piano duels with the saxophone at the end of "Thunder Road", and try not to fall in love.

All in all, Springsteen and the E Street Band have created a truly lovely portrait of the woeful and heartbreaking life that inspired the Boss to create this masterpiece, one that will certain stand the test of time. Thank you very, very much for listening to me ramble.

Final Score: 100/100