Greatest Hits - Springsteen, Bruce (CD 1995)

Bruce Springsteen has been an unparalleled force on the American rock scene for as long as I can remember. Although there are other American icon singers that I like better (Melloncamp), I have a healthy respect for the talent and songwriting ability of this American treasure. Combining the storytelling spirit of someone like Dylan with a more aggressive rock sound, Springsteen is a writer that manages to make music that depicts our culture nicely.

No song better illustrates the above-mentioned point than the patriotic Born in the U.S.A. . From the opening synthesizer hook emphasized with a steady, tireless drumbeat, the real magic begins when the words begin to pour forth. Springsteen has a rough edge voiced filled with sincerity and all the emotion is raw and unbridled. Born down in a dead man s town, the first kick I took was when I hit the ground The lyrics all elude to the power of going for the American dream and all the pain and heartache along the way. Yet, at the end of the day we are all proud that we were born in the U.S.A. Since September 11th I have heard this song quite a bit and I have to admit the spirit of this rock anthem is therapeutic and powerful.

On the other hand, I feel Springsteen made a beautiful portrait of romance from a male perspective in the song from Jerry Maguire Secret Garden . Even though I love R&B when I hear the males talk about love it doesn t remind me much of my husband because it s not the way he would phrase things. This song reminds me of something my husband would relate to when he s thinking about me so it touches me. Musically, I think the saxophone is a perfect touch. The repetitive melody that holds together the song is comforting and everything comes together perfectly.

Brilliant Disguise is a song I didn t like much when I was younger but I appreciate it more now. The lyrics are very good and I think its another example of Springsteen doing what he does best. The melody isn t one that will burn in your memory but its pleasant and has an air of sadness that deceives the more upbeat music.

Dancing In The Dark is one of the songs I remember the video to. I laughed my butt off the other day when I saw it after all these years. I couldn t believe the girl he pulled out of the audience was a young Courtney Cox. Anyway, this is one of my all time favorite Springsteen songs because it s so upbeat and almost has a pop edge to it. He has a lot of power in his voice on this song and it sounds like something any guy would sing. The hook is brilliant and once again he adds a saxophone that gives a nice sexual undercurrent to the whole song.

Some of the newer songs on this compilation I am still evaluating but I feel they are brilliant as well. They aren t as hook oriented as his earlier work, so it takes more time to grow on you. Atlantic City is a blues oriented tune that features some nice guitar strumming and a harmonica. The lyrics to this song are fantastic and matter-of-fact and just sounds like a man giving his view of the world. Its not really idealized or fancied up. Its just the truth through his eyes. The River is another beautiful snapshot with its folk sensibility and his voice is solid and strong.

I definitely recommend this collection for the serious music collector. I am not a big enough Springsteen fan to have all his albums, so this collage of his work is sufficient for me. I think he is a talented lyricist and a musician who is integral to the body of America s rock music. Some of the songs can be a little long but overall it s a great album.