More about: Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen. Where do we start? The Boss; New Jersey’s favourite son; Barack Obama’s very own in-house musician or quite simply the greatest American storyteller of all time?

In case you hadn’t guessed, the author is a shamelessly biased Bruce fanatic (and proud!), but with more than 150 million records sold worldwide and 20 acclaimed studio albums already in his back catalogue, even Springsteen’s biggest detractors would find it difficult to downplay his influence on the musical landscape and popular culture over the last 50 years.

So, in celebration of his life’s work, we (with help from our old man!) decided it’s time to dig into those vaults and share some underrated songs from the E Street Band leader. Sure, everyone’s familiar with ‘Born To Run’, ‘Dancing In The Dark’ and ‘Born In The USA’, but there’s plenty more where that came from…

'Incident On 57th Street' 

Taken from The Wild, the Innocent & The E Street Shuffle, an album that marked a drastic change in Bruce’s style from his folkier debut LP Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.. The pick of most from this record would likely be the legendary ‘Rosalita’, but ‘Incident…’ feels like a real standout moment, spotlighting Springsteen’s early gift for storytelling showcased for decades to come. 

'Hearts of Stone'

One of many songs that Bruce has kindly given away to other artists (including the likes of ‘Because The Night’ to Patti Smith!), his own version didn’t surface until the release of his Tracks album in 1998 but was certainly worth the wait. Originally an outtake from 1978’s Darkness On The Edge Of Town, ‘Hearts of Stone’ only serves to highlight his sheer wealth of songwriting during this period.

'Racing In The Street'

Featuring some of the finest songwriting of his entire career to date, ‘Racing In The Street’ also appeared on Bruce’s Darkness On The Edge Of Town LP and is heralded by several critics as one of his best songs of all time, yet for some reason still feels criminally overlooked for his more anthemic offerings. Centred around the American Dream and symbolised by a ‘69 Chevy with a 396’ in his native New Jersey, its nostalgic undertones feel more impressive with every passing year.

'One Step Up'

A recording from his very first solo record Tunnel Of Love, ‘One Step Up’ acts as one of several on the album documenting the breakup of his first marriage, with the lyrics showing a man aware of his own shortcomings and contribution to its downfall.

'The Wish'

An outtake from Tunnel Of Love which could easily have made the album, ‘The Wish’ is a song about Bruce's mother and the support she gave him through childhood – not to mention buying him his first guitar! Having spent a considerable amount of time during this period writing about his father, this was a first and shined a spotlight on their close relationship.

'My Love Will Not Let You Down'

Released as part of his Tracks compilation, ‘My Love Will Not Let You Down’ took on a life of its own at the turn of the century. Having spent the better part of the 1990s focusing on his solo career, The Boss reunited with the E Street Band in 1999 for a reunion tour and hasn’t looked back since, with ‘My Love…’ becoming a roaring, set-opener in its own right. The studio recording is certainly powerful but the live version helps it reach a whole new level with Bruce’s bellowing vocals and scintillating guitar work taking centre stage.

'The Promise'

Arguably a follow-up to ‘Born To Run’, ‘The Promise’ tells the story of someone with regrets who’s failed to achieve what he’s set out to in life. Originally recorded decades earlier and rarely played live, this become a much sought after track until its studio release, with Bruce’s solo piano rendition cutting deep into the character’s thoughts and fears.

'My City Of Ruins'

Originally written about the degeneration of Asbury Park, New Jersey, the song took on a whole new meaning after the September 11 attacks in 2001 and appeared on his 2002 album The Rising, perhaps his most complete album of the 21st century. The track’s call-to-arms approach and gospel-like nature has seen it become a focal point of his live shows in recent years, with its ability to resonate and connect with different circumstances becoming ever more powerful.  

'Radio Nowhere'

Bruce's biggest rock anthem of the 2000s? Judging by the initial reaction to its release in 2007 it’s pretty hard to disagree. Arriving slap-bang in the middle of the E Street Band’s golden period post-reunion, ‘Radio Nowhere’ hits hard and saw the acclaimed Brendan O’Brien (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Pearl Jam) on production duties with thrilling results. One of his very best modern releases without a doubt.

'Devil’s Arcade'

Recorded with the E Street Band for 2007’s Magic album, ‘Devil’s Arcade’ is open to much interpretation with many of its lyrics referencing what appears to be a returning war hero and his reintegration into society. Its added strings create a sombre, atmospheric feeling with its complex arrangements a complete contrast to Bruce’s earlier work.

'Land of Hope and Dreams'

Initially introduced to his live set during the band’s 1999 reunion tour, Bruce made his fans wait 13 whole years for a highly anticipated studio version and it’s fair to say it didn’t disappoint. Featuring late E Street Band members Danny Federici and Clarence ‘Big Man’ Clemons, the latter’s juggernaut of a sax solo is unquestionably the highlight of the record and acts as the most perfect of tributes.

More about: Bruce Springsteen