Bruce Springsteen is the new King of Rock and Roll. Whether with or without the E. Street Band, Bruce Springsteen is one of the greatest rockers to ever grace the airways. Here are my 10 favorite Bruce Springsteen songs.
10) Tunnel of Love. This song, the title track from the 1987 album isn’t as known as some of his other hits but it’s every bit as powerful. This song will take you back to your youth. The 25-second intro is total 80s and after that it goes into classic Bruce Springsteen mode. Boy meets girl. Fall in love. Total Bruce. Bonus awesomeness for the unexpected guitar solo halfway through. So cool.
9) My Hometown. From 1984’s mega-smash Born in the U.S.A., this song is one of mixed emotions. Listen to it as a child and it’s a nice bit about growing up. Listen to it as an adult and it can make you cry as you long for the days gone by. If only we could all have that dime in our hand just one more time.
8) Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. This song might just be the second greatest rock and roll Christmas song ever written; just behind John Lennon’s Happy Christmas (War Is Over). This songtakes you back to the indescribable feeling that only a child can have on that glorious day of days.
7) Badlands. From the moment you hear that opening piano you are instantly transported back to a time when there was no worry, no responsibility, no fear, no cares, just living. Even if the song is kind of sad, Badlands just makes you feel free and happy. Off the 1978 classic Darkness on the Edge of Town, Badlands features every member of The E. Street Band at their greatest. It is just a full-on, non-stop, driving force of rock and roll.
6) Born In The U.S.A. All you need to know about this song is that whenever Max Weinberg needs to make a resume he can just play this one song. Drums have never sounded so…important.
5) Thunder Road. “You ain’t a beauty, but hey you’re alright.” What a line! He doesn’t even make it sound chauvinistic. Add in the piano, the voice, the theme, and you are suddenly the cool kid from high school; even if you never were. This song makes everyone who listens to it feel like James Dean. A perfect driving song, a perfect make out song, a perfect song.
4) Downbound Train. This song off the Born in the U.S.A. album, is a virtual unknown unless you love the album or are a die hard Bruce Springsteen fan. It is also one of the saddest songs ever written. If you are experiencing a loss, and you listen to this, you will break down. This song must be heard. Listen to it late at night, when you are all alone. It is powerful and deserves your respect. That train seems to come alive and drive right through your head as it aims for your heart. Take heed.
3) Born To Run. The ultimate Bruce Springsteen song. It encompasses everything that makes Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen. Not only is this one of his best, it is one of the greatest rock and roll songs of all-time. It is almost impossible to not be happy when listening to this song.
Bonus 3a) The Ghost of Tom Joad. OK, so there are 11 songs going on this list. Are you upset? Didn’t think so. The version of this song that you need to hear is the one Bruce did with Tom Morello at the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert. While this is a Bruce Springsteen song, it is Tom Morello who makes this song what it is. For that reason it gets a ‘Bonus 3a’ listing and not a regular Top 10 number. Tom’s guitar work here is as good as anything that anybody has ever done on guitar. Ever. EVER. This song is an epic so grand that it will boggle your mind as to how great it is. No words can describe, your ears won’t even believe it. Tom’s multiple guitar solos are what make this song. Pay extra attention to the one that starts after the six-minute mark. Sounds like that just do not exist in the human world let alone on guitar. Just enjoy and try not to think about it.
2) Glory Days. This is the single most definitive song about living life to the moment and making new memories every day that exists. Such an upbeat song but one that can instantly humble even the toughest guy. It will bring you to your knees as you pray for yesterday’s return. When you watch the video you will be surprised as to how young Bruce looks. Just a total take-you-back song. Love it.
1) Jungleland. There is no other song done by Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street Band that is as multi-dimensional, evoking of different emotions, as unforgettable, as powerful, as necessary, as Jungleland. If you have never heard this song, found on the Born To Run album, well, I truly envy you. To hear it for the first time is an experience that will change your life; at least as it applies to how you listen to music. Listen to the words, listen to the music, put yourself in Bruce’s shoes as this song is played. Perfection in music is so rarely achieved, Bruce did it on multiple occasions, but none better than on Jungleland. Plus, that sax solo is one for the record books. Oh Clarence, how we miss thee. Shine on good man. You are missed.