Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978)

When I was growing up, Bruce Springsteen was one of the most popular artists in the world, but I had always merely associated him with his hit song Born in the USA, which in my opinion isn't that great a song. It's just repeating one line over and over again. It took me a few people around me who were really excited about Springsteen for me to make the effort to listen to his other material. Born to Run was the obvious choice and it did really blow my mind. I had never realised just how amazing Springsteen's band was, because I had been introduced to his music first by his 80's songs and 80's songs often have really boring rhythm section and it's often more about the studio sounds than actual masterful musicianship. I still think Springsteen's best work was recorded in the 70's. Darkness on the Edge of Town is among the best albums he ever released.



Bruce Springsteen's sound is very polished and huge. Something that's appropriate for the 70's before punk took over and something that's appropriate for huge stadium concerts. I've still never seen Springsteen live, because his gigs are so expensive, but I feel like I should see him live to really appreciate him even more. These songs are almost made for live performances. I usually like bands and artists that make music that's made for intimate situations and those bands don't always succeed in sounding great live, but with Bruce Springsteen you just know that the performance and sound will be perfect even at a huge stadium.

The album starts with Badlands, which is one of Springsteen's biggest hits. It's no wonder either, since this song is very catchy and the grand piano sounds along with huge power chords give it amazing strength. Also, this song shows just how good Springsteen is in making songs that grow and grow through many different parts. Adam Raised a Cain sounds like many other stadium rock songs of the same era. I'm reminded of Pink Floyd's The Wall. The melody is essentially blues, but the sounds are bloated rock n' roll. Something in the Night is a ballad with almost live sounds. I can see why many people after hearing this sort of bloated approach were so excited when punk came along. I feel like this song is constantly about to start, but doesn't really. Candy's Room is an excellent upbeat uptempo song that keeps growing through the song. The guitar solo is quite ridiculous, but amazing description of its time. Racing in the Street is another ballad, but this time the simple piano and Springsteen's voice are enough to make this an emotional experience. I feel like I would like to hear a bit more songs like this to give balance to all the rock n' roll. The Promised Land sounds like it has definitely been inspired by Bob Dylan and Neil Young. The harmonicas give it a country feel, but the chorus is guaranteed Springsteen rock bliss. Factory has some great piano stylings, but other than that, it's a bit of a boring song without many ups and downs. Streets of Fire sounds a bit too slow for the song it is. I would like to hear this song with a faster tempo. Then again, you can hear some of the raspiest vocals Springsteen has ever sung in this song. Prove It All Night is one of the best songs on this album. It has all the elements that make a good Springsteen song. Excellent power chords, nice piano lines, a saxophone solo and groovy soulful rhythm. The album ends with the title track Darkness on the Edge of Town. It starts a bit quiet and slow, but explodes later into full blast stadium anthem.

I don't know if there are any music videos from this era, but I still want to link a live performance of Badlands in New York. It shows just how amazing a live band E-Street Band is. The audience is absolutely on board with the music and the energy on stage is quite magical.

I like the fact that Bruce Springsteen became the working class hero he is in the US. I think many others have tried to do the same, but many others have not succeeded. It sounds like he actually really knows his home state New Jersey and the troubles of the working man. Few other artists can get the audience in such a frenzy as him. It's just a shame that not many people of whom he speaks have the opportunity to go to his shows because they're so expensive. He tried to organise a concert in New Jersey with cheap tickets, but most of the tickets ended up being sold by scalpers with ridiculous prices. When you get to be a big enough artist, I guess it's impossible to make it accessible to everyone.

I bought Darkness on the Edge of Town as my third Springsteen album after Born to Run and Born in the USA. This one isn't necessarily as popular and as well known, but it's definitely every bit as good!

Listen to the album on Spotify.