He Wrote 100 Songs For Album-Was LIVID When EXEC FORCED 'em to WRITE 1 More-Became BIGGEST Hit EVER!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the BEST "BLOCKBUSTER" album ever? An album that SOLD MILLIONS...

[@TerrickTerran]

Thriller though Hotel California is close.

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Boston

[@freezer8530]

1. Thriller. 2. Back in Black.

[@catherine6653]

INXS, Kick

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Rumours

[@chrisrj9871]

This was the album that brought Bruce Springsteen from a 70s rock star into an 80s rock ICON! And of course, with the chain from Bruce to Courtney Cox to Carlton Banks to internet meme-hood... if Bruce S was ever inspired by Tom Jones as a kid, that would be _so FULL CIRCLE!_

[@epicbeardface2981]

Bruce along with Prince are this 59yr old Australian's favourite artists. Between them they cover it all. Thanks for this one.

[@ninasmith451]

I was 19 and pregnant in 84. Listened to this album constantly, also during labor with my Walkman. After my daughter was born, she wouldn't eat unless I played some Bruce. She's now 40 and feels a familiar comfort when she hears his music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So Bruce was her food. Fish are friends, not food.

[@ninasmith451]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 😄

[@ninasmith451]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I refer to him as her "baby daddy" 😉

[@cyprusgraphics7512]

Cyprus High Teacher Here...I love playing Professor of Rock during student independent work sessions then I play songs from the artist you cover. occasionally students pay attention and make comments like "My mom always listens to these guys.", "I know this song." As a Graphic Design Class, it's always a fun section to teach Typography, Design Concepts and Elements from Album cover Art from many eras. Thank you for creating and hosting a show that educates and inspires from a retro/throw-back perspective.

[@bartbluemusic]

This is my favorite Springsteen song. I was so bummed when it wasn't able to crack that #1 spot (thanks to Prince - lol). But, I've always thought of it as a #1 hit, because that's really what it was. Born In The USA was such a great album!

[@ProfessorofRock]

FOr sure! Thanks Bar!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I think we could have Prince give one week to Bruce.

[@cougarjrv9890]

1984 - freshman year at University. "Dancing in the Dark" and, in fact, all of "Born in the U.S.A." blasted from every dorm that fall. Cranking it on my boombox while baking in the sun, lifeguarding.

[@fredgroenke2586]

Bruce came to Lincoln in ‘84 while I was in college and we camped out in line for 4-5 days just to get tickets. An awesome show. Well worth the wait.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

This album got exactly what Bruce always deserved a smash album that never sold out but was definitely true to himself .I heard Bruce say he originally wrote "I get up in the morning" but thought to himself that's not true and changed it because that's what he did playing shows. Born in The USA is a great album. Great episode definitely a #1 could not agree more!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

His identity shined on this album.

[@ricksatterstrom7461]

This is one of very few ALBUMS that I loved listening to the whole thing, as a kid

[@BrandyStaples-d8l]

Yesterday I was listening to "Maggie May" before I saw it was featured here. Today I was singing "I'm on Fire" and here we are with the Boss. I watch daily but this is getting weird lol!

[@mournblade1066]

Have you heard Johnny Cash's take on "I'm on Fire"? It's really awful. I mean really, really bad. I love me some Johnny Cash, but he should be ashamed of what he did to that. It should have been the greatest cover of all time, but NOOOOOOooooo!

[@BrandyStaples-d8l]

I have not heard this cover. Perhaps it should stay that way.

[@Heene1028]

Synchronicities Abound, my friend ❤🎉

[@mikeobryan1]

The radio would play Bruce’s 45rpm at 78rpm and it sounded like Dolly Parton.

[@peterd.9978]

Isn't that the song about his Hemorrhoids? 🤔 Anyhow, what are you planning to listen to next?

[@paulendicott9151]

I traveled all over the world in my job i was working on a machine for a major car manufacturer. The plant boss came up to me and ask if I would like to go to the show that night. Took me a no time to say yes. I then knew why they call him the boss. He amped up the music 10 fold to his records.

[@carlacook5181]

I had never heard of Springsteen until my young teenage son asked me to take him to buy the cassette we played it in the car on the way home and it quickly became one of my all time favorites, still one of my favorites, up there with my all time favorite, Tapestry.

[@donwarrington4916]

My favorite album of all time . This was his Mona Lisa . The songs change as you age and I can still find new meanings in these songs 40 years later ..."I get up in the morning and I ain't got nothing to say " maybe plenty to say but no one to say it to ?

[@rodwesley2779]

I've seen Bruce & the E Street Band several times and while the albums are terrific, they really can't compare to his live performances. In my time, I've seen almost all of the great classic rockers and the live performances of these great songs are amazing! But Bruce was, by far, the best live performer I've ever seen. Nobody pored as much heart and soul into their shows as Bruce. The amount of energy he sparked and gave to the audience was other worldly! If you haven't seen Bruce or any of these orher great acts in concert, get out and enjoy a show! We're all getting older and you just don't know how much time you or they have left.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So good live!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s one of the greatest live performers ever.

[@treeskier802]

Agreed. I saw Bruce in Hartford CT and his encore lasted 2 hours. Unreal.

[@mudhens4ever]

Agree completely!

[@mudhens4ever]

“Dancing in the Dark” has never been a favorite of mine, but I sure find the history of it interesting. Thanks, Professor.

[@johnvoncannon9717]

Bruce Springsteen's music seem to transcend the style of the 80's even though he was best known then.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

People need to listen to his 70s stuff.

[@keithmetcalf4365]

Bruce originally wrote "Cover Me" for Donna Summer. His manager told him to keep the song for himself as it would be a hit single. Instead Bruce gave Donna the song "Protection" for her "Donna Summer" album. It was going to be a duet but they decided the song made more sense with just Donna's vocals. Bruce does still appear on it playing guitar.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Interesting!

[@madcatjo]

The video made a star out of Courtney Cox. I can't believe that song only went to No5 in Australia: it was on HEAVY rotation on radio....all of the songs on that album were. 1984 was an absolutely EPIC year for music 😻

[@ProfessorofRock]

Best year ever!

[@RBS_]

@@ProfessorofRock ....I've never LEFT it! ...ha-HAAA!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Unbelievable.

[@gregfidgeon4318]

Although never reaching No.1 in Australia for an individual week…it actually was crowned the No.1 selling song for the year on Australia’s 1984 top 100.

[@williammarco2498]

I'm a huge Bruce fan, I'm in the 150 show club. There's no denying the album was great. But I do recall at the time I hated Bruce entering the pop world. Up to that time He was kind of a obscure secret. But I still see him as much as I can and every time he plays something from that album I sing along with the crowd at the top of my voice. Long live Bruce.

[@TerrickTerran]

While it's nice to be #1, I'd rather have songs remembered for many years regardless of their chart position.

[@paulleckner8235]

Tru that! After the first $8 million dollars, the rest is overkill.

[@ldolphin34]

Simply put, you're right, but there are those that only recognize achievement over substance, and fortunately for Bruce, he's got songs that do both.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too. In this case, the charts mean nothing.

[@Rorschachqp]

I think pop musicians care about chart position and poor musicians care about getting funds to live from and retire on while getting to stay on their record labels. But as far as the history of music and influence, singles chart position is not as big a deal as it often is hyped to be. For example, one of the most influential bands ever, The Ramones, made little money from records. But like half of modern music was influenced or affected by their impact on music.

[@areneesouder]

Every time I hear that song, I picture Bruce and Courtney dancing, doing "The Carlton. " Hahaha hahaha, can't believe you addressed that too. 👍😉👏💜

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That’s how I learned the Carlton, from watching them.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

😂🎉 Courtney Cox! I mean Bruce!! 😂 Born In The USA was definitely 80s. Thanks Professor! Have an awesome weekend.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

You mean Courteney Cox. :-)

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks Roger!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, I love 80s Courtney.

[@shiroibasketshoes]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Hi Lilly, If people leave off the "Cox" and don't spell it "Courteney," people might think the writer is referring to Courtney Love. Sorry, please don't be embarrassed. :-)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@shiroibasketshoes That makes sense.

[@Terra4568]

"most embarrassing dance ever!!" Billy Squire would disagree. 😂

[@rodwesley2779]

😂😂😂...Yup!

[@robhansen6370]

💯At least Comrade Springsteen never crawled across the floor in pastels looking like a dog in heat.

[@sawboss216]

He should of had Elaine from Seinfeld up there dancing with him!

[@ShelleybutyoucancallmeShell]

​@@robhansen6370🤣🤣🤣👍👏

[@rodwesley2779]

Sadly, that video ended Billy's rock career, but he's doing all right. Last I heard he was flying choppers up Mt. Everest delivering supplies to base camps and breaking altitude records for how high a chopper can fly! He's quite the daredevil!

[@dhpbear2]

There's an *identical* story to this one! Casey Kasem related the story where Barry Gordy rejected the first 100 songs that Smokey Robinson had submitted before he released his first hit.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THat's right!

[@gregwasserman2635]

People often forget that he wrote a lot of songs for Motown. Man, Motown really did crank out some great music.

[@travismiles5885]

@@gregwasserman2635 Amen to that. I grew up just North or Detroit and was raised on Motown. The museum is awesome. It was surreal to walk up the same steps that Diana, Smokey and so many other greats walked up to get into the house.

[@gregwasserman2635]

@@travismiles5885, I'm a metal guy but I love the "Motown sound". I play bass and James Jamerson is one of my favorite bass players. The sound evolved over time, yet it was still great music. Those were the days, when artists had great voices (no autotune!), great musicians, and great song writing. Yeah, I overused the word "great", but it was a good time for music!

[@user-mv5bu2kk8b]

Born om east l a

[@waynevia6976]

Dancing in the dark is one of my favorite songs. Bruce Springsteen is one of the greatest singers in my opinion.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same here!

[@seanobrien7169]

Can't stand Bruce, but I have to admit he had some good ones. I think I'm On Fire is the one I like best.

[@williamcalderini6370]

Yeah. Very underrated Vocal Chops. The scream at the end of Jungleland (BTR) is pure raw emotional art. Same for "Something in the Night" off the Darkness at the edge of town Album.

[@DaveWillmore]

This is what makes music great. What works for some does not work for others. I am not a big Bruce fan, but I loved Born in the Usa.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LazyIRanch]

I had a roommate in the early eighties who hated my taste in music, especially my Bruce albums, "Nebraska" and "Greetings From Asbury Park". I listen to Nebraska" when I'm in a mood and wallowing in the darkness has a way of making me realize things in my life aren't so bad. My roommate made a trip back home to California, and "Born In The USA" was released and playing _everywhere!_ She came home, telling me about this great new artist she "discovered". She was flabbergasted when I showed her those two albums of mine that she hated so much!😂 "No WAY! This can't be the same guy who sang about poking a dead dog with a stick!" I can't understand how anyone could hear his song, "Johnny 99" and not love it. It has all the feels! "...Well, your honor, I do believe I'd be better off dead And if you can take a man's life for the thoughts that's in his head Then won't you sit back in that chair and think it over just one more time And let 'em shave off my hair and put me on that execution line." 😨

[@marktait2371]

​​​@@LazyIRanchmy brother had those two records used to laugh rage in the machine hed sing welcome to the new world order haha as bury is the only bruce vinly i have but have 85 boxset sampler e street era never like after e. but to each his own friend used to sing pink cadillac on 12 string did like that one though

[@LazyIRanch]

@@marktait2371 I love the E Street band! They just aren't the same without the Big Man, Clarence Clemons on sax. Back in the early 80s, Bruce and the E Street band collaborated with Gary U.S. Bonds on two albums, 1981's "Dedication" and 1982's "On The Line". Gary U.S. Bonds was a rockabilly artist who had a couple of minor hits in the 1950s, and Bruce is obviously a big fan. Bruce wrote seven of the songs on the album, "On The Line" and they are classic Springsteen! It's one of my all time favorite albums, both albums I consider to be "secret Springsteen" albums. Anyone who loves Bruce should check them out. Such fun! Here's "Angelyne", great party song and has that Springsteen sound, and I love Clarence's sax solo in this song. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnXNnGqmbt6WfJo

[@marktait2371]

thanks i recall.on the line my brorherand i had the 85 cassette boxset.e street but was sold with our vinlys 07 i picked up a used sampler somewhere need to digout last summer yard sale i found 45 ghost town xmas song like 84 5 collectors item now we had a clarence clemons solo record at one time was sold with the rest one back then you could put up budget clearance bin for a dew dollars

[@trinaq]

The song and the music video is so iconic. We even get an early appearance from a future friend, Courteney Cox.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right!

[@LorenIpsum75]

Omg! The Professor called it!...Bruce and Courtney Cox on stage doin' the Carlton! Love your site!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

(cue Friends theme song)

[@johnblossom8447]

I wasn’t a big Springsteen fan, but the girls I went to school with were. So, I had to have the Born In The USA album. On a different note, I live in Colorado and Colorado Springs is usually just referred to as “Springs” here. One day while driving to college a radio station was broadcasting a short news segment and stated, “‘Springs’ teen killed in auto accident.” Obviously, everyone thought the worst had happened to “The Boss”.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Question: How beautiful is it there? And do you guys ski there?

[@williamcalderini6370]

Yeah. Made me think of "Eddie and the Cruisers". who., let's say, "emulated" the Springsteen "look and feel". (Who else was fooled by "Darkside" when they first heard it?). But early in the Movie E and the C's were play at a "Spring -Teen Dance" and a couple of shots with the background banners were more than a little obvious. Subtle much? Never. It was the freakin 80's.

[@RangerMcFriendly]

The album that defined my childhood. Born on the same day he was (September 23). Such a great album!

[@johnglielmi6428]

That's why Springsteen is called "The Boss" My favorite springsteen album is "Darkness on the edge of Town". Being a car guy, all these songs are about cars and racing mostly. And how many folks know Courtney Cox is the young woman dancing with bruce?

[@shiroibasketshoes]

"Darkness On The Edge Of Town" is maybe my favorite Springsteen album too, and I'm not even a major car guy. Ms. Cox's first name is spelled Courteney.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnglielmi6428]

@@ProfessorofRock I'm a super fan of your channel, Thank you for all your hard work researching all your videos Adam "Prof"

[@Chapps1941]

Lots know it's Courteney

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Before she became a Friend!

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

Born to Run was such a great song. It should have been number 1.

[@Ashley1958cpt]

Keep on covering this album. Even the 'least' of the tracks deserve exploration.

[@gregwasserman2635]

I was never a big Springsteen fan BUT I can't emphasize how big this album was. It came out during my junior year in HS, and this song came out a week before birthday at the end of my junior year. This song was on MTV and the radio constantly throughout the summer, along with the other songs on this album. Duran Duran, Prince...the was full of big albums. I personally liked "1984" as it was more my style as I succumbed to heavier music (well, those were the days of the satanic panic! Haha!). I guess I was sort of lucky to be in HS then.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They were all competing against each other while making wildly different music!

[@jsmith1746]

Dancing in the Dark, and the entire Born in the USA album is what introduced 13 year old me to Springsteen. He is absolutely my all-time favorite artist, and every time I turn around, I am finding a song of his that I have never heard before. I would say Born in the USA is the most influential album for me personally, as it what was that album that was spark. But honestly, the follow-up to it, Tunnel of Love, is the album that hit me the closest to the heart, though decades after its release. I was in my late 30s, going through a divorce, and struggling to trust anyone, including myself. Turns out that is exactly what Bruce was going through when he made that album.

[@RobertL_0563]

I remember the anticipation for this album. My then girlfriend couldn't get this quick enough. I could easily relate to Dancing's lyrics to a T, and it ironically became MY anthem. Rocker I was back then, it opened the door to say, "It's cool to dance, if The Boss is doing it." Professor it would great if you could do a show on Glory Days, that's one of my favorites from this album. As you said here, this album was phenomenal for Bruce. Only looking back some 20 years after did I get the connection between "...USA" and "Nebraska". Thanks for another awesome lesson!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@davidhinkson8856]

I had no idea Bruce Springsteen was such a prolific songwriter. Always loved "Dancing in the Dark" and actually "The River" was the first Springsteen song i ever heard. I realized you were talking about "Dancing in the Dark" when i saw the thumbnail.

[@Barada73]

Nothing brings back more musical nostalgia for me than listening to Bruce Springsteen's music and I never even purchased any of his albums until the 2000s. However, so many of his songs were in such heavy rotation on the radio that I feel like I already know most of them by heart and, as soon as they start playing, I'm instantly transported back to being 12/13 years old again.

[@trinaq]

A lot of people don't seem to realise that Bruce wasn't being patriotic, but it was about the plight of soldiers who'd returned from Vietnam, and struggling to get accustomed into modern society again.

[@mitchellbaker9434]

I think most people know that now. Back then most didn't, including the president.

[@mournblade1066]

And who says that isn't patriotic? Protest and dissent are as American as apple pie.

[@Heene1028]

@@mournblade1066 True! The revolution may or may not be televised…. But, it has ALWAYS been reflected in the music of the day❤🎉🇺🇸🇺🇸(Flag Day today, BTW!!!)

[@chrisoakley5830]

I think the listener could hear Born In The USA as a patriotic song, although it wasn't Bruce's intent.

[@ProfessorofRock]

That's right.

[@paulhill8245]

The River was my first Springsteen album I owned. It BLOW ME AWAY!!! And I've been a HUGE fan of The Boss ever since. At 75 Bruce is still rocking.

[@TB6791]

My fav on this album is "I'm on Fire" 🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

Such a great song. Intense.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Perfect song

[@johnhafford1970]

Born in the USA AND Tunnel of Love (I love that album.). From The River to Tunnel of Love, what a massive run!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@DC8091]

Glory Days is one of the greatest baseball songs ever that’s for damn sure! 🤘 Definitely my favorite on this album

[@RBS_]

...DAMN sure! ....1985 was Baseball PHENOMENA, and Bruce was right THERE!

[@ProfessorofRock]

No question. A precursor to Centerfield!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of my favorites ever.

[@DC8091]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980hell ya 🤘🤘

[@busdriver428]

I would love more from the Born in the USA album!!!

[@catherine6653]

The memorable moment in the video is pulling a young Courtney Cox onstage. She is one lucky fan. 1984 was a good year in music 🎶.

[@AnnaTrail-xp8pr]

1984 one of the best

[@williamschreitmueller9873]

Yes, love your insight and show - please more Bruce !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Will do!

[@eddy.d7175]

I've never been a very big Springsteen fan but this it one of your absolute best!! Thanks you never seem to amaze.

[@thejeffhowe]

Always preferred Bobby Jean and No Surrender to the title track, Born in the USA and Glory Days. Makes me think of my time at Ft Devens, MA.

[@ericbgordon1575]

If I had to pick a favorite Springateen song, "Dancing in the Dark" would certainly be a contender. Can't say if it's the winner, but I always loved it. It was not until I got my first look at the film Blinded by the Light (I hated to tell a fellow musician that the Manfred Man version wasn't included) that this song sort of came alive for me. And, I remembered when *Born in the USA* and the rest of its hits were new, back when I was four. Fortunately, I had ripped the album to my phone, and I probably played "Dancing in the Dark" when I left the cinema that first time, and I saw Blinded by the Light 3 times in 2019. The same way people used to try willing classics like this song to #1 on the Hot 100, I tried willing Blinded by the Loght to break even on its budget in the box office. That stands to reason, considering how many musical movies came out two years later in the post-pandemic atmosphere that didn't get remotely near breaking even.

[@jamalstephenson7140]

What a classic album! Dancing in the Dark is great. Glory Days is my favorite from the Boss.

[@kav861]

Professor, that was fabulous. Thank you. Your analysis of the lyrics in the context of Bruce's situation at the time was insightful. Well done! I'm going to share this with my kids.

[@ElectricOutcast]

Last year I was fortunate enough to see Bruce Springsteen in Kansas City, MO at the T-Mobile Center, the same exact stadium where I saw Garth Brooks in 2007 for my senior trip. If seeing him was going to be only time that I do, it was a show worth watching.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cooL!

[@claregrose1714]

Check out the British movie "Blinded By The Light" its set in the 80's about a 'Boss' fan. Really good fun.

[@ldolphin34]

Not much left to say after the Professor has dissected this gem. There are just a handful of records that are obviously more commercial than the artists would have liked them to be, but still have both pop appeal and do not ruin the integrity of the artist. Born in the USA can lead this list, and I'm going to put a few of my choices below. Fleetwood Mac - Rumours Yes - 90125 Robert Cray Band - Strong Persuader Bruce Cockburn - Stealing Fire Prince - music from Purple Rain Dan Fogelberg - Phoenix Rush - Moving Pictures Grateful Dead - In The Dark Tracy Chapman - New Beginning Metallica - "black album"

[@michellecarver7279]

I like "Tunnel of Love." The lyrics are quite deep & I especially like the line, "You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above."

[@ReneeHernandez-s2z]

I love the song and the album. Almost every song is chartable. My Hometown and Working on the Hwy are so great. Working on the Hwy makes me laugh every time. Love this album!

[@vernhoke7730]

Springsteen is one of the nicest guys. I saw him and Southside Johnny at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park many times in the mid and late seventies. Actually, I had the chance to meet him back in 1988. His manager and one of the Marines I served with were in the Navy together during the Vietnam War. Arrangements were made for Bruce and the band to rehearse for his Tunnel of Love tour in the open area in our building in Red Bank, NJ. So just after new years day in '88, every afternoon for about 6 months, they set up and worked out the set for the tour. One afternoon in the men's room, Bruce stepped up to the urinal next to me, said how's it going. Even got to see a rough version of the 3 hour set they'd play before they moved on to a bigger area so they could set up the stage, sound system, and lights.

[@CobCeo]

Thank you, Adam Reader, for getting me through my shower every day before I go work my graveyard shift. Appreciate you so much!

[@tnrodgers]

Truly deserved the 1 spot. I can’t imagine a hundred songs to make 10. Bruce rails against commercialism but that is the music business and the price of success. Thanks Adam!

[@carolynyoung857]

ooo baby oooo baby.... can't get enough of Bruce Springsteen.

[@donwarrington4916]

Bruce wrote a couple big ones for Gary U.S. Bonds as well ...

[@ponzo1967]

The summer of 1984 was Bruce Springsteen's breakout, I remember it well because I bought that sucker on vinyl. Great lyrics always coming from Bruce.

[@robertfalcon6083]

Dude I occasionally push back on some of your fave songs and pronunciation of “genre” lol BUT you do a really great job on these videos and I watch them all. You are an absolutely amazing story teller and interviewer!!

[@Thomas-ze7pe]

Adam have you interviewed Bruce Springsteen yet.Iwould enjoy seeing that thanks

[@Arasteele]

A lot of older guys back in the late 70's and early 80's were slow to get on board with the Van Halens, Iron Maidens, Def Lepard, etc., but most of them loved Bruce's stuff. The Boss appealed to just about everyone by the time or shortly after Born To Run released. He had an everyman/working man vibe about him. I was 17 in 1980, working for my brother at the gym he owned. The wrestler Rock 'n Roll Buck Zumhofe used to come in every now and again along with a bunch of other wrestlers of that time. He hated pretty much everything new on the radio, preferring the "REAL" rock (jukebox oldies mostly). But whenever Bruce's stuff came on even ol' Buck found it acceptable. I spent a lot of time back then changing the radio station for the guys working out, but not when Bruce came on. Jungle Land, Rosalita, Thunder Road, The River, Hungry Heart... B & the E Street were all over the airwaves with anthems of the times.

[@billford171]

Living in Jersey my whole life, there was always so much pressure to love Springsteen (and Bon Jovi), but never liked his stuff. I was alternative, punk (Ramones, New Order, The Cure), so he was opposite of everything I liked. 40 years later I can finally appreciate and actually like much of his music. NJ has a way of wearing even the toughest critics down.

[@FavoriteMovieDate]

Dancing in the Dark was the first and only Springsteen song I ever loved. I actually bought that album and enjoyed it tremendously, but I would not call myself a Springsteen fan. Still love that song. I don’t know why he isn’t somebody I choose to listen to on a regular basis, because he has a lot of good songs, but I guess it doesn’t hurt his feelings I don’t.

[@warlock____]

God i was WAITING for a Bruce episode, specifically 80s Bruce. The River, Born In The USA and Tunnel of Love are my favorites of his! About time we got a video on this! Hell yeah man!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@fshtank]

Dancing in the Dark was one of the first 12” singles I ever bought. Born in the USA was worn out on my turntable. I got to see this tour live in Oakland Coliseum. He truly was the boss.

[@lfd_eng9219]

One of my favorite songs from The Boss was "The Factory"...all about the those that work the hard core, blue collar jobs. Reminds me so much of my days before graduating from college and getting my "easy" computer programming days. Always have had appreciation for those that work hard for a living...and love that my dad, mom, siblings, family, and friends have instilled that hard core work ethic into my soul. "Dancing In The Dark", "The Factory", "Darlington County", and plenty of other of his work reflect the lives of the blue collar heroes that shaped and continue to shape this nation.

[@lfd_eng9219]

I would take 3 days from Duran Duran and 4 from Prince...split the difference!!! 😆

[@duromusabc]

My personal favorite song in that epic album is Dancing In The Dark - I still love the music video today ! Makes me want to dance like him too ! That song brings back fond memories of the summer of 1984 - one of my favorite summers of my childhood- When Doves Cry was also a new hit that came out that summer ! And I still was a manic fan of the songs Billie Jean and Beat It by Michael Jackson that summer !

[@paulklanseck4300]

Greatest year in music. 1983 is a close second.

[@duromusabc]

@@paulklanseck4300and the Purple Rain album by Prince would be the number 1 studio album in America in the first half of 1985 (January to June )

[@beatleographer_10-51]

I knew it had to be "Dancing in the Dark" "Born To Run" was the song/album that made me a Springsteen fan.

[@BlindGordie]

Do you remember the 12 inch remix with the additional backing vocals? I remember the instrumental version being used as a parody called Praying In The Park by a Toronto radio station, as the pope had come to town in September 1984 a week or so into the school year.

[@ProfessorofRock]

YEs. Didn't like the remix or dance versions!

[@BlindGordie]

@@ProfessorofRock to be honest, I didn't either.

[@glastos]

I split with my first real girlfriend back then. I sent her a heap of roses with the message "You can't start a fire without a spark" Probably the most romantic thing I've ever done.

[@dhpbear2]

"/o Dancing in the dark, 'cause we didn't pay our bills, my dear... /o" :)

[@deantoso5376]

As a fellow "Springsteenaholic" please go into depth in all things Springsteen.

[@nosepicker88]

Always upvote for more Bruce

[@ScottyPeabody]

I bought “Born To Run” 8 track tape the 1st day I heard it. Went to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas in 1985 for the Born in the USA Tour, was down on the floor. Loved Clarence Clemons and his sax work, the big man had some amazing riffs! Clarence might deserve a video of his own.

[@mitchellbaker9434]

Loved Springsteen before this period. Loved him later on. Not so much this time of his career. But the top artists give you lots to choose from. The Boss certainly has.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for your insight!

[@beatleographer_10-51]

Not so much anymore, but when I would here, "My Home Town", it would really bum me out. Growing up in a couple of one horse town, pop 1000-2000, I really missed them at times. 2 some 1 lane oil and gravel top roads, Caspers meat market, (that fed in entire town), and staying the night on Fri or Sat with a friend that lived in the country, and the outhouse was where you took care of business. Baths? Taken in the back room in a 50 gal water trough. All used the same water, changed out once a week. I kid you not! Then dad upped and moved us to Dallas. A culture shock that had me lost for a couple of years. Those two small towns were the best years of my life. At 72, 53 years in the city, I still miss them.

[@jonathanking1004]

Bruce and Carlton must’ve had the same dance instructor. 😂

[@mark7035]

You can definitely do more Bruce! Do a twist and look at the songs that define Springsteen that were never even released as singles! We all stand there at every show dreaming Suzie will hit the violin and Roy will start the piano intro into Jungleland. Never released as a single. It's sad point because in the current setlist you know the main body of the concert is ending, but when 20-100,000 people join into the screen door slamming, remember Thunder Road wasn't a single. And you can go on and on. Philly X2, Nats Park, and Camden Yards. And the tour looks like it's going into 2025 now...

[@joelcopeland3018]

My favorite Bruce album was Born to Run... for me THAT is his greatest... I have owned it on vinyl, 8-track, cassette, cd, and I own the streaming volume... I had the 5 album set that I never opened... That set has since been gifted to a young man I met years later... We were attending the same church, both were fairly new to this church and both had volunteered to cook for a church event... turns out he and I were the only two that showed up to cook... We did the cook at his house... When you are cooking multiple Boston butts it take a long time... The only people there were him, his wife, his recently born son and me... I had the pleasure of rocking that baby to sleep that night... He had a room decorated with albums and 45s... I gave him every album and 45 I owned... His room showed how much he loved music and I couldn't think of a better place for my records to be... Enjoy the records Barry... Ps ...He was younger than all four of my kids, but we really hit it off...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same!

[@paulwilson8672]

That came out the beginning of my Senior Year in High School. The following year I left for Boot Camp. The last song I listened to was Born in the USA. Great Album!!!!

[@larryhyde2974]

Please do go into more detail on this period of Bruce’s career-or any other part for that matter. I’m a huge fan.

[@macgrad1]

I was a history grad student and was stuck in a labour history course which I hated. Every week, we had to write a book review based on one book and two journal articles. I always wrote them in the morning on the day they were due, while playing ‘Born in the USA’ in my office. I got an A+ every time and the prof told the other students that they should see how I wrote my book reviews. 😆 I never told anyone that Bruce was my inspiration. I hated the material but ‘Born in the USA’ made everything bearable.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing! Great story!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

So this song helped you get good grades!

[@macgrad1]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 That album definitely helped me get good grades! It always put me in such a great mood that the creative writing just surged out. I owe it all to Bruce and this album. 😉

[@anneillerbrun7909]

As my life crumbles around me sitting in an empty house waiting for the last of the movers to come I was thinking where in my life I would go back to if I could go back and start again....and this was it, the summer of '84 when my first baby was born and Bruce dominated the air waves. Funny how things all fit together.

[@jameswilhoite8150]

My best friend was a huge fan of Bruce and his 3 hr. shows me i took a while to like his work i'm on fire, born to run Were classics to me ...

[@MJmysummerlove]

I’m thankful to Bruce Springsteen’s manager for being persistent and wanting more from “The Boss”. It’s because of this that we got a hit song that will take us back to our childhood days in the 80s and still turn up the volume to when it comes on 🎸🎶

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Indeed.

[@masonkoffman2402]

Luv what you’re doin’, Doc Rock! Cheers! Keep it going.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

Bruce didn't breakthrough to the mainstream here in the UK until Born in the USA went stratospheric and resulted in a string of big hit singles . he had sold albums in great numbers but wasn't a household name. Born In The USA changed all that!

[@tedbecker4051]

Dancing in the Dark is my favorite Springsteen song. Remember when it first came out. All my friends remember the dance with Courtney Cox.

[@thedoc9915]

I remember watching this video on MTV back in the day. Also being from Minnesota I didn't realize it was filmed at the old Civic Center

[@roberthellmann4854]

I know what’s number one in my heart: “Can You Stand the Rain” by New Edition! I was wondering if you would be able to cover that song. It would be awesome!

[@carlosio5]

I remember Bruce acquired lots of Black teen fans in the days after "WE ARE THE WORLD" vid aired with Michael Jackson and tons of others. Most of us had never even heard of Bruce Springsteen in my Brooklyn High School, but HIS part was all the kids were imitating & talking about at school. 🤜🏾💥🔥💥🤛🏾🎶

[@workhardlivefree3818]

My Hometown and I'm on Fire were both my faves... Great artist. Love his Ireland concert with Old Dan Tucker and Pay Me My Money Down.

[@Rossturnerphoto]

I don’t know a lot about Springsteen’s career, but I’d be interested in more Springsteen content. I do like a few of his songs from the 70s and 80s with dancing in the dark being my favorite.

[@jennybates]

This is by far one of Springsteens greatest hits ever.

[@michaeltelson9798]

It took years for Bruce to play at Rutgers. The thought at the time on campus (I attended one of the New Brunswick campuses) is that he didn’t want to because he previously played at many of the frats before getting famous. It felt like a slight to his fans there. Those that heard him at the frats were some of his biggest cheerleaders happy for his success, but he wouldn’t accept to play at Rutgers for at least 5 years. I was at Rutgers from 1973 to 1980 (2 degrees).

[@veryrancid3128]

I absolutely adore springsteen. His greatest hits album came out when i was 13or something. I collected bottles for recycling to buy it! I have been a fan since. Dancing in the dark was the song i saw first!

[@Giant97]

Yet another reason the 80's were so special. Go back to the 90's and 2000's and many people can't name a song that never got to #1 yet deserved it. During the 80's this was a monthly process. How many songs were prevented from #1 by Michael Jackson, Prince, and others?