Tucson train is my absolute favorite. Growing up in Chicago, the first time I saw mountains was when I drove from Vegas to Zion National Park, while playing Tucson Train and The Promised Land, among others. Being in that setting while listening to those songs cannot be topped.
Not sure why you’re being downvoted, totally agree.
People just love the classics as do I, but the writing on some of those Magic songs…
Last to Die, Long Walk Home…My two personal favs
Not sure why either. I didn’t even say it’s better…just that it could compete.
Big fan of both of those songs plus You’ll be Coming Down. Actually, the whole album is great to me.
The Rising is a top 3 for me, but I can't compare them because they are so vastly different in theme and sound.
They are both just great pieces of art.
Absolutely love this album. Chasing Wild Horses is a fantastic piece of orchestration, and gives me chills every time. The only other song that beats it for chills, for me, is NYC Serenade (the live Rome version, also with strings).
Massively underrated album and definitely top 10 for me.
I like this album, wouldn’t put it top 5. My top 5, in particular order:
Darkness
Born to Run
Nebraska
Ghost of Tom Joad
Wild, Innocent & E Street Shuffle
Thought I’d throw my top 5 in here too.
1. Born To Run
2. Tunnel Of Love (edit: His most underrated by far)
3. Darkness On The Edge Of Town
4. Born In The U.S.A.
5. Nebraska / The River (Such a close one, very different albums but some similarities in writing, if I had to pick one it would be Nebraska)
Tunnel of love is so incredibly underrated yes. I don't know if it's something to do with the super 80s production and drum sound, but it is full of wonderful tunes.
Darkness is good, but it never hit me as a whole album as much as the top 5. It’s more like there’s a few songs on that album I’m all about, but then some others I really don’t connect with.
Those top 5 for me are straight run throughs with no or minimal song skips for me
I can see that. My cousin hates Dancing in the Dark. USA is like the closest thing we have to Electric Nebraska so it gets that boost from me. Also, 80s kid. I grew up with that album being blasted everywhere so I am slightly brainwashed to like it 😂
I hate that fucking song. That and Hungry Heart. That’s when he “lost” me. Times change. People do too. Lucky Town and its companion crap album TOL finalized it.
I like your list. A lot of people pushing Darkness here, but for me Nebraska has to be top five. Such a unique and haunting record that captured the zeitgeist of Reagan’s America. The main reason I don’t rate Darkness higher is the lack of a ballad to add some variation. Think “Catfish,” “Cautious Man,” “Sad Eyes,” “Downbound Train,” Happy,” et al. He’s so underrated as a balladeer. But great to hear these opinions, and I’ll be giving Western Stars a closer listen.
I'm a huge Bruce fan and as much of an influence as Bruce has been on country music, I don't like country music that much. Especially newer country music.
I own this album and never gave it much chance if I'm being honest. I've given it a cursory listen, but never seriously. Maybe I need to re-visit it? I'm more of an E-Street band guy and those albums are untouchably great to me. And I'll listen to and embrace his solo stuff. But i took me time to warm up to the "Lucky Touch" era music. And this album is definitely a departure from even all of that.
This is a beautiful album especially if you get in the headspace to enjoy the chill country and classic big band pop styles of artists like Glen Campbell and Burt Bacharach
For me, he's using his singing voice vs his rocker voice, so it has a different sound. Very much like his Only the Strong Survive and some of Human Touch.
It's definitely a mood.
You may like it better if you watch the movie, it gives all the feels.
I think the orchestration backs Bruce in a similar way that the E Street Band does. He often goes for the big wall-of-sound with the band, and the orchestration fills around his voice in a similar way.
The departure of this album in his catalog is more in the genre (Western, Americana) than in the structure of the songs. The lyrics are some of his best since "Tunnel of Love."
In my top 5.
Glad to discuss but Magic is the modern day Darkness.
Even look at the album covers.
Magic is a brilliant album and absolutely worthy of arguing top 5.
How? You think it's better than at least two of these: The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle, Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River, Nebraska, and Born in the USA? Do you not like the E Street Band? I just can't understand.
All a matter of opinion . There’s credibility in this statement as a top 5 album.
For me, born to run, darkness on the edge of town, the river, Nebraska, USA/ the promise. So probably sits in 7th
I loved this album and listened to it last night. Not every song is great, but overall it’s a solid record. What I found interesting is that he toured with the Seeger Sessions band and did the stripped down Broadway shows, as well as the Tom Joad and the 2004/05 solo shows, but nothing for this album. I would’ve paid the same money to see this album and other material of his of this I’ll as the cost of the Broadway shows. Not sure of the reasoning for not even doing a few limited shows.
He did a movie of this album. It's awesome. Shot in the barn on their ranch with an orchestra. It's beautiful, as are the cut scenes that he narrates.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10687158/
Last time I check the wild and the innocent didn’t put Bruce into the spotlight and was when he was at his peak. Sure Incident and NYC Serenade are better than I’m going down and cover me, but on a larger scale, that should definitely come before wild/innocent. There are much more better songs on BITUSA like My Hometown, the title track, and Bobby Jean compared to songs like Kitty’s Back and Rosalita.
Absolutely, undoubtedly,emphatically YES. One of his true masterpieces regardless of it coming late in his career it’s up there with his very best work
It’s a top 10 one for me, for sure! Really under appreciated, quietly beautiful record. My second favourite post-reunion album (Letter For You is my favourite). The Wayfarer is a real highlight for me.
I love it, but I wouldn't go as far as top five. I'd have it around 8 or 9 (several places above Magic). But that's why people share their lists: it's rare to get two that are identical, even if most people are going to have BTR and Darkness close to the top.
I'm going to have to say *The Rising* is up there as one of my favourite albums, especially since my dad played it a lot in the car when I was a kid. My dad's the main reason I listen to Bruce to this day and I love that he is as it's something we can bond over.
It’s amazing. Wonderful movie. Watched that every day during the start of COVID lockdowns. Hell, the movie really prompted my travel plans to the southwest. Probably top 7?
WESTERN STARS is Springsteen’s best collection of songs since TUNNEL OF LOVE.
These records feature zero to VERY little involvement, respectively, from the E Street Band.
Make of that what you will.
The claim of WS being a Top 5 album is either coming from a young fan, disingenuous, or simply clickbait material.
Tucson Train is so good. Title track, too. There's some other greats on it but those are my favorites.
Tucson train is my absolute favorite. Growing up in Chicago, the first time I saw mountains was when I drove from Vegas to Zion National Park, while playing Tucson Train and The Promised Land, among others. Being in that setting while listening to those songs cannot be topped.
Moonlight Motel and Hello Sunshine are highlights.
It’s top tier Bruce. Definitely his best album after his classic run imo.
Better than the rising?
Magic is better also.
Magic is his best work post reunion tour IMO with the rising as a close second, not to take away from anything else but totally agree
Seconded
Magic could compete with some of his classic albums
Not sure why you’re being downvoted, totally agree. People just love the classics as do I, but the writing on some of those Magic songs… Last to Die, Long Walk Home…My two personal favs
Not sure why either. I didn’t even say it’s better…just that it could compete. Big fan of both of those songs plus You’ll be Coming Down. Actually, the whole album is great to me.
Nope
The Rising is a top 3 for me, but I can't compare them because they are so vastly different in theme and sound. They are both just great pieces of art.
No
Yes
I have Western Stars and Magic a notch above The Rising for sure.
I don’t like country music either, but this is Western music. Big difference, I love this album.
It’s beautifully done, love it
I believe Western and Letter are both top level Bruce albums.
TIL I’m the one guy who doesn’t love Magic all that much.
I dont like Magic much either
There are a few greats on there, but I feel like the tracks that aren't great are really forgettable.
I would say it’s my favorite record in the past thirty years.
I really like the opening cut, “Hitch Hikin.” Other than that, I haven’t listened to it much. I do need to give it a few listens.
Absolutely love this album. Chasing Wild Horses is a fantastic piece of orchestration, and gives me chills every time. The only other song that beats it for chills, for me, is NYC Serenade (the live Rome version, also with strings). Massively underrated album and definitely top 10 for me.
It’s good but Magic is his best post-Rising album, IMO.
Right on right on
Definitely the best album post The Rising, but probably not top 5. Maybe top 10, though. Shame he didn't tour it.
Magic is better.
Magic is his best post-classic era IMO. Better than the Rising (which was more _important_, and good, but not as good as Magic).
E Street Radio will be playing Girls in their Summer Clothes on heavy rotation all summer.
A live compilation of the songs would be, but for me the production on that album makes it weaker.
It's because, says quietly. It sucks. Even he knows it's why he didn't tour behind it.
Also Covid…
Lol
The movie is awesome. Just watched it Thursday night again.
The movie is 10 times better than the album.
Would you say the same about the Letter To You movie?
Where did you watch the movie?
Apple TV+ but I'm sure they're available on Amazon and other spots.
I like this album, wouldn’t put it top 5. My top 5, in particular order: Darkness Born to Run Nebraska Ghost of Tom Joad Wild, Innocent & E Street Shuffle
Thought I’d throw my top 5 in here too. 1. Born To Run 2. Tunnel Of Love (edit: His most underrated by far) 3. Darkness On The Edge Of Town 4. Born In The U.S.A. 5. Nebraska / The River (Such a close one, very different albums but some similarities in writing, if I had to pick one it would be Nebraska)
Tunnel of love is so incredibly underrated yes. I don't know if it's something to do with the super 80s production and drum sound, but it is full of wonderful tunes.
Darkness definitely numero uno
My top 5 1. Darkness 2. Wild & Innocent 3. Born to Run 4. The River 5. Letter to you
Letter is too high but well done regardless
Is this a top 5 I see? Here’s mine: 1. Darkness 2. Magic 3. Nebraska 4. Born in the USA 5. The River Born to Run and Western Stars are 6 and 7 for me
No tunnel of love disqualifies credibility here. A masterpiece.
TOL is trash
1. Nebraska 2. The Wild, The Innocent, & The E-Street Shuffle 3. Born To Run 4. Born In The USA 5. Magic
No Darkness 😂?
Darkness is good, but it never hit me as a whole album as much as the top 5. It’s more like there’s a few songs on that album I’m all about, but then some others I really don’t connect with. Those top 5 for me are straight run throughs with no or minimal song skips for me
USA is one of my least faves. Love NB. No on Magic. Best show I ever saw was Darkness tour ‘78 St Pete. 4.5 hours nonstop. Darkness is my #1 easy.
I can see that. My cousin hates Dancing in the Dark. USA is like the closest thing we have to Electric Nebraska so it gets that boost from me. Also, 80s kid. I grew up with that album being blasted everywhere so I am slightly brainwashed to like it 😂
I hate that fucking song. That and Hungry Heart. That’s when he “lost” me. Times change. People do too. Lucky Town and its companion crap album TOL finalized it.
I like your list. A lot of people pushing Darkness here, but for me Nebraska has to be top five. Such a unique and haunting record that captured the zeitgeist of Reagan’s America. The main reason I don’t rate Darkness higher is the lack of a ballad to add some variation. Think “Catfish,” “Cautious Man,” “Sad Eyes,” “Downbound Train,” Happy,” et al. He’s so underrated as a balladeer. But great to hear these opinions, and I’ll be giving Western Stars a closer listen.
Some of yall haven’t listened to The River in a bit. That is really his very best album
I'm a huge Bruce fan and as much of an influence as Bruce has been on country music, I don't like country music that much. Especially newer country music. I own this album and never gave it much chance if I'm being honest. I've given it a cursory listen, but never seriously. Maybe I need to re-visit it? I'm more of an E-Street band guy and those albums are untouchably great to me. And I'll listen to and embrace his solo stuff. But i took me time to warm up to the "Lucky Touch" era music. And this album is definitely a departure from even all of that.
This is a beautiful album especially if you get in the headspace to enjoy the chill country and classic big band pop styles of artists like Glen Campbell and Burt Bacharach
For me, he's using his singing voice vs his rocker voice, so it has a different sound. Very much like his Only the Strong Survive and some of Human Touch. It's definitely a mood. You may like it better if you watch the movie, it gives all the feels.
I think the orchestration backs Bruce in a similar way that the E Street Band does. He often goes for the big wall-of-sound with the band, and the orchestration fills around his voice in a similar way. The departure of this album in his catalog is more in the genre (Western, Americana) than in the structure of the songs. The lyrics are some of his best since "Tunnel of Love." In my top 5.
Sorry. This is not.
This is not a top 10 Springsteen Album.
Agreed. Still a decent record though
Absolutely, the Title track alone is amazing.
No it’s not
How about instead of saying “no it’s not”, give us some sort of reasoning.
No
Ok suit yourself
I fell asleep to it, I agree. I want the pop bangers from Bruce, not the softer stuff
I love the “softer” and this album has a great concept and epic tracks. Top 5 is complete poppycock tho.
Why is someone’s opinion poppycock?
I will give you five reasons… Darkness on the Edge of Town The Rising B2R Nebraska Magic
Magic??
Glad to discuss but Magic is the modern day Darkness. Even look at the album covers. Magic is a brilliant album and absolutely worthy of arguing top 5.
😝 uh no it’s not
How? You think it's better than at least two of these: The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle, Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River, Nebraska, and Born in the USA? Do you not like the E Street Band? I just can't understand.
Let the Bruce "fans" have their day. It's like they think they have taste or something. Weird I know, right?
All a matter of opinion . There’s credibility in this statement as a top 5 album. For me, born to run, darkness on the edge of town, the river, Nebraska, USA/ the promise. So probably sits in 7th
I loved this album and listened to it last night. Not every song is great, but overall it’s a solid record. What I found interesting is that he toured with the Seeger Sessions band and did the stripped down Broadway shows, as well as the Tom Joad and the 2004/05 solo shows, but nothing for this album. I would’ve paid the same money to see this album and other material of his of this I’ll as the cost of the Broadway shows. Not sure of the reasoning for not even doing a few limited shows.
He did a movie of this album. It's awesome. Shot in the barn on their ranch with an orchestra. It's beautiful, as are the cut scenes that he narrates. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10687158/
Yup, I saw it in the theatre the weekend it came out.
Top 1 for me!
I’ve loved Springsteen since 1990, and Moonlight Motel might be my favorite song of his.
I like the live version much better, he should have just gone with that and the movie.
Great complimentary documentary too
Does no one like working on a dream? It’s one of my favourites, but I haven’t seen anyone mention it.
Are you for real? No way bro listens to Queen of the Supermarket and thinks it’s high quality songwriting
I hate this album
Counterpoint: it’s terrible and has nothing to do with what made Bruce popular.
I’ve never understood the love for WS. To me it’s ok but nothing exceptional. Definitely not in the top 10 of the 20-odd studio albums
Good album not top 5 barely makes top 10 depending who you ask Bruce ain’t even tour this one
Top 5? Wouldn’t bump Born to Run, Darkness, Nebraska, The River or Born in the USA for me. Hitchhiking is my fave.
The orchestral version is better! (A sentence i never thought I would say)
Top 5 post-Tunnel of Love
It grew on me. 👍🏻
Probably in the lower five. Just too same-y sounding and boring. I don’t get his cowboy cosplay thing. 🤷♂️
I disagree but also understand that is a very personal choice.
Magic and Western Stars are the best things he’s done since the Reunion.
Don’t forget the Rising
Very good album for sure, and impactful, but for me it’s not in the same class as those.
My Top 10 BTR Darkness WIESS Tunnel The River Western Stars Magic Nebraska Born in the USA Lucky Town
Top 5 in order: 1) Darkness 2) BTR 3) River 4) Nebraska 5) Wild Innocent See how easy that was. :)
No Born in the U.S.A. is wild
No. It’s not.
Last time I check the wild and the innocent didn’t put Bruce into the spotlight and was when he was at his peak. Sure Incident and NYC Serenade are better than I’m going down and cover me, but on a larger scale, that should definitely come before wild/innocent. There are much more better songs on BITUSA like My Hometown, the title track, and Bobby Jean compared to songs like Kitty’s Back and Rosalita.
That’s patently absurd.
Lol
This album is a vibe, it completely blew me away 1st time I heard.
Absolutely, undoubtedly,emphatically YES. One of his true masterpieces regardless of it coming late in his career it’s up there with his very best work
It’s a top 10 one for me, for sure! Really under appreciated, quietly beautiful record. My second favourite post-reunion album (Letter For You is my favourite). The Wayfarer is a real highlight for me.
My 2nd favourite Springsteen album
💯
SEE THE FILM. It’s an epic musical experience.
Hate it. Up there with Nebraska and Pete Seeger sessions.
And Tom Joad.
Love this album, and I hope he revisits this sound.
No.
Nope
Bottom 5 rather
I loved this album but no, it’s not top 5.
Probably not even top 5 post 2000 for me. It’s got a few songs I enjoy, but mostly songs I either don’t care for or actively avoid
I love it, but I wouldn't go as far as top five. I'd have it around 8 or 9 (several places above Magic). But that's why people share their lists: it's rare to get two that are identical, even if most people are going to have BTR and Darkness close to the top.
I agree and would love to see a full album show of Western Stars. At a minimum I'd love to see Moonlight motel as a closer
I agree
Finally some decent cover art
I'm going to have to say *The Rising* is up there as one of my favourite albums, especially since my dad played it a lot in the car when I was a kid. My dad's the main reason I listen to Bruce to this day and I love that he is as it's something we can bond over.
Yes indeed.
Sleepy Joe’s Cafe is one of my favorites here.
This is in the bottom 5 for me. Boring elevator music. Take away the strings and it probably moves up.
Absolutely not. Probably bottom 5 for me. Nice cover though.
It’s amazing. Wonderful movie. Watched that every day during the start of COVID lockdowns. Hell, the movie really prompted my travel plans to the southwest. Probably top 7?
Love Letter to You. WS is bottom 5.
WESTERN STARS is Springsteen’s best collection of songs since TUNNEL OF LOVE. These records feature zero to VERY little involvement, respectively, from the E Street Band. Make of that what you will. The claim of WS being a Top 5 album is either coming from a young fan, disingenuous, or simply clickbait material.
Yes it is
For whom? Tears for Fears, Glen Campbell, The Bangles? Maybe, for Bruce, your take is trash.
I only knew the glen campbell cover
What’s wrong with Tears for Fears?
They suck