Album Review: Bruce Springsteen – Nebraska

Before Born in the USA, there was Nebraska, a harrowing album depicting struggles of the American people.

So I will focus on three main points from now on for my music reviews: theme, sound, and legacy.

Theme

Springsteen’s 1982 album proceeds the singer’s (arguably) most notable song “Born in the USA.” That being said, Nebraska captures more hardships and struggles of the average American than his most famous album. The first track, “Nebraska” is about the serial killer Charles Starkweather from Lincoln, Nebraska. Another song tells the tale of Joe Roberts and his troubled Vietnam war veteran brother Johnny. In “Highway Patrolman,” Springsteen channels the energy from “Born in the USA” and talks about the importance of taking care of family and dealing with a post-industrial American world. Each song is a different story, some sad, others uplifting, about the average American.

Nebraska is truly an aptly-named album for Springsteen’s collection of stories. Being near the direct heart of America, most of the stories told in the album can be seen all occurring in the Midwest in small town America.

My favorite track on the album is “My Father’s House” where a solemn Springsteen talks about revisiting memories in his past to right the wrongs. Springsteen’s father was abusive and an alcoholic. In this song, Springsteen refers back to the times he would drive past his father’s house coming home every night. In the song, he dreams of how he could change the past and become close with his father. In the end of the song, he visits his father’s house to find that he no longer lives there, unable to reconcile and repair his relationship with his father.

Sound

Nebraska is an entirely folk/country album. Harmonicas and guitars are the main instruments of the album. In many of the songs, drums aren’t needed and the guitar fills its place. The way Springsteen plays the guitar can change the mood entirely. From the melancholy “My Father’s House” and “Nebraska,” to the fast-paced “Atlantic City” and “Open All Night,” the musical variety is prevalent. The only two instruments—the guitar and harmonica—are utilized in such a variety that the album doesn’t drag listening to. Many albums the instruments can be compared to another track with little difference, but Springsteen’s simple use of different chords changes the variety and mood of each song in Nebraska.

Legacy

Nebraska has been heralded by many to be Springsteen’s most critically-underrated album. Many of the songs have been covered by several other famous country musicians. The most notable covers were done by country music legend Johnny Cash, covering “Highway Patrolman” and “Johnny 99.” Sean Penn, famous actor and director had been a longtime Springsteen fan. In 1991, the movie The Indian Runner was released. The film is directly inspired by “Highway Patrolman,” even taking the names of the characters and plot directly from the song.

While not the most-known Springsteen album, Nebraska has made a lasting landmark on culture and country music alike. Nebraska is easily one of my favorite albums ever, and a very well-deserved 10/10. I cannot recommend this album enough.

Where to find Nebraska:

On:
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