-— Look how many people still think “Born in the USA” is one of the most patriotic songs ever. -—
There’s no irony in the album cover. Bruce used the flag and his butt to sell albums. So Reagan and America exacted justice.
It’s a great album, regardless.
It was very shrewdly calculated to sell a ton. He saw the musical and cultural atmosphere in the early to mid 80s and marketed himself accordingly. In 1979 or so, the idea of a Springsteen record with synthesizers would have been laughed off as absurd by both him and his fans.
I wouldn’t say they exacted justice. I would say they didn’t bother to listen to the words. Bruce won that exchange, he went from a respected mildly successful artist to a mega millionaire with a massive string of hits. AND he’s still highly respected, not many guys get to make the transition to mega-star without selling out.