[cdcdawg]

I like Springsteen’s first 4.5 albums. Things started to go awry about halfway through The River. Since then, he is mostly really bad. He’s fake Americana for fake Americans.

[nickcarraway]

He went out for a ride and he never went back

[Alberta's Child]

“Born to Run” was his most iconic album but “The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle” was very underrated.

I haven’t been a Springsteen fan in a long time, but “New York City Serenade” is a masterpiece and “Racing In The Street” is one of his best.

[ClearCase_guy]

I basically agree. Not a popular opinion around here. I think his first 4 albums are a remarkabe story arc.

Asbury Park: Young kid in the city, getting in trouble but just having a good time.
E Street Shuffle: Young man trying to grow up in the city
Born to Run: Young man scared that he’s down to his last chance and the city just might swallow him.
Darkness on the Edge of Town: Man who blew it and lost any chance he ever had.

To me, with The River, Springsteen segued into a rather ugly, “Wheeeeeeeeeee! I’m a superbig rockstar!” vibe and I stopped paying any attention to him.

[ifinnegan]

“He’s fake Americana for fake Americans.”

Excellent description.

[GOP_Party_Animal]

"He’s fake Americana for fake Americans."

So true.