In any version, in any arrangement, “Blood Brothers” packs an emotional punch and holds a special place in fans’ hearts.
Category: Roll of the Dice
Bruce has grappled with feelings of isolation and alienation through song for decades, but “Loose Change” may be the most artful and hopeful example. Let’s take a close listen.
Danny took the spotlight and Bruce earned his fastest-guitar-in-the east reputation when Steel Mill broke out Bruce’s original song, “Jeannie, I Want to Thank You.” Even if you’re not a Steel Mill fan, this one’s a must-listen.
This early Springsteen original features fine vocals from Bruce and Robbin and a typically great Steel Mill guitar jam–but ouch, those lyrics.
“Back in Your Arms” is Bruce’s most soulful and rueful torch song, presaging themes he still grapples with today.
“Wrong Side of the Street” is a lyrical lightweight, but it features a great E Street Band backing track that went unreleased for more than 30 years after it was recorded.
Hold on tight: Bruce Springsteen’s “Night” is three minutes of pure rock and roll adrenaline, but I’ll try to break it down inside.
Sadly more relevant today than when it was written, “Matamoros Banks” remains one of Bruce’s most heart-breakingly beautiful songs, better enjoyed on album than in concert.
“Brothers Under the Bridges” is a Born in the U.S.A. outtake bristling with youth and yearning–but it foreshadows Bruce’s twelve-years-later sequel.
The very definition of an overlooked gem, “Tomorrow Never Knows” reflects an artist truly coming to terms with his mortality and establishes a throughline to Western Stars.