Publication date:
04 June 2014Length of book:
220 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442230651
For 40 years, Bruce Springsteen has held center stage as the quintessential American rock and roll artist, expressing the hopes and dreams of the American everyman and every woman through his vast array of insightful and inspirational songs. In Counting Down Bruce Springsteen: His 100 Finest Songs, rock writer Jim Beviglia dares to rank his finest songs in descending order from the 100th to his no. 1 greatest song.
In this unique book, Beviglia reflects not only on why each song has earned its place on list but lays out the story behind each of the 100, supplying fresh insights on the musical and lyrical content of Springsteen's remarkable body of work. Counting Down Bruce Springsteen brings together critical historical and biographical information to explain the making and importance of each song to its listeners, painting a fascinating portrait of Springsteen as a major American songwriter and consummate recording artist.
Counting Down Bruce Springsteen is the perfect playlist builder, whether it is for the diehard fan or the newbie just getting acquainted with the work of the Boss!
In this unique book, Beviglia reflects not only on why each song has earned its place on list but lays out the story behind each of the 100, supplying fresh insights on the musical and lyrical content of Springsteen's remarkable body of work. Counting Down Bruce Springsteen brings together critical historical and biographical information to explain the making and importance of each song to its listeners, painting a fascinating portrait of Springsteen as a major American songwriter and consummate recording artist.
Counting Down Bruce Springsteen is the perfect playlist builder, whether it is for the diehard fan or the newbie just getting acquainted with the work of the Boss!
Beviglia delves deep into the Springsteen oeuvre to retrieve the superstar’s 100 greatest songs, relying primarily on lyrical content to decide the ranking. He reflects on Springsteen’s politics, from the indictment of Wall Street’s 'conscience-free ruthlessness' in 'Easy Money,' to the measured take on the shooting of Amadou Diallo by NYPD in 'American Skin.' The E Street Band is celebrated for their integral part in Springsteen’s success, particularly Clarence Clemons, whose performance on 'Jungleland' is declared 'the most iconic saxophone solo in rock history.' Beviglia notes the cohesion of many Springsteen albums, the grim circumstances couched in catchy melodies of Born in the USA the call to arms message of Wrecking Ball, and the mournful post-9/11 The Rising. Then, there are the Springsteen characters, 'big-hearted gang members, teenage femme fatales, and other spectacularly romantic rogues' like the fight-throwing boxer of 'The Hitter,' the broken-down veteran in 'Shut Out the Light,' and 'Zero and Blind Terry.' Beviglia’s top 10 is peppered with early gems like 'Lost in the Flood,' 'Rosalita,' and 'Incident on 57th Street.' While some might find the ranking system puzzling, Beviglia’s knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject will be appreciated.