Top Twenty Springsteen Songs

Here it is. My top twenty (technically twenty-one) Bruce Springsteen songs of all-time. One...the list for the most part is quite fluid--meaning that the top six are pretty much set in stone but the rest of the list lends itself to flexibility. In a year, month or even a week the list might look different and might even have different songs on it. It is also evident that the recent concert and album has had a large influence on the list. That's probably to be expected.

I'm starting the list off with All I'm Thinkin' About. This song is not ranked but it needs to be mentioned. It's a song with a lot of personal meaning to me as it is Jenny and I song. Even though I know subjectivity pervades my list this song has to much of an outside context for me to fairly put it on a list. This might sound kind of geeky but if my list is a celestial body than this song is a moon that hovers around it. Its not part of the list but it's there anyway.

20. The Promised Land

Vintage Springsteen anthem. The song also showcases Springsteen's use of religious terms (or ideas) and how that intertwines with his larger narrative of Americana.

19. Blinded By the Light

It's hard to fully appreciate Springsteen's version when its the Manfred Mann version that everyone is familiar with. But when you finally reach that point where the Springsteen version takes precedent in your mind then... one is free to appreciate just how much fun Springsteen and the band is having. That exuberance is what sells the song for me.

18. Human Touch

I almost forgot about this song as I hadn't yet ripped the greatest hits album to my itunes library. ( I don't actually own the Human Touch album). I've always really liked this song. I remember at the bowling alley jukebox (in Greensburg) I would almost always play this song on Wednesday night bowling.

17. Livin' in the Future

The live version left a little to be desired last week but that still hasn't hurt how much I dig this song. I'll admit I'm not entirely sure what Springsteen is trying to say in this song...it's a little confusing...but I'm willing to go with it nonetheless. I'm thinking that the song is a case of the classic Springsteen paradox where the music is saying one thing and the lyrics are saying something else (think Born in the USA).

16. Johnny 99

Springsteen follows the lineage of classic American musical storytellers—Guthrie, Dylan—and for some reason this song has always stuck with me. I'm not really sure that it's any better than any of other songs from Nebraska or The Ghost of Tom Joad but the storytelling here is just very direct and vivid. It's like a good short story and this one in particular really sticks with me.

15. Long Walk Home

I really thought Bruce and company rocked this song at the concert last week. It's been in my head ever since then. It's very possible that a year from now this song might not be in my top twenty but as a snapshot of March 2008 the song is really resonating with me.

14. Into the Fire

It seems like every Sunday when I'm sitting in church singing a hymn this song pops in my head. Don't ask me why. I think for some reason I want the church choir to perform it. I think it would be awesome and it would work—even in a Baptist setting.

13. Atlantic City

More good Bruce storytelling even if it involves blowing up the chicken man in Philly (I just hope they didn't boo him). I've always really liked the chorus in the song...just the way he says Atlantic City...with such desperation and contempt.

12. Waitin' on a Sunny Day

The Boss goes pop again and it really works for me. In context of the seriousness and relevance of the Rising album this song provided a welcome break. Maybe it was Springsteen's way to cheer us up...even for a few minutes...and he succeeded.

11. Lonesome Day

Speaking of the Rising album...here's Springsteen's attempt to digest a post 9-11 world. Unfortunately his warnings (“Better ask questions before you shoot”) might have went on deaf ears with our administration. Regardless I still find this song relevant and when the Boss says it's all right, I don't just want to believe it...I do believe it.

10. Girls in Their Summer Clothes

This selection is bound to raise a few eyebrows. But remember this, when the Boss goes pop it divides the fan base. It happened with Dancing in the Dark and it’s happened to this song (although I only have a small sampling size).

Is this Springsteen’s best vocal performance—far from it. Should he even be singing the song—maybe not. Would it be like one of the best songs ever if the Beach Boys were cutting this record circa 1966—Yes. My point is what sells the song for me is the Phil Spector…wall of sound…sound that the song has. I like how the lyrics represent (on the surface) a whimsical summer night but… and this happens with a lot of Springsteen’s songs… the lyrics cut deeper to something much darker. But in this case…everything is going to be all right. In essence the song just makes me happy…I thoroughly enjoy listening to it.

9. I Wanna Be With You

This is probably my most out-of-left selection as it's off his Tracks Box Set of previously unreleased material. The song is direct...in your face...I just love jamming to it in my car...especially when Jenny's with me...she loves it.

8. I’m On Fire

It’s impossible to think of this song without remembering the 80’s video. In the video Springsteen almost crosses the line into lustful temptation with a married woman. (I’m making it a little more dramatic than how it's actually depicted in the video). Anyway…the Boss ends up setting a good example and just puts the key into the mailbox. Good move, Boss.

7. Maria's Bed

As soon as I heard this song from the Devils and Dust album, I fell in love with it. It's just a good little ditty. I really like how the song kicks in at the 1:49 mark. The song isn't anything spectacular...I just really like listening too it...a lot.

6. 4^th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)

Unfortunately Springsteen didn't play this song at the Cincy show...even though he played it at the Indy show. Smith informed me that grown men were crying during the performance at Conseco. I can completely understand that. The song about young love (“Oh love me tonight and I promise I'll love you forever”)set in a 70's backdrop really captures a specific time and mood that on one hand greatly appeals to those of that generation but it also transcends to appeal to younger generations as well—young love seems to have that universal appeal.

5. Dancing in the Dark

In college I declared this to be my favorite song from the ‘80’s. That’s still true to this day. It’s a song that sounds like it’s from the ‘80’s…but in a good way.

4. The River

Click here.

3. Thunder Road

Not really much to say about this song that hasn’t been said before (and said better) by countless other critics or fans. What I will say is that I just recently downloaded (via itunes) the live version from the Hammersmith Odeon, London '75 concert album and it is simply outstanding. I really can’t stop listening to it.

2. Badlands

Probably has what I think to be Springsteen’s best line—“That ain't no sin to be glad your alive.” This song gets me fist pumping during the live shows almost to the extent of Born to Run. It’s that good.

1. Born to Run

I don’t think this song needs any explanation. Greatest rock song ever.