Glory Days: Springsteen's Greatest Albums

by Peter Chianca

Over 40 years, Bruce Springsteen has released 17 studio albums, almost all of them ambitious and socially relevant - and among the greatest records ever released.

But by a process of elimination, one of them has to be “the best” – and veteran newspaper columnist and Bruce blogger Peter Chianca has taken on the task of determining which one.

The author analyzes eight of Springsteen’s most enduring albums – including one or two that may surprise you – and then crowns one of them his finest work.

Whether you agree with his pick or not, 'Glory Days' is bound to remind you of the special elements that drew you to Springsteen’s work in the first place, whether it was in 1974 or 2012.

Peter Chianca is an award-winning newspaper columnist and editor who’s written about popular culture and media for more than two decades. Since 2007, his blog, Blogness on the Edge of Town (blogs.wickedlocal.com/springsteen), has featured breaking news, commentary, reviews and humor about Bruce Springsteen and other rock music topics. He lives near Boston with his wife, two kids and a half-dozen dogs and cats, at least one of whom is named Bruce.

Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

48 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2012

Reviews

[Ross Cumming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically does what it says on the cover. Chianca whittles down Springsteen's 17 studio albums to his top 8 and writes an essay on the pros & cons of each of these albums. In the final chapter he names what he thinks is Bruce's greatest album, giving his reasons for choosing it against the others. It's an extremely subjective topic and as he states himself, it will satisfy some people an enrage others.
It's a good quick read for Springsteen fans but probably a bit pointless as we fans all have our own opinion on what is our favourite album and I'm sure that varies day to day depending on what kind of mood we're in.

[J.J. Lair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this because I was actually looking at another book, but that book looked pricey and not well researched. This book was short and cheap, too long for a blog but too short for a paper book. He only reviews eight of Springsteen’s many albums to determine what he feels is the best album.
I see his reasoning in his choices as he analyzes each song in the album and gives his review. His choice makes sense so I have no issues with the analysis.
For a e-book, that I read in half an hour, it was worth it.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only way you can love something like this is to write it yourself as this is so subjective. I agreed with 75% of this and I'd go as far to say our top 2 are the same (depending on which day of the week it is)... But I was frustrated at certain tracks that have so much meaning to me (& Springsteen) that could have full chapters written on them being glossed over with phrases like 'also carry meaning'.

The topic makes for great pub chat though... (Hint hint for Tuesday Scott, Ross & Phil)