Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run

by Peter Ames Carlin

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the making of Bruce Springsteen’s ground-breaking album, Born to Run, one of the most iconic records in rock history “A lovely book about the making of Born to Run. It goes into great detail and great depth about what the record is, what it means, what it meant to us… The book means a lot to me.”—Bruce Springsteen

“Absorbing. . . A fascinating portrait of a talented, ambitious and stubborn young man with strong creative instincts.”—Los Angeles Times

From the opening piano notes of “Thunder Road,” to the final outro of “Jungleland”—with American anthems like “Born to Run” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze Out” in between—Bruce Springsteen’s seminal album, Born to Run, established Springsteen as a creative force in rock and roll. With his back against the wall, he wrote what has been hailed as a perfect album, a defining moment, and a roadmap for what would become a legendary career.

Peter Ames Carlin, author of the bestselling biography, Bruce, now returns with the full story of the making of this epic album, combining lush music writing with unprecedented inside access to Springsteen and his inner circle. Carlin reveals a treasure trove of untold stories, detailing the writing and recording of every song, as well as the intense and at times tortuous process that mimicked the fault lines in Springsteen’s psyche and career, even as it revealed the depth of his vision. A must-read for any music fan, Tonight in Jungleland takes us inside a hallowed creative process and lets us experience history.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Audiobook, Pop Culture, Biography Memoir

Audible Audio

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

"[Bruce Springsteen] began to think of the album of a series of linked songs describing a single day in the life of a young guy in central New Jersey, following him through a long day and endless night in which nothing, and everything, happens. But it was also about creation. About all of life, love, joy, pain, and sacrifice. From Freehold, NJ to Eden to heave to hell and, maybe, back again. The connection between Bruce, the characters in the story, and the central protagonist in the New Testament is unstated but clearly implied . . . 'I was on a mission,' [Springsteen said nearly fifty years later]. 'I gathered my disciples around me and we were in. We were going for the throat.'" -- on pages 118-119

Celebrating its golden anniversary this year, the genesis and production of Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band's album Born to Run is nimbly chronicled in rock journalist / biographer Carlin's excellent Tonight in Jungleland, sporting a title courtesy of the epic magnum opus ninth track that concludes the disc. Although now placed comfortably in our American rock music history as an elder statesman of sorts, the book is a reminder that Springsteen absolutely needed this third album back in 1975, as his prior two 1973 releases had generated only lukewarm interest, although he was a popular at small-scale live venues and on college radio. Certainly the text is enhanced by a copious amount of interviews Carlin conducted with nearly everyone involved - manager / producer Mike Appel, rock journalist / producer Jon Landau (who infamously quipped in 1974 that "I saw rock & roll's future, and it's name is Bruce Springsteen"), E Street-ers David Sancious, Roy Bittan, and Max Weinberg, plus Freehold and Asbury Park's favorite son himself. With both hard work and great fortune, the band created an arguably perfect album - a rare designation that I would also apply on their blockbuster Born in the U.S.A. from 1984 - in that all involved brought their 'A'-game, and every track is essential (no filler!) to its success. There's even a chapter recounting the legendary first time that Springsteen heard the album via an early pressing in mid-summer '75 (spoiler alert - he was initially dejected, and tossed it into a motel swimming pool), and it occurred in a small college town - hosting a state university whose alumni includes my father, two of my cousins, and several of my friends - that is only twenty-five miles from my birthplace. Certainly a local connection like that provides a happy jolt of recognition, but more importantly Carlin's narrative is musically smart and detailed without becoming too dense for some fair-weather fans. It was said that Springsteen was randomly influenced by Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Fats Domino, Elvis Presley, and even Bob Dylan, and those connections are undeniably evident in this album. Like many of the best books about a specific genre of music, it made me eagerly want to listen to the tracks once again.

[Sharon Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don’t go to church to learn new facts about Jesus. You go to church to reaffirm your faith.
That’s what “Tonight In Jungleland” is for me.
It’s the Gospel of Born To Run.
Carlin writes vividly about this fraught-yet-creative time in Springsteen’s life, and eloquently about the craft that goes into each of these songs. The story as we know it is is great, and as told here by Carlin is weirdly, almost beautifully cinematic with all its tragedy and triumph. So much so that at times I was on the edge of my seat even though I knew full-well how it ended, even though I’ve read and watched everything about the making of this album a hundred times.
Because that’s the thing.
If you buy into the mythology of Bruce, if you love him with all the madness in your soul (sorry), you don’t get tired of reading these stories.
A book like this, for me, beautifully, perfectly and unputdownedly reaffirms why I love Bruce.
If that’s corny or too true-believery, then maybe this isn’t the church for you.
Me? I’m out here singing HALLELUJAH.

[Caleb Billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're ever doubting the quality of something you created just remember when Bruce Springsteen heard the finished Born To Run album for the first time his reaction was to hurl it into the hotel swimming pool, say they should scrap the whole thing, and go hide in his room.

[Mazey Eddings]

really enjoyed this! listened to the audiobook. was intrigued because I love the album Born to Run but was surprised at what a deep exploration it was on the torture and beauty of the creative process. I didn't realize what an underdog Bruce was at the start of his career

[Martin Maenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doubleday Books provided an early galley for review.

I am a fan of Springsteen's music and this album. I have also read many books over the years about him. But, there is always room for one more.

I like how Carlin digs deep on the subject of this record, leaving no stone unturned as he discusses the events and circumstances that led to this pivotal point in the Boss' career. This was a make-or-break point, one that sent ripples across the rock industry for decades; and hearing from those who were directly there and involved was critical in telling the tale.

Strongly recommended for fans of the artist and the album.

[jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

fifty years ago this summer, bruce springsteen released one of the most exceptional albums in rock history. his third record, born to run contains eight flawless tracks clocking in at just under forty minutes, with a legacy that will deservedly endure well beyond its first half-century.

in 2012, rock biographer peter ames carlin (brian wilson, paul mccartney, paul simon, r.e.m.) published bruce, a spectacular biography of the jersey superstar — which, until bruce's stunning 2016 memoir, may well have been the definitive work chronicling the rocker's life. thus, it's fitting for carlin to return upon born to run's semicentennial with tonight in jungleland. carlin contextualizes the album's production, situating it as a make-or-break moment following the modest sales of springsteen's first two records (greetings from asbury park, n.j. and the wild, the innocent & the e street shuffle). carlin details the recording sessions, bruce's perfectionism and obsessional self-doubt (including the infamous acetate-in-the-hotel-pool incident), as well as the troubles with his record label which almost precluded the album from even being made.

as with his first book on bruce, carlin enjoyed access to springsteen himself (as well as his fellow e streeters), making tonight in jungleland a thorough account of the born to run sessions ("and the long, slow slog from the student prince in asbury park to the heights of billboard's national charts"). carlin writes admiringly of bruce and the new book unfurls with an episodic, almost cinematic warmth, as he recreates so many pivotal moments around the album's formation.

tonight in jungleland is a must-read for any springsteen fan or rock devotee.

[Marissa Jauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic, well researched, non-pretentious entry into the Springsteen lexicon. Carlin's deep dive into one of the greatest albums of all time explores not just the songs, but the work as a whole and the events, relationships, and turmoil that shaped it. I especially loved reading Bruce's own recollections of that time.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Peter Ames Carlin’s biography of Bruce Springsteen years ago and enjoyed it, so I was excited to see that he wrote another book about Springsteen, this time focusing on the album Born to Run. I think this book can best be described as an in-depth biography of Springsteen for the years 1969-1976. I loved hearing about Bruce’s writing and early drafts of the songs and seeing how they came to the final versions we hear on the album. There are lots of details about Bruce’s career, from the record company to his manager to early performances. The descriptions of Springsteen’s early shows were awesome! I wasn’t always a fan of how Carlin put the stories together, though: he bounces back & forth between the Born to Run years and the albums that came before it; I would have preferred a more linear progression at times.

I think Springsteen fans will enjoy this book; I know I found myself blaring Born to Run in my car after I finished it! I have always appreciated the art of a full album, and this book highlights the craft and effort that goes into creating a brilliant one. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guided tour, with unparalleled access, of one of the best albums ever made, relying on interviews with The Boss, his band mates/inner circle, and crazy-in-depth research. Sends you down rabbit holes every few pages, casting around for the YouTube version of Thunder Road (Acoustic), specific Springsteen live shows, the fate of early-exiting E-Streeters, etc.

Downsides: the occasional bout of bloated, overexcited prose and unprompted, two-bit psychoanalyses of Springsteen are obnoxious. Also the author suggesting he knows Springsteen better than he knows himself (e.g. Springsteen saying his Bottom Line shows were "just another gig," and Carlin declaring that Springsteen actually felt the opposite at the time) is patronizing and even more obnoxious

[Gary Anderson]

I’ve read a lot of books by and about Bruce Springsteen. Tonight in Jungleland: The Making of Born to Run is one of the best, and arguably the most insightful of those dedicated to a single Springsteen album. Peter Ames Carlin, author of Bruce (2012), draws on interviews with Springsteen and many of the others involved in the creation of Born to Run, a rock and roll masterpiece if there ever was one.

We see the songs evolve as Springsteen agonizingly seeks to create the greatest rock and roll album ever after disappointing sales of his first two albums. Carlin includes his own analysis but mostly lets Bruce and the other players tell the story of how Springsteen’s writing, live performances, and personal life infused each other with poetic power.

I’ve listened to the Born to Run album countless times over several decades. This book lets me understand and appreciate it even more by capturing not just how Born to Run was made, but why it mattered so much to Springsteen and everyone involved. If the line “Tramps like us, baby, we were born to run” ever resonated with you, Tonight in Jungleland will help you understand why.

Tonight in Jungleland is one of my favorite books of the year.

[Jason Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read this year. Ames frames the making of Bruce’s breakthrough album as a clock-ticking thriller. Springsteen & Co. struggle against dumbshit CBS executives who wanted to launch him from the label, internal band strife, Bruce’s constant self-doubt, the limitations of recording tech, mounting debt, and a hard date set by which Springsteen has to deliver his third album—or else.

An incredible story depicting how tough it is to make anything, much less one of the greatest rock albums in history.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio and enjoyed it. I was thinking that it would have been even better if audio clips could have been interspersed with the book as it is the story of the making of his iconic Born to Run album which truly is a fantastic record. The story and getting to know a younger Springsteen and what made him tick was very interesting. Recommend for die-hard Bruce fans.

[Eric Kalenze · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a record, I really hope it has a book like this as a complement--and I really hope you read that book and listen to that record you love over and over as you learn what went into it. This book made me listen to and think about a record I'd listened to thousands of times in wholly different ways. More books like this, please and thank you.

[Justin Gerber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, pretty redundant if you’ve read Carlin’s biography or The Boss’ autobiography.

[Angela DeLuccia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goosebumps from the very first page—Carlin’s words made me feel like I was in the studio, watching history being made. Both “Born to Run” and I turn 50 this year, and this album still feels like a heartbeat I’ve carried with me all my life. Peter Ames Carlin not only traces the history of this epic record, but reveals why Bruce Springsteen stands among the most thoughtful, brilliant, and purposeful artists of all time. Decades later, these songs still speak to the restless dreamer in me—the part that longs to break free and run toward something bigger.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

pure love

The only reason this has taken me longer to read than it should have done is because I’ve continually been stopping to listen to the music. At least 10 full album run throughs…and a load of YouTube.
I love every note in this album.
I’ve loved reading this book.
Now I need to go find the acoustic Thunder Road…

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as interesting as hearing Bruce Springsteen read his own memoir, but for a fan, this was a nice little behind-the-scenes look at the album and what the music industry was like it its day— very different from today!

Unfortunately, it’s poorly organized, as the author (whose narration is a bit dreary) tries to figure out how to present as much material as possible, so by the end of the book, it has contradicted itself and lost the cohesiveness of the narrative.

It is also lacking any of the music outtakes that made the author’s NPR interview trigger my interest in the book. (A classical orchestra and choir in Born to Run? They really were desperately trying everything at that point.)

Still, for those who know Born to Run as the best freakin’ rock and roll album ever, it’s a good read.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was excellent but perhaps not for the casual Bruce fan.However, any musician who writes his own songs would enjoy and benefit from it. The sheer determination, stubbornness and perseverance of Bruce and those that were closest to him is beyond description. And can only be admired. Anyone who thinks “you write a song, record a song, and when you’re lucky get famous” are in for a rude awakening when they realize what goes into doing these things. Some aspects of the music industry are much easier now (or seem to be) as recording artists can release their songs when and how they want to, directly to the public. Back in the 70’s everything was controlled by the record company’s and radio DJ’s of which there were many.

[Christopher Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Bruce and or Born To Run like I do then I recommend you read this book. Great deep dive into the making of this album that just celebrated the 50th anniversary of its release.

[Stephen Ditman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Django Laić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Ames Carlin 'Tonight in Jungleland'

Taman nakon što smo dovršili seciranje njegovog raskošnog box seta sa sedam izgubljenih albuma, "Tracks II", opet smo primorani pisati o Bruceu Springsteenu. Povod je ovaj put današnja pedeseta obljetnica njegovg presudnog albuma "Born to Run" koja je, između ostalog, obilježena i objavom knjige njujorškog novinara, pisca i biografa Petera Amesa Carlina "Tonight in Jungleland" u čijem je središtu upravo nastanak ovog albuma s kojim će Boss napokon, nakon dva vrlo dobra ali slabo prodavana albuma, napokon pronaći put do šire publike.

Carlin je poznat po cijelom nizu glazbenih biografija u kojemu se nalazi i jedna Bruce Springsteena ("Bruce" iz 2012.) nastala na temelju razgovora koje je vodio s rockerom, a iz kojih će crpiti i za potrebe "Tonight in Jungleland", a od kojih je posljednja ona R.E.M.-a, "The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.", objavljena krajem prošle godine.

Njegova nova knjiga posvećena je Charlieju Crossu, novinaru koji je pokrenuo Backstreets, superpopularni fanzin posvećen Springsteenu, a koji je preminuo lani, godinu dana nakon što je i njegova publikacija prestala s objavljivanjem. Nakon jedne večere Cross je bacio bubu u uho Carlinu rekavši mu da istraži što se dogodilo u Bruceu da je "Born to Run" bio na zasebnoj razini u odnosu na prethodna dva albuma. "Kako je sve postalo tako sjajno?"

U najkraćim crtama, s mnogo truda i divljačkom predanošću. I vjerom u sebe koja će napokon i glavešine u Columbiji natjerati da vide kako Bruce nije tek jedna od folk rock kantautorskih kopija Boba Dylana, već umjetnik s vlastitom vizijom i vatrom u sebi koja će novinara Jona Landaua uvjeriti da je vidio "budućnost rock and rolla" kad doživi njegov nastup uživo, te uskoro postane i njegov koproducent na njegovoj nadolazećoj ploči, uz ludog Mikea Appela i samog Springsteena.

Ovo razdoblje Bossove karijere već je uglavnom prilično poznato najvećim obožavateljima, ali Carlin nalaza nove načine da ispriča mukotrpan rad na presudnom albumu, od pisanja prve verzije njegove naslovne pjesme koja je krenula kao gotovo nadrealna slika uznemirenih američkih ulica, da bi se pretvorila u romantičan poziv na bijeg, što je u svojoj srži , uostalom, i uvodni klasik "Thunder Road".

Saznat ćemo i o sessionu koji je trajao cijelu noć doć Bruce iz svog vjernog druga Clarencea "Big Mana" Clemonsa (koji je s njim i pozirao za naslovnicu ploče) nije izvukao savršen solo za epsko finale u pjesmi "Jungleland", kao i o pjesmam koje je bend tada snimao u studiju, no nisu našle mjesto na završnoj verziji ove ploče. Među takvima je upravo prošli tjedan, povodom današnje obljetnice, objavljena "Lonely Night in the Park".

Carlin piše i o nizu od deset koncerata u Bottom Lineu u njujorškom Greenwich Villageu na kojima će ne samo promovirati "Born to Run" nego i kritičarima pookazati sav potencijal sebe kao frontmena i autora, kao i svog legendarnog E Street Banda, a koji će Rolling Stone 1987. staviti na popis 20 nastupa koji će promijeniti rock and roll. Upravo se šuška da bi i videozapisi s tih koncerata ove godine u sklopu obilježavanja jubilarne obljetnice mogli dobiti i svoje službeno izdanje.

Isto tako, iz knjige ćemo saznati i o trenutku kad je Bruceova ranije spominjana vjera u sebe dovedena u pitanje nakon što je poslušao testni primjerak ploče prije nego što je objavljena i upao u nesigurnost i krizu koja ga je natjerala da ploču baci u bazen hotela i poželi sve snimiti ispočetka, uživo u studiju, jer je pomislio kako izvorna verzija ne odgovara onome što je on zamislio. Srećom, suradnici su ga natjerali da se predomisli, a sve ostalo je, kako se kaže, povijest.

"Born to Run" će postati ne samo Springsteenovim najuspješnijim albumom do tog trenutka, već i favoritom kritike koji je se do danas smatra jednom od njegovih najboljih, ako ne i najboljom pločom. Njegov uspjeh od Brucea će stvoriti zvijezdu čiji će status ostati nepokoleban u narednih pola stoljeća. Carlinova knjiga sa svojim oštrim fokusom na upravo to razdoblje bit će konstruktivan dodatak literarnoj prehrani svih njegovih fanova koji žele znati više o Bruceovom probaju u stratosferu rocka, a i uspjet će u svojoj zadaći, to jest na svojih 250 stranica objasniti nam kako je sve postalo sjajno.

(Doubleday, 256 stranica, tvrdi uvez, 2025.)

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic piece of history! This book allows readers to take part in the creation process of Bruce Springsteen. It is fantastic to see this story from inside the minds of the musicians.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Ames Carlin’s Tonight in Jungleland chronicles the months Bruce Springsteen poured his heart into making Born to Run (which, hard to believe, turned FIFTY years old this year). Now I just wish THIS album’s journey was the one hitting big screens this fall. (Jersey boy Domenic Sessa was RIGHT there to play young Bruce!)

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an in-depth coverage of the making of one of the greatest rock albums, this book was a little disjointed and often repetitive. It's clear it was written quickly, with a minimum of editing. Still worth the read, if you're a Bruce fan, though.

[Ben Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

One for dedicated fans willing to wade through repetitive tangents to dig out the nearly obscured nuggets

[Mark Hartzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way back in August 1975, I was a high school junior about to be a senior and ‘Born to Run’ came out. In Chicagoland, we did not listen to his previous music. It was just not that good, and I don’t remember anyone of my peers being interested either. It was not on the radio, and we had other stuff.

But the hype was serious. I religiously read Rolling Stone, and they LOVED Bruce Springsteen. So, I picked up the album and gave it some time. It was much better than the overly wordy stuff he had released before, but did it sound any better than Physical Graffiti? Heavens no. That album came out earlier that spring and Deep Purple’s Burn was still rockin’.

The short version is that while ‘Born to Run’ was a very good album, it was not any better than the stuff we were listening to already. Mr. Springsteen got better and became an artist that was interesting to those of us not on the East Coast. Carlin's point about the death of 'Rock 'n' Roll' before this is simply ridiculous.

Mr. Carlin does a great job telling the story of a brief and critical period of Springsteen’s career. He is a very good writer, and if you are really interested in hearing about a pretty good album and a very good artist, this is recommended. 3.5 stars

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been a huge Springsteen fan, and I was not overly impressed with "Born to Run" when it came out in 1975. His songs on that album WERE overproduced and he still had plenty to learn about singing in a recording studio. Still, no question that some of the songs were really powerful, and I have liked many of his albums. I saw him on "The River" tour in 1980, and no question he's an incredible showman. I think "Darkness" and "The River" are his best, but I also very much like "The Rising" and "Nebraska".
Anyway, I enjoyed this book because I appreciate and respect what Springsteen has done over a career spanning 50+ years, but I did find plenty of parts awfully repetitive. Springsteen sitting in a corner of the studio, saying nothing for hours on end...Springsteen blowing away skeptical audiences in venues large and small...Springsteen at 75 sipping tequila and looking back...

[Dave Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave's Summary

Peter Ames Carlin’s "Tonight in Jungleland" explores how Bruce Springsteen created Born to Run, the 1975 album that turned him from a struggling New Jersey musician into a national rock icon. Drawing on interviews with Springsteen, the E Street Band, and archival material, Carlin traces the album’s evolution from rough garage rehearsals to its triumphant release. He shows how Springsteen’s relentless perfectionism, his partnership with producer Jon Landau, and his fight to win Columbia Records’ support shaped every note.

Carlin details the long studio sessions, creative tensions, and moments of doubt that nearly derailed the project, while revealing how songs like “Born to Run,” “Jungleland,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” captured themes of love, escape, and hope. He also connects Springsteen’s drive to his complex family history and strained relationship with his father, showing how personal pain fueled artistic ambition. When Born to Run finally dropped, critics hailed it as a masterpiece, and Springsteen landed on the covers of Time and Newsweek in the same week.

Fifty years later, Carlin revisits the album’s legacy and Springsteen’s reflection on the work that defined his career.

This is a must read for every Springsteen fan.

Key Takeaways

• Born to Run marked Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough, transforming him from a regional act into a national rock star.
• Peter Ames Carlin’s book draws on new interviews with Springsteen, the E Street Band, and access to deep archival material.
• Springsteen’s perfectionism drove marathon studio sessions that tested everyone involved but produced a timeless sound.
• Producer Jon Landau’s guidance shifted Springsteen’s recording approach, emphasizing layered studio production over live energy.
• Columbia Records nearly dropped Springsteen before “Born to Run” convinced executives to fund a third album.
• The album’s songs—especially “Born to Run,” “Jungleland,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”—explore themes of love, escape, struggle, and redemption.
• Springsteen’s strained relationship with his father deeply shaped his songwriting and emotional intensity.
• The creation of Born to Run reflected a pivotal mix of ambition, luck, and creative risk during 1974–1975.
• The dual Time and Newsweek cover stories in the same week cemented Springsteen’s image as rock’s new hero.

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this in-depth look at the making of Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen's break through rock and roll album in the mid 70s. Peter Carlin adds depth and context to Springsteen's own memoir, Born to Run, that I found amazing. Carlin knows how to make the reader feel Springsteen's angst and indecision as he fights to express himself musically, wanting every note, lyric, rhythm, background to be perfect and to tell his story. Even though, as a reader, I knew the album would be a huge success, I kept rooting for Springsteen to get it right and could feel his disappointment when so many snags occurred before meeting his deadline.
But what struck me most was the similarity with another book I read recently The Noise of Time, by Julian Barnes, about Dimitri Shostakovich's struggle to maintain himself in his music in spite of the Soviet powers telling him what and how to write his music. As an artist, Springsteen feels a similar challenge as record executives and critics attempt to shape his music for the market and tell him what his music means. Only Shastokovich and Springsteen know what their intensely worked-on compositions and arrangements mean. That's why some artists achieve greatness; they keep their integrity in spite of challenges and have something profound and universal to say about life and living and it resonates with the audience. I have not listened to Springsteen's music, but if I do, I will have some background to do so.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a hard time really evaluating this book as a work of reportage or analysis, because I am unfamiliar with the lore already known to die-hard Springsteen fans. I have long admired Bruce Springsteen in a Greatest Hits kinda way, so I was real familiar with "Thunder Road," "Born to Run," and "Jungleland," but really dug into the rest of the album in conjunction with reading this. Verdit: it's a supremely good album. Shocker, right? This does seem more like a history than a cultural analysis, and honestly, that may be for the best. A really good companion to last year's Steven Hyden's 'There Was Nothing You Could Do' about 'Born in the USA," bookending the Boss's commercial and cultural peak era.