The album Bruce Springsteen calls his “samurai record”

(Credits: Far Out / Columbia Records)

When delving into America’s aspirations, Bruce Springsteen epitomises the ethos of the working-class spirit. While his background might not entirely mirror the stories he weaves in his songs, Springsteen grasped the universal truth that dedication and determination were essential for anyone striving to stand out.

Springsteen’s breakthrough came with the release of the 1975 album Born to Run, propelling him into the spotlight with anthems that spoke to ordinary Americans’ hopes, aspirations, and challenges.

Inspired by his surroundings and upbringing, Springsteen’s lyrics paint portraits of small-town life, capturing the essence of everyday people striving for something more. His narratives about factory workers, dreamers, and the oppressed resonate universally, establishing an emotional connection with audiences worldwide.

As Springsteen’s career unfolded, subsequent albums like Darkness on the Edge of Town, The River, and Nebraska showcased his evolution as a songwriter and storyteller. These records delved deeper into the human condition, exploring disillusionment, longing, and the pursuit of the elusive American dream.

Amid the burgeoning visibility of class divides in society, Springsteen recognised the necessity for pop music to offer fresh perspectives on political issues. This awareness was threaded through Darkness on the Edge of Town, an album which served as a pivotal juncture in the trajectory of Springsteen’s career.

“Darkness [on the Edge of Town] was my samurai record, all stripped down for fighting,” Springsteen explained in his autobiography, Born To Run. “My protagonists in these songs had to divest themselves of all that was unnecessary to survive.”

He added: “On Born to Run, a personal battle was engaged, but the collective war continued. On Darkness, the political implications of the lives I was writing about began to come to the fore, and I searched for a music that could contain them.”

Darkness on the Edge of Town went on to receive acclaim for its brutal honesty, sincerity, and authenticity. It connected deeply with audiences, resonating as a testament to the struggles and resilience of those struggling to keep up with a fast-paced capitalist society.