Born in the U.S.A.

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Born in the U.S.A. is an album by Bruce Springsteen, released in 1984 (see 1984 in music). In contrast to his previous album, the critical favorite Nebraska, Born in the U.S.A. featured anthemic and radio-friendly arrangements. Born in the USA was the first CD pressed in the United States for commercial release. It was voted as the best album of the year in The Village Voice Pazz & Jop critics poll, and is by far the best-selling album of Springsteen's career.

Related Topics:
Bruce Springsteen - 1984 - 1984 in music - Nebraska - CD - The Village Voice - Pazz & Jop

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The title track, "Born in the U.S.A." is one of Springsteen's best known songs. Many have misinterpreted the song as a simple nationalistic anthem, while in reality, it is a song of protest depicting the hardships Vietnam veterans faced upon their return from the war. In spite of this, many politicians (notably including Ronald Reagan) have used the song without permission in their campaigns, and during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq many counterdemonstrators played the song opposite peace protests. In 2004, Senator John Kerry used "No Surrender" as his campaign theme song during his 2004 presidential campaign; both it and "Bobby Jean" reflect in part the departure of Steven Van Zandt from the E Street Band.

Related Topics:
Vietnam veteran - War - Ronald Reagan - 2003 Invasion of Iraq - Peace - John Kerry - 2004 presidential campaign - Steven Van Zandt

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"Dancing in the Dark" was Springsteen's first really big hit single; its up-tempo synthesizer riffs introduced a new element into his sound. "Cover Me" was a dance track originally intended for Donna Summer. "My Hometown" is based on 1960s racial and economic tensions in Springsteen's hometown of Freehold. In all there were seven top 10 hit singles from this album.

Related Topics:
Donna Summer - Freehold

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