Born in the USA: Bruce Springsteen and the American Tradition

by Jim Cullen

Book Overview

Moving beyond the biographical and journalistic approaches of most writing on Bruce Springsteen, Born in the U.S.A. was the first major work of cultural criticism to situate Springsteen's work in the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060187808
• ISBN13: 9780060187804
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 254 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.9" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

A Great Read

I highly recommend Geoffrey Hine's book on Born in the U.S.A. I had forgotten how good this album is. There were lots of good insights into Springsteen's creative process particularly how he was more successful when he started to pare down his lyrics for works such as Born in the U.S.A. There's fine research on the genesis of songs such as the title song. Also, there is a lot of additional information on the making of Nebraska, one of Springsteen's best works. You have to laugh when you read how politicians and pundits like Ronald Reagan and George Will praised the work of Springsteen at the time. They didn't quite get it. Finally, there is an excellent discography of Springsteen's work at the end of the book. A great read which I thoroughly enjoyed

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Whether you're a fan of springsteen's or a student of american history, this is a must-read. This book is by no means a biography, it is a study of Springsteen's work and its' meaning and context. I have no idea what this fella from spain is talking about calling these essays overblown and that Cullen has no right to compare someone of springsteen's stature to whitman. Cullen does an excellent job of discussing his theses - two of the most intriguing being how springsteen's viewpoints on parenthood and women grow and mature throughout his body of work (how many other rock stars work have that degree of sophistication?). Well-written, well-executed, anove all, SMART. More books like this - serious studies on a musician's work and not his/her life and lifestyle - should exist. p.s. I originally wrote this way back when. I recently got a new e-address and am in the process of updating all my old postings. So, yes, you may see this review twice. It is worth noting that since the time I originally wrote this, I've re-read various sections, and was impressed with how well they stood up to repeated readings. So - yes, I stand beside my original review and then some.

Interesting Interpretations

This is the kind of book that makes you think; sure, some of the conclusions are far fetched, but at least Jim Cullen offers an interesting and original perspective. Cullen firmly places Springsteen in an American tradition; puts the man and his music in a broader perspective, and he does this convincingly. The book is obviously a continuation of the article on Springsteen he published before, read this first. To say that his comparisons and his analyses are tenuous is easy; you really need to read the book carefully to be able to appreciate Cullen's interpretations, that is what they are, interpretations. Cullen doesn't seem to pretend otherwise and rightfully so because the assumptions he makes cannot be empirically proven, they don't have to be, art cannot be dissected mathematically. Therefore, if you are a more experienced reader, preferably in academic writings, AND a fan of Bruce Springsteen, this book is food for thought and well worth the money.

Highly Recommended

Whether you're a fan of springsteen's or a student of american history, this is a must-read. This book is by no means a biography, it is a study of his work and its' meaning and context. I have no idea what this fella from spain is talking about calling these essays overblown and that Cullen has no right to compare someone of springsteen's stature to whitman. Cullen does an excellent job of discussing his theses - two of the most intriguing being how springsteen's viewpoints on parenthood and women grow and mature throughout his body of work (how many other rock stars work have that degree of sophistication?). Well-written, well-executed, anove all, SMART. More books about like this - serious studies on a musician's work and not his/her life and lifestyle - should exist.

Thought provoking & interesting overview of the Boss's work.

Jim Cullen has taken the time and effort to articulate what the true Springsteen fan has known for years. That the Boss's music has always been about much more than cars, girls and good times. Cullen uses the critical eye of an accomplished historian to peel back the many layers that underlie Springsteen's songs. Cullen's analysis demonstrates why Springsteen's songs have their unique power as they combine an introspective philosophy of life with the power and emotion of great music. In short, Cullen shows why Springsteen is ultimately more than just a great rock and roll performer. He is in fact a great and uniquely American artist in the best tradition of John Steinbeck and Walt Whitman whose work should stand the test of time. Must reading for any true Springsteen fan.