BORN IN THE USA by Geoffrey Himes (epub)(Nonfiction)

BORN IN THE USA by Geoffrey Himes (epub)(Nonfiction)
Author: Geoffrey Himes
Full title: Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA (33 1/3 series)
Length: 144 pages
Release date: August 19, 2005
Genre/Categories: Nonfiction; Music criticism; Album analysis

Part of the acclaimed 33 1/3 series, Himes makes a passionate case for Born in the U.S.A. (1984) as Springsteen’s greatest album, arguing its balance of comedy, tragedy, lust, and social commentary represents his peak as a songwriter. He traces the album’s evolution from the sparse Nebraska demos through 18 months of studio agonising, with Springsteen stripping wordy lyrics, embracing pop hooks, and achieving a rare mix of accessibility and depth. Himes contextualises the record’s massive commercial success amid Reaganism and Vietnam’s shadow, while dissecting tracks like the title song’s misunderstood patriotism and the humour in “Dancing in the Dark.”