.jpg)
Today is the 50th anniversary of the publication of one of the most spectacular works that the history of music has ever produced: Born to run by Bruce Springsteen. It is very difficult to choose a single song from this entire masterpiece, although The Grandma's favourite song has always been Thunder Road, a song about resilience and continuing forward despite setbacks and difficulties, but the song that gives the title to this work Born to run, is no less spectacular and, just like with Thunder Road, encourages us to keep going and not give up, because that is what it is always about: not giving up.
Thank you, Bruce. We have always followed you, since that unforgettable concert at the Palau dels Esports in Barcelona in 1981, and we will continue to do so. Thank you for being the soundtrack of our lives, for writing such spectacular songs and for accompanying them with this music that is so unmistakably yours.
More information: Bruce Springsteen & BCN, I'll see you in my dreams
Born to Run is the third studio album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on August 25, 1975, through Columbia Records.
Co-produced by Springsteen with his manager Mike Appel and the producer Jon Landau, its recording took place in New York. Following the commercial failures of his first two albums, the album marked Springsteen's effort to break into the mainstream and create a commercially successful album. Springsteen sought to emulate Phil Spector's Wall of Sound production, leading to prolonged sessions with the E Street Band lasting from January 1974 to July 1975; six months alone were spent working on the title track.
The album incorporates musical styles including rock and roll, pop rock, R&B, and folk rock. Its character-driven lyrics describe individuals who feel trapped and fantasize about escaping to a better life, conjured via romantic lyrical imagery of highways and travel. Springsteen envisioned the songs taking place over one long summer day and night. They are also less tied to the New Jersey area than his previous work.
The album cover, featuring Springsteen leaning on E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons's shoulder, is considered iconic and has been imitated by various musicians and in other media.
Supported by an expensive promotional campaign, Born to Run became a commercial success, reaching number three on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and the top ten in three others. Two singles were released, Born to Run and Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out, the first of which became a radio and live favourite. The album's release generated extensive publicity, leading to backlash from critics who expressed skepticism over whether Springsteen's newfound attention was warranted. Following its release, Springsteen became embroiled in legal issues with Appel, leading him to tour the United States and Europe for almost two years. Upon release, Born to Run received highly positive reviews. Critics praised the storytelling and music, although some viewed its production as excessive and heavy-handed.
Born to Run was Springsteen's breakthrough album. Its success has been attributed to capturing the ideals of a generation of American youths during a decade of political turmoil, war, and issues facing the working class.
Over the following decades, the album has become widely regarded as a masterpiece and one of Springsteen's best records. It has appeared on various lists of the greatest albums of all time and was inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2003 by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
Born to Run received an expanded reissue in 2005 to celebrate its 30th anniversary, featuring a concert film and a documentary detailing the album's making.
More information: Bruce Springsteen
Always trying to reach us,
From that shadow world,
And they're with us every step of the way.
Bruce Springsteen
