Top 5 Songs on Born in the USA

These were tougher than the rankings for “Darkness”, probably because a lot of the songs are so similar.

These rankings are based on the album version of the song.

5. Born in the USA

I heard Bruce turned down something like 78 bazillion dollars for this to be used in a commercial.

4. Glory Days

One of Bruce’s “fun music, depressing lyrics” classics.

3. Darlington Country

Great for road trips.

2. I’m Goin’ Down

A big favorite back in college.

1. No Surrender

One of Bruce’s best opening lyrics.

Top 5 Songs on Darkness on the Edge of Town

These rankings are based on the album version of the songs.

5. Darkness on the Edge of Town

Great last verse.

4. Candy’s Room

Short and awesome.

3. The Promised Land

I usually associate this one with “Prove It All Night”. This is better on the album, but “Prove It” is better in concert.

2. Racing in the Street

I used to dislike this one…I was an idiot.

1. Badlands

It ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive.

Top 5 “Non-Essential” Springsteen Songs

I wanted to make a list of my favorite “obscure” Springsteen songs, so I needed a definitive way to establish which to consider. So, if a song is on Springsteen’s “Essential” collection or his Greatest Hits album, then it is ineligible. Here goes the first Springsteen list.

5. I’m Goin’ Down

We listened to this all the time in college. And for good reason.

4. Backstreets

Inspiration for one of my first Fantasy team names: the “Duke Street Kings”. It is also one of the great running songs of all time. (Hmm…sounds like another good list.)

3. Candy’s Room

I always enjoy a song that “kicks in” at some point. And this one does it twice, in only three minutes.

2. No Surrender

Probably the most well-known of the five. Excellent in its conventional fast version, but also as a slower acoustic ditty (as on the “Live 75-85″ album).

1. Racing in the Street

There was an extended period of time when I would skip this one whenever I listened to the “Darkness” album. Well, not anymore.

(As it turns out, all five came from the “Big 3″ albums. I wasn’t expecting that. Maybe I should’ve restricted it to one song per album. Too late now. )