Springsteen's live shows are a masterclass in bombastic stadium rock, and they are a wonderful thing...other than that, I can see where this article's coming from !

Good meaty pop songs. Stop thinking so much and just enjoy!

what is there not to get ? i was not born in new jersey and i dont drive, but since 1974 when i frst came upon him and many years later and many many concerts later , he is still top of his game,yes like most artist he has made a few poor albums, but live shows , he cant be beat. and im sorry two say i like many others who follow bruce did not grow up in the ame zip code has him, he does have plenty of things to say ,and we do listen, i must say i find most of these i just dont get article's quite dull.why not just post i dont like such and such , end of .without the big overblown piece.end of the day you either like someone or you dont, i like someone for the the music not there point's of view, and bruce does not try like bono to get you on his side, he states his point , and moves on , unlike bono who wants to be god ,and save the world.for himsself,

The above aricle is probably written by an intern. I think the writer of this thing takes himself to serious!!! not brucie!! as bruce would say in his SXSW keynote speech (watch at youtube please "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWbv0SUVQjM" ), you'll find out that he doesn't take himself so seriously.)) nothing but poking fun and selfcomedy. He'd say: You suck!!!!

Springsteen's unrivalled popularity in the USA is rooted in the circumstances you mention - he's seen as being intrinsically connected to all of the hopes (however futile) of the American people and yet he's managed to pull off the "American Dream" quite spectacularly. He may be loved even more for spending so much time pointing out that the same dream turns out to be impossible for 99.99% of Americans. A white man's blue-collar Blues? He's probably just about as reasonable and genuine as it's possible to be when you're idolised by as many people as he is... there are so many incredibly successful American artists who never make it out of America (if you've heard anything by Garth Brooks you'll realise that's generally a good thing) I saw him play live at Hyde Park a few years ago and two things struck me: firstly, there seemed to be a mis-match between how much of a big deal people thought Bruce Springsteen was and how much of a big deal Bruce Springsteen expected people to think of him (I don't think this occurs in the USA). Secondly I was blown away by the quality of the music... The E Street band, in particular the late Clarence Clemons, were utterly outstanding and well worth the money. Bruce, to be fair, made a fair contribution to that experience. For me his records are a bit hit and miss... I can't possibly claim to have any connection to his lyrics, which as you mention aren't that great anyway (although that's never got in the way of an artist's popularity and in many instances has probably enhanced it) although I think, for example, some of his tracks from the Seeger Sessions are very very good - maybe because, despite the political undertones that may or may not have fuelled his desire to record the album, he doesn't seem to be taking himself "so fucking serious" in the recording of it. And by the way, apparently he hates being called the Boss.

So simplistic that you, in your own words, dont get it. Mike is right, what is wrong with just saying you dont like something? The article above is just fundamentally stupid for so many reasons.

Vastly overrated artist

This is the second of the four recent I Don't Get...articles that I disagree with (The Smiths being the other one) but I don't get annoyed by the fact that a contributor expresses his or her dislike for an artiste that I happen to like. I don't get why some people overreact to someone having a different opinion to their own - look at the Muse article for a lot of hate. Which is just laughable, especially because they are crap. They just ARE.

Nice to see you to see oh fuck,wrong Bruce...

Okay, so you don't get Sprinsteen. It's interesting that you feel the need to analyse this troubling situation in such detail. Did you ever consider that maybe there's nothing to get? That maybe at the end of the day its just music. If Springsteen doesn’t float your boat, go and listen to something that does. Life is too short to sit around ruing an artists 'limitations' and feeling left out because he fails to connect with you in the same way he seems to with millions of others. Get over yourself and move on.

First of all, you like what you like. I long ago gave up trying to turn someone on to an artist who they so obviously dislike. My problem with your logic is with your claiming to speak for the majority of the music community. Bruce has attained the status he has based on HIS RECORD (pardon the pun) and the high regard in which he's held by his peers and fan base. Your argument that only someone from Jersey could relate to his lyrics is wildly misguided. His fan base is, if anything, even huger in Europe than the USA at this time. His albums run the gamut from Spectorish rock to virtually all forms of American music. Lyrically he addresses universal themes that EVERYONE can relate to in their own lives.I am one who feels he has written my life story over the course of his career. His concerts have been and continue to be the STATE OF THE ART in live performance. Please try to give me even one review from the current tour that isn't an over the top rave. FORTY PLUS years into his career he is more relevant and playing better than ever. Disagree with but DO NOT speak for me.

@Chris. Well said. Your reply to the author could equally be put to those who 'don't get' The Smiths, Muse, The beatles etc. If you don't get it - don't fucking listen! Leave the listening to those that 'do get it'!

I just don't get...don't get articles...as it happens, I agree with this one. I should really like Springsteen; great voice, successor to Dylan, left-leaning, but he's just never grabbed me the way loads of other artists have. Don't know why, don't care, but I, like many others, question the validity of these types of articles. Why not 'Why I think Dylan/ The Pixies/ Massive Attack/ Dubstep/ whoever is the bomb?'

@Chris @Andy I would venture Russell doesn't listen to Bruce much anymore. The internet is a wondrous thing because it provides a platform for people to put forward different opinion. It's designed to stimulate debate, otherwise we'd all be sitting around talking about how amazing the Darkness re-issue was. I don't actually agree with Russell AT ALL; Born To Run is my favourite album ever, Thunder Road my favourite song, the second night at Emirates a few years back my favourite gig. But it's at least interesting to read an that is opinion different to yours, and maybe encourage you to put forward why it is YOU get him. That's what these Comment boards are for. You knew what the thrust of this article was going to be from the outset because it's got a headline, yet you still went ahead, read it and got yourself into a big sweary lather. The reality is that if anyone needs to get over themselves, it's you.

you're an idiot

You are so wide of the mark I can't believe that you wrote an article like a three year old. I live in the UK I get what he is saying the themes and narratives of his songs quite easily. So I will point a few of them out to you 1. Redemption 2.aspiration 3.sense of belonging, where do I fit in this world Can you understand these concepts, in my opinion you don't. Every person has an opinion and it's valid to them but I think you are one of these people who likes to go against the grain a little bit of controversy to get yourself on the map. by the way if you had an ounce of the creativity charisma personality of Bruce you might just about get it, but I doubt it. In fact a crappy article that does nothing except show what a complete cretin you are feel free to reply to me at telswint@ymail.com and make an even bigger idiot of yourself

You complain that all of his work isn't accessible because it boils down to driving around Jersey in the 70s... Then you complain that he's too politically conscious for you today. Make up your mind: is his music too simplistic and geographically limited or does his evolution as an artist (and thinker) into a more politically worldview not align with your own? You want meaningless caricatures? Listen to Toby Keith.

It always amuses me that Bruce seems to invoke enough passion from those who don't get him that they feel compelled to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard in this modern age). There are many artists who don't move me musically, but I'm not compelled to shout it out to the world. It just is what it is. However, the non-Springsteen fan seems compelled to constantly promote their opinion of him being a talentless, over-rated, disconnected hack. And this amuses me. Obviously, I am a fan. I love the music, the man and the live shows. If you've ever been in a relationship - good or bad - he has a song that resonates that relationship. Lost someone? Listen to Terry's Song or My City of Ruins. Hate your job? Give Factory a listen. Just want to get out of town and blow off some steam: Thunder Road or Born to Run. Just want some good ole fun - Thundercrack, Sherry Darling, Ain't Good Enough For You . . . I could go on. As for taking himself too seriously, I think Bruce is the one having the most fun at his concerts. He vamps, struts, crowd surfs, engages in a little (well, maybe a lot) of bad acting, and he dances. I experience complete and utter joy at a Springsteen concert so obviously, I am one of those who do get him and his music. And for that, I am grateful.

What a load of tripe. If it joined up somewhere, I might give him the benefit of the doubt, but to use the phrase '[a] great artist should be universal' is beyond ridiculous. No artist in the world ever was truly universal. I dislike the Beatles. A lot of people don't know or care for Edith Piaf. Rage Against the Machine are niche. So, what the hell are you asking for? You are preposterous. The bombast nature of Born In The USA is part of the satire! It is the juxtaposition that marks it out! That you don't see that marks you out as a failure in the music critique world. It's that simple. And the fact that you fail to get 'the connection' IS YOUR failure - not his - those of us that do feel that his music has something to say don't just come from a NJ Zip code - they exist the world over. I don't necessarily mean that you are an idiot (you are -but that is a different argument) - not everyone can contextualise the songs with respect to their own lives. But to say that Bruce is serious all the time - I only need to say Ramrod, Stand On It, Out in The Street, Pink Cadillac, and Night amongst many other songs that are in no way serious. Utter drivel, and a waste of my time reading it. I add these comments only to make something of it.

What I don't get is ... the ignorance of this argument.

First of all your a Tool. @ Chris you said it best. He plays long concerts because he's the only GD artist that has put out quality for the past 38 years. Go see a show. He might even get your tight ass cheeks loosen up.

I could write a scathing, insulting, and unenlightened blog entitled "I don't get Russell Berrisford." But I didn't. However, no one get's him, so its pointless.

Nebraska was his last good lp. Never spent a dime on his music, never downloaded any either, never will. His vocals remind me of a shitty running car that in order to keep it from stalling you got to floor it and it merely chugs faster. American Bono...sums it up for me.

You are correct, you don't get it and that is your loss. I hope there is something else in the world that can make you feel the way "The Boss" makes me feel! If not I am sorry for you.

Have you seen him live? No? Well that's why you don't get it.

I just don't get Russell Berrisford. He used to be such a nice boy. Loving this series though!

...as I'm sure SabTimes is.

Tom Joe Matt great comments and I think most of the comments on this page undoubtedly show what a talent Bruce really is. And these days he is a rarity go to one of gigs and you are guaranteed at least 3 hours+ (yes that's right 3 hours+) of great music. I paid £65 for the ticket(a bargain IMO) and got more than moneys worth, these days so many so called "great" bands you are lucky if they play for two hours. I feel that Bruce knows his fan base and plays to and for them with all his little bits of messing about. That's what we go to see him for and listen to an entertainment experience that's second to none. Your article really is pointless and it's a shame go see him live and then write another article I bet my left testicle that it's a polar opposite view all the best from Terry in the UK not a NJ zip code by the way

Like him or not this is obviously written by an amateur. I am thinking a student blogger or something. Kind of amusing.

If you don't "get" Springsteen go and "get" an artist you might "get". Your time was completely wasted writing this drivel. Millions, yes millions are and have been entertained by Bruce over the years. You sad small minded prick.

Phil, you must stop reading Oscar Wilde!

"The bloggers down here don't write nothing at all, they just stand back (for 40 yrs) and let it all be....& then, in the click of a keyboard, they reach for their moment to try to make an honest stand....they wind up wounded, and not even dead, (which would be a lot better) today in bloggerland.." :-)

Hey Russel; you are too serious; lighten up and just enjoy the music!

I do not understand your point; what kind of universal art are you talking about, comic books? I guess it would be good advice to your Doctor not be so serious when he is diagnosing you over your (mental) ailment. He is known as the Boss because he is the front man, the guy that looks after the other guys in the band, the guy who gets paid so that he could pay them for making it all happen for him. Do some research before writing stuff that you have no clue of what you write. Maybe you should read first before you write. That would be highly recommended.

To matt your post is the best hands down

I think you don't get Springsteen because you don't like his music. That is entirely fair enough as it's not everyone's cup of tea. However this is a load of old cobblers. He isn't resigned to failure and he certainly isn't an American Bono. There was an article in a Dublin paper completely disassociating him from that because he is so much more authentic. How do you make as many million as he has and still get to criticise the rich bankers for ruining the economy, without coming across as a dickhead? He pulled that off and scores of millions of people agree with him and his politics. That is a pretty great trick to play. His love affair of the work of Joe Strummer, Glastonbury, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and gritty US B-movies pretty much entitle him to write what the fuck he wants and not have preachy bloggers question his credentials. Also, whilst Springsteen is forever leaning towards the left, to label him heavy left is wrong and he has said so himself. Finally, I have never been to Asbury Park, NJ but I can relate to the songs because he is using his own reference points as his metaphor for a better life, he is not asking you to know about the strip, the stone poney or any of the beaches referenced in his early songs. Listen to Rosalita, Spirit in the Night or Lost in the Flood and you've got pretty universal meanings in the place of his growing up. Well written piece but the content is drastically of key to this fans eyes. Each to their own though.

Matt, Brilliant. Put a smile back on my face!

Niall- I doubted that any Springsteen fan would read this and say "My God, he's right! I don't like Bruce anymore." But nice to have feedback that explains why you think I am wrong (although "small minded prick" was probably pretty accurate too). Orwell said (and I'm paraphrasing) that a critic either likes or doesn't like what he is reviewing and then spends the rest of the time trying to justify that decision, so I am sure that my views on Bruce are based largely on the fact that I don't really like the music (and vice versa for those that do). Cheers!

A man who did a cover of Willow Smith surely can not be accused of taking himself too seriously.

@people who dont get 'dont get' articles...People like reading things they agree with as it validates their opinion, positive or negative. In the case of these articles, they work quite well as they touch upon annoyances that maybe people dont hear too often. A good example might be The Smiths, who you wont get far dissing where I live in Manc. how about, just as you say 'if you dont like them dont listen' , why are you drawn to an argument here, instead of finding a rave review?

Quite a lot of fanboy vitriol here. The point of analysing it is to understand why you dont like something that you feel you should. I agree with the article, Bruce Springsteen is obviously annoying. The article was funny. He IS the American Bono, he just doesn't stand out so much in America because that level of earnestness just seems normal there. Doesn't mean he isn't still annoying though - bloody over earnest, put on raspy voiced, no necked, gillet wearing, not particularly musical, not particularly clever, pain in the ass if you ask me.

you're an idiot.

I am a hopeless lover of good music. I appreciate real talent and skill even in the styles I don't like. For years (decades)I have known the name "Springstein" but could never tell you the name of anything he ever wrote or performed. That is because whenever one of his songs was being played I always just ignored it - just zoned it out - just like it wasn't even there. Just empty fluff filler. So one day I decided to do some reserach. Who is this Springstein guy? What has he actually written... Ah, he wrote that born to run song that I used to hear a lot when I was younger... I wouldn't know it by name but recognize the way it sounds...hmmm... Yeah didn't like that nauseating song, but it was constantly in my face and ears, so remembered it just like the skunk I kept smelling along the highway. Yeah, that smell I frequently have to put up with because I drive. The only difference is, when the smell of Sprigstein comes over the air waves, I can change the dial. Good article. I agree - I just don't get it.

Bruce Springsteen's early songs were anthems of liberation and aspiration. They called you out, challenging you to dispose of religious indoctrination, oppressive family culture, the trap of bad relationships, the hopelessness a dead end job and urged you to reach for something higher and better. Bruce Springsteen had an intense message. It wasn't Bob Dylan, though I love Dylan. I think his best album is "Darkness on the Edge of Town". He challenged the Christian value system with grand ideas of liberation. Bruce Springsteen was about living life to the fullest, "let the broken hearts stand as the price you've got to pay" ---- "tie your hair back in a long white bow, meet me in the field behind the dinamo, you hear their voices telling you not to go, they make their choices and they"ll never know, what it's like to lie, to cheat, to steal, what it's like to live and die, prove it all night"

Not to leave off Nebraska, which was the dark side, when personal liberation goes too far. He is the boss because he defined what rock and roll was about unlike anyone had been able to before him. If you don't like him it is worth another look. After "Born in the USA" he began to lose me, Tunnel of Love had some good songs questioning relationship, but beyond that he lost the focus and clearness of vision, at least for me....hate to bash the boss.