March 13 – Thursday – Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of Town

Bruce was getting known for taking a long time to produce his albums, but it was during this time he fought for the rights to his own music, and won. So it was 1978 before his next album was released. I knew before I put it on the turntable that it was my least favorite of his first five albums, but I could still sing along with most of the songs, almost involuntarily. I actually have no favorite song on Darkness, which is a little – dark. I do however like the slow, almost dismal sound of “Racing in the Street.” I heard that it was going to be one of Bruce’s fast-paced songs, but Jackson Browne suggested he slow it down. It certainly does not glorify the life of the street racer.

I get the feeling that Bruce’s women are passive and put up with the crappy life his characters have to offer, and he loves them for it – deeply and with remorse.

So his progression continues heading into the responsibilities of adulthood, not so much kicking but definitely screaming. And Steve Van Zandt joined the band, completing the E Street Band as we knew it. Yes, I know this is the back of the album cover. But the front is not much different, he’s just wearing a black leather jacket over his undershirt.