[Song of the Day] Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

The trend of blues rock from the 70s and 80s continues with The Boss. In 1984, we all had Bruce Springsteen's denim-covered arse with the American flag behind it, and even if you were a straight guy with no interest in guys, you proudly displayed that album, because Born in the USA was an awesome album. I don't really get the symbolism of it, but whatever, it had a lot of good tracks. It was also not our first introduction to The Boss. Today's song of the day goes all the way back to 1975, from the album of the same name.

If you're looking for blue collar Americana, I personally give the edge to John Mellencamp, but it depends on what you were raised on. My folks loved John Mellencamp, but we also listened to Springsteen, though not as much. I'm posting what I think is one of Springsteen's best songs, whereas I posted a poignant, but not one of the best Mellencamp songs. It's not really a fair comparison. I think I'd probably put Dancing in the Dark by Springsteen up as his best, or perhaps I'm on Fire — both of those are from Born in the USA — but, I wanted to focus on his 1970s sound here, in line with the previous two songs. Then for John Mellencamp, there are tons of options to beat Springsteen. You could go with I Need a Lover or Ain't Even Done With the Night if you want younger Mellencamp with more rock, or something like Small Town, Paper in Fire, or Check it Out for his more "modern" 80s style. I wouldn't really put up his 90s hits, like Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First), Big Daddy, or Wild Night, though those are also great songs. But, I think it really comes down to what you listened to more — you can't go wrong with either of them.

And if you love both Springsteen and Mellencamp, there are a couple other guys like that — I think Bob Seger kinda fits in there — but I like Bruce Hornsby for an underdog. He was by no means small time, but I feel like he isn't remembered as much as the others. Expect an entry from him at some point.