Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run Secures Career After Label Doubts

Bruce Springsteen faced a critical turning point early in his career when his record label nearly dropped him due to poor sales of his first two albums before the release of his breakthrough album, Born to Run, which solidified his musical voice and propelled his career. The creation of Born to Run was an existential moment for Springsteen, who experimented with his songwriting process, including composing on piano to expand his musical possibilities. Throughout his career, Springsteen's songwriting has been deeply rooted in real issues, with songs like 'American Skin (41 Shots)' helping him refocus on meaningful themes that reflect both pride in America and its complexities. His 1982 album Nebraska marked a stark departure from his previous work, featuring solo recordings made at home that explored darker, more introspective themes, a period later chronicled in a book and upcoming film, Deliver Me from Nowhere. Springsteen's legacy continues to inspire tribute acts like Atlanta-based Gimme Springsteen, which celebrates his enduring anthems with passion and authenticity. These milestones underscore Springsteen's evolution as a songwriter committed to storytelling and emotional truth across decades.