Bruce Springsteen

“Born in the U.S.A.” (Sony)

Compare to: Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Johnny Cash

In the world of music, there are few truly classic albums that can be said to sum up the mentality of an era or generation. And just as much as the Boss’ music may have been popular among the young and rebellious of the 1980s and ’90s, “Born in the U.S.A.” is truly a timeless album that perfectly captured the boot and jeans Americana of our country.

“U.S.A.” is a rebel’s album. Many mistake the album’s title track to be a patriotic musical salute to the troops who fought in the Vietnam War. In actuality, the subtleties of the lyrics are actually a protest of the American government for forgetting about those who served overseas.

If there were ever a style of music to be called America’s own, this is it. With ferocious drumming, lightning fast pianos and those ever-recognizable, sharp guitar riffs, Springsteen’s music defined a unique genre for a country said to have stolen all aspects from other cultures.

Before Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney ever started blazing trails with roadside rock, Springsteen wrote “Glory Days,” one of the most famous songs from the album. His lyrics and commanding presence at the mic embodied the freedom of the open road and of the wild, American frontier.

Even today, Springsteen is considered a pioneer and his music continues to reflect an unwavering devotion to good old rock ‘n’ roll. “Born in the U.S.A.” is a jamboree of classic rock and one man’s stand against all things un-American, with only the Man In Black being a respectable comparison.

– Alex Switzer