Bruce Springsteen has said that when he set out to record this album, he was going to make "the greatest rock and roll record ever." Well, maybe he came up short, but if so, only by a hair. "Born To Run" is nearly flawless from beginning to end; each song tells its own distinct story, yet all are wonderfully woven around the album's central theme, which is also the title of the record.

Over a quarter century after the release of "Born To Run," we may have come to take this album for granted, forgetting the incredible rush it gave us the first thousand times we heard it. Make no mistake - this is one of the best rock albums ever recorded. From the lyrics to the melodies to the production, The Boss held nothing back. This recording provides evidence that Springsteen works as hard in the studio as he does on stage.

Each track is now, after all these years, immediately recognizable - the opening harmonica strains of "Thunder Road," the symphonic piano introduction to "Jungleland," the organ that kicks off "Backstreets," and, of course, the explosion of sound that is the title track.

The production here is obviously influenced by Phil Spector, the legendary inventor of the Wall of Sound. Lyrically, Springsteen evokes memories of early Dylan. (Listen to the song "Backstreets." I've always felt this song was Springsteen's nod of acknowledgment to Bob, with the feel of the song closely resembling that of "Like A Rolling Stone.") The vocals are reminiscent of Roy Orbison, but with more of an edgy sound. The final product is a masterpiece, and should take its place alongside the best of Dylan, The Stones, The Beatles, and Hendrix when the history of Rock and Roll is written.

"Born To Run" immediately catapulted Springsteen into the mainstream of American Rock. Thankfully, he was never inclined to rest on his critical laurels. He has consistently created great music for over 25 years.

I can't imagine anyone not owning this recording.

"Born To Run" is one of the greatest albums of all time, and that fact is inarguable. The only question is how many albums you'll put on the list. Any list with more than ten, without this one, is clearly in error.
It is an album where a single listen will convince you.
The cinematic sweep, from "Thunder Road" to "Jungleland", makes you feel like you're watching a movie while listening. The epic nature and true storylines makes you feel like you're reading a classic novel.
I ask you, what album have you ever listened to, that elicits a sensation of music, film and literature simultaneously? It's breathtaking.
And ageless as well. You know how old black & white movies seem crisp and eternal, while, say, certain 70's movies have a dated feel...even though they may be GREAT 70's movies?
"Born To Run" hasn't aged one iota. It's as impressive now as it must have been in 1975.
It's an album that sounds just as good in your car as it does on your headphones.
From Roy Bittan's piano opening "Thunder Road" to Springsteen's anguished howl ending "Jungleland", you will have gone somewhere. Bruce and the band takes you on a journey...GOD I'm jealous that some of you haven't heard this yet! I'd like to watch someone listen to it for the first time...
I'm telling ya, this is simply one of the great musical experiences of all time.

Bruce Springsteen Doesnt deserve this. And this album in particular. There is no other album as epic as this one. Every song is a masterpiece. You should not go through life without hearing the title song and "Thunder Road". One thing that bugs the heck out of me is its down to 4.5 stars due to all the ignorant people who review Bruce's political views. You people forgot this is a free country? You people reviewing his political views are just as ignorant sounding as those people you claim are "Anti-American". How is Bruce anti-american exactly? Just because he disagrees with Goerge Bush's actions doesnt make him a criminal or anything. It's ok, it's free country. Say anything you want about the president and the war on Iraq. Unfortuantly you ignorant people dont realize this. That's why people out there in other countries look at america as evil.

As far as this album and the MUSIC. This album is just fantastic. I am dissapointed to see this album going from 5 stars - where it should be - to 4.5 stars. If you Bruce fans agree with me, show it by clicking on the Helpful button. So we finally can get the review back to 5 stars.

I have been amazed by Bruce Springsteen's popularity ever since I purchased this album amidst all of the hype that swirled around him. Let's critique Bruce and the E. Street band:
Has anyone ever heard Steve Van Zandt's guitar? I love him in the Soprano's and his cool radio gig, but he might as well not even plug in. The whole band sounds like Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell. Overproduced, mini operas tied together by a piano. The big man plays the same solo over and over. Bruce's voice is not what I would call a pretty thing to listen to either. Very limited vocal range. He screams more than he sings. I must be in the minority, but this sounds to me like corporate rock at its worst, heck, I would much rather listen to Southside Johnny or even Bon Jovi over this stuff.

Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run is what catapulted him into the mainstream. A triumph in itself, it also is responsible for his longevity. Each Song is a masterpiece. But if you know the Boss, you know "Thunder Road", you know "Born to Run" and you should know "Jungleland" and "Backstreets". "Jungleland" itself is the most epic rock song this side of the Atlantic, the strings the piano, the scratchy Springsteen voice mesh so perfectly and hurl you into the desperate world of rock, roll and ultimately chaos. But the important thing is, you feel it. And "Meeting Across the River" you don't know what he's doing, you don't know where you are, but you feel the gravity of the situation with only a few short lines, and man, is it heavy. You are eddie. You just know what needs to be done. This song could have a novel written around it, but it doesn't need it. "She's the One" like only a few Boss songs, i didn't like it at first, and it grew on me, and now i love it. Every song on this album is worth hearing, and the album itself is a self contained musical novel, the type you don't want to put down and, once you're done, you want to read again. And the E Street Band is there every step of the way. Roy Bittan is easily the most integral of the boys, but they all add a depth that is almost orchestral. This album belongs in any rock n roll lover's collection. This album belongs in any music lover's collection.