Born In The U.S.A.

*Born in the U.S.A.* delivered the superstar status that Springsteen fans had always expected. The title track was one of seven hits from *U.S.A.*, which also included the ultra-modern synth-rock of \"Dancing in the Dark,\" the lustful \"I\'m on Fire,\" and the quiet, end-of-the-road \"My Hometown.\" Springsteen\'s ability to make fist-waving, good-time music of troubled stories was at its highest peak here.

Each Sunday, Pitchfork takes an in-depth look at a significant album from the past, and any record not in our archives is eligible. Today we revisit a 1980s rock blockbuster: the bold, brilliant, and misunderstood apex of Bruce Springsteen’s imperial era.

Check out our album review of Artist's Born in the U.S.A. on Rolling Stone.com.

Bruce Springsteen had become increasingly downcast as a songwriter during his recording career, and his pessimism bottomed out with Nebraska.