"In 1984, Springsteen released Born in the U.S.A., Springsteen's first political album, a commentary on national identity, disillusionment, and patriotism through the eyes of Vietnam veterans and the working class. In the 10 years after the success of Born in the U.S.A., Springsteen had been having an inner debate with himself, which centered around his place as a "rich man." Now that he had amassed wealth and superstardom, what was his role?"
"Sonically, its stripped-down, acoustic-heavy songs are reminiscent of Nebraska, though, of course, with much more production. There's also the literary element that inspired this album, much like Flannery O'Connor's A Good Man Is Hard to Find helped inspire songwriting in Nebraska, so too did John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, with Tom Joad serving as the connection between the plight of Dust Bowl migrant workers during the Great Depression and the poor and marginalized in contemporary America and Mexico."
Recent releases have renewed attention to Nebraska. Born in the U.S.A. (1984) marked a first political focus, portraying national identity, disillusionment, and patriotism through Vietnam veterans and the working class. In the decade after that success, Springsteen questioned his role after gaining wealth and superstardom. The Ghost of Tom Joad (November 21, 1995) served as an answer and companion piece, continuing narrative songwriting about the overlooked and forgotten. The album features stripped-down, acoustic-heavy arrangements reminiscent of Nebraska with greater production. Literary influences include Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, linking Dust Bowl migrants to contemporary poor and marginalized communities, and the work reflects on immigration and national identity amid intensified enforcement.
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