#345 Bruce Springsteen, 'The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle' (1973)

Previously #132

In 1973 Bruce Springsteen released his debut record, ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.’ At the time, the album was not a commercial success and it drew comparisons to mid-60s Rock Bob Dylan. His sophomore album, 'The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle,' was released just 10 months later and it was this one that established the sound Bruce Springsteen would come to be known by. If I’m not mistaken, it was also the first time that the E Street Band was mentioned by that name. This is a full band record and this incarnation of the band includes longstanding members Clarence Clemons, Danny Federici (both deceased), as well as Garry Tallent. These three members really were the foundation of the E Street Band sound.

So many classics on this record: ‘The E Street Shuffle,’ ‘4th Of July, Ashbury Park (Sandy)’ (such a great storyteller Springsteen song) and one of Springsteen’s career-best songs, ‘Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),’ a story of forbidden love between the storyteller and Rosalita, whose parents disapprove of his rock ‘n roll lifestyle. “Now, I know your mama, she don't like me, 'cause I play in a rock and roll band/And I know your daddy, he don't dig me, but he never did understand.” This song is the blueprint for the big E Street Band radio hit and it paved the way for ‘Born To Run.’

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