In this episode of Classic Rock Album Olympics music historians Gary Wenstrup and Robert Rodriguez tackle one of the most iconic albums of the 1980s—Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A..

Packed with 7 (!) Top Ten hits and stadium-shaking anthems, this summer of 1984 release cemented “The Boss” as a global superstar. The album
hit #1 and it stayed there for almost 2 months. 

Besides its popularity, the album had social commentary too as evidenced by the tension of the patriotic perception and political reality in the title track. 

But which tracks stand tallest in this blue-collar masterpiece? The hosts dissect the album’s legacy, lyrical contradictions, and sonic evolution—then award gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three songs.

Medal Winners:

Cover Me

Downbound Train

My Hometown

Born in the U.S.A.

I’m On Fire

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