Bruce Springsteen, also known as “The Boss,” is a living legend in the world of rock ‘n’ roll. With a career spanning over five decades, he has built an impressive body of work. But which songs by Bruce Springsteen are the absolute best? Here’s our comprehensive top 25.
25. Atlantic City
Bruce Springsteen - Atlantic City
A song that captures the raw emotion of life in a gambling city. It’s one of Springsteen’s most atmospheric songs, with an acoustic melody that transports you to the dark streets of Atlantic City.
24. Backstreets
Bruce Springsteen - Backstreets
This song is an emotional rollercoaster that tells the story of a lost friendship. The piano and guitar work perfectly together to create a sense of nostalgia and loss.
23. Bobby Jean
Bruce Springsteen - Bobby Jean (lyrics in description)
An uplifting song about saying goodbye but not forgetting. “Bobby Jean” is one of those songs that make you think of old friends and better times.
22. Better Days
Bruce Springsteen - Better Days (Official HD Video)
This song from the album “Lucky Town” is an optimistic look at the future, even if the past wasn’t so rosy. It’s an anthem for anyone looking forward to “better days.”
21. Tunnel Of Love
Bruce Springsteen - Tunnel of Love (Official Video)
An introspective song that explores the ups and downs of love and relationships. The metaphor of a “tunnel” is apt, as love often is an unpredictable journey.
20. The Promised Land
Bruce Springsteen - The Promised Land
This song is a powerful tale of striving for a better life. It’s one of Springsteen’s most hopeful songs, despite its sometimes somber lyrics.
19. Sad Eyes
One of Springsteen’s more melancholic songs, “Sad Eyes” is about longing for a lost love. It’s a beautiful, albeit sad, song that many can appreciate.
18. Human Touch
Bruce Springsteen - Human Touch (Official HD Video)
This song from the eponymous album is a reminder of the importance of human contact and emotional connection. It’s one of Springsteen’s more pop-oriented songs but never loses its emotional depth.
17. Tougher Than The Rest
Bruce Springsteen - Tougher Than the Rest (Official Video)
A love song that celebrates the strength and durability of commitment. It’s a slow, thoughtful song that’s perfect for deep reflection.
16. I’m On Fire
Bruce Springsteen - I'm On Fire (Official Video)
This song is one of Springsteen’s most sensual and is about desire and passion. The soft melody and whispering vocals make it a unique song in his catalog.
15. The Rising
Bruce Springsteen - The Rising
Written in response to the 9/11 attacks, “The Rising” is a powerful anthem of hope and rebirth. It’s one of Springsteen’s most emotionally charged songs and a highlight in his live performances.
14. Jungleland
Bruce Springsteen Jungleland
This epic song from the album “Born to Run” is a masterpiece of narrative rock. It describes a tragic story of love and loss in the “jungle” of city life.
13. No Surrender
A powerful song about determination and never giving up on your dreams. It’s one of Springsteen’s most inspiring songs and a fan favorite.
12. Because The Night
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band - Because the Night (Live in Houston '78)
Originally written by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, “Because The Night” is one of the most romantic songs in his repertoire. It’s a love song that celebrates the power of passion and desire.
11. Badlands
This song is a powerful anthem about overcoming adversity and striving for a better life. The energetic guitar riffs and powerful vocals make it one of Springsteen’s most uplifting songs.
10. Glory Days
Bruce Springsteen - Glory Days (Official Video)
A nostalgic song that celebrates the highlights of the past while also acknowledging the reality of the present. It’s one of Springsteen’s most accessible and popular songs.
9. Waitin’ On A Sunny Day
Bruce Springsteen - Waitin' On A Sunny Day (Official Video)
This song is an optimistic ode to hope and the expectation of better times. It’s a live performance favorite and always a crowd-pleaser.
8. Brilliant Disguise
Bruce Springsteen - Brilliant Disguise (Official Video)
This introspective song from the album “Tunnel of Love” is a deep exploration of doubt and uncertainty in a relationship. It’s one of Springsteen’s most emotionally complex songs.
7. Hungry Heart
This song was Springsteen’s first big hit and remains one of his most beloved songs. It’s a cheerful, upbeat song about the search for love and the importance of human connection.
6. Streets Of Philadelphia
Bruce Springsteen - Streets of Philadelphia (Official Video)
This song, written for the movie “Philadelphia,” is a poignant look at the struggle against AIDS and the stigmatization of homosexuality. It won multiple awards and remains one of his most influential works.
5. Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. (Official Video)
Often misunderstood as a patriotic anthem, this song is actually a critique of the treatment of Vietnam veterans. It’s one of Springsteen’s most political and controversial songs.
4. Thunder Road
This song is an epic tale of freedom and escape. It’s one of the highlights of the album “Born to Run” and a classic that never gets old.
3. Dancing In The Dark
Bruce Springsteen - Dancing In the Dark (Official Video)
This is one of Springsteen’s biggest hits and a song almost everyone can sing along to. It’s an upbeat song about finding light in the darkness.
2. Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run (Official Video)
This is perhaps Springsteen’s most iconic song and one that captures the essence of his music and message. It’s an explosion of energy and passion that takes you on a journey to freedom.
1. The River
This song is a masterpiece that tells the story of love, loss, and economic hardship. It’s one of Springsteen’s most narrative and emotionally charged songs, and it rightfully sits at number one on this list.
