Why this Bruce Springsteen 80s song is a Surprise Classic | The New Standards | Professor of Rock

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2020
  • Bruce Springsteen has created countless standards of the great American songbook, next we go in depth on a song you may have forgotten about that is not only a modern day standard but a defining song about relationships in general . We break down the song and it’s impact in our lives and our culture.
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    “It ought to be easy, outta be..simple enough. Man meets woman, and they….fall in love. But the house is haunted, and the ride gets rough You got to learn to live with what you can’t rise above. If you wanna ride on down, in through this tunnel of love
    Using a carnival ride as a metaphor for a marriage, Bruce Springsteen wrote “Tunnel of Love," a song sharing his troubled nuptials with his first wife- actress/ model Julianne Phillips. Which is my latest entry into our institution the new standards. Before you start yelling about the 15 other songs that should’ve been picked, give this a change and you’ll see that Tunnel of Love really is worthy of this recognition.
    After a whirlwind romance, Bruce & Julianne wed in ’85, but the ride through the tunnel of love, as Springsteen called it, did indeed get rough, very quickly, for The Boss. So let’s set the stage a bit here. 1984 and 1985 were the two biggest years of Bruce’s career in terms of mainstream success. With the album Born in the USA, bruce became an international icon. Going from being hailed as the next dylan in the 70s, to standing shoulder to shoulder with Michael Jackson and Prince as the titans of popular music. At this moment Bruce was the keeper of the gate. I mean Born in the USA was only the second album at that point to have 7 top ten singles from one record including the top 5 hits Dancing in the Dark and Glory Days.
    The Born in the USA tour was arguably the must see live event of the decade as Bruce continued to deliver 3 + hours of backbreaking, Soul quaking spiritual rock and roll revivals all across the nation. The album went to #1 and ended up selling over 15 million copies in the US alone. The boss was such a household name at that point, even the candidates for President that year were using his name in their speeches Reagan and Mondale both. He was everywhere. As I mentioned earlier, Bruce married actress Julianne Phillips in a secret ceremony in Oswego Lake in Oregon. At the height of his fame and in the moment of settling down, Springsteen felt crippling anxiety attacks triggered from his regret of rushing to get married. He was 35, and Julianne was just 24.
    The private conflict that Springsteen struggled with was eloquently disclosed in his lyrics for “Tunnel of Love” a hidden gem in Springsteen’s incredible and deep repertoire of songs. The album TUNNEL OF LOVE uncovers an inner life and unresolved feelings as bruce turned inward and he really opened the kimono for the first time, letting us in on his inner turmoil.
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ความคิดเห็น • 487

  • @warrenny
    @warrenny 3 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    "Bruce took risks because he respected his audience"
    Whether true or not, that is the highest compliment one can give an artist...and Springsteen deserves it.

  • @brucetownes8421
    @brucetownes8421 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Some of his best writing is on this album. Very underrated.

  • @drewbeck1000
    @drewbeck1000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    The ENTIRE record is an underappreciated gem. Just stunning songwriting.

    • @aperson2730
      @aperson2730 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Agreed. Beautiful song writing. His best album to date in my opinion and the 2nd album I ever bought.

  • @tonygreen8221
    @tonygreen8221 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    That album is absolutely epic. Two faces is my favourite.

    • @conormacpicks
      @conormacpicks 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Great album

  • @vitorfrancagalvao2077
    @vitorfrancagalvao2077 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Among great albums and many, many wonderful songs, I treasure Tunnel of Love and Western Stars. They are two masterpieces that speak to my heart and to my soul. If Bruce had written only these two albuns, it would be enough to put him side by side with giants like Dylan or The Beatles. Thanks a lot Bruce, for you have been singing the soundtrack of my life!

  • @michaelmcdonald8452
    @michaelmcdonald8452 3 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    That whole album is really under appreciated. Brilliant Disguise and One Step Up are two songs as powerful as anything he’s written. Fantastic unique production at that, at a time when he could’ve just eased into a BITUSA2

    • @AnthonyL0401
      @AnthonyL0401 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Totally agree -- and I think Brilliant Disguide and One Step Up are both better songs than Tunnel of Love, but still worthy of reflection.
      (edited for clarity)

    • @traviswoodfin3044
      @traviswoodfin3044 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm with you on this one Buddy. My favorite too.

    • @chrisdurso3325
      @chrisdurso3325 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      That's why Tunnel of love is extremely under appreciated. Everyone was expecting Born in the USA 2 but Bruce went and took a left turn and shocked us with this.

    • @michaelmcdonald8452
      @michaelmcdonald8452 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@chrisdurso3325 exactly

    • @davidllamas1570
      @davidllamas1570 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Well said!

  • @cynthia6924
    @cynthia6924 3 ปีที่แล้ว +78

    Darkness on the Edge of Town is my all time favorite, but Brilliant Disguise is one of Bruce's best songs ever

    • @henrythegreatamerican8136
      @henrythegreatamerican8136 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I gave the song a chance.... nope, not worthy of anything other than a listen or two. Highly overrated song. I went to a Springsteen concert in the early 2000's. He's a great storyteller. I often found some of the stories he told inbetween the songs more entertaining than the actual songs. I can only imagine what he has to say 20 years later.

    • @cynthia6924
      @cynthia6924 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@henrythegreatamerican8136 and I always thought it was an underrated song, but at least you like it, lol

    • @creamydistortion
      @creamydistortion 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      "Well I'm riding down Kingsley, figuring I'll get a drink. I turn the radio up loud, so I don't have to think"

    • @brianpritchard9427
      @brianpritchard9427 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I totally agree brilliant disguise wad the track that turnede from a listener to a hardcore Bruce fan

    • @langdonogeay1141
      @langdonogeay1141 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@creamydistortion Something in the Night

  • @reimereason
    @reimereason 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    You clearly love The Boss, and we clearly love listening to you talk about The Boss, so how about this: You pick your ten favourite Springsteen albums and count 'em down. I guess you only have nine more to go, as this one can be slotted in accordingly. Great video. Thank you!

  • @dvroegop
    @dvroegop 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    Wow. You nailed it. Most people disregard this album but you are the first I heard it describe so well and touch the deeper meanings. I was already a huge fan of your channel but now I am not only a fan but also grateful.

    • @scottnickerson2
      @scottnickerson2 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ditto, Dennis. My thoughts exactly.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Wow thank you. That means a lot.

    • @stephenvalente3296
      @stephenvalente3296 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This was the first Springsteen LP I bought after receiving the 1975-85 boxset for Christmas previously. Brilliant album.

  • @dannwhitehead6193
    @dannwhitehead6193 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I heard One Step Up, in 1999 on the radio. I sat in the car listening till the end of it, I was stunned by the song. I was young and single then, but it's still one of my favorite songs. When I later got married, I told my soon to be wife our first dance song had to be If I Should Fall Behind. Bruce is a treasure and I believe people will continue to experience his gifts to the world for years to come.

  • @B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS
    @B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS 3 ปีที่แล้ว +81

    Tougher Than The Rest is in my top 5 Springsteen songs

    • @cameronwertenberger8941
      @cameronwertenberger8941 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The juxtaposition from ain't got you to the room filling production and voice is amazing to me everytime, definitely top five for me too

    • @creamydistortion
      @creamydistortion 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yup. It's very good to play live too, especially on piano, but it's fun on guitar as well.

    • @pamomalley6437
      @pamomalley6437 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Arguably the most beautiful love song ever

    • @their_lives_not_ours
      @their_lives_not_ours 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      For sure, think mine are
      1. Drive all night (there's a particular live version that's phenomenal)
      2.) Thunder road
      3.) Tougher than the rest
      4.) Badlands
      5.) The Wall

    • @creamydistortion
      @creamydistortion 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@their_lives_not_ours Drive all Night was a highlight of the 2016 River shows for sure... I think the live version you're referring to is from 2009... On the record, Bruce plays piano (which is why the piano part is so simple, extremely easy to play, but very effective)...

  • @Piwi2104
    @Piwi2104 3 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    Not gonna lie, “My Hometown” hits hard but “If I was the Priest” is a bomb song.

  • @johnmccracken5465
    @johnmccracken5465 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was in high school when this came out it’s favorite album of his. I liked every track on TOL and born in the USA. I still listen to them regularly in my play lists.

  • @seanhyson3879
    @seanhyson3879 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    TOL is still his most personal album and it's tremendous. It perfectly captures the course of most relationships: the opening tracks are optimistic and romantic, then by the middle of the album it's clear that there's trouble in paradise. By the end, you're broken and bitter, but then "Valentine's Day" comes on and you know you have to try again... Such an underrated record. I think people gloss over it too quickly because of the 80s production sound, synthesizers, etc. But it contains some of the best songwriting in rock history. Prove me wrong.

    • @thedys70
      @thedys70 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Totally Sean; I love Born in the USA, but I think Tunnel of Love is a more mature sound.
      Neither album has a weak track; even the session ones left off that later appeared on Tracks collection, are fantastic

    • @seanhyson3879
      @seanhyson3879 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@thedys70 I wish he'd play more of those songs live on a consistent basis. As he gets older and eventually settles into more intimate, smaller venues, like he used for Springsteen on Broadway, maybe he'll draw from TOL more. And I agree, the outtakes that made it on Tracks were very strong as well.

    • @thedys70
      @thedys70 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@seanhyson3879 Just researching history of both albums on wikipedia; both could have easily been double-albums, like The River, such was the quality of the writing and recording. This guy has a massive tank; he just keeps going - will he ever get old?!

    • @kindnessfirst9670
      @kindnessfirst9670 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      His new fans wanted another BITUSA while his old fans didn't. The old fans lucked out.

    • @cw9817
      @cw9817 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I go back-and-forth about whether TOL is my favorite Springsteen album, and even about whether it's his best. (Favorite and best are not the same to me.) One thing's for sure: It was the album that revived my Springsteen fandom. I was a fan during the BITU era (but only of that album) but then lost track of him, save for radio singles. Then in 2003, a friend popped TOL into his car CD player when we were on a long drive, and I was stunned; I think my mouth dropped open. I couldn't believe what I'd missed the prior decade-and-a-half. I soon after bought or was given TOL and then began devouring Springsteen's entire catalog.

  • @jeffbebe5085
    @jeffbebe5085 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Believe it or not. I am 55 been a Springsteen fan since the River '81. Tunnel of Love Album is my all time favorite of his. Nebraska and Wild and Innocent 2nd and 3rd. Tunnel is my #1 classic CD.

  • @WickedKingLycoan
    @WickedKingLycoan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    “Valentine’s Day” is my favorite song off of this album.

    • @peterwroberts4379
      @peterwroberts4379 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Just magically epic

    • @davidhoogenboom5995
      @davidhoogenboom5995 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Agreed. Over the years Valentine’s Day has ultimately shined brightest on my favorite Springsteen album.

    • @marcos319
      @marcos319 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My favorite song, off my favorite Springsteen album.

    • @Snakey120
      @Snakey120 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Great track, Great album

    • @ec1628
      @ec1628 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I thought I was the only one who thought that. Always played it the day after my friends became fathers.

  • @thegoatchild3545
    @thegoatchild3545 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Masterpiece...the song and the entire album.👍👍

  • @wacoglee
    @wacoglee 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I am so grateful to you for this overview. You hit wonderful notes and themes. But mostly I love that you show that rock is a true art form and can handle deep, deep topics with poise and grace. This is a wonderful video.

  • @Baspeijnenburg
    @Baspeijnenburg 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The version where Bruce Springsteen is playing this song live in Stockholm is so incredibly good. And is really worth it to watch this specifically search for this live version. One of the best-underrated songs from The Boss.

  • @paulcarroll7061
    @paulcarroll7061 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Song after song, album after album Bruce writes catchy tunes that tell stories that have a importance, a gravitas that few other popular musicians even attempt. Wonderful Genius! In a interview He said that more than riches, or fame, He wanted to be great. He is!

  • @GrowthruGod
    @GrowthruGod 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Tunnel o Love and Brilliant Disguise are astounding

  • @neale5j
    @neale5j 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    The whole album is great. And becomes absorbed even more when you hear something that resonates with you personally.

  • @sameoldeh
    @sameoldeh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    Bruce Springsteen is the GOAT.
    None higher.

    • @cw9817
      @cw9817 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I call him our great American rock-and-roll troubadour.

  • @SteveCarrDrivesAPrius
    @SteveCarrDrivesAPrius 3 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    Human Touch deserves love like this. Soul Driver is my jam. Sam Moore on backups.

    • @jameskipp1657
      @jameskipp1657 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Human Touch the title song on that album is great. I like it better than Tunnel of Love.

    • @alansmithee3336
      @alansmithee3336 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Human Touch gets a bad rap. I don't understand why many people can't see past the few throwaway/fillers on it to appreciate great songs like "Human Touch", "With Every Wish", "Man's Job" & "I Wish I Were Blind".

    • @Morten_Nielsen1979
      @Morten_Nielsen1979 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Those two albums are both great. And the MTV Plugged.

    • @craigcavaliere6744
      @craigcavaliere6744 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's not the songs themselves. It's the late 80s/early 90s sound that ruins them.

    • @divisionave
      @divisionave 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, soul driver!

  • @fangs1972
    @fangs1972 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    With the "Tunnel of Love" album, Springsteen got in his mid-thirties what most men probably don't see until their mid-forties, if ever.

    • @acason4
      @acason4 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      He was 38 during the writing & release of “Tunnel of Love”...

  • @fraziermichaelj
    @fraziermichaelj 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Music is there for us. It carries us through life, whether we know it in the moment or not. Florence + The Machine kept me going after my father died ten years ago and Bruce helped me through my destroyed engagement. For me, it was “Tougher Than the Rest” on this album that resonated with me most at the time. My partner was in rehab and I longed for her desperately despite everything. Then when it fell apart again, “One Step Up” humbled me. Sometimes I think that song was written about that one failed relationship of mine… and countless others.

  • @alansmithee3336
    @alansmithee3336 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Wow. you nailed this one. I love how you focus on the inner workings of songs like a laser. It shows a deep appreciation of them, which in turn helps us non-professors appreciate them more. Having said that, i've always known these things about the "Tunnel Of Love" album. IMO no greater one has ever been written about love & relationships. It's sheer beauty & the wit, insight & honesty of the poetic lyrics never fail to move me. The more i listen to it, the deeper it gets.

  • @jacdeboer9062
    @jacdeboer9062 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Yeah, a video about the Boss! Bruce has always been one of my favourite artists. Tunnel of Love is a magnificant album and a great song. I always think the album shows a 'grown up' Bruce, instead of the Rock & Roll King from the previous albums.

  • @drfabriciomnogueira
    @drfabriciomnogueira 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    ToL has a raw sincerity that makes him wonderful.
    It's something I always say about Bruce Springsteen: there will always be a song by him for every moment of his life.
    Great video, man :)

  • @bobmccaslin2040
    @bobmccaslin2040 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    WOW- well said! I saw Bruce in 1985, but before the Tunnel of Love album. When I bought the album, I was shocked at how different it was from his earlier efforts. I got married in 1988, and found that Tunnel of Love was a great guide to deal with the stuff every marriage needs to deal with. I’m a blessed man to have found my soulmate on the first try, with words of wisdom from that stark, honest album to direct me what to do- be honest. Now after 32 years, I’m glad my wife and I started on very honest terms, without all of the stuff that comes from leading a relationship with sex instead of a commitment that comes from getting to know the person well FIRST! Keep up the great material- you are so well-versed in music history. Blessings, Bob

  • @mkrj2576
    @mkrj2576 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Tunnel of Love is my favorite album. My wife and I went through a time and it spoke to us. Many years later and happily married I’d like to thank Bruce for the song “Walk Like a Man”.
    To add, when I was younger, living with my Mom after my Dad split I was responsible for putting coal on the fire by hand by the bucket. Three or four times a day and if you missed one or didn’t set the hand furnace just right you’d wake up to a cold house. Restarting a coal fire before school was a miserable job. So, from the song One Step Up… “ woke up this morning, the house was cold…”. My Mom had Tunnel on vinyl and we’d laugh about those lyrics and think of ourselves. Yeah, the car wouldn’t start from time to time as well. One Step Up is my favorite song.

  • @jameshogan1871
    @jameshogan1871 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Spot on Adam... Great stuff. I was stationed in Germany when this came out, just met the love of my life, and didn't know it yet. Was wresting with feeling like a kid and trying to be a man in a culture that saw doubt as weakness. The whole album helped me come to terms with life.

  • @ArwensHubby
    @ArwensHubby 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I appreciate the brutal honesty here from Bruce - and just as much YOU Professor! As for the song ... it hits even those of us who have not experienced that gut-renching twisting of real life. THe mixture of painful recognition of those challenges with the happy nature of a carnival ride, underscored by that upbeat and somewhat unusual arrangement.... whoa!

  • @Capt.Gagan.Boparai
    @Capt.Gagan.Boparai 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This album is Bruce's greatest work and my all-time favorite album..to the extent that I remember each song word to word..!! I was just a boy when I heard these songs but I matured with each song..'One step up' is such an amazing one..!
    Bruce is 71yrs old and he is still singing, last week he came up with a great song 'Power of Prayer', what amazing talent, love for music, and energy to go on..!! There is only one Boss..!!

  • @flavellinator
    @flavellinator 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Wasn't a Springsteen fan growing up, as I was hooked on New Wave at the time- but loved Brilliant Disguise... So sincere and simply excellent.

  • @robertmathisen4438
    @robertmathisen4438 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great Analysis. From the song When You’re alone - “There are things that will knock you down you don’t even see coming” Amen

  • @mv-wb9qm
    @mv-wb9qm 3 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I always liked “One Step Up” and “Walk Like a Man”.

    • @tonysansom
      @tonysansom 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In the shadow of BitUSA, Tunnel of Love is an underrated songwriting classic.

    • @lmsrox2
      @lmsrox2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@tonysansom It's actually a stronger album, IMO

  • @justinbyers1725
    @justinbyers1725 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Probably one of my favorite Bruce Springsteen songs of all time. That synthesizer sound is so haunting

  • @Skeezer66
    @Skeezer66 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Tunnel of Love is SO UNDERRATED!!!!! I have always loved this! Thanks Professor!!!!!

  • @kindnessfirst9670
    @kindnessfirst9670 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fantastic album- very thought provoking. Tunnel of Love is a great song but Walk Like a Man is the one from this album that always gets me choked up. I'm glad he never made a video for it so nothing corrupts the images in my head. To me Walk like a Man is always partnered with Independence Day (another song about his relationship with his mentally ill father). Bruce said about his dad that "he loved me but he couldn't stand me". And that his dad saw in Bruce the soft tender side his dad hid and feared about himself. Bruce's dad saw himself in Bruce and that made his dad hate Bruce.

  • @darthXreven
    @darthXreven 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    the song Tunnel of Love has always been one of my faves...
    for me the 2 most profound songs Bruce did was Dancing In The Dark and Tunnel of Love, they're absolute killer songs.....
    many of Bruce's songs are very honest.....he's one of the most honest rockers ever and i think that makes him great
    😈

  • @sharpgage6512
    @sharpgage6512 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    the opening lyrics to this song are beyound brillaint. glad to see someone highlight them the way you did

  • @5litreho
    @5litreho ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of my top 3 favorites from Bruce as well. A true masterpiece 👏

  • @aliciasaracino1233
    @aliciasaracino1233 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your analogy of the songs on this album was so deep and well thought out..thank you.

  • @jamesellis1972
    @jamesellis1972 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I became a fan of Bruce when my friends across the street gave me Born In the USA Cassette because they got it for Christmas and their parents disallowed rock n roll in the house. All I knew at the time was what my mom and dad listened to which was John Lennon, Eddie Rabbit and Elvis among other 70's artist.
    The day TOL came out, I called my grandma to pick me up from school saying I was sick. After she picked me up I begged her to take me to the record shop and then I picked up TOL the LP. Once I got home I deep dived into the album and it changed me from just listening to the pop songs of the day into someone who learned to appreciate lyrics and themes. USA got me to liking him and TOL got me to understanding he was more than a collection of pop songs.

  • @marchayfordgetuppodcast9489
    @marchayfordgetuppodcast9489 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Dude! You nailed it. I’ve always been a fan of this song but breaking down the specific metaphorical examples made me have to go back and re-listen. Great content!

  • @markhennellyjr.7433
    @markhennellyjr.7433 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This one was great! Took me back to a dark place but in a good way. Gave me new perspective on where I am now. Going through it all Tunnel album and stolen car were on constant repeat...divorce over and 5 years on remarried to my soul mate found that elusive happiness professor was talking about. Bruce is always the Boss 🤘

  • @davidwaggoner3157
    @davidwaggoner3157 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Here's hoping, wishing, and praying that The Professor gets to interview The Boss! (If you haven't already...)

  • @catherine6653
    @catherine6653 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I always have liked this song. I had it on my love song play list not knowing it was about a troubled relationship. Thank you for the insight. Love your channel.

  • @jimmyknight1609
    @jimmyknight1609 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man I love this album! Tunnel of love is my personal favorite, that's a great video too!

  • @vacantalleyways
    @vacantalleyways 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've never been a fan of the Tunnel of Love era however the songs Tunnel of Love and Tougher Than The Rest have always held a special place in my heart!

  • @deanrobert9953
    @deanrobert9953 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The album Tunnel of Love is exceptionally introspective, and any soul who has lived through failed relationships can connect to many of its songs. I believe 'One Step Up' is THE relationship song from that album of powerful songwriting. I was absolutely floored by that track, and listened over and over creating bleak black-and-white videos in my head. Quite amazing that an album of songs dealing with the pitfalls of relationships also contains one of the most positive, early in love, gotta meet my gal, love is amazing songs one may ever hear... All That Heaven Will Allow. (See The Maverick's take on that song for a more upbeat feel... it's wonderful). Springsteen's songwriting on Tunnel of Love is arguably the finest of his career.

  • @jennywasnthere4453
    @jennywasnthere4453 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Bruce’s music has brought so many tears to my eyes I should fight him if I ever meet him. He’s the best artist of all time I don’t care what anyone has to say. The emotion he puts into his music is literally unmatched.

    • @johnthorne4093
      @johnthorne4093 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow; your comment is so raw… thank you.

  • @ChorusArtists
    @ChorusArtists 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    Atlantic City on Nebraska is also an amazing standout track that seems forgotten.

    • @allbyhmsf9878
      @allbyhmsf9878 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Nebraska is entirely underrated. Such a fantastic album!

    • @murraygainsford3416
      @murraygainsford3416 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Bruce once said in an interview that Nebraska was his finest creation

    • @allbyhmsf9878
      @allbyhmsf9878 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@murraygainsford3416 it’s so heart wrenchingly beautiful. Such an honest piece of music.

    • @mournblade1066
      @mournblade1066 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      "My Father's House" is so heart-wrenching, it brings a tear to my eye every time I listen to it. That whole album is the most intense album this side of Joy Division's _Closer_.

    • @allbyhmsf9878
      @allbyhmsf9878 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mournblade1066 i like the cut of your gib friend

  • @Tobinator127
    @Tobinator127 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Tougher Than the Rest is my favourite song of all time, and I was lucky enough to see it performed live by the man himself in 2013! A moment I’ll never forget.

  • @MrTaitors
    @MrTaitors 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great choice. I also love this song and the whole album. Some brilliant insights into a classic song; opening up into your personal experience raised this to another level of criticism. Cheers Prof 👍🤩

  • @marcos319
    @marcos319 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My all-time favorite Springsteen album.

  • @tonyheckenlively5110
    @tonyheckenlively5110 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Tunnel of Love is not only my favorite Bruce song, but one of my top 3 songs of all time.

  • @stevenjacobson8177
    @stevenjacobson8177 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This was unbelievable. Tremendous. Well done. Thank you so much 🙏🏼🇺🇸

  • @Direwolf216
    @Direwolf216 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for sharing your personal journey in this song.
    Springsteen's music is unique and defines an era, yet speaks to everyone.

  • @jasonearll5742
    @jasonearll5742 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This may be the best video I have ever seen on TH-cam.

  • @davidchase-lopes8413
    @davidchase-lopes8413 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Wow, Adam thank you for a wonderful video. Will revisit this song and record. Your sharing is profound and having experienced it too, hats off for your courage to open up like that.

  • @johnbowman6298
    @johnbowman6298 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I always thought that Bruce put himself out there letting everyone know how he was feeling and thinking on Tunnel of Love... and even more than he did on Darkness on the Edge of Town. The symbolism and metaphors are strong on this album, but I don't think people realized it because of the pop songs like Hungry Heart and Dancing in the Dark that were still on everyone's mind. The public was focused on how great his life was with all the accolades, but deep down he was struggling with his relationship. Nobody wants to believe that their decision was incorrect, and now to correct the problem, somebody is going to be hurt. He wants to gut it out, but deep down he knows what must be done, and it's either now or later. The entire album is full of looking back at his family, his youth, his upbringing, his dad, his mom, and his beliefs and values. This may have been or is the most powerful album he developed in terms of what he was struggling with and his life challenges at that moment in time, and every song reveals a part of him as he tries to come to grips with his reality and recognize and resolve the dilemmas he's facing.

  • @rbnorton8448
    @rbnorton8448 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Professor: THANK YOU for this video, it really touched me.
    Please do more Bruce videos, altho ALL of your work is great!
    Thank you!

  • @andrewmillar9594
    @andrewmillar9594 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A truly great album , saw the tour in Sheffield , UK and was lucky enough to see Bruce with the late Roy Orbison backstage. Enjoyed your analysis , Prof , lots of love from UK.

  • @2Nu
    @2Nu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A most succinct, eloquent and touching analysis of a song that also deeply resonates with me as I struggle with the dissolution of a (mis)marriage of over 30 years and toxic relationship that started over 35 years ago. Might I offer Bruce's 'Human Touch' an equally gripping ballad of want and need as a fitting response to 'Tunnel of Love'.
    Well done Adam..

  • @alexandersonceltic
    @alexandersonceltic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Loved Tunnel of love album 💞 from day one and what a great tour.

  • @giorgiaolivotto8442
    @giorgiaolivotto8442 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm so glad my dad made me appreciate the Boss so much. During my first teen years he was honestly my favourite artist, as I loved his energy and his storytelling. I preferred his first albums, not really minding the more mature ones. But I always knew that I was leaving them for when I grew older: I think it's time to dig out out old CDs!

  • @robdenny553
    @robdenny553 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you. You bared your soul and I felt it. I’ve been there,too.

  • @alexs.8401
    @alexs.8401 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very insightful analysis! I recall rejecting this album when it came out, but one of the things I've always loved about Bruce has been how I've grown into his various moods and albums as I myself have grown up.
    Now, as I hit 50, working through personal and family issues, peeling back my own "brilliant disguise" I can see that it's time to revisit this album.

  • @christophermoult5355
    @christophermoult5355 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have so many Bruce and E St favorites. I scrolled through some the comments just to get a taste of what songs might come up most. I thought for sure my favorite Boss song ever would be mentioned but I never saw it. Nothing Man makes Me lose it if I'm drinking too much. Tougher Than the Rest is up there for me. The Tie That Binds is great. Downbound Train and a couple of his more recent songs I love are Girls in their Summer Clothes and Western Stars.

  • @allbyhmsf9878
    @allbyhmsf9878 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    One of the best channels! Thank you again for such thoughtful and soulful work!

  • @CHRISROYALSCHIEFSFAN
    @CHRISROYALSCHIEFSFAN 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thats one song I had forgotten about! Thank you Professor!!! Rock on!

  • @kiercronin1442
    @kiercronin1442 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Watched this now i can't wait to spin the album in the van today...... thanks. Great video.

  • @cconcannon5145
    @cconcannon5145 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Couldn't agree more Prof....lovely piece again. Tunnel of Love is an album close to my heart. One step up is probably the most heart wrenching song I listen to...because it feels so honest and there's beauty in that.

  • @Local1Laborer
    @Local1Laborer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Professor, you've done it again! My brain is scrambled, like an egg.

  • @lianamonica
    @lianamonica 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve always liked this song and hearing the music behind the words reminds me of happiness, other times in my life, oddly enough

  • @magnuslauglo5356
    @magnuslauglo5356 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The whole album is masterful - easily in his Top Five. Not everyone has experienced lower income conditions, particularly difficult relations with their parents, war, living as a social outsider, parenthood, or most of the other things Bruce sings about. But pretty much everyone (by the time they've been an adult for a while) has spent time in the Tunnel of Love. That's part of what makes it such a great and important album - it is painfully personally relevant to everyone.
    The title track has a slightly awkward melody to it, it stumbles over itself a little, and this is an example of how good he is as a songwriter. A key song about relationship struggles isn't musically smooth and steady.

  • @tmklunk
    @tmklunk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Adam I love your love of music and how you dig deep into it!

  • @mikesill1898
    @mikesill1898 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Underatted song from a Underatted album. So cool that you did an episode on this song. 👍.Great job professor 👏

  • @Strangerbehindamask
    @Strangerbehindamask 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Professor I found you by accident but now you are my favorite channel, your breakdowns of the artists and songs are amazing and you put that human emotion thats just mezmerizing, a hello from Mexico City

  • @pawematyka2817
    @pawematyka2817 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm waitng for a full album material. Fantastic video. Instant sub

  • @cw9817
    @cw9817 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    So glad to find someone else who thinks this is one of Bruce's best songs. It's magnificent, as is the whole album, which can be read as one continuous story from wanting a woman you don't have to proposition, to dating, to living together, to marriage, to troubles in marriage, to loneliness after divorce, to guarded hope for the future. It's an extremely poetic, literary album.
    And this song indeed is a poetic gem, as you say, with incredible imagery and a fantastic sustained metaphor. I almost thought you were going to overlook the superlative, haunting background vocals, but you came through on that as well. One thing I'd add: the biting irony of what sounds like "yahoos" near the end of the song (it's probably "yeah oooh," but it sounds like "yahoo," and I wouldn't be surprised if that was intentional), as if we were riding a horse in a thrilling western. However, there's an edgy, semi-terrified, semi-mournful air to these "yahoos." Great job!

  • @pjakobs
    @pjakobs 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    so when "Tunnel of Love" hit the shops, I was an all out Springsteen fan. I owned all his records, you could wake me up at any time in the night and tell me a line of his lyrics and I would be able to tell you what song it's from and continue them to the end. All along with what song or story came after it in what concert.
    Tunnel of Love ended that.
    To my 18 or 19yr old self, that album wasn't the Boss anymore.
    It was, until this year, the last Springsteen album I had bought.
    The boss had gone soft, the boss had gone pop.
    And well, musically, this album was clearly trying to ride the synth-bed filled airwaves of the 80s. It was, probably more than any earlier album, designed to sell.
    It was a far cry from my favorites of the time, which were clearly "Darkness on the edge of town" and "Nebraska".
    Now, 35 years, a divorce and a few other failed relationships on, I think I better understand it. The lyrics were always the best part of the record, the songwriting was clearly as good as anything Springsteen has ever written. I think what I couldn't relate to at the time is the devastation of having failed to be what he so much wanted to be.
    The arrangement, though, will forever date the album as an 80s album, which is sad.
    Darkness, Asbury Park and Nebraska will always stand head and shoulders above this one, just because they are essentially timeless, they didn't conform with the sound of their decade.
    But the songs themselves stand proud along the rest of his repertoir, a testament to the difficulty that we all face when all the racing in the street, the thunder road, the hiding by the boardwalks is over.
    Thank you for reminding me of this.

  • @Lily_1010
    @Lily_1010 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I absolutely love Tunnel of Love, one of his best along with I'm on Fire, Human Touch and Tougher than the Rest in my opinion. Oh my I could start to name more! lol I love so many of his Songs lol

  • @markaumphredjr7212
    @markaumphredjr7212 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Absolutely agree with everything you shared in this video Professor. I was attracted to this song the first time I heard it, probably no more than a day or two after it’s release. I think part of the attraction was because it was so different from what he had done previously. This lyrically & sonically is as fresh today as it was then. Thank you so much for the insight into the guitar solo. Only a man who sees his faults is one who can grow. Love the tie-in to the Serenity prayer. As one who has said many, usually after a one hour group session, I can relate. Acceptance is the key to serenity. I have been told the only thing I can change is the man in the mirror, all else is “the things I can not change”. Definitely a Boss top 3, I anxiously await your video on the whole album. I thank you, peace, mu

  • @mikebachelor7582
    @mikebachelor7582 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The chord progression of Tunnel of Love is wonderful. Name dropping Richard and Linda Thompson - cherry on the top.

  • @joem1634
    @joem1634 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very well spoken and explained!!
    I’m a massive fan of the boss and his music and lyrics have shaped and Molded me in a positive way.

  • @johnthompson7611
    @johnthompson7611 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've been a subscriber of yours for a while now and I never really leave any comments because I sometimes feel in music knowledge terms they may be lacking. Especially as I am more of a heavier rock fan and more of a fringe fan of the boss.
    But boy didn't you lay your feelings on the line with that video!
    To be honest I knew the tunnel album was a bit of a soul searcher for Bruce especially after his mid 80s commercial success. But you explained where that album was coming from in such an eloquent way. This has helped me listen to that album in a different and more deeper way.
    Well done....three chords and the truth my friend...you put so much of yourself into that video. Keep those videos coming. Thanks John

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I really appreciate you taking the time to comment! I love hearing from you and hope you'll do it again. Thank you for being a subscriber! Your support means a lot.

  • @humanbeing2420
    @humanbeing2420 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is excellent analysis and matches precisely many of my thoughts about this record. Great minds think alike...

  • @leannpass64
    @leannpass64 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    POR, this is one of my favorites, and I have never associated it with a relationship with the passion you explained. So even when not emotionally attached, as such, it is still a beautiful song for all us singles out here.

  • @tombratherton5391
    @tombratherton5391 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful and honest video from you, pal, you spoke with so much honesty.... I've always spoke highly of Tunnel of Love, both the track and the album. Nice work, pal

  • @ChorusArtists
    @ChorusArtists 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    That was the best analysis of a song I think you've ever done. That track deserved a serious breakdown, and you sure delivered. I will appreciate that album with new depth - thanks.

  • @lightningstrikelures2393
    @lightningstrikelures2393 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really liked your take on this. Well done. I too have dealt with divorce and loss...seems Bruce's lyrics always have a way of bringing us back to base.
    Thanks for the video.

  • @cfraase
    @cfraase 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Subscribed to make sure I catch any further Springsteen videos. This was very good and I enjoyed it.

  • @johnparent7159
    @johnparent7159 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love this song. Dancing in the Dark my fav

  • @about.the.music...
    @about.the.music... ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice video clip on a gem of an album.

  • @SoulGlow65
    @SoulGlow65 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice in depth analysis, heartfelt, I got this record when it originally came out and haven't revisited it in quite some time, this was a very enjoyable look back on such a dark introspective creative moment of an extraordinary Artist who is really one of the greatest of our time

  • @leafonthewind88
    @leafonthewind88 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great song but Brilliant Disguise is the one that gets me every time. Like you said that last line is so crushing and true. Great video. Thanks.

  • @zzanatos2001
    @zzanatos2001 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video, Adam. I've always been a sort of casual Springsteen fan because his music was so pervasive on the radio and on MTV during my high school years - but I never knew any of the stories behind his songs. It's also interesting how the songs applied to your own life experiences and helped you make it through to the other side. Kudos for having the courage to share some details from your personal life. Health, wealth, and success to you!