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

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 26. 11. 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.
    Thank you to this Episodes Sponsor, Zenni Optical
    Incredible Prices on New Glasses - bit.ly/ZenniOpticalShop
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Check out my Hand Picked Selection Below
    Professor's Store
    - Bruce Springsteen Vinyl Box Set amzn.to/36fiNRr
    - A letter to you vinyl album amzn.to/36b9vFS
    - Tunnel of Love Vinyl album amzn.to/3lfThzD
    - Born In The USA Vinyl Album amzn.to/2V9hHQF
    - Greatest Hits Vinyl Album amzn.to/36cu1Wy
    - Bruce Springsteen Merch amzn.to/3fT2Eo1
    - The 80s Collection amzn.to/3mAekOq
    - 100 Best Selling Albums amzn.to/3h3qZX9
    - Ultimate History of 80s Teen Movie amzn.to/3ifjdKQ
    - 80s to 90s VHS Video Cover Art amzn.to/2QXzmIX
    - Totally Awesome 80s A Lexicon amzn.to/3h4ilrk
    - Best In Ear Headphones (I Use These Every Day) amzn.to/2ZcTlIl
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Honorary Producers
    Kristina Michele, Paul J Simon
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Check Out The Professor of Rock Merch Store - bit.ly/ProfessorMerch
    Access To Backstage Content
    Become a Patron - bit.ly/ProfessorofRockVIPFan
    Help out the Channel by purchasing your albums through our links! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support.
    Click here for Premium Content: bit.ly/SignUpForPremiumContent
    bit.ly/Facebook_Professor_of_...
    bit.ly/Instagram_Professor_of...
    #BruceSpringsteen #Rock #80s
    Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time. Make sure an subscribe below to be a part of this community. Make sure to also check us out on patreon for more content.
    “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.
  • Zábava

Komentáře • 486

  • @warrenny
    @warrenny Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +28

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

  • @drewbeck1000
    @drewbeck1000 Před 3 lety +12

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

    • @aperson2730
      @aperson2730 Před 9 měsíci +2

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

  • @Piwi2104
    @Piwi2104 Před 3 lety +34

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

  • @dannwhitehead6193
    @dannwhitehead6193 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @tonygreen8221
    @tonygreen8221 Před 3 lety +10

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

  • @seanhyson3879
    @seanhyson3879 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +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 Před 2 lety +3

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

    • @cw9817
      @cw9817 Před 2 lety +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.

  • @dvroegop
    @dvroegop Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety

      Ditto, Dennis. My thoughts exactly.

    • @ProfessorofRock
      @ProfessorofRock  Před 3 lety +3

      Wow thank you. That means a lot.

    • @stephenvalente3296
      @stephenvalente3296 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @michaelmcdonald8452
    @michaelmcdonald8452 Před 3 lety +71

    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 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +1

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

    • @chrisdurso3325
      @chrisdurso3325 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +1

      @@chrisdurso3325 exactly

    • @davidllamas1570
      @davidllamas1570 Před 3 lety

      Well said!

  • @reimereason
    @reimereason Před 3 lety +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!

  • @cynthia6924
    @cynthia6924 Před 3 lety +77

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

    • @henrythegreatamerican8136
      @henrythegreatamerican8136 Před 3 lety

      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 Před 3 lety +1

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

    • @creamydistortion
      @creamydistortion Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +4

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

    • @langdonogeay1141
      @langdonogeay1141 Před 3 lety +1

      @@creamydistortion Something in the Night

  • @WickedKingLycoan
    @WickedKingLycoan Před 3 lety +47

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

    • @peterwroberts4379
      @peterwroberts4379 Před 3 lety +2

      Just magically epic

    • @davidhoogenboom5995
      @davidhoogenboom5995 Před 3 lety +4

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

    • @marcos319
      @marcos319 Před 3 lety +3

      My favorite song, off my favorite Springsteen album.

    • @Snakey120
      @Snakey120 Před 3 lety +3

      Great track, Great album

    • @ec1628
      @ec1628 Před 3 lety +3

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

  • @vitorfrancagalvao2077
    @vitorfrancagalvao2077 Před 3 lety +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!

  • @Baspeijnenburg
    @Baspeijnenburg Před 3 lety +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.

  • @jeffbebe5085
    @jeffbebe5085 Před 2 lety +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.

  • @B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS

    Tougher Than The Rest is in my top 5 Springsteen songs

    • @cameronwertenberger8941
      @cameronwertenberger8941 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety

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

    • @pamomalley6437
      @pamomalley6437 Před 3 lety

      Arguably the most beautiful love song ever

    • @theirlivesnotours
      @theirlivesnotours Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety

      @@theirlivesnotours 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)...

  • @johnmccracken5465
    @johnmccracken5465 Před rokem +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.

  • @GrowthruGod
    @GrowthruGod Před 2 lety +3

    Tunnel o Love and Brilliant Disguise are astounding

  • @fangs1972
    @fangs1972 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety

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

  • @wacoglee
    @wacoglee Před 3 lety +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.

  • @paulcarroll7061
    @paulcarroll7061 Před 2 lety +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!

  • @thegoatchild3545
    @thegoatchild3545 Před 3 lety +11

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

  • @mkrj2576
    @mkrj2576 Před 6 měsíci +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.

  • @jamesellis1972
    @jamesellis1972 Před 9 dny

    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.

  • @fraziermichaelj
    @fraziermichaelj Před 2 lety +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.

  • @neale5j
    @neale5j Před 3 lety +13

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

  • @sameoldeh
    @sameoldeh Před 3 lety +32

    Bruce Springsteen is the GOAT.
    None higher.

    • @cw9817
      @cw9817 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @SteveCarrDrivesAPrius
    @SteveCarrDrivesAPrius Před 3 lety +39

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

    • @jameskipp1657
      @jameskipp1657 Před 3 lety +2

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

    • @alansmithee3336
      @alansmithee3336 Před 3 lety +3

      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 Před 3 lety +1

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

    • @craigcavaliere6744
      @craigcavaliere6744 Před 3 lety +2

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

    • @divisionave
      @divisionave Před 3 lety +1

      Yes, soul driver!

  • @ArwensHubby
    @ArwensHubby Před 9 měsíci +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!

  • @mv-wb9qm
    @mv-wb9qm Před 3 lety +29

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

    • @tonysansom
      @tonysansom Před 3 lety +1

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

    • @lmsrox2
      @lmsrox2 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @tonyheckenlively5110
    @tonyheckenlively5110 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @flavellinator
    @flavellinator Před 3 lety +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.

  • @magnuslauglo5356
    @magnuslauglo5356 Před rokem +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.

  • @5litreho
    @5litreho Před rokem +1

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

  • @jacdeboer9062
    @jacdeboer9062 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @mikebachelor7582
    @mikebachelor7582 Před 21 dnem

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

  • @jameshogan1871
    @jameshogan1871 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @justinbyers1725
    @justinbyers1725 Před 3 lety +3

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

  • @briantwiss9078
    @briantwiss9078 Před 2 lety +1

    During high school, the effects my mental illness was having on me was at an all-time high. The most solace I found was in music- I can still recall my playlist at the time. “Let It Be” and “The White Album” by the Beatles, Elvis Costello’s first two albums, “A Love Supreme by John Coltrane, “American Idiot” by Green Day and “London Calling” by the Clash were in my heaviest of heavy rotation, but all still paled in comparison to my love of Bruce. Darkness on the Edge of Town may still be my all-time favorite album, and Born to Run and The River were also constants at that time. I was an 18-year-old in 2017 listening to music that was mostly 20 years older than me, but I didn’t care. If it weren’t for Bruce, I would be a very different person today.

  • @bobmccaslin2040
    @bobmccaslin2040 Před 3 lety +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

  • @kindnessfirst9670
    @kindnessfirst9670 Před 2 lety +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.

  • @jimmyknight1609
    @jimmyknight1609 Před rokem +2

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

  • @darthXreven
    @darthXreven Před 3 lety +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
    😈

  • @Capt.Gagan.Boparai
    @Capt.Gagan.Boparai Před 3 lety +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..!!

  • @theraven6836
    @theraven6836 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Saw him in Tallahassee in 1985 when I was in college. Great memories. Go ‘Noles!

  • @alansmithee3336
    @alansmithee3336 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @sharpgage6512
    @sharpgage6512 Před rokem +1

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

  • @markhennellyjr.7433
    @markhennellyjr.7433 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety +16

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

  • @jennywasnthere4453
    @jennywasnthere4453 Před 3 lety +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 Před 11 měsíci

      Wow; your comment is so raw… thank you.

  • @marcos319
    @marcos319 Před 3 lety +4

    My all-time favorite Springsteen album.

  • @Local1Laborer
    @Local1Laborer Před 3 lety +18

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

  • @Tobinator127
    @Tobinator127 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @johnbowman6298
    @johnbowman6298 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @JamesAllen-xk8bc
    @JamesAllen-xk8bc Před 2 měsíci +1

    This was the first Springsteen album. I bought it when it came out in 1987. I listened to it beginning to end and thought; I don't get it. I listened again. And I still didn't get it. I was going based on Born in the U.S.A. and this album confused me. I put it in the section of my vinyl collection that contained albums that I would never listen to again. I forgot about Springsteen. In around 2012 I stumbled upon this song on CZcams, and absolutely loved it. I listened to another song from this album and absolutely loved it. I was confused. Is this the same artist, the same album? Yes. Turns out I was, in 1987, too young and hadn't lived life long enough to 'get it'. After rediscovering this album I went down the Springsteen rabbit hole for a couple of years. I don't have top 10 lists. I have top 2 lists. The Boss is, and will always be, in that top 2.

  • @stevenjacobson8177
    @stevenjacobson8177 Před měsícem +1

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

  • @mikesill1898
    @mikesill1898 Před rokem +2

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

  • @catherine6653
    @catherine6653 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @arafjan7488
    @arafjan7488 Před 3 lety +1

    Tunnel of Love is a generally underrated album and his brass band on the tour was phenomenal

  • @ChorusArtists
    @ChorusArtists Před 3 lety +25

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

    • @allbyhmsf9878
      @allbyhmsf9878 Před 3 lety +4

      Nebraska is entirely underrated. Such a fantastic album!

    • @murraygainsford3416
      @murraygainsford3416 Před 3 lety +3

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

    • @allbyhmsf9878
      @allbyhmsf9878 Před 3 lety +2

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

    • @mournblade1066
      @mournblade1066 Před 3 lety +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 Před 3 lety

      @@mournblade1066 i like the cut of your gib friend

  • @pjakobs
    @pjakobs Před 3 lety +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.

  • @andrewmillar9594
    @andrewmillar9594 Před 2 lety +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.

  • @deanrobert9953
    @deanrobert9953 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @drfabriciomnogueira
    @drfabriciomnogueira Před 3 lety +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 :)

  • @Skeezer66
    @Skeezer66 Před 3 lety +2

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

  • @jasonearll5742
    @jasonearll5742 Před 3 lety +3

    This may be the best video I have ever seen on CZcams.

  • @alexs.8401
    @alexs.8401 Před 11 dny

    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 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @alexandersonceltic
    @alexandersonceltic Před 3 lety +2

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

  • @vacantalleyways
    @vacantalleyways Před 3 lety +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!

  • @giorgiaolivotto8442
    @giorgiaolivotto8442 Před 3 lety +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!

  • @johnparent7159
    @johnparent7159 Před 3 lety +1

    Love this song. Dancing in the Dark my fav

  • @aliciasaracino1233
    @aliciasaracino1233 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @CHRISROYALSCHIEFSFAN
    @CHRISROYALSCHIEFSFAN Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @rbnorton8448
    @rbnorton8448 Před 2 lety +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!

  • @kiercronin1442
    @kiercronin1442 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @86crud
    @86crud Před 10 měsíci +1

    That’s my favorite song of his.

  • @robertmathisen4438
    @robertmathisen4438 Před 3 lety +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

  • @davidchase-lopes8413
    @davidchase-lopes8413 Před 3 lety +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.

  • @robdenny553
    @robdenny553 Před 2 lety +1

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

  • @cfraase
    @cfraase Před 3 lety +4

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

  • @about.the.music...
    @about.the.music... Před rokem +1

    Very nice video clip on a gem of an album.

  • @marchayfordgetuppodcast9489

    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!

  • @AABB-bm9kk
    @AABB-bm9kk Před 3 lety +14

    My fav tracks with “tunnel” in the title : 😀✌️(Big Bruce fan 🤟🙂)
    Tunnel of Love by Bruce
    Tunnel of Love by Dire Straits

    • @mournblade1066
      @mournblade1066 Před 3 lety

      And I like "Funnel of Love" by Wanda Jackson, a kickass rockabilly song that The Cramps have covered.

    • @AABB-bm9kk
      @AABB-bm9kk Před 3 lety +1

      @@mournblade1066 Oh Yes I do recall that one 👍That’s a great HM for the list 😀✌️

    • @deanrobert9953
      @deanrobert9953 Před 3 lety

      Hmm... tough one. Like looking for a word that rhymes with orange.

    • @AABB-bm9kk
      @AABB-bm9kk Před 3 lety

      @@deanrobert9953 Ha Yeah Just thought I’d follow the POR’s lead on this one
      No matter where it led (or didn’t lead ) 😉✌️

    • @gregw988
      @gregw988 Před 3 lety +1

      Roy Bittan plays on both.

  • @Lily_1010
    @Lily_1010 Před 3 lety +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

  • @pawematyka2817
    @pawematyka2817 Před 3 lety +1

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

  • @MrTaitors
    @MrTaitors Před 3 lety +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 👍🤩

  • @Direwolf216
    @Direwolf216 Před 3 lety

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

  • @Strangerbehindamask
    @Strangerbehindamask Před 3 lety +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

  • @allbyhmsf9878
    @allbyhmsf9878 Před 3 lety

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

  • @cloverfield911
    @cloverfield911 Před 3 lety +2

    Brilliant Track

  • @cw9817
    @cw9817 Před 2 lety

    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!

  • @2Nu
    @2Nu Před 3 lety +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..

  • @lianamonica
    @lianamonica Před 3 lety

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

  • @patrickcarroll9736
    @patrickcarroll9736 Před 2 lety +1

    Your content is so good Bruce is my all time favorite artist

  • @tankmalowney
    @tankmalowney Před 2 lety +2

    You nailed it brother.

  • @cconcannon5145
    @cconcannon5145 Před 3 lety

    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.

  • @ChorusArtists
    @ChorusArtists Před 3 lety +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.

  • @robforbes5814
    @robforbes5814 Před 3 lety +2

    Darkness on the edge of town as an album always hit closest to me. As I've grown and experienced relationships and their toll on your life this album became more relevant.

  • @tmklunk
    @tmklunk Před 3 lety +1

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