"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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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..!!
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.
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
@@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.
@@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?!
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.
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
@@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)...
This was perhaps the best analysis ever of a true Springsteen classic. The song itself was one to which most humans can relate, it draws up feelings which we want to ignore, but cannot; it forces us to confront things it might be less stressful to overlook; and it almost demands we act on our feelings, even if we are not yet ready. Most of us had a relationship we thought would last forever, but we still went through periods when "the ride was rough" or where the relationship felt "haunted." It was a song I could rely on for guidance many years later, as I'm sure many others did. I agree that "Tunnel of Love" was one of many superb relationship song Bruce wrote. One day during the 1990s, after his tumultuous divorce and the band breakup, I listened to the album and thought "It took a lot of guts for Bruce to write this album." But I'm very happy he did.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 😈
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 🤘
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.
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 :)
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
"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_.
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 UA-cam, 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.
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.
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
Great insight here! I've also always loved the imagery he creates with his words in the opening lines... Fat man sitting on a little stool Takes the money from hand while his eyes take a walk all over you Hands me the ticket, smiles and whispers good luck Well cuddle up, angel. Cuddle up, my little dove. We're gonna ride on down, down into this tunnel of love. And that can really be viewed, I think, as the world pushing people together and putting ideas in your head about how "you two are.meant for each other' before you even have a chance to figure it out for yourself. All in all great song!
Tunnel of Love is my favorite Springsteen song. A friend (& Springsteen fanatic) insists that Phillips should've known the marriage was over when she heard this song. I think it's deeply insightful & elegantly produced.
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.
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..
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!
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.
Certainly one of Bruce's best albums. Favourite songs for me on it: Brilliant Disguise & One Step Up. I remember buying the album and walking home with my friend as we both discussed what we thought we'd get on the album.
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!
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.
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 👍🤩
I went to the Born in the USA tour show in Miami. It was an amazing experience. I was a huge Boss fan. I painted a picture of him that a friend took back stage to show him. His music is classic.
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.
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.
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.
The ENTIRE record is an underappreciated gem. Just stunning songwriting.
Agreed. Beautiful song writing. His best album to date in my opinion and the 2nd album I ever bought.
"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.
Some of his best writing is on this album. Very underrated.
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!
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.
Tunnel o Love and Brilliant Disguise are astounding
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.
Ditto, Dennis. My thoughts exactly.
Wow thank you. That means a lot.
This was the first Springsteen LP I bought after receiving the 1975-85 boxset for Christmas previously. Brilliant album.
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!
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.
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.
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!
That album is absolutely epic. Two faces is my favourite.
Great album
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
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)
I'm with you on this one Buddy. My favorite too.
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.
@@chrisdurso3325 exactly
Well said!
Darkness on the Edge of Town is my all time favorite, but Brilliant Disguise is one of Bruce's best songs ever
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.
@@henrythegreatamerican8136 and I always thought it was an underrated song, but at least you like it, lol
"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"
I totally agree brilliant disguise wad the track that turnede from a listener to a hardcore Bruce fan
@@BennieTarrMusic Something in the Night
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Saw him in Tallahassee in 1985 when I was in college. Great memories. Go ‘Noles!
The whole album is great. And becomes absorbed even more when you hear something that resonates with you personally.
Tunnel of Love is not only my favorite Bruce song, but one of my top 3 songs of all time.
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!
Tunnel of Love is a generally underrated album and his brass band on the tour was phenomenal
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.
“Valentine’s Day” is my favorite song off of this album.
Just magically epic
Agreed. Over the years Valentine’s Day has ultimately shined brightest on my favorite Springsteen album.
My favorite song, off my favorite Springsteen album.
Great track, Great album
I thought I was the only one who thought that. Always played it the day after my friends became fathers.
Love this song. Dancing in the Dark my fav
Masterpiece...the song and the entire album.👍👍
Professor: THANK YOU for this video, it really touched me.
Please do more Bruce videos, altho ALL of your work is great!
Thank you!
Not gonna lie, “My Hometown” hits hard but “If I was the Priest” is a bomb song.
Your analogy of the songs on this album was so deep and well thought out..thank you.
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.
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..!!
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.
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
@@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.
@@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?!
His new fans wanted another BITUSA while his old fans didn't. The old fans lucked out.
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.
Tougher Than The Rest is in my top 5 Springsteen songs
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
Yup. It's very good to play live too, especially on piano, but it's fun on guitar as well.
Arguably the most beautiful love song ever
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
@@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)...
One of my top 3 favorites from Bruce as well. A true masterpiece 👏
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.
Thank you. You bared your soul and I felt it. I’ve been there,too.
This was perhaps the best analysis ever of a true Springsteen classic. The song itself was one to which most humans can relate, it draws up feelings which we want to ignore, but cannot; it forces us to confront things it might be less stressful to overlook; and it almost demands we act on our feelings, even if we are not yet ready.
Most of us had a relationship we thought would last forever, but we still went through periods when "the ride was rough" or where the relationship felt "haunted." It was a song I could rely on for guidance many years later, as I'm sure many others did.
I agree that "Tunnel of Love" was one of many superb relationship song Bruce wrote. One day during the 1990s, after his tumultuous divorce and the band breakup, I listened to the album and thought "It took a lot of guts for Bruce to write this album." But I'm very happy he did.
Thats one song I had forgotten about! Thank you Professor!!! Rock on!
Watched this now i can't wait to spin the album in the van today...... thanks. Great video.
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.
Probably one of my favorite Bruce Springsteen songs of all time. That synthesizer sound is so haunting
the opening lyrics to this song are beyound brillaint. glad to see someone highlight them the way you did
Human Touch deserves love like this. Soul Driver is my jam. Sam Moore on backups.
Human Touch the title song on that album is great. I like it better than Tunnel of Love.
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".
Those two albums are both great. And the MTV Plugged.
It's not the songs themselves. It's the late 80s/early 90s sound that ruins them.
Yes, soul driver!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
😈
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 🤘
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.
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 :)
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.
Great Analysis. From the song When You’re alone - “There are things that will knock you down you don’t even see coming” Amen
I'm waitng for a full album material. Fantastic video. Instant sub
Underatted song from a Underatted album. So cool that you did an episode on this song. 👍.Great job professor 👏
Very nice video clip on a gem of an album.
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.
This was unbelievable. Tremendous. Well done. Thank you so much 🙏🏼🇺🇸
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.
Professor, you've done it again! My brain is scrambled, like an egg.
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!
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.
Here's hoping, wishing, and praying that The Professor gets to interview The Boss! (If you haven't already...)
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.
My all-time favorite Springsteen album.
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.
He was 38 during the writing & release of “Tunnel of Love”...
I always liked “One Step Up” and “Walk Like a Man”.
In the shadow of BitUSA, Tunnel of Love is an underrated songwriting classic.
@@tonysansom It's actually a stronger album, IMO
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.
Wow; your comment is so raw… thank you.
That’s my favorite song of his.
Your content is so good Bruce is my all time favorite artist
Tunnel of Love is SO UNDERRATED!!!!! I have always loved this! Thanks Professor!!!!!
Atlantic City on Nebraska is also an amazing standout track that seems forgotten.
Nebraska is entirely underrated. Such a fantastic album!
Bruce once said in an interview that Nebraska was his finest creation
@@murraygainsford3416 it’s so heart wrenchingly beautiful. Such an honest piece of music.
"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_.
@@mournblade1066 i like the cut of your gib friend
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 UA-cam, 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.
Man I love this album! Tunnel of love is my personal favorite, that's a great video too!
This may be the best video I have ever seen on UA-cam.
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.
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
The chord progression of Tunnel of Love is wonderful. Name dropping Richard and Linda Thompson - cherry on the top.
Loved Tunnel of love album 💞 from day one and what a great tour.
Great insight here! I've also always loved the imagery he creates with his words in the opening lines...
Fat man sitting on a little stool
Takes the money from hand while his eyes take a walk all over you
Hands me the ticket, smiles and whispers good luck
Well cuddle up, angel. Cuddle up, my little dove.
We're gonna ride on down, down into this tunnel of love.
And that can really be viewed, I think, as the world pushing people together and putting ideas in your head about how "you two are.meant for each other' before you even have a chance to figure it out for yourself. All in all great song!
Tunnel of Love is my favorite Springsteen song.
A friend (& Springsteen fanatic) insists that Phillips should've known the marriage was over when she heard this song. I think it's deeply insightful & elegantly produced.
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.
I’ve always liked this song and hearing the music behind the words reminds me of happiness, other times in my life, oddly enough
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..
Thank you so much for articulating. Exactly why this is one of my favorite albums. The emotions are so raw and so real. Great job with this review.
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!
Thank you for sharing your personal journey in this song.
Springsteen's music is unique and defines an era, yet speaks to everyone.
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.
Thanks Adam! Greetings from Paris
Certainly one of Bruce's best albums. Favourite songs for me on it: Brilliant Disguise & One Step Up. I remember buying the album and walking home with my friend as we both discussed what we thought we'd get on the album.
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!
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.
Bruce Springsteen is the GOAT.
None higher.
I call him our great American rock-and-roll troubadour.
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 👍🤩
I went to the Born in the USA tour show in Miami. It was an amazing experience. I was a huge Boss fan. I painted a picture of him that a friend took back stage to show him. His music is classic.
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.
My fav tracks with “tunnel” in the title : 😀✌️(Big Bruce fan 🤟🙂)
Tunnel of Love by Bruce
Tunnel of Love by Dire Straits
And I like "Funnel of Love" by Wanda Jackson, a kickass rockabilly song that The Cramps have covered.
@@mournblade1066 Oh Yes I do recall that one 👍That’s a great HM for the list 😀✌️
Hmm... tough one. Like looking for a word that rhymes with orange.
@@deanrobert9953 Ha Yeah Just thought I’d follow the POR’s lead on this one
No matter where it led (or didn’t lead ) 😉✌️
Roy Bittan plays on both.
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.
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.