The sound is hardly audiophile quality and at times the rhymes are forced. On the other hand it is 1973 and this is Springsteen's first album. I challenge anyone to name another debut so full of top quality songs - each of the songs later covered by Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded by the Night, For You and Spirit in the Night would be a show-stopper on any other LP. In addition Springsteen gives us other great songs - Lost in the Flood, Growin' Up and It's Hard to be a Saint in the City. I think that this is a mind-blowing initial effort. It is one that clearly marked Springsteen as a talent to tab for the future.

Over the course of three decades Springsteen has veered this way and that, both musically and lyrically. There is a world of difference between Greetings and Born in the USA and another world between USA and Nebraska. Lyrically Greetings is undeniably influenced by Dylan - sprawling, poetic, witty, abstract, amusing and dense. Although Clarence is, as always, featured prominently, this Bruce Springsteen is, like The Byrds before him, more folkie than he is rocker. He is a singer songwriter in the best traditions of that genre. Long standing Springsteen fans hold the debut in high regard. I agree with those who believe that this album and The Wild, together with Born to Run and Stranger represent the pinnacle of his catalog. Quibbling as to whether one is superior to another is rather like arguing whether it is Revolver, Rubber Soul, Pepper or Abbey Road - an interesting debate in which there can be no winner.

When I first heard Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, I was totally blown away. If there'd been an Amazon, I'd have given the CD 5 stars for sure. The sound was different, rougher, a jazzier and more understandable Dylan.

In retrospect, this is not Bruce's best work, but it's still really good stuff. "Growin' Up", "Blinded by the Light," "Spirit in the Night", and "The Angel" still stand up as some of his best.

I think if you're going to get Bruce, you need to have everything. Every CD has meaning for a time in his life and you can trace his history as well as the history of this country in his lyrics. He's one musician whose work I have loved from beginning to now and probably will continue to love throughout our lives. I can mark a lot of occasions by the Boss playing in the background.

Rebecca Kyle, June 2008

This is one of the best, along with the The Wild, The Innocent, and the E Street Shuffle.

I reveived the CD in very good condition, on time. I am now enjjoying listening to my favorite group of all time, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E-STREET BAND. I already have the new CD MAGIC on order and am awaitng it's arrival after it's October 2nd release date. I have ordered may CD's from Amazon and have always been very satisfied with my purchases. All have been received in very good condition and exactly what I ordered. My experience in dealing with Amazon has always been a pleasurable one, Phil.

and he would become the Boss. Springsteens first release is full of fun, originality, witty lyrics and pure rock and roll. A great collection of songs topped by BLINDED BY THE LIGHT, GROWIN UP, ITS HARD TO BE A SAINT IN THE CITY, and SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT. The Boss and The E Street Band come alive here in the beginning of what would become a beautiful and creative relationship.