Deliver Me from Nowhere

More about the book

This insightful exploration delves into the creation of Bruce Springsteen's unexpected album, Nebraska, highlighting its significance in his career. Without Nebraska, Springsteen might not have achieved his iconic status. Following the success of The River, the anticipated album was Born in the U.S.A., yet in 1982, he released Nebraska—a collection of dark, personal songs recorded solely for himself. Nearly forty years later, Nebraska stands as one of Springsteen's most crucial works, offering a deeper understanding of the artist and his vision. The album, raw and unfinished, was recorded on a cassette tape in his bedroom, just as the digital era was emerging. Springsteen now regards it as his best album, reflecting a national mood of darkness and his own struggles, foreshadowing a mental breakdown he would later discuss publicly. Author Warren Zanes interviewed many involved in the making of Nebraska, including Springsteen, and gathered insights from notable musicians like Rosanne Cash and Steven Van Zandt about their responses to the album. He also examines the cultural influences, such as Terence Malick's Badlands, that shaped the haunting songs. The result is a rich narrative that captures a pivotal moment in the career of an icon and the groundbreaking nature of a recording that defied expectations.