Deliver Me from Nowhere

More about the book

The story behind Bruce Springsteen’s surprising album, Nebraska, reveals its pivotal role in his career. Without this album, Springsteen might not be the iconic artist he is today. Instead of following his successful album The River with the anticipated Born in the U.S.A., he released a collection of dark, personal songs in 1982, recorded alone on a four-track cassette in his bedroom. Over forty years later, Nebraska stands as one of his most significant works, offering insight into both his artistic vision and personal struggles. The album reflects a turmoil that resonated with the national mood while also hinting at Springsteen’s own mental health challenges, which he would only discuss openly years later. Author Warren Zanes interviewed many involved in the making of Nebraska, including Springsteen himself, along with notable artists and insiders like Rosanne Cash and Steven Van Zandt, to explore their reactions. He also examines cultural influences, such as Terrence Malick’s Badlands and Flannery O’Connor’s short stories, that shaped the haunting songs. The result is a rich and revealing account of a crucial moment in an icon's career, showcasing how Nebraska defied expectations and foreshadowed a home-recording revolution.