Album: Born in the U.S.A.

Introduction
"Born in the U.S.A". is the seventh studio album by American rock artist Bruce Springsteen, released on June 4, 1984, by Columbia Records. The album marked a turning point in Springsteen's career, propelling him to international popularity and solidifying his status as a mainstream rock star. Produced by Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin, and Springsteen himself, the album features a more commercial and radio-friendly noise compared to his previous works, while still keeping the working-class themes and anthemic songwriting that specifies his music.

Background and Recording
Following the release of his successful 1980 album "The River", Springsteen took a time-out from tape-recording but continued composing brand-new material. By early 1982, he had over 70 songs, which was narrowed down to 32. He then went into the studio with the E Street Band to tape-record what would end up being "Born in the U.S.A".

The recording procedure was a very intense and demanding experience for the band, as they took on the difficulty of recording Springsteen's epic sound and vision. The album was tape-recorded at the Power Station in New York City and later blended at The Hit Factory. Despite the obstacles, the sessions showed to be a gratifying experience for the band members, who transformed Springsteen's rough tune sketches into refined rock anthems.

Music and Lyrics
"Born in the U.S.A". features a more accessible, mainstream sound that completely welcomes rock, pop, and heartland rock elements. The album opens with the iconic title track, driven by its thriving drum beat and a catchy synthesizer riff. This sets the tone for the rest of the album, which includes hits like "Dancing in the Dark", "Glory Days", and "I'm on Fire".

Regardless of its upbeat sound, the lyrics of "Born in the U.S.A". look into darker, more individual styles. The title track addresses the mistreatment of Vietnam War veterans upon returning house, while "My Hometown" faces the decline of small-town America caused by financial difficulty. "Downbound Train" and "I'm on Fire" both discuss styles of loss, isolation, and desire. Springsteen's powerful and emotive vocals bring these stories to life, drawing listeners into his visceral songwriting.

Business Success and Reception
"Born in the U.S.A". was an enormous business success, investing 84 weeks on the Billboard Top Albums Chart and offering over 30 million copies worldwide. The album generated seven top-10 songs in the U.S., making Springsteen the first artist in history to attain this task. The album's chart-topping success was fueled by an aggressive marketing campaign as well as extensive airplay on MTV and radio stations around the world.

Critically, "Born in the U.S.A". received widespread honor and developed Springsteen as a dominant force in the music industry. It garnered several Grammy Award nominations, and retrospectively has appeared on numerous "biggest albums of perpetuity" lists, including Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Legacy
Over three decades considering that its release, "Born in the U.S.A". remains a vital part of Bruce Springsteen's discography and a defining album of the 1980s. The album's styles of personal battle, loss, and neighborhood continue to resonate with audiences, while its anthemic noise and renowned artwork mesmerize new generations of music fans. With "Born in the U.S.A.", Bruce Springsteen really established himself as a rock 'n' roll icon and a long-lasting voice of the American working class.