The Emotional Difference Between Bruce Springsteen’s Albums ‘Born To Run’ & ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town’

Music writer Polyphonic, who creates informative video essays on an ongoing basis takes a rather insightful look at the emotional difference between Bruce Springsteen’s albums Born To Run (1975) and Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978). Polyphonic notes that several upsetting events occurred in the three years in between the albums, and that growing anxiety was deeply reflected in Darkness on the Edge of Town, as seen in the song lyrics, the melodies and even in the album jacket photo.

The difference between ‘Born to Run’ and Darkness on the Edge of Town can be seen plainly on the album’s covers. The iconic ‘Born to Run’ cover features Springsteen stifling a laugh, while he leans on Clements shoulder. ‘Darkness on the Edge of Town’ on the other hand shows a dead-eyed Springsteen staring past the camera.