Contrary opinion: ‘Asbury Park’ is Springsteen’s best

Spencer Patterson

Friday, Nov. 14, 2003 | 8:22 a.m.

Having attending college in upstate New York, I've encountered my fair share of Springsteen diehards.

But as many fans of the Boss as I've run across, I've never once heard anyone say Bruce Springsteen's first album remains his best. No one, that is, except me.

Most immediately sing the virtues of the obvious: "Born to Run," "Darkness on the Edge of Town" or "Born in the U.S.A.," three unequivocal rock 'n' roll classics.

A few might push for sprawling double album "The River," and those looking to buck the popular trends may opt for the artsier "Nebraska" or "The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle."

As the years go by, though, I find myself reaching more and more for Bruce's 1973 debut, "Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.," to satisfy my Springsteen cravings.

One of the most astounding freshman efforts in music history, the nine-track album immediately established the Jersey native as a uniquely talented singer and songwriter.

His knack for crafting enduring tunes is evident from the start of opening number "Blinded By the Light," a song later made famous by Britain's Manfred Mann.

At the same time, Springsteen's gritty, earnest vocals turn otherwise simple compositions such as "Mary Queen of Arkansas" into wonderfully memorable experiences.

The disc features several well-known Springsteen cuts: "Growin' Up," "Spirit in the Night" and "It's Hard to Be a Saint in the City." Personally, I prefer these original versions to the longer takes on the "Live 1975-85" boxed set.

"Greetings" also includes some of Springsteen's most underappreciated work, namely the Dylan-esque "Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?" and the apocalyptic "Lost in the Flood." The latter hints at some of the dark, introspective lyrics Springsteen would write in the years to come.

Released before the Boss put together his familiar E Street Band lineup, the record does include contributions from future E Streeters Clarence Clemons (sax) and Garry Tallent (bass). Pianist David Sancious and drummer Vincent Lopez are also in fine form, providing forceful rhythms to complement Springsteen's assertive singing.

I have just one complaint with "Greetings": its hissy, lackluster sound quality. Springsteen's early catalog remains in dire need of remastering, something that may finally get done once Sony's Legacy label finishes its current Bob Dylan project.

Artist: Bruce Springsteen.

Title: "Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J."

Year of release: 1973 (Columbia Records).

Tracklisting: "Blinded By the Light," "Growin' Up," "Mary Queen of Arkansas," "Does This Bus Stop at 82nd Street?" "Lost in the Flood," "The Angel," "For You," "Spirit in the Night," "It's Hard to be a Saint in the City."