Book description
A thought-provoking exploration of Bruce Springsteen's iconic album, Born in the U.S.A.--a record that both chronicled and foreshadowed the changing tides of modern America On June 4, 1984, Columbia Records issued what would become one of the best-selling and most impactful rock albums of all time. Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A. would prove itself to be a landmark not only for the man who made it, but rock music in general and even the larger American culture over the next 40 years. Because this record ended up being much more than just an album--it is a document of what this country was in its moment, a dream of what it might become, and a prescient forecast of what it actually turned into decades later. In There Was Nothing You Could Do, veteran rock critic Steven Hyden explores the essential questions that explain this classic album -- what it means, why it was made, and how it changed the world. By mixing up his signature blend of personal memoir, criticism, and journalism, Hyden digs deep into the songs that made Born In The U.S.A. as well as the scores of tunes that didn't, including the tracks that make up the album's sister release, 1982's Nebraska. He investigates how the records before Born In The U.S.A. set the table for the album's tremendous success, following Springsteen as he tries to balance his commercial ambitions with his fear of losing artistic control and being co-opted by the machine. Hyden also takes a closer look how Springsteen's work after Born In The U.S.A. reacted to that album, discussing how "The Boss" initially ran away from his most popular (and most misunderstood) LP until he learned to once again accept his role as a kind of living national monument. But the book doesn't stop there. Hyden also looks beyond Springsteen's career, placing Born In The U.S.A. in a larger context in terms of how it affected rock music as well as America. Though he aspired to be as big as Elvis and as profound as Dylan, he was equally aware of his heroes' shortcomings and eager to avoid their mistakes--all while navigating the tumultuous aftermath of Vietnam and Watergate, a time when America was coming apart at the seams. Born In The U.S.A. simultaneously chronicles that coming apart and pushes for a more united future, a duality that made him a hero to a younger generation of bands -- from Arcade Fire to The Killers to The War On Drugs -- who openly emulated the sound of Born In The U.S.A. in the hopes of somehow, in their own way, achieving a measure of that album's impact in the 21st century. By the aughts, when Springsteen fan (and future podcast partner) Barack Obama entered the White House, it appeared that the hopeful promise of Born In The U.S.A. might be realized. But the election of Donald Trump seemed to confirm an opposite truth that was closer to the darkness of songs like "My Hometown" and "Born In The U.S.A." than Springsteen's revival-like shows. As Springsteen himself reluctantly conceded, the working-class middle American progressives he wrote about in 1984 had turned into the resentful and scored Trump voters of the 2010s. How did we lose Springsteen's heartland? And what can listening to these songs teach us about the American decline that Born In The U.S.A. forecasted? In There Was Nothing You Could Do, Hyden takes readers on a journey to find out.
Winter Underdog
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. The 'Discover' section is a treasure trove for finding hidden literary gems. I'm on a literary adventure wherever I go, all thanks to this app. Its extensive format support and effortless navigation make audiobook listening a breeze. ππ
Pearl Girl
Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Sir Squire
Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily activities. π‘ Cleaning the house with an audiobook in the background β talk about productivity! π§Όπ
Crash Enforcer
With ListenBook, I can explore new genres, learn new topics, and enjoy classic literature with ease. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. The bookmark feature is fantastic. I can easily pick up where I left off.
Bourbon Mirage
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. π Rekindling my love for reading β this app has reintroduced me to the joy of books in a whole new way. ππ₯ Talk about convenience! This app's ease of use and support for multiple audio formats ensure that I can enjoy my favorite stories without any hassle. π±π Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
ZenaCake
This app has made my commutes and long drives a source of joy and learning. This app has enriched my daily routine with the joy of stories and knowledge. Packed with useful features. My favorite audiobook app! Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
MythMaker
π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ π Unveiling the joy of reading once again β this app is my gateway to literary wonders! ππ ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Father Abbot
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a game-changer.
Mum Mary
I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. This app's convenience has transformed my screen time into meaningful reading sessions. Audiobooks made easy β this app's functionality is truly a gift. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction makes sure that background distractions don't interfere with my listening.
MrOnsTr
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
Beetle King
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
Automatic Slicer
ListenBook's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality is evident in every detail. Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device.
Metal Lady
I'm finally making progress on my reading goals, thanks to this app's convenience. ππ Beating traffic blues with engaging audiobooks β driving has never been this fun! ππ§ Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. I can focus on challenging content.
ByteBard
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro is a fun way to customize my listening experience. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
NexusNomad
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds.
MuseMaster
πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is truly remarkable. Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature! The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Mercury Reborn
The ability to adjust the playback speed has made my commute even more efficient. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. This app's convenience has made reading a consistent part of my life. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience.
Mr. Thanksgiving
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. πββοΈπ Combining fitness and fiction β this app keeps me motivated during workouts with its engaging stories! πββοΈπ Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Sun Leo
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Gas Man
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience