I’ve made it no secret here on TheFrontloader.com that I love acoustic versions of songs. In many cases, I prefer the acoustic over the original because to me, if a song can stand on it’s own in an acoustic setting, then that’s a very strong song. If it needs all the bells and whistles of studio production, then it’s not so much the SONG that’s being presented, it’s the bells and whistles.
Many would probably disagree, and that’s A-OK with me. There’s no universal “rule” to what’s good or bad musically, just our personal tastes.
So this category focuses on acoustic versions of songs, whether it be in-studio outtakes or B-sides, or live performances. What I will try to do is find an acoustic version done by the original artist… if I use an acoustic version done by a DIFFERENT artist, then that constitutes a cover song (which would end up in a different category here on the site). When I mean “acoustic,” I don’t necessarily mean, “played on acoustic guitar.” The song can be an “acoustic” version if it’s played on anything, as long as it is basically a stripped down, as-close-to-solo performance possible.
To kick things off, I will turn to whom I consider the King of Acoustic Versions: Mr. Bruce Springsteen.
Why Bruce Springsteen? Because in my experience, he is one of the few (if only) major artists who is not afraid to completely rework his songs for an acoustic setting. He will often change the entire melody to fit his needs. Springsteen uses different instrumentation and will at times challenge the listener to recognize the tune. He uses guitar, piano, electric piano (Wurlitzer, Rhodes), pump organ, and sometimes just voice and harmonica to get the point across. I haven’t come across many other artists that would dare to do this to their work… Springsteen shows his strong grasp on not only his voice, but also the “song” in general when he presents these reworked versions.
I’ve chosen his anthem “Born in the USA” to illustrate my point.
Most everyone reading this should be familiar with “Born in the USA.” It’s the first track off his monster 1984 album Born in the USA… and it is one of the more misunderstood songs of our time, and always deserves attention.
I think most people have the idea that “Born in the USA” is a pro-USA song. The fist-pumping, epic style of the original track can definitely give that impression… even the video had a bunch of flag-waving scenes. Perhaps the most famous (or infamous) example of this is from 1984, when Ronald Reagan announced to the country that “America’s future rests in a thousand dreams inside your hearts; it rests in the message of hope in songs so many young Americans admire: New Jersey’s own Bruce Springsteen. And helping you make those dreams come true is what this job of mine is all about.” Reagan used the song for his campaign until Springsteen requested that they stop. The irony of this is, of course, that the song is actually about the Vietnam war and how many vets returned to a country that did not welcome them back.
Lyrically, the song follows the story of a working class man through his experience and return from the Vietnam war. He returns to no opportunity, no family, “nowhere to run, nowhere to go.” It’s a sad, sad song that leaves the protagonist begging for a chance because he was “born in the U.S.A.”
I admit that I wasn’t the biggest fan of “Born in the USA” until I heard a version from a solo show of his in 90’s. I frankly could not believe this was the same song.
This version completely changed the sound and feel, exposing the direct commentary of the desperation as depicted in the lyric. The lone slide acoustic guitar brings the song down to earth, leaving behind the grand production of the original. Ever since hearing this version, I’ve taken a new fascination with the song, constantly looking for different performances from various bootlegs.
Rolling Stone magazine lists “Born in the USA” at #275 in their 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time feature. It peaked at number nine on the Billboard charts back in 1984, as a part of the seven-singles onslaught the album of the same name unleashed.
So if you’ve never heard these acoustic versions, you’re in for a treat. I’ve posted several acoustic guitar versions plus a “bullet mic” (a microphone generally used for harmonica) performance that will jar your senses. His slide work on the guitar varies from melodic to pure ferocity. It’s really amazing how different the song sounds.
I’ve also posted the original for comparison. Of the selections below, which do you prefer? The original or the acoustic versions? And why? I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.
Amazon Search: Bruce Springsteen
Your Dig-It Downloads:
Download: Born in the USA (original version)
Download: Born in the USA (live acoustic 9-25-96)
Download: Born in the USA (live acoustic)
Download: Born in the USA (bullet mic version, 11-08-05)
Download: Born in the USA (live acoustic 4-19-96)
Popularity: 2% [?]
Yikes! Look at all the goodies. I am with you on the acoustic versions of songs. Now groups like Tower of Power, I would obviously want the full affect but for artist like Bruce, Josh Ritter, Ryan Adams, Jewel…I really enjoy hearing their voices and the music at bare bones. I love an acoustic live version as well, because for me that shows that the artist doesn’t need a studio or a band to be great!
By the way, did you know that Bruce Springsteen is the greatest writer of all time?? Well he is. I have that on good authority.
Really enjoyed the article. Love the intros to all the acoustic versions. And ya gotta love the bullet mic version…gritty. Awesome. Thanks.
It really makes a difference to hear the lyrics and singing in a recording without being overtaken by too many “bells and whistles”. Acoustic performances engage the senses and in the case of the Born in the USA tracks, they make you feel the song. I luv this song in any version, but my favorite is the bullet mic. I never would have thought Born in the USA could take on such a bluesy vibe. It’s awesome.
Thanks, Thomas, for giving us a sampling of King Bruce.
yikes! i like acoustic versions of *good* songs. that would therefore eliminate anything in springsteen’s catalog…
This subject of the song is truly insightful and soulful. The candied apple style of the album definietly influenced the album version. Acoustic all the way..feel the soul, feel the pain…Love the song
The bullet mic version is pretty awesome, I love the bluesy feel. I think my favorite of the ones you posted is the last one, mainly because you can really hear that twang Bruce uses when he sings….”sent me off to a foreign laynd…” I just love that about the way he sings. (When I sing along with his songs I always find myself sort of tightening up my jaw a little.)
The thing that’s cool about his acoustic versions is you get a chance to hear his guitar skills, which a lot of times get lost in the vamped-up studio versions.
Whoever said Springsteen is the greatest writer of all time has got a good head on their shoulders. Must be a genius or something.
I agree. Although I love the album, the original version of “Born in the USA” always gets skipped. Shame.
Yes, the bullet mic version is a great shocker. That’s what makes Springsteen such a great artist… he’s not afraid to mess with his own songs, even ones that have proven themselves.
Yes, he is a good guitarist, and that does get lost in the albums. His acoustic versions do showcase his guitar skills, which IS cool. And I tighten up my jaw too.
I’m sorry to hear that.
me too – all the vinyl, CD raw materials, radio airtime, and record company/consumer money wasted on a third rate elvis wanna-be.
wow how did i not see this blog sooner? STELLAR.