In 1982, Springsteen's fame was at an incredible height, as he had produced soulful rock and pop music which had touched millions, but he took the brave decision to break away from this formula by releasing Nebraska. Simply put, this is the greatest example of all of Springsteen's folk efforts, and featured much, much darker themes than explored on any of his previous albums. The record is truly haunting, and that is largely helped by Springsteen sounded alone, after all, he decided against using the E Street Band for these songs. Whilst the usual blue-collar songs were still in place, albeit with a more solemn tone, there was also a collection of songs focusing on the outcasts of society; the darker characters and criminals were explored, including the tale of real-life serial killer Charles Starkweather, as the opening track. This album must be regarded as one of the bravest releases by any artist who was at a pinnacle of their fame, but the critical acclaim received for Nebraska was definitely worth the risk, and it is rightly seen as one of the finest albums of the 80s.
