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Book Review

‘Bruce Springsteen and the Promise of Rock ’N’ Roll’ by Marc Dolan

New biography traces life of Bruce Springsteen and construction of his image

By Ian Crouch

 |  Globe Correspondent  

  June 08, 2012

In Bruce Springsteen’s recent “We Take Care of Our Own” many listeners heard an echo of his iconic stadium-shaker from 1984, “Born in the U.S.A.” Both songs are anthems about America, featuring driving choruses. But, in each case, the triumphant music is at odds with the ambivalent story of the country told in the lyrics. This conflict, between sound and meaning — and between artist intent and audience understanding — is at the center of Marc Dolan’s insightful new biography.

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