Bruce Springsteen‘s legacy is felt far and wide. His anthemic brand of rock has touched every corner of the music industry, not just the genre he belongs to. While little morsels of Springsteen’s sound are found in abundance, there are a fair few artists who wear their Springsteen inspiration on their sleeve. Check out three musicians below who are carrying on Springsteen’s legacy.
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Sam Fender
Sam Fender has been heralded as England’s answer to Springsteen. Like The Boss, Fender speaks to the working class, offering up painful truths about the way of the world. Moreover, his “heartland rock” sound is reminiscent of Springsteen’s heyday. Though they are generations and an ocean apart, Fender and Springsteen hold a lot of similarities. If you’re looking for a modern artist who expresses the same candor and fervor (effectively carrying on Springsteen’s legacy), look no further than Fender.
Most Bruce Springsteen-Esque Songs: “Seventeen Going Under”, “Getting Started”, and “The Borders”
I was far too scared to hit him
But I would hit him in a heartbeat now
That’s the thing with anger
It begs to stick around
So it can fleece you of your beauty
And leave you spent with nowt to offer
Makes you hurt the ones who love you
The Killers
There was a stint of The Killers’ career when their music held an uncanny resemblance to Springsteen’s Born to Run era. They shed their alt-rock roots for a stadium-filling sound, prlofierating Springsteen’s legacy. Like The Boss’ music, this particular brand of The Killers was rousing and thought-provoking to boot. If you’re looking for a fuller sound– akin to Springsteen and the E Street Band’s live performances–The Killers are you’re answer.
Most Bruce Springsteen-Esque Songs: “Runaways,” “The Getting By”, and “Dustland”
Ain’t we all just runaways?
I knew it when I met you
I’m not gonna let you run away
I knew it when I held you
I wasn’t letting go
Jason Isbell
Jason Isbell’s sound isn’t the most Springsteen-esque. He leans a little folkier than Springsteen tends to–although his discography is not without its moments of folk inspiration. However, Isbell’s view of the world is similar to The Boss’. He speaks for the everyman in modern times, the way Springsteen did in the ’70s. If you’re desperate for a sobering dose of reality and an artist evocative of Springsteen’s activist legacy, Isbell is your man.
Most Bruce Springsteen-Esque Songs: “White Man’s World”, “Hope the High Road”, “Last of My Kind”
Couldn’t be happy in the city at night
You can’t see the stars from the neon light
Sidewalk’s dirty and the river’s worse
Underground trains all run in reverse
Nobody here can dance like me
Everybody clapping on the one and the three
Am I the last of my kind?
Am I the last of my kind?
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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