20th Century Boss Part 6: “Born In The U.S.A.” with Patterson Hood

20th Century Boss Part 6: “Born In The U.S.A.” with Patterson Hood

After the stripped-down “Nebraska,” Bruce Springsteen went in the opposite direction for 1984’s “Born In The U.S.A.,” one of the most popular rock albums ever made. Springsteen was so popular at this time that he was inevitably commodified and turned into a caricature. As much as “Born In The U.S.A.” made him beloved, it also instilled overwhelming dislike in his detractors. I was curious to talk to someone who loves Bruce and loves “Born In The U.S.A.” but still retains some skepticism about what the album signifies and how it impacted his career. Fortunately I was able to get hold of Patterson Hood, co-founder of one of the great American rock bands of the last 20 years, Drive-By Truckers.