Bruce Springsteen’s $500M catalog sale by album
The Boss' brillant career
USA TODAY Network
Bruce Springsteen sold his catalog last week to SONY for an astounding $500 million. The number would be otherworldly to anyone who doesn’t recognize the brilliance and depth of writing “The Boss” has delivered for generations to his fans, and those who he has converted. To pay homage to the music legend, we’ve decided to have some fun with how the figure breaks down by individual album. We will allow 50 units toward the value with each worth $10,000,000. So, 5 units would equal $50 million.
(Note, this is a fun exercise, not a science or economics project.)
'Letter To You' (2020)
Peter Ackerman via Imagn Content Services, LLC
The most recent album doesn’t resonate and likely will be low in worth over the long run. The older a performer gets, the harder it is to deliver what they did when they were young and impressionable. .33 units
'Western Stars' (2019)
Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Bob Woodruff Foundation
Another album that didn’t stand the test of its release and the immediate aftermath. Forgettable would be an understatement. So, let’s be kind and just say the songwriter has earned the right to deliver what he wants when he wants how he wants… after such a tremendous career. .33 Units
'High Hopes' (2014)
Jim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
A mix of old and new, “High Hopes” managed to deliver some interest but it might have been pointed toward the presence of Tom Morello and a couple of the songs that were so entrenched in the hearts and souls of the fans. “American Skin (41 Shots) and “The Ghost of Tom Joad” transcend on the disc. .33 units
'Wrecking Ball' (2010)
AP Photo/David Goldman
The album with the title song as an homage to the original Meadowlands. A few good songs but nothing that will be in people’s shuffle and will stand the test of time. .5 Units
'Working on a Dream' (2008)
SEBASTIAN WIDMANN/DDP/AFP via Getty Images
One of the challenges here is the beginning of the artist’s career produced such staggering listens. And when you try to balance it against things since “The Rising,” it is difficult to compare value and meaning. This was mediocre and doesn’t deliver anything that will make most say they have to hear it in the present or future. .5 units
'Magic' (2007)
MICHAEL GOTTSCHALK/DDP/AFP via Getty Images
“Long Walk Home” is a song that will hit home for years to come. “Terry’s Song” also is one that has incredible passion and meaning to many. However, we get into the same situation where a lot the songs are simply forgotten. It’s not something you will likely be playing over time unless you are an absolute devotee. .5 units
'Human Touch/Lucky Town' (1992)
AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
The “other” band. That experiment was more than forgettable. There are a few songs that are enjoyable but overall, a whiff, especially when you consider the talented people dispatched for those brought in as the new “hired guns.” 1 unit
'Devils and Dust' (2005)
BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images
An intense collection that was an interesting and riveting listen, especially when attending the concerts. “Long Time Comin'” is a favorite. 1 unit
'We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions' (2006)
Mpozi Mshale Tolbert/IndyStar
Now, here is one that is a personal preference. Absolutely loved the shows in performance and already know this collection has stood the test of time. An homage to the late, great Pete Seeger. Would like nothing more than to get another Seeger Sessions tour because of how jubilant and enthusiastic the band and audience were. Going to let love for the album and the music get in the way here. 2 units
'Tunnel of Love' (1987)
Thomas P. Costello, Asbury Park Press
A passionate and personal album that combines the trial and tribulations of love and heartbreak. 2 units
'Greetings from Asbury Park' (1973)
AP Photo/Stace Maude
The album that started it all. What a brilliant collection of songs that stand the test of time and are as entertaining now as they were through the years. 2.5 units
'The Ghost of Tom Joad' (1995)
AP Photo/Rene Macura
An individual album that was powerful and driven in a way Bruce Springsteen band albums are not. It is easy to see why the title song remains relevant through time and why it maintains such an intense affection from Springsteen fans. 2 units
'Nebraska' (1982)
Thomas P. Costello, Asbury Park Press
Haunting and sparse and such a one-eighty from everything delivered to this point of Bruce Springsteen’s career. An absolutely brilliant work that won’t transcend as others do for an audience but delivers amazing lyrics and intensity. 3 units
'The Wild, Innocent & the E Street Shuffle' (1973)
USAT
The follow-up to the debut offers more great music and one of the classic set-closers for many of the early tours in “Rosalita.” Even now, who doesn’t want to hear “Kitty’s Back” live in concert? 3 units
'Born in the USA' 1984
AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon, File
The album that saw Bruce Springsteen become bigger than many could imagine. A tour de force that delivered incredible commercial success. Some memorable songs but not sure they would be the go-to listen from this artist’s incredible collection. 4 units
'The River' (1980)
Kevin Higley/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
An incredible double album that has a lot of everything for everyone. 5 units
'The Rising' (2002)
AP Photo/Mike Derer
The Rising was written in the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11. The music and tour were emotional, sad, and captivated concert-goers. Incredibly riveting music and shows. 5 units
'Darkness on the Edge of Town' (1978)
Diane Bondareff/Invision for Hard Rock International/AP Images
How do you follow up your greatest masterpiece? With another one, of course. “Darkness on Edge of Town” is incredible from start to finish. Wonderful work by an incredible talent. 7 units
'Born to Run' 1975
TANYA BREEN / USA TODAY NETWORK
The perfect album. Everything anyone who loves Bruce Springsteen wants to hear on two sides of one disc. Magnificence. 10 units
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