I think its a perspective thing at this point, because Springsteen may not break out chromatic solo's in the 8va octaves or use 16th notes for the kick drum, but his lyrics can be as heavy and as ruthless as some of the most vicious metal there is. Not to mention the accordion and saxaphone in some of his songs paint a blacker mood than most artists.
And I don't mean to take a dig at metal here, because I like metal, but his heaviness comes from reality which makes it worse. One of my favorites is 4th of July, Asbury Park
"Did you hear the cops finally busted Madame Marie for telling fortunes better than they do, for me this boardwalk life is through, you otta quit this scene too."
What a gut-wrenching way to talk about the dreams of your youth dying to the realities of a miserable adult life of working to the bone.
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