Bruce Springsteen's music has inspired many songwriters in the rock world, but his influence extends far beyond the genre of pop. Many country artists have spoken of their love for The Boss. Eric Church wrote a tribute to the singer-songwriter on his song "Springsteen." There have also been countless tribute albums collecting country music interpretations Springsteen's extensive body of work. We somehow managed to narrow our favorites down to four.
Videos by Wide Open Country
"I'm On Fire" - Johnny Cash
Yes, the man who fell into the "Ring Of Fire" covered one of Springsteen's most sensual songs for the album 'Badlands: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska.' The Man in Black's interpretation of the track from 1984's 'Born In The USA' drops the synths and other frills of the original track. He then makes it his own by turning it into a rambling country ballad, with the lyrics delivered in Cash's trademark spoken drawl, somehow transforming it from a sensual track that left little to the imagination about its subject (sex) into a spiritual ballad. Is the song actually from the point of view of the devil trying to lure a young soul away from God? Cash leaves that open to interpretation.
"Atlantic City" - Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Like the redemption the song's subject is searching for, finding a physical copy of this live track can be hard to find. It was released in 2017 as part of a Record Store Day exclusive EP, "Live From Welcome to 1979." You can find bootlegs on YouTube or a digital copy on Bandcamp.
This standout track from Springsteen's groundbreaking 1982 album 'Nebraska' fits right in with the cast of characters living in Isbell's discography: losers "on the wrong side of that line" but are willing to bet big to get on the right side, no matter the cost.
"Tougher Than the Rest" - Emmylou Harris
If you're a fan of the FX series The Bear, then chances are you've heard this rendition of this love song from Springsteen's 1987 album 'Tunnel Of Love' in the show's recently released fourth season. Rumor has it Springsteen intended this love song to have more of a rockabilly feel, but both he decided that making it a ballad was the better way to go. The slower pace definitely works, but Harris' version shines a little brighter than the original because of her alluring vocals. They better capture the longing the narrator feels toward the object of their affection.
"One Step Up" - Kenny Chesney
Springsteen's 'Tunnel Of Love' was written as his marriage to actress Julianne Phillips was falling apart. Maybe that's why it has been such an inspiration to country artists. Another song from the album makes an appearance here. Kenny Chesney covered "One Step Up," one of the standout singles from the album, on his 2002 album 'No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems," but he didn't change it much. Not only does it match Chesney's style and delivery, but he is smart enough to know not to mess with perfection.
