“Local Hero” is a sly, meta-commentary on the downhill side of fame–and its greatest irony is that Bruce never quite reached it like he thought he would.
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Roll of the Dice (599)
“Lucky Town” is an intimate song of personal affirmation and professional re-dedication, one of the strongest tracks on a strong but under-rated album.
“Better Days” is one of the happiest songs in Bruce’s catalog. It also features some of his best writing.
“Valentine’s Day” is a powerful counterpoint to “The River.” It may even be a sequel.
Melodically warm but lyrically icy, “When You’re Alone” is (appropriately) one of the least played songs on Tunnel of Love.
“One Step Up” is one of Bruce’s finest moments as singer, songwriter, and actor. It’s a brutally honest, self-aware inner dialogue of a man about to stray, and it gave rise to one of the most emotional performances I’ve ever seen live.
“Brilliant Disguise” is a nakedly intimate, exquisitely written, and intensely performed exploration of self-doubt and the mysteries and insecurities of relationships.
A 1960s doo-wop break-up song inspired one of Bruce’s most openly confessional songs about his depressive struggles.
The most mature and intimate song on Tunnel of Love cloaks itself in carnival imagery and telegraphs things to come.
“Walk Like a Man” is the conclusion to Bruce’s “Daddy Trilogy,” an underplayed and under-recognized masterpiece of songwriting.