I wanted to list my five favorite Springsteen songs. But my wife said I had to make it beer-related.

So here we go: My five favorite Bruce songs paired with five local beers.

Over the past year I have really embraced my full dad-ness and done a deep dive into Bruce Springsteen catalog.

(If you ask my wife, Cass, she would say I’ve probably been a little obsessive and I’ll admit that she’s not wrong. But the Boss has that effect on people, right?)

I’ve listened to every album in Bruce’s 50-year discography multiple times, including the wide range of incredible live recordings. (I still think Bruce’s Live/1975-85 is the height of his career, because it encompasses such a rich era and captures the spirit of his live performances. I am beyond excited to finally see Bruce and the E Street Band live next year at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse.)

I told Cass I was just gonna do a list of my five favorite Bruce songs in the newsletter. She told me I couldn’t do that, because this is a beer publication. I reasoned, I can do whatever I want, because this is my outlet. She argued, you can’t really do that. Sure, I have a lot of freedom, but I probably do need to tie this to be somehow (even if that link is tenuous at best). Because my wife is awesome and always right, here’s a list of my top five Springsteen songs (and the versions I love most) paired with local beers. Thanks for humoring me.

Because the Night (Live/1975-85)

I didn’t even realize Bruce wrote this song until I heard it on the epic three-disc live collection. If anyone ever needs an introduction to Springsteen btw, you could start worse places than this album. It encompasses some of his most beloved songs and consists of the highlights from some of his most known albums. And I love how it spans 10 years worth of great shows. I just love the power of “Because the Night.” Everyone has to know the iconic Patti Smith version. And I’m sure lots remember the 10,000 Maniacs “Unplugged” cover. I didn’t realize Smith also co-wrote the song. I’d argue the second disc of this collection stands as my favorite disc in Springsteen’s whole catalog.

I love the power of the song. You can feel the urgency on this live version. And I really think the E Street Band really adds to the weight of the song with a rousing performance. This is one I'll put on repeat for hours at a time. Like a lot of beloved Bruce songs, anyone and everyone have covered it. I definitely to explore some of those.

For something this rowdy, I need something to match the intensity. Therefore, I would reach for a hefty imperial stout. I would really like to crack open a Mortalis Brewing As Above So Below imperial coffee stout to accompany this one and to match the energy.

Atlantic City (In Concert/MTV Plugged)

This one features probably the most instantly recognizable Springsteen opening line in his whole catalog. “Well, they blew up the Chicken Man in Philly last night/Now they blew up his house too.” It tells a story — this one deals with escape or flight to Atlantic City as a young couple seeks a fresh start. And then it’s balanced by questions of mortality.

The studio verson from Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album is a stunner. But like a lot of Bruce songs, it can’t match the energy of a live rendition. I really enjoy Bruce’s MTV Unplugged performance, even though the band is most definitely plugged in. It has also spawned a ton of different cover versions. I really like the one from the Band.

For this one, I need something that goes down fast and smooth. Genny Light was the obvious choice here. Its a beer you can find everywhere, and it’s always satisfying. Plus, it’ll comfortably sit in the background as a willing supporting player as you consider life’s big questions.

Tougher than the rest (Tunnel of Love), paired with Rohrbach Highland Lager

I can’t say this with a lot of certainty or authority, but I feel like the “Tunnel of Love” album (released in 1987) doesn’t get the respect it deserves. It feels like a weird crossroads/transitional album for Bruce, especially without the band. It speaks to me. The synthesizers, the slower pace, all of it. The song is very methodical, almost menacing. I like the message, persisting while your heart may be breaking. It’s a good message, since life can often feel like a chaotic shitshow. Weirdly, Wikipedia informed me that it’s one of Bruce’s most popular songs in Europe. The live version from the “Chimes of Freedom” EP is also great. (It’s even slower and more languid, if that can be believed.)

For a stolid song like this, I think you need an equally sturdy beer. Therefore, I’d reach for something like Rohrbach Brewing’s classic Highland Lager. It’s a good beer-flavored beer, a hearty favorite. It’s perfect for a contemplative, plaintive mood.

Badlands (Badlands)

“Darkness on the Edge of Town” was my gateway into Springsteen. It was the first album I bought (gotta love those $5 used CDs at Record Archive!). “Badlands” is my favorite song from that masterpiece of an album. Sure, live versions of this song are rousing as heck, but I’ve gotta go with the studio version, because it helped me understand the power of this band and fully converted me into a Springsteen fanatic.

This is a simple song about a dude who is down on his luck and looking for a better lot in life. That’s pretty universal. To accompany this one, I figured I should go with something that is equally universal in Rochester beer — Three Heads’ The Kind IPA.

Jungleland (Born to Run)

Clarence Clemons ruled. Arguably more beloved than Bruce (just listen to some of the over-the-top introductions on some of the band’s live releases), Clemons embodied rock 'n' roll. And I think most would agree when I pick his incredible nearly 3-minute-long saxophone solo from “Jungleland” as some of his finest work. Beyond the sax solo, it is also one of Bruce’s best songs as it combines his incredible storytelling and trademark Springsteen elements. (Lyrics like “takes a stab at romance” leave me in awe.) I embedded just the sax solo above, but heartily recommend seeking out the entire 9-plus minute version.

To go with such an epic song, I have to pick an equally epic beer. It can’t be something ordinary or forgettable or pedestrian. It needs to be big. I thought a barrel-aged wild ale or stout would work best here. And I couldn’t decide between the two I’ve enjoyed most recently: Strangebird’s recently released Rode Vogel Flanders red ale and Big Ditch’s Aqueduct barrel-aged stout.

I’d love to hear your favorites, both Bruce and beers. Hit me up here, on social media, or via email (clevelandprost@gmail.com).