The Boss released his debut album, Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J., today in 1973.

His record label thought of him as the new Bob Dylan and wanted a stripped down sound. Springsteen thought of himself as more of a member of a band. The record label ultimately won which resulted in Springsteen's long-time friend and bandmate Steven Van Zandt getting dismissed from the recording.

The album wasn't particularly successful but was a darling of the critics. The first single, Blinded by the Light, would later be covered by Manfred Mann. Manfred's version hit #1 and remains Springsteen's only #1 song as a writer.

Here is track two, Growin' Up: https://youtu.be/g3Cs-bZ2YX0

Full album: https://youtu.be/jFI2EU50Nl0