Hank Azaria is a name synonymous with laughter. His voice, a chameleon capable of morphing into Moe Szyslak’s gruff baritone or Chief Wiggum’s bumbling tenor, has been a staple of our television screens for decades. But behind the comedic genius lies a fervent passion for music, a passion ignited by a teenage encounter with Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run.
As the years rolled by, Springsteen’s music became the soundtrack to Azaria’s life. His admiration for the Boss grew into an obsession, a deep-rooted connection that transcended mere fandom. And so, a surprising transformation began to take shape.
The man who brought us Chief Wiggum’s iconic lines traded in his animated world for the raw energy of the stage. Hank Azaria, the voice actor, stepped into the spotlight as the frontman of Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band, a full-throttle tribute to his lifelong idol.
Disguising as The Boss
Speaking to Classic Rock, Azaria channels his inner Bruce Springsteen, admitting that the idea for the tribute band emerged during a mid-life crisis. “I’m a mimic – that’s my job,” he says. “And one of the voices I’ve always imitated was Bruce.”
Azaria recounts his inspiration, explaining, “(as Bruce) It might be fun to try that and sing some songs.” Fueled by this newfound passion, he assembled a band and planned a surprise performance for his 60th birthday bash.
However, mastering Springsteen’s iconic vocals proved to be a formidable challenge. Azaria admits, “I had to really try to learn how to sing,” a skill he’d neglected throughout his acting career. “I’d put off my whole career, thinking, (speaking as Bruce) I’m not going to bother with the ABCs of singing.”
From Birthday Bash to Big-Time Band
What began as a one-off performance for friends has transformed into a full-fledged musical venture. Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band’s debut public gig at Le Poisson Rouge was a resounding success. “It was amazing. It went beyond my expectations,” Azaria enthuses.
Driven by a desire to give back, Azaria has dedicated the band’s earnings to his Four Through Nine Foundation. With ambitions to expand their audience, the band is gearing up for their next show in Amagansett, New York, and plans to tour extensively.
Selecting a top ten list of Springsteen songs proved to be a daunting task for Azaria, mirroring the challenges he faced in mastering the Boss’s iconic vocals. And to make it easier for you, we have compiled the best songs from Bruce Springsteen’s discography, according to the voice actor. Bet you’d be surprised not finding any song from one of the singer’s most iconic albums.
10. “The Promised Land” (Darkness On The Edge Of Town, 1978)
Placing “The Promised Land” at number ten, Azaria reflects on its enduring resonance. The song’s message of hope amidst adversity, a central theme of Darkness on the Edge of Town, profoundly impacted the young Azaria.
He views “The Price You Pay” from The River as a companion piece, noting Springsteen’s reference to “The Promised Land” within its lyrics. The voice actor draws parallels between the song’s narrative and his own experiences, acknowledging the sacrifices made in pursuit of Hollywood dreams.
9. “She’s The One” (Born To Run, 1975)
Azaria declares Born to Run his favorite Springsteen album, with “She’s The One” encapsulating the album’s youthful exuberance. The song’s infectious Bo Diddley beat, combined with Springsteen’s masterful live performance incorporating elements of “Not Fade Away,” “Mona,” and “Gloria,” creates a dynamic rock and roll history lesson.
Azaria admires Springsteen’s ability to condense such a rich musical tapestry into a single performance. Inspired by this approach, Azaria incorporates a personal narrative about meeting his wife into his band’s rendition of the song.
8. “Incident on 57th Street” (The Wild, the Innocent & The E Street Shuffle, 1973)
Azaria acknowledges the need to include a lesser-known gem in his top ten. Incident on 57th Street is hailed as an epic and beautiful composition. Expanding on the concept, he suggests including “New York City Serenade” from the same album as an equally deserving track.
Growing up in Queens, New York, Azaria was captivated by Springsteen’s ability to transform the gritty realities of urban life into an operatic masterpiece. The song resonated deeply with him, showcasing the potential for art and beauty to emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.
7. “Thunder Road” (Born To Run, 1975)
Hank Azaria holds “Thunder Road” in the highest esteem, considering it the epitome of Springsteen’s ability to capture the longing for freedom and escape. The song’s iconic opening lines serve as a direct invitation to embark on a thrilling journey, a metaphor for breaking free from the constraints of everyday life.
Azaria is particularly drawn to the car, a recurring symbol in Springsteen’s repertoire, which in “Thunder Road” attains its most potent and evocative form. The vehicle becomes more than just a mode of transportation; it represents a vessel for dreams, aspirations, and the pursuit of a better life.
6. “Darkness On The Edge Of Town” (Darkness On The Edge Of Town, 1978)
Azaria finds profound resonance in the album Darkness on the Edge of Town. He identifies with the themes of loneliness and self-reliance that permeate the record, likening them to the concept of “terminal uniqueness” often discussed in recovery circles.
The album’s exploration of an individual’s unwavering determination to pursue their path, regardless of the consequences, deeply resonates with Azaria. He sees a parallel between Springsteen’s portrayal of this isolated struggle and the experiences of those who have battled addiction.
5. “Growin’ Up” (Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J., 1973)
Hank Azaria deeply identifies with Springsteen’s “Growin’ Up”, feeling as though the song was written specifically for him as a teenager. The lyrics resonated so strongly that he included them in his high school yearbook. During an encounter with Springsteen, Azaria’s excitement overwhelmed him, leading to a somewhat embarrassing display of fan enthusiasm.
Despite this, the song continues to hold immense significance for him. Azaria believes Springsteen possesses an extraordinary ability to connect with listeners on a profoundly personal level, transforming shared experiences into relatable and meaningful music.
4. “Badlands” (Darkness On The Edge Of Town, 1978)
Azaria considers “Badlands” an indispensable track in his top ten. While the song’s lyrics depict challenging circumstances, the upbeat melody transforms the narrative into a celebration of resilience.
Azaria relates to this theme, drawing parallels between the song’s protagonist and his own experiences overcoming adversity. The song’s infectious energy, often used as an opener in Springsteen’s live performances, has a similarly uplifting effect on audiences.
3. “Backstreets” (Born To Run, 1975)
Azaria considers “Backstreets” an essential inclusion in his top ten. He plans to introduce the song with a dramatic impersonation of Springsteen, recounting the heartbreak and self-indulgence that inspired the song’s creation.
Azaria highlights Springsteen’s unique ability to transform personal pain into timeless music, contrasting his songwriting prowess with that of other artists. He recalls a recent Springsteen concert where the singer shared deeply personal memories about the song’s subject, Terry, emphasizing the song’s enduring emotional impact.
2. “For You” (Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J., 1973)
Hank Azaria finds profound meaning in “For You” as he ages and experiences loss. Originally written about a friend’s suicide, the song resonates deeply with Azaria’s own experiences with death and grief. Having lost friends to alcoholism, drug addiction, and other causes, he recognizes the song’s poignant portrayal of loss and the yearning to save those we love.
Azaria’s connection to the song is particularly intense due to the loss of a close friend to addiction. The song’s themes of powerlessness and regret mirror his own feelings of frustration and sorrow. Inspired by this personal connection, Azaria plans to include “For You” in his band’s repertoire, dedicating it to his late friend.
1. “Jungleland” (Born To Run, 1975)
Yeah, for some reason, Hank doesn’t consider songs from Springsteen’s iconic Born in the USA top-ten-worthy. The voice actor unequivocally selects “Jungleland” as his number one Springsteen song. For him, the track encapsulates the essence of teenage longing, hope, and the transformative power of music.
Azaria draws parallels between “Jungleland” and iconic rock anthems like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” highlighting their shared ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. These songs, with their contrasting fast and slow sections, create a captivating musical journey that resonates deeply with Azaria.