Born to Run, the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, was released on August 25, 1975, by Columbia Records. Springsteen co-produced the album with his manager Mike Appel and producer Jon Landau. Recorded in New York, the album aimed to propel Springsteen into the mainstream after the modest commercial performance of his first two albums. Seeking to emulate Phil Spector's dense and energetic Wall of Sound, Springsteen and the E Street Band endured lengthy and challenging recording sessions from January 1974 to July 1975, dedicating six months to perfecting the title track, 'Born to Run.'
 
Supported by an extensive promotional campaign, Born to Run achieved commercial success, reaching number three on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart and breaking into the top ten in three other countries. The album produced two singles, "Born to Run" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," with the former becoming a favorite on radio and during live performances. Despite its success, the album's release sparked criticism from some who doubted the hype surrounding Springsteen. After its release, Springsteen faced legal battles with Appel, prompting a nearly two-year tour across the United States and Europe. Nonetheless, Born to Run received widespread critical acclaim for its cinematic storytelling and music, although some critics found the production excessive.
 
Born to Run marked Springsteen's breakthrough, resonating with a generation of American youths during a decade of political turmoil, war, and working-class struggles. Over the years, it has been hailed as a masterpiece and one of Springsteen's finest works. It frequently appears on lists of the greatest albums of all time and was added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2003 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. In 2005, an expanded reissue was released to celebrate its 30th anniversary, featuring a concert film and a documentary about the album's creation.