"Tunnel of Love" is the eighth studio album by American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released on October 5, 1987. While some members of the E Street Band contributed, Springsteen recorded most of the album himself, utilizing drum machines and synthesizers. It is not officially considered an E Street Band album, with The Rising (2002) being marketed as his first studio effort with the band since Born in the U.S.A. (1984).
In 1989, the album was ranked No. 25 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Best Albums of the Eighties," and in 2012, it was listed at No. 467 on their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Several singles were released, including "Brilliant Disguise," "Tunnel of Love," "One Step Up," "Tougher Than the Rest," and "Spare Parts." "Tunnel of Love" won the Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo at the 1988 awards.
The album reflects a more introspective side of Springsteen, addressing themes of "love gone wrong" and responding to his personal life changes, particularly his crumbling marriage to Julianne Phillips. Critics noted that the songs focus on the complexities of mature love, contrasting with his earlier arena rock anthems. "Brilliant Disguise" was highlighted as a poignant exploration of intimacy.
On vinyl and cassette singles, outtakes like "Lucky Man," "Two for the Road," and the 1979 track "Roulette" appeared as B-sides. The 1988 tour included an EP featuring "Tougher Than the Rest" alongside other tracks. The album achieved triple Platinum status in the U.S. by April 19, 1988, with "Brilliant Disguise" reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and "Tunnel of Love" peaking at No. 9.
The album cover featured amusement park tunnel of love memorabilia provided by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. The Mavericks had a minor hit with their cover of "All That Heaven Will Allow" in 1995.
Irish filmmaker Meiert Avis directed the music videos for "Brilliant Disguise," "One Step Up," "Tougher Than the Rest," and "Tunnel of Love." The video for "Brilliant Disguise" was notable for being a single continuous shot, while the video for the title track received multiple MTV Video Music Award nominations, including Video of the Year.
