Music The River
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - Remember when Rock was fun?
I can't help it. Whenever I put on the first disc of this album a smile comes across my face. The atmosphere that the first couple of songs gives off is one of pure enjoyment. I can see Bruce, Steve, Clarence, and the rest of the gang kicking back, playing music, and having a great time at a house party somewhere on the Jersey shore.

If you like fun rock and roll get this album just for the first disc. If you like somber, reflective songs, the first disc alone has Independence Day and The River. The second disc is also a great addition to the Springsteen cannon.

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Rating: - An album that celebrates the joy of rock and roll
This is simple, 3 chord guitar rock, but delivered with joy, passion, and occasionally, some wistfulness ("The River," "The Price You Pay"). When I listen to this album, I've always pictured myself at a sunny fourth of July picnic, mellowing out as the late afternoon fades into the evening. Perhaps because the recording is vintage American Rock and Roll. Perhaps because there's a song called "Independance Day" on the album (even though the song is about a person becoming independant through the dissolution of a relationship). At any rate, this is a great album that would sound better if it was remastered.

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Rating: - Bruce Springsteen The River
What a great way to bring in the 80's. The Boss' 1980 release was a jawdropper. The only problem when I pull this gem out is deciding whether to listen to disc 1 or disc 2. It rocks, it weeps, it cusses, it snarls, it hits home. It's the boss.

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Rating: - not as good as the heart album that year, but still trailer
it's still trailer-white fun with Bruce. This is actually one of his 3 best, the other 2 being darkness and born to...I don't care if he's top five on his way to one, he farted with the best of 'em 3 stars. but check out this man is mine, released in the same year by heart: AOR power ballads by Bruce = A.C by h symbol, amen.