Two discs and zero filler. This CD is actually song for song better than "Born in the USA" which came out three years later.

Springsteen's Blonde on Blonde. A man at the peak of his powers as a writer and performer who has a lot to say. The album has a timeless quality like no-other Springsteen album. Others stand up on their own merit as statements of the time, but The River could have been released last year and would have had the same impact.

Another Springsteen staple!

Next to "Nebraska" and "Lucky Town," this is the worst Wuss album, which isn't saying much, since most of them suck big time. Amazing this guy made so many really lame albums, yet has managed to hold onto something amounting to a fan base. But then again, alot of people still eat at McDonald's.

SUCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!BORN IN THE USA IS A MILLION TIMES BETTER!!!!!!

Almost Perfect !!!

First off, I will say that I agree with everyone who has already commented on this cd! This IS perfect, essential, and heavenly, but here's why......"The River" is (like Born in the USA) a great album to play at a working class barbecue, while driving through a working class town, or when you just want to be alone and think about what life has handed you and taken away. Songs like "You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)", "Crush on You", "Sherry Darling", and "Cadillac Ranch" are fun and bouncy tunes that you can listen to anywhere, anytime, and they will always make you smile (or even laugh!). And songs like "the Price You Pay", The Ties that Bind", and "Two Hearts" have the same effect, but with 'advice' if you will, for the listener. And songs like "the River" and "I wanna Marry You" are stories about working class people that are so vivid, you can almost see them, or feel that you know these characters! But what takes the cake for me, is that, along with all of the bouncy, chorus-driven songs that go hand in hand with 4th of July parties, there are some songs that will 'be there for you' during your darkest moments. I've personally been having some horrid family problems lately, but in the song "Drive all Night" (which has the same soothing effect as a lullaby, if you ask me) when Bruce is insisting that "girl you've got my love!" I actually felt really comforted! And the song "Point Blank", (one of the greatest I have even heard...the mood, the lyrics, it all flows together beautifully!) is not only great when you want to wallow in self-pity, but Bruce's voice comes off as sympathetic and caring! I can't describe just how important this album was to me, to help me through my tough times. I was able to feel like I had a 'hand to hold', like someone, anyone, was there for me. And when I'm happy, songs like "Hungry Heart" and "I'm A Rocker" are fun just to let loose and rock out to! Bruce is always superb, but this is one of his very best, in my opinion!

This is perfect, this is brilliant, this is an essential piece of ANYONE's music collection! And that's the bottom line!

How can anyone give this less than 5 stars! I'm ashamed of you! This is an AMAZING collection of music, the Boss is hotter than heck, and it is one hundred percent perfect! Every song brings back great memories, and every second you stare at that gorgeous cover you find yourself just lost in those beautiful eyes! Sigh. Bruce is my honey!

Bruce, while always heavenly, has exceeded even heaven with these bouncy, fun, and still laced with romanticism, songs! This paints a great picture of the artist we all love so much! One of the essential Bruce albums in anyone's collection!

This is such a fun Springsteen album! 2 records of sheer excellence! From the irrisistable "Hungry Heart" and "Two Hearts" to the heartwrenching title track, "The River" is nothing short of fabulous! The first Springsteen album of the 80s, and an excellent entrance! Actually, during the concert for this album's tour, some lucky girl was so taken by Bruce's charm and newfound "Serious heartthrobb" looks, that she leaped onstage and kissed him! Lucky girl...! Bruce started not only producing yet another legacy of phenomenal music, but started his best heartthrobb looks too! I love Bruce now (and very very dearly!) but Bruce in the 80s was the BEST thing mankind has ever and will ever see!!! I love ya, Bruce!