Springsteen’s fifth album was an ambitious summary of his greatest musical
strengths to that point, sprawling over the length of two LPs. The River
continued the themes of deep introspection and reflection on difficult times in
the United States previously explored on Darkness (‘The Ties That Bind,’
‘Independence Day’) but also showcased some of his most exuberant songs,
such as the Top 5 single ‘Hungry Heart’ and the party ready tracks
‘Ramrod’ and ‘Cadillac Ranch’.
In November 2014, Columbia Records / Legacy Recordings released ‘Bruce Springsteen: The Album Collection Vol. 1 1973–1984,’ a boxed set comprised of remastered editions of the first seven albums recorded and released by Bruce Springsteen for Columbia Records between 1973 and 1984. Now these 7 titles are available individually on CD, and feature artwork true to the original packaging.
Acclaimed engineer Bob Ludwig, working with Springsteen and longtime engineer Toby Scott, has remastered these albums, all newly transferred from the original analogue masters with the Plangent Process playback system.