"The River" is Bruce Springsteen's fifth studio album, released on October 17, 1980, as a double album by Columbia Records. The album aimed to capture the live sound of the E Street Band and was co-produced by Springsteen, his manager Jon Landau, and bandmate Steven Van Zandt. The recording process, which spanned 18 months, involved over 50 songs, leading to the scrapping of the initially planned single LP, The Ties That Bind.
Musically, The River blends heartland rock and rock and roll, featuring both energetic party songs and introspective ballads. Its themes revolve around love, marriage, and family, drawing inspiration from the literary works of Flannery O'Connor for character development. The album's cover photo, taken by Frank Stefanko, further emphasizes its raw and personal nature.
Upon release, The River became Springsteen's first number one album in the U.S. and achieved commercial success worldwide, featuring hits like "Hungry Heart," which reached the top ten in the U.S. The album received mixed initial reviews but has since been recognized as one of Springsteen's greatest works, noted for its lyrical depth and musicality.
The recording sessions began in March 1979 and were characterized by a desire to create a "band" album that reflected the camaraderie and energy of live performances. Springsteen's perfectionism led to numerous retakes, and songs were often recorded live to capture an authentic sound. The sessions were both collaborative and intense, resulting in a diverse array of material that included notable outtakes.
Musically, The River features a garage band sound, and its lyrics delve into the complexities of adult life, reflecting on themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. The album's diverse tracks—from the upbeat "Sherry Darling" to the somber title track—showcase Springsteen's range as a songwriter and storyteller.
In 2015, The River was reissued as an expanded box set, which included the original scrapped single LP and a documentary on the album's making, further solidifying its legacy in rock music history.
