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."

Acclaimed engineer Bob Ludwig, working with Springsteen and longtime engineer Toby Scott, has remastered these albums, all newly transferred from the original analogue masters using the Plangent Process playback system.

Album reissue features artwork true to the original packaging.