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“The River” became a two-record set, crafted to feel “like life or an E Street Band show,” as Bruce said. On the upbeat rock of “Sherry Darling,” “Hungry Heart” and “I’m a Rocker,” the group fully came into its own as studio musicians. Meanwhile, ballads like “The River” and “Stolen Car” explored emotional terrain that would later inform "Nebraska" and "Tunnel of Love." Released 45 years ago tomorrow, "The River" still sounds like what Bruce was searching for: a record big enough to hold it all.