18. New York City Serenade (1973)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EooiBaW1BA Another selection from Bruce's second album. Springsteen's dynamic vocal on the track is what makes this one so unique. He sounds jazzy and smooth, often perplexing listeners to ask, "Who is this singing?" upon first listen. The opening piano riff, followed by the acoustic guitar...it just doesn't get any better than this. If you are somehow able to witness this one in a live setting, you have essentially won the lottery. At this time of writing, Springsteen has only played it live nine times since 1975. 17. Thunder Road (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMB3M43AEpc Born To Run was the album that made Springsteen's career. It is one of the most well known and revered records in rock and roll history. The story has been told many times: Bruce's first two albums weren't as successful as the record company had hoped, and he needed a big hit with album number three. Bruce threw himself into the studio for many months on end, often times driving his band mates to the point of insanity with his endless tweaking of the album. What resulted was a masterpiece. Thunder Road, the opening track, is one of four songs that make up the famed "four corners" of the album (tracks 1, 4, 5 and 8). The track itself starts so simple, with just the harmonica/piano. More and more instruments are added until that famous (Phil Spector like) wall of sound is achieved, concluding this magical song on such a high note.