6. The Ghost Of Tom Joad (1995, 2014)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzRbeHyIomk The 1990s, in some ways, were kind of a lost decade for Springsteen, at least studio album-wise. Bruce often mentions that he kind of "skipped a generation" (of fans) during this time period. However, he still had a large amount of success in the decade there was an Oscar awarded for his recording of Streets of Philadelphia in 1994, and Bruce scored a hit with Secret Garden (featured in the film 'Jerry Maguire') in 1995. Still, his studio output quality was down. Bruce broke up the E Street Band in the late 80s and went a new direction during 1992/1993. It was during this time that he formed a new rock band, made up of mostly studio musicians (though longtime E Streeter Roy Bittan also made the cut). The E Street Band then briefly reunited to cut some new tracks for the Greatest Hits album in 1995, which spurred hope of a full blown reunion. It was not to be, though, as Bruce released his solo album The Ghost Of Tom Joad late that same year. The title track to that album has recently garnered some new life, courtesy of Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello. Springsteen originally brought Morello on stage with him during a 2008 tour stop in California to duet on the song. Since then, Morello has become kind of an honoree member of the E Street Band himself (he is on tour with them as of press time). This all culminated with a re-recording of the more rocked out version of The Ghost Of Tom Joad on 2014's High Hopes. 5. Land Of Hope And Dreams (1999, 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXGNq2-S06I With a reunited E Street Band on tour in 1999, Springsteen started to pen some new classics. This song was often a show closer during the 1999-2000 Reunion Tour. Land Of Hope And Dreams not receive an official studio release until 2012's "Wrecking Ball," though it was featured prominently on Springsteen's "Live In New York City" DVD/CD release in 2000. In many ways, it became the band's new "anthem" during their Reunion and Rising tours, often closing out concerts. The words focus on the diversity of the United States