The story of Bruce Springsteen has long been etched into the firmament of rock and roll. To some, he is the poet of the Jersey shore who wrote complex characters that appealed to the young and the hopeful across the nation (and later, the world). To others, he’s a studio perfectionist who tinkered with Dylanesque folk, deep-rooted, intellectually and politically astute rock and soul, and a sense of production grandeur to rival Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound.

Some laud him as a brilliant bandleader, turning the sprawling E Street Band (including the outsized musical personalities of guitarist Steven Van Zandt, bassist Garry Tallent, drummer Max Weinberg, keyboardists Roy Bittan and Danny Federici and the Big Man himself, saxophonist Clarence Clemons) into one of the tightest ensembles in rock and roll history, and a recent inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s sidemen category. Still others find him a brilliant if reluctant pop star crafting taut, heavy-hitters tailor-made for FM radio – including “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight),” “Born To Run,” “Hungry Heart,” “Dancing In The Dark,” “Born In The U.S.A.,” “Glory Days” and more.

One of the most challenging albums of Springsteen’s career, 1982’s Nebraska, a collection of stark home solo recordings, features haunted, difficult characters making choices in Reagan-era America that offered little of the salvation or redemption that frequently served as hallmarks of Bruce’s other works. The result was one of the most enduring and critically appreciated records in The Boss’ celebrated catalog.

1.  Nebraska
2.  Atlantic City
3.  Mansion On The Hill
4.  Johnny 99
5.  Highway Patrolman
6.  State Trooper
7.  Used Cars
8.  Open All Night
9.  My Father’s House
10. Reason To Believe