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'Darkness' a ray of light

Great music is still being made today. But great albums, that's another story.

On this day in 1978, June 2, one of the greatest albums in rock history was released, Bruce Springsteen's "Darkness on the Edge of Town."

Before I highlight what makes the album such a masterpiece, let's take a look at the songs Springsteen could have included on the album - but didn't - because he wanted to tell a certain story.

These songs did not make the cut: "Because the Night," "Fire," "Rendezvous," "Hearts of Stone" and "Talk to Me."

That's incredible. Most artists would have centered the album around "Because the Night." Springsteen didn't even include it. It didn't fit his narrative. He gave the song to Patti Smith to finish.

Instead, the 10 songs he did include on his fourth studio album are all connected. There is pain. There is realism. There is the grim battle of waking up every day and trying to find your way in the world.

The album wonderfully stands the test of time.

"Badlands"

"Adam Raised A Cain"

"Something in the Night"

"Candy's Room"

"Racing in the Street"

"The Promised Land"

"Factory"

"Streets of Fire"

"Prove It All Night"

"Darkness on the Edge of Town"

The howling voice, the soaring guitars, this album - a true album - still produces goosebumps. 43 years later.


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