His music combines melodies in traditional rock idiom and reflective lyrics about working-class life and the pursuit of the American dream on such albums as Born to Run 1975, Born in the USA 1984, and Human Touch 1992. Darkness at the Edge of Town 1978, The River 1980, and the solo acoustic Nebraska 1982 reinforced his reputation as a songwriter. His vast stadium concerts with the E Street Band were marked by his ability to overcome the distance between audience and artist, making him one of rock's finest live performers.
