I couldn't agree more about "Thunder Road" being one of the best songs to open an album. The listener recognizes the song the instant one hears the harmonica and piano - a classic signature.

I would have to say my favorite version is the one on Live 1975-85 in which it is only on the piano without the band. The lyrics really flow and the emotion of the story ring through. Don't know if anyone else has heard the acoustic alternate, in which the lyrics are slightly different. It's a very different interpretation, but very cool nonetheless.

Here are my Top 10 Springsteen songs:

1. Promised Land
To me, this is the quintessential Bruce song. It has all of the elements of what I consider to be the classic Springsteen sound: a searing guitar solo, a sax and harmonica solo, and a rocking rhythm section. The lyrics fall back on a Springsteen theme: hope and holding out for something better in life.

2. Jungleland
3. Born to Run
4. Born in the USA
5. Backstreets
6. Tougher Than The Rest
7. The Rising
8. Thunder Road
9. Loose Ends
10. Pink Cadillac (live)