Yesterday at the South By Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, Bruce Springsteen proved once again that he's not only one of the greatest popular artists and performers of all time, he's also one of the greatest speakers, too. I come here to praise Springsteen not just because he's from Jersey, and I'm from Jersey, but because it's true and Bruce can still prove it all night -- and based on yesterday's extraordinary speech, all day too. If you haven't heard Springsteen's insightful and somehow inspiring keynote address about our "post-authentic world," please do yourself a favor and go to npr.com to check it out as soon as you can. As good as the SXSW speech was, Bruce Springsteen doesn't just talk a good game. Here, then, are some of my very favorite songs from the most beloved Boss in America, and perhaps the most authentic and admirable spokesman for our times. As always, please share your own totally Boss favorites below because -- at least as far as I'm concerned -- your comments are always born to run.
"Growin' Up" -- Bruce Springsteen
"Lost in the Flood" -- Bruce Springsteen
"New York City Serenade" -- Bruce Springsteen
"Born to Run" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"Thunder Road" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"Jungleland" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"Darkness on the Edge of Town" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"Prove It All Night" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"Independence Day" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"Downbound Train" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"Tunnel of Love" -- Bruce Springsteen
"Walk Like a Man" -- Bruce Springsteen
"I Wish I Were Blind" -- Bruce Springsteen
"If I Should Fall Behind' -- Bruce Springsteen
"You're Missing" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"The Rising" -- Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
"Girls in Their Summer Clothes" -- Bruce Springsteen
"We Take Care of Our Own" -- Bruce Springsteen
"Wrecking Ball" -- Bruce Springsteen
"Land of Hope and Dreams" -- Bruce Springsteen