You are right. Phil Spectar showed him how to utilize “MUSIC WALL”, a pdoductin techniques on the double album the River. He enhanced his skills and could not go any further as recording artist after Born in the US A.
I like sprinsteen stuff before Born in The USA. Born in the USA was a commercial success, maybe because of atmosphere President Regan enabled in prepping up the USA, imho.
Fair points! And thanks for the funny stories. Especially about Geraldo!