 If you listen to many of Bruce Springsteen's most acclaimed records, you might notice that the song sequencing has a familiar flow. That's because Springsteen has a tried and true formula for how he ordered his songs. He called this formula the Four Corners. The Four Corners represent the first and last song on each side of a vinyl record. In Springsteen's mind, the first song of the album should be an upbeat, driving song about overcoming difficult circumstance. In contrast, the last song would always be a slower, more emotional dirge, often about being defeated by a harsh and uncaring world. And then when you flip the record over, you rinse and repeat, opening with upbeat hope and closing with pensive despair. The result ensures musical diversity while also bringing the listener on an emotional journey. So next time you blast the Springsteen, make sure to keep an eye out for the Four Corners.