The Rising

Ok, it's pretty clear that this isn't Springsteen's best album. He'd been away for 7 years and more than a decade past his most popular era. And frankly, there probably wasn't much pressure on him here. Much like the president's approval ratings immediately after those terrorist attacks, people were looking for comfort in an uncertain time. Springsteen ticked loads of boxes here as both a hero of the working class and a patroitic symbol of America (particularly among those who didn't attempt to understand his often critical lyrics). He could have released just about anything as his post-9/11 album and it would have sold in droves. All that being said, this is still a powerful album that really recalls a specific place and time. I could be biased here because I lived in New Jersey during those attacks, close enough to see the smoke from the World Trade Center out my window. My town was full of fliers for missing people who were all commuters working in the twin towers. There was an intense feeling of the shattered illusion of safety in America, the previously untouchable country and we suddenly realized how other parts of the world must feel when their cities came under attack. So I really do feel the context of that place and time when I listen to this album. It's somber and uncertain but often hopeful, as we all tried to be during that time. Springsteen has always been a gifted story teller and there were loads of stories from that time that deserved to be told. "My City in Ruins" is the emotional climax to this album about tragedy and has since been used to mark a sense of hope following other disasters as well.

at times it sounded kind of like tom petty, pearl jam, or bob dylan… depending on the song. also, in a couple of songs there was middle eastern style sounds and even hip hop beats. a pretty intense album, considering that it was released in response to the events of september 11, 2001. the emotional songs didn’t come across as being merely performative. in the song “paradise”, it actually sounds like he’s crying while singing the song, but it sounds genuine and heartfelt. ladies and gentlemen, it seems as if i have finally found a springsteen album that i like. this one is a keeper, folks.

After a topsy-turvy 90s that saw minimal success compared with preceding decades, The Boss roared back into public consciousness with The Rising, a musical balm that saw Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band mend fences and heal wounds alongside a hurting country in the wake of the September 11th attacks. While containing some of the indulgences of the time that dates the material, the fact of the matter was that Bruce had returned to fine form and that was as much of a needed win as anything. Favorites: Lonesome Day, Into the Fire, Waitin' on a Sunny Day, Countin' on a Miracle, Empty Sky, Further On (Up the Road), The Fuse, Mary's Place, You're Missing, The Rising.

I know the album, but was surprised to see it on the Top 1001 list. It's good, but the songs are wordy, a bit mellow and maybe not the top of catalog for Bruce. It has a few minor hit songs with "Lonesome Day", "Waitin' On A Sunny Day", "Mary's Place" & the title track. The album is enjoyable, there are no bad songs, it's just not anything earth shattering or influential that would justify being on this list. Far fewer listens than most of his popular albums. There are some really good glue songs like "Nothing Man", "Countin' On a Miracle", "Further On (Up The Road)" & "My City Of Ruin" that increase the value of this album. You do get a lot of bang for your buck with 15 songs and 72 minutes of music. I am glad I got reintroduced to this disc, if you're a fan it hits all the right buttons. After a full listen I can see the merit to having this on the list because there are no stinker songs, it's really a solid album, but it didn't reinvent or influence rock in any way.

Good anthems, catchy tunes, an overall melancholic but hopeful tone to the album in wake of one of our greatest disasters and eventual triumphs.

2000s Springsteen. Good rock album in wake of 9/11. Very middle of the road, very easy to listen to.

Always a mixed bag with dear old Brucey, love his more melancholy darker tunes and themes, the more upbeat stuff not so much (especially the songs with the 'rock sax' which instantly starts up 'Santa's Coming to Town' my head and is an instant turnoff). Landed at ⭐⭐⭐⭐, would seek a physical copy.

Pretty good.

Album 680 of 1001 Bruce Springsteen - The Rising (2002) Rating : 4 / 5 Widely regarded as a powerful and moving response to the events of September 11, 2001. this was his first album with the E Street Band in 2 decades. Praised for its emotional depth and its ability to address the grief and resilience of those affected by the tragedy, this blend of rock, gospel, and soul elements, along with Springsteen's evocative storytelling, makes it a standout in his discography

I'm not going to pretend I don't sometimes find Springsteen songs boring, or lacking in inspiration. The music on this album in particular might the most middle-of-the-road Americana I've heard from him (despite a couple of rare dalliances with syncopated drum rhythms), and it probably features his broadest, most on-the-nose lyrics too. Still, I find myself rooting for the guy and searching for something to like, and invariably I find it. In this case simplicity is probably the album's greatest strength, giving more power to the earnest, uplifting refrains. The slower numbers work too, for me. I ended up listening to this a few times and found it to be both quite enjoyable and gently moving in the end. 3.5

First half was a 5 star!! Then he got all sad and I didn't like it as much. Still probably the best one so far?

Surprisingly very nice. Won't be sharing this too widely, but one that mightI listen to privately.

I definitely like everything I've heard so far from Bruce (and I saw him live a couple of years ago thanks to some free tix from a friend - The Boss puts on quite a show). This is a really good album, but I find myself questioning whether they needed this along with 4 other Bruce albums. Doesn't change the fact that I really enjoyed this album. Lots of cool moments and stirring lyrics, interspersed with some basic rock tracks (probably the biggest "negative" - but even then all the songs are good). Favorite tracks: Into the Fire, Nothing Man, Empty Sky, Worlds Apart, The Fuse, You're Missing, The Rising.

This album was one of my proper introductions to Bruce's discography. I always liked it, but sometimes I find the first half a bit... conventional? Not hitting the right spot? Then it gets better and I still think that this album is pretty good. It's all about 9/11 but also universal enough to connect to other themes of hope and how to deal with a catastrophe. Further up on the road, The Fuse and My City In Ruins are the best track. If you like those, you can use this album indeed for a proper introduction into Bruce Springsteen and the E street band.

A reunion of the E-Street band with the Boss way overdue. And on an album made in the aftermath of tragedy. Music and lyrics much needed at the time.

This album reminds me of my Dad. It feels like Bruce is putting a reassuring arm around you and telling you everything is going to be alright. It's a bit flawed and not very nuanced but has some great highs (Empty Sky, Further on up the Road, Paradise).

The Boss sounds so similar across all of these tracks. It's an easily enjoyable and lovely listen but it also didn't drive me crazy. 4.5

Really the best album post Tunnel of Love he ever released.

my first interaction with this album was being asked to analyse Paradise at the age of about ten in school. looking back the themes of suicide, loss, and terrorism may have been a little intense for a class of 9-10 year olds. love bruce though xxx

Quite a good album. Very soothing. A bit generic, but overall pleasant.

pretty nice tune

CD

Huge Springsteen fan, for me his work in the 70s and 80s are the best. This album is good and probably the best since that era but not as good as his first 7-8 records. Having said that there are some excellent tracks on this record, could probably be a bit shorter overall.

Some of these tracks are next world amazing. A few drag it down it back to earth.

Solid album.

Overall really enjoyed this. I think I like it more than Born in the USA (a previous listen on this list). It’s possible that exposure is giving me a deeper appreciation for the artist. Worlds apart is a song I really liked.

Favorite tracks: Let's Be Friends, The Fuse, You're Missing I thought this was really pretty! And weirder than I expected (in a good way). 3.5 stars, bumping up to 4.

Perhaps not the best of the best of Bruce Springsteen, but still a very worthy album. One cannot doubt his sincerity and depiction of Americana in this post-9/11 album.

Very hard to judge this independent from my history with it (formative album, one of my first concerts). Felt a tad bloated this run through so I’ll leave it at four.

This was way too long, but they can never make me hate you, Bruce Springsteen.

79/100. The first three-quarters of this album are a standout, offering a surprisingly chill and enjoyable vibe that exceeds expectations. However, the final quarter sees a noticeable drop in quality.

This may be heretical, but I think this may be Bruce’s best album.

I can sing along almost every song. Some strong numbers like the titletrack or "Waiting On A Sunny Day". A few weaker numbers cost him the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars for me🤷‍♂️.

As an irrational Bruce non-enjoyer who put this off for a while it was actually good

King

I'm not a regular listener to the Boss, but i do really enjoy his stuff.

8/10. Great album. Not as good as the first two I heard by him: Born in the USA and Nebraska. But still consistently good throughout.

One remembers this sounding a suspiciously upbeat on first hearing (considering the circumstances) and it still feels that way to some degree. (“Can’t We Be Friends” and “Mary’s Place” sound like they belong on another record.) And the return of the ESB seems also sort of obvious – big, solid and damn near perfect sounding; their return was perhaps necessary to produce this much quantity at such a high degree of quality, and to take on such rich but difficult subject matter at such a sensitive time. It's probably safe to say that this is what the country needed at the time (and Bruce doing what he could do), but only limited bonus points for that now. Musically, it’s solid all the way around and the band sounds fine and big. Still, I prefer lighter-weight and more minimalist Bruce. There’s a too-muchness on several cuts that are sad at the core and would be better stripped down – on “Nothing Man,” there are synths and strings and horns and repetitive backing vocals (“duh-duh-duh-da-doo” nine times in a row). Repetition is a problem throughout (“let it rain” x 4 and “strength/faith/hope/love” again and again on “Into the Fire”). Some cuts feel more forced (“Counting on a Miracle”, “Further On”) than felt (“My City of Ruins,” “The Rising”). Still, as ever with Bruce, there’s a great deal to like – opener and closer are both great – and even the few misfits are enjoyable. Still, enjoyability may be the wrong metric. As with all late Bruce, the actual music making and production are first-rate, unimpeachable really, with its heart in the right place and a high degree of thoughtfulness, even if it's a little broad and so damn near to sentimental (though the good kind, mostly).

Surprisingly good! I thought Bruce Springsteen was a bit lame (biassed), but it's actually really nice and wholesome music

my springsteen bias shining through 4/5

I am a little surprised this album is on the list. It's probably not Springsteen's best late-era record and putting this in over The River is certainly a choice. I really enjoyed this album when it came out and I still do enjoy it. Not sure it needs to be heard before I die, though I have heard this one a lot. Having not put an album out for 7 years I can see why Springsteen wanted to put 15 tracks on, but there is an 11-12 track album that is much stronger. The Fuse, Paradise, Let's Be Friends and Mary's Place could probably have been left off. Since Springsteen likes his albums to have themes, all of the songs except for Paradise, wouldn't be missed. They aren't really about 9/11 nor could they be tangentially related to 9/11. Many of the songs on here are very emotional, such as "You're Missing," "Into the Fire," "The Rising" and "Empty Sky" are directly tied to 9/11 and are brilliant depictions of the devastation (emotional and physical). To put this album in over The River, Tunnel of Love or even Magic isn't something I would necessarily do.

Lonesome Day - 4/10 Into the Fire - 3/10 Waitin' on a Sunny Day - 4.5/10 Nothing Man - 5/10 Cigarettes after Sex if they were country and lost their dreamy sound Countin' on a Miracle - 4.5/10 Empty Sky - 4/10 Worlds Apart - 2/10 the intro was giving at the barbershop in Bollywood. Interesting but it sounds kinda messy. the rhythm did not match the instrumental at all. was not expecting it to go this route Let's be Friends (Skin to Skin) - 5/10 was giving like early 2000's teenage movie Further on (up the Road) - 3.5/10 The Fuse - 4/10 Mary's Place - 2/10 not a big fan of country/folk You're Missing - 3/10 The Rising - 3.5/10 Paradise - 2/10 My City of Ruins - 3/10 overall: 3.5/10

Pretty solid album. Was my first Bruce album I bought in real time. Probably swayed by glowing Rolling Stone reviews. 3.5/5

Great

A pleasant surprise.

Enjoyed more than I thought I would.

Bruce at his most political written in the wake of 9/11 this proved to be Springsteen's comeback album after a slightly lacklustre 90's (save for a few excellent singles). I've always loved Bruce Springsteen since I was a kid my dad was a fan and had everything from Greetings through to Human Touch. This is a really good album with the title track as the highlight but Waitin' on a Sunny Day, My City of Ruins & Lonesome Day are great as well.

In-Depth Review of "The Rising" by Bruce Springsteen Bruce Springsteen's album The Rising, released in 2002, is a profound exploration of grief, hope, and the search for redemption in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. As a return to form for "The Boss" after a lengthy hiatus from his E Street Band collaborators, the album stands as a compelling artistic statement. This review will delve into the lyrical themes, musical composition, production quality, and the album's broader influence, highlighting its strengths and potential weaknesses. Lyrics Themes of Loss, Resilience, and Renewal: The lyrics of The Rising are deeply rooted in the emotional landscape following 9/11, navigating themes of loss, resilience, and renewal. Springsteen takes on the role of a storyteller, providing intimate portraits of people affected by the tragedy. In the title track, "The Rising," Springsteen embodies a firefighter ascending the stairs of a burning building, using vivid imagery like "left the house this morning, bells were ringing, filled the air" to capture the urgency and heroism of the moment. The refrain "Come on up for the rising" serves as both a call to spiritual ascension and a plea for communal healing. Other tracks like "You're Missing" delve into the personal impact of loss. With lines such as "pictures on the nightstand, TV's on in the den," Springsteen uses simple yet evocative language to paint a picture of the void left in the wake of a loved one's absence. The use of ordinary objects and settings amplifies the stark reality of sudden grief. "Mary's Place," meanwhile, is a song of reconciliation, combining themes of mourning with a yearning for celebration. The lyric "Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain" hints at a cathartic release, and its gospel-like structure suggests a move toward communal joy even amid sorrow. Personal Reflections and Universal Appeals: Springsteen's lyrics also explore broader themes of faith, uncertainty, and the human condition. In "My City of Ruins," originally written for Asbury Park, New Jersey, and later repurposed for New York City post-9/11, the line "Come on, rise up!" becomes a spiritual rallying cry. Springsteen weaves a narrative that simultaneously grieves the losses and calls for unity and renewal. However, the album's lyrics sometimes lean toward sentimentality. Tracks like "Let's Be Friends (Skin to Skin)" are lyrically weaker, with overly simplistic phrases that don't match the emotional weight of the other songs. The track feels out of place and disrupts the album's flow with its overly saccharine tone. Music and Composition Diverse Musical Styles: Musically, The Rising is an eclectic mix of styles, demonstrating Springsteen's versatility and willingness to experiment. The album incorporates rock, folk, gospel, blues, and even hints of Middle Eastern music. This diversity enhances the emotional range of the songs, making the album feel dynamic and varied. Songs like "Lonesome Day" and "Further On (Up the Road)" feature driving rock rhythms with anthemic choruses that evoke Springsteen's earlier work with the E Street Band. The use of fiddle and pedal steel guitar on "Nothing Man" and "Paradise" introduces a folk flavor, while "Worlds Apart" stands out with its unique incorporation of Qawwali music, a form of Sufi devotional music, complete with tablas and an Eastern-inspired vocal chorus. This blending of genres speaks to the global impact of the 9/11 tragedy and adds a layer of complexity to the album's sound. Melodic Strengths and Weaknesses: The album shines in its melodic construction, particularly on tracks like "The Rising" and "My City of Ruins." Both songs build gradually, layering instruments and voices to create a rich, textured sound that mirrors the emotional escalation of the lyrics. The use of organ, piano, and choral backing vocals in "My City of Ruins" creates a soulful, almost hymn-like atmosphere that feels both intimate and expansive. However, not all tracks are equally compelling. "Waitin' on a Sunny Day," while catchy, borders on being overly repetitive and lacks the depth of the other compositions. Its light, almost pop-rock style feels incongruent with the heavier themes that dominate the album, creating a jarring shift in tone. Production Return to Classic E Street Sound with Modern Touches: Produced by Brendan O'Brien, The Rising combines the classic E Street Band sound with contemporary production techniques. O'Brien's approach is clean and polished, with a focus on clarity and balance. He allows each instrument to breathe, ensuring that the dense arrangements never feel cluttered. This is particularly evident on tracks like "Into the Fire" and "The Rising," where the interplay between guitars, keyboards, and saxophones is meticulously balanced, providing a full, rich sound without overwhelming the listener. O'Brien also uses layering to great effect. The use of strings, choral backing vocals, and diverse instruments like the Indian harmonium on "Worlds Apart" adds depth and texture, creating a multi-layered soundscape that enhances the emotional gravity of the songs. Critique of Production Choices: However, some critics argue that the production is overly polished, lacking the raw, unfiltered edge of Springsteen's earlier work. While the crisp production quality makes the album accessible and radio-friendly, it also removes some of the grit and spontaneity that characterized Springsteen's best records from the 1970s and 1980s. This slickness can sometimes make the music feel too controlled, potentially diminishing the emotional impact for some listeners. Influence and Reception Critical and Commercial Success: Upon its release, The Rising was both a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning Springsteen his first Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2003. The album's timing and thematic focus resonated strongly with listeners, capturing the national mood in a way few other records did at the time. It became a cultural touchstone for its exploration of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. The album's influence extended beyond its immediate impact. It reaffirmed Springsteen's role as a voice of the American experience, and its success paved the way for other artists to tackle complex, emotionally charged themes in their music. The blending of various musical styles and the use of non-Western sounds in "Worlds Apart" marked a significant step in the cross-pollination of global music genres in mainstream rock. Pros: Lyrical Depth and Resonance: The Rising is filled with poignant, introspective lyrics that explore themes of loss, hope, and resilience, capturing the collective grief of post-9/11 America. Musical Diversity: The album showcases a wide range of musical styles, from rock and folk to gospel and world music, providing a rich and varied listening experience. Strong Production Quality: Brendan O'Brien's production work is meticulous, ensuring a polished sound that highlights the strengths of each track. Cultural Relevance: The album's themes and timing made it a significant cultural artifact, reflecting the national mood and serving as a form of healing for many. Cons: Overproduction: The slick production, while clear and polished, lacks the raw, organic feel of Springsteen's earlier work, potentially diminishing the emotional impact for some listeners. Inconsistent Tone: Tracks like "Let's Be Friends (Skin to Skin)" and "Waitin' on a Sunny Day" feel out of place due to their lighter, more playful tone, disrupting the album's overall cohesiveness. Lyrical Weak Spots: While most of the album's lyrics are strong, there are moments of sentimentality and simplicity that don't match the emotional depth of the rest of the album. Repetitive Elements: Some songs, such as "Waitin' on a Sunny Day," suffer from repetitive structures and choruses, which can feel redundant over the course of the album. Conclusion The Rising stands as one of Bruce Springsteen's most important albums, a testament to his ability to articulate the complexities of the human experience in times of crisis. While it is not without its flaws—occasional overproduction, uneven tone, and a few weaker lyrical moments—it remains a powerful statement of resilience and hope. Its diverse musical palette and thoughtful lyrics offer a rich, rewarding listening experience that continues to resonate more than two decades after its release. Ultimately, The Rising reaffirms Springsteen's place as one of America's great musical storytellers, capable of turning collective pain into shared hope. It may not be a perfect album, but its imperfections are part of what makes it compelling, capturing a moment in time with an honesty and clarity that few others could achieve.

At first I was annoyed that it was Springsteen again - but this one was a whole load more fun than the last.

A strong album, but could have profited from a bit of a shorter run time. I enjoyed the quiet songs way more than the power pop tracks.

I’ve heard many songs by the Boss but have never known most of his stuff or how long he has been putting out new music. 2002 new album and he has many more since then! This one makes me want to listen to a few others

Pretty surprised to see this on the list, but very happy it is included! A late-career peak from (maybe) the best to do it.

I’m normally pretty ambivalent about Bruce Springsteen stuff but this combined the best aspects of all of his past work into something I actively enjoyed. Well written with great vocals plus the production is pretty bombastic which is more in my wheelhouse than anything from Nebraska or stuff like that. Waiting on a sunny day and counting on a miracle were my favs plus a couple others I don’t remember which ones cuz I was high (sounds great that way too)

I’m 37, white, a dad; in other words I’m in my Springsteen prime and have concluded he’s one of the top 3 or so songwriters ever. His run of albums from Greetings From Asbury Park to Tunnel of Love may only be matched by the Beatles in quality and consistent excellence. The second half of his career is more spotty, but he’s had several great records and The Rising is certainly one of them. Bruce sounds great throughout the record and it has the sound of classic Boss. I’d argue it’s best songs (The Rising, Lonesome Day, Worlds Apart, Mary’s Place) are some of the best in his career. While I’d also argue there’s not a bad song on the album, to me it’s a mid-tier Bruce record. There’s something that keeps me from calling it a masterpiece, perhaps it’s 2 or 3 songs too long, and it lacks the extended instrumental sections of songs like Jungleland or Thunder Road that made those so special. Mid-tier Bruce is still excellent, and it’s basically 4.5 stars for me.

Impressive album for being so late in his career. Not the best in the discography and I like Bruce Springsteen's 70 - 80s work more.

Never got into The Boss. This was a nice surprise.

I didn't like this as much as I remember liking it when it first came out. Still a few greats, like the title track, "My City of Ruins", and "Worlds Apart". "Paradise" would fit well on his earlier album "The Ghost of Tom Joad" Solid album but hasn't held up quite as well as I thought it would.

Bruce igen. Och med det sagt ska jag lyssna med ett öppet sinne och inte tänka på hur hans stämband mår. Jaha nu visar det sig ju att den här skivan är bra. Into The Fire kanske omvänder mig. Herregud! Jag gillar det. Låt på låt som är bra. Countin on a Miracle är 5 av 5.Empty Sky likaså. Sen går något snett på World Apart.Introt skulle han kastat. Stämbanden verkar hålla. Bruce har vuxit upp från 2 till 4. Kul!

Låg på en femma de första fyra-fem låtarna. Bättre än classic Bruce. Lite för många sisådär-låtar dock..lite för lång skiva överlag. 72 min.

Inte riktigt på samma nivå som hans klassiker, men fortfarande en jävligt bra skiva rakt igenom.

GOTTA FINISH THIS ALBUM. Fucking amazing. First time im listening to a bruce project and its beautiful

Good start with straightforward rocker Lonesome Day. I also like Waitin' On a Sunny Day with its dense, almost maximalist production. Nothing Man follows, country rock but pleasing to my ear. This is polished stuff compared to earlier Springsteen but the formula works. Radio ready rock with an orchestra full of instrumental backing. Not everything is a hit, and there's some forgettable tunes amongst the 72-minute runtime. Strong finish though, You're Missing being the standout of the back half for me, downtempo and melancholy with cello and organ. Paradise is another stripped down slow one, and My City of Ruins is a decent closer featuring a gospel sounding refrain. Cut a few songs from the middle and this is really really strong - as is, still very good. Glad this came up.

La primera parte es espectacular pero peca de alargarse mucho, hay varias canciones que me sobraban

Goes pretty hard

Wasn't familiar with this, but I really liked it.

The Boss' 9/11 response album shows a return to form after a decade of mixed albums.

Very squarely a Bruce Springsteen album.

Rating: 8.5/10 Great album overall. The melodies are fantastic for most of the songs, very catchy choruses and instrumentation. Bruce Springsteen sounds great, he sings with a lot of passion and emotion and his voice sounds better than some previous albums I heard by him. The album has an immaculate vibe to it, listening to this brought me immense joy. Definitely too long though, could have cut abut 4 songs to make this a Springsteen classic. Favorite songs: Lonesome Day, Into the Fire, Waitin' On a Sunny Day, Nothing Man, Worlds Apart, Further On (Up the Road), You're Missing, The Rising, Paradise, My City of Ruins. Worst song: Countin' On a Mircale.

Strong later-career album from the Boss, powerful as a response to 9/11. Bit long but good listen nonetheless

Eine exzellente musikalische Aufbereitung des 11.9.2001. Die Gefühle eines Feuerwehrmann in Nordturm in „Lonesome Day“, die Wegfall der Unbeschwertheit nach dem Ereignis in „Waitin‘ On A Sunny Day“ und der Mutmacher „The Rising“ zeigen die künstlerische Tiefe im Album. Wut, Trauer und Hoffnung im unverkennbaren Bruce Stil. Wiederhören sehr sinnvoll.

Overall, this album was a pleasant experience, however a few of the songs have repetitive lyrics. The last few songs are peaceful which was enjoyed.

That's a really nice album, genuinely good and entertaining songs, with that Springsteen flair in some lyrics. I enjoyed this album much more than the older, more classic albums by Bruce. Wholesome surprise.

A seventy minute album from Bruce Springsteen about the fallout from 9/11 is a daunting prospect. From just about any other artist this might have come across as preachy or jingoistic, but the Boss manages to make this thoughtful and considered with light and hope amongst the darkness. The E-Street band are back in business for this album too, which really lifts everything. The highlight is My City of Ruins, dedicated to his beloved Asbury Park.

"Waiting on a Sunny Day" has always been one of my favorite songs, but this is just way too long.

I really liked this album and had never heard it before. It reminds me a lot of the mid to later Mellencamp albums, as both seem to have gotten to a place where they are just doing what they want, not caring about trends or hits. I didn't realize until most of the way through that many (if not all) of the songs are about 9/11. That changes it a bit, but for me personally (someone that wasn't in the Northeast US when 9/11 happened), I can still listen to the album as a song about people in a more general sense. I will definitely listen to it again. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is it doesn't pull me in or feel particularly fresh in any real way. It's just very solid.

Me gusta este disco también

I did enjoy this a lot. I can still remember listening to the songs on the radio back then. But never listened to the record as a whole. This is really great stuff!

Not top tier Bruce from the 70s/80s, but close.

The songs that I loved I absolutely loved. The ones I didn't were just fine. I'll give it a 4 just because of the sheer number of songs that I loved.

Reminded me of childhood and listening to Pops play this album.

There is never a bad time to put this album on. The Rising marked Bruce’s return after a long gap between studio records and, crucially, a full return with the E Street Band. You can really feel how important that reunion is. The chemistry, the lift, the sense of togetherness. It sounds like a band playing with purpose again. It is a fun album in places, but it also carries real emotional weight. There is hope running through it, but also reflection. Rediscovering Paradise was a highlight for me this time. What a beautiful, understated song. It quietly builds and stays with you. Favourite songs: Waiting on a Sunny Day, Mary’s Place and The Rising Least favourite: The Fuse Album artwork: Not quite on the level of Born to Run or Born in the U.S.A., but still a solid and fitting cover for the mood of the record

This will be my first encounter with the Boss during this project. I love his classic albums but haven’t ever really listened to anything beyond Born in the USA, along with one or two songs he released after. Curious if this will be the understated Boss on Nebraska and Streets of Philadelphia, feels like that should be appropriate for an aging rocker. I think my experience of this album can best be summed up by my experience with the song World’s Apart. It starts with an electronic drum and an Indian/Middle Eastern vibe that had me thinking oh God is Bruce about to do some trance music is he trend chasing is this going to have a weird message that’s aged poorly. And then the song kicks off and it’s incredible, I loved it, the production is excellent, the instrumentation is great, and the whole time I’m mad because of how much I like this album. So unbelievably I’m giving this 5/5. Do I think it deserves to be on this list? Maybe not, but I do really like this.

7/10 solid album especially if it's a nice day out

Lonesome Day Waitin’ On a Sunny Day Empty Sky Let’s Be Friends Mary’s Place The Rising Didn’t feel long. Had a joyful vibe to it. Put me in a good mood. Would definitely listen too again.

not a fan of sprintsteen but a good album all the same

The BOASS

I don't know how I didn't know of this album, but it was great

So fun!! Bruce always makes you wanna dance

Okay bruce i see you, post 9/11 and all

Least favorite of the Springsteen albums I've heard on this list so far, but I continue to grow more respect for this artist. It seems like he does a great job of being a voice for the public, his music feels very down to Earth. The Rising stood out for me on this album.

He's the boss. Even in his later work (which I didn't have high hopes for), he's the boss.

Pretty good

Very good album and another Bruce Springsteen one! I don't think it's as good as Born to Run though, which was the album I got last week. Probably a 8-9/10 but I think 4/5 is good.

Not my favorite Bruce record, but I know it was a response to 9/11 so it still gets a thumbs up.

Good variety

Waiting for a Sunny Day......such a great song.

What a sleeper album. Really enjoyed this and I know it is only one of the many Springsteen albums that got little radio play and thus I never heard. Really excellent through and through.

Not my personal flavor, but I can’t deny that Bruce brings the juice

Surprising. My favorite Springsteen album

Really really liked this, I was very close to giving a 5*. But I just thought knowing he’s got even better to come, I’ll go with a safe 4*. That could be a tad harsh, sorry boss. Simpsons reference: Yes (also rumoured to have turned down multiple guest appearances)

This album took a few listens to to apprentice fully. The boss knows what he's doing. waitin’ on a sunny day is probably my favourite from this album

mucho like, 5 lajkanih pjesama 4.5

Surprisingly not bad despite the cover and timing within his career

Always powerfull and sentimental

This is the second Bruce album in one week & I've learned that I appreciate his work. His songwriting style is deeply relatable, and his voice draws me in. Solid listen.

great album, but it dragged on a bit towards the end

My feeling about this album is strange. At the same time it's like every other album and like no other album. I listened to it twice and still can't find out, what does it remind me of. But I liked it though.

good listening and some great additions to my playlists

I listened to Bruce a fair bit back in the day but have never gotten to around to anything he released in the 2000s. I see that I have missed out. This is a very solid Bruce album, so that automatically makes it 4 stars. But it's not quite 5. I'm very glad to have been introduced to it, however.

Good Album

This isn’t peak Bruce, but it is very good Bruce.

I wasn’t a Springsteen fan during my south Jersey youth. But now I always enjoy listening to him sing about his city and Mary and his all-American pride.

I was super into Springsteen in my younger years. From Born to Run through Born in the USA, I would give every one of those albums 5 stars. After Tunnel of Love (which I also think is a very good album, probably 4 stars) though, I lost track of The Boss. I've listened a little bit here and there to things like The Ghost of Tom Joad and Devils and Dust, but overall he hasn't been on my radar much. So, it was good to listen to this. Doesn't quite have the magic of his earlier work, but still very solid. I really liked the songs Empty Sky and Let's Be Friends. My only advice to Bruce would be - it's okay to have some songs in the 2.5 to 3.5 minute range. They don't all have to be so long. 4 stars.

No. 63/1001 Lonesome Day 5/5 Into the Fire 4/5 Waitin' on a Sunny Day 5/5 Nothing Man 5/5 Countin' On a Miracle 4/5 Empty Sky 3/5 Worlds Apart 3/5 Let's Be Friends 4/5 Further On 3/5 The Fuse 3/5 Mary's Place 3/5 You're Missing 4/5 The Rising 3/5 Paradise 4/5 My City of Ruins 4/5 Average: 3,8 Really liked the start of the album. Towards the second half I felt for some songs like I already heard them in older albums of his e.g. Mary's Place. Still overall an enjoyable listen.

Of course I have heard a number of tracks from Bruce Springsteen, and The Rising is not the first album from Springsteen that I've reviewed for this list. I don't think I have heard anything from this album before. I am willing to hear anything from Springsteen because I know that the music will be to a certain level, even if the recommended tracks don't become automatically new favorites. I enjoyed this album. The album started out strong with possibly my two favorite tracks ("Lonesome Day", "Into the Fire") and continued steady throughout. "The Rising" should be added to my list of favorite tracks. Taking the album as a whole, I think I liked The Rising more than Born to Run, and close to the same level that I like Nebraska. I haven't settled in on whether there are individual tracks that I for sure would come back to (like I have from Nebraska), but I could listen to this album again.

Some very strong songs but a little long. Excellent production.

Great

The boss. Gotta be his best album in the 2000s

A few more of these and I'll be a full-on Springsteen head

Favourite songs: Further On (Up the Road), The Rising, Lonesome Day, Waitin' on a Sunny Day, Countin' on a Miracle, Nothing Man, Empty Sky, Worlds Apart Least favourite songs: Paradise 4/5

What's mediocre by Bruce's standards is pretty close to excellent when graded against mere mortals. There's too much filligree and layering with synths and strings for one's taste (though this is the trend with the late period Bruce). The excessive repetition in a lot of the lyrics – e.g., the same basic line being repeated again and again within single cuts ("Into the Fire" most notably) – is also noisome. And we get perilously close to outright schmaltz at times. That's what's reuniting with one of the 1970s' best bands will do, one supposes. But, per usual, Bruce's heart is certainly in the right place (who else could get away with deploying Sufi musical tropes and be so effective with it?). Plus, he offers up a great deal of soul, aiming to elevate in response to a tragedy felt locally, nationally, globally. Plus, there's just an extremely high level of songcraft and musicianship and pride in the work – the quality is unimpeachable from the first to the last note. The net-net is ample pleasure for listeners and a handful of top-shelf songs ("Lonesome Day," title cut, "City in Ruins," "Empty Sky"). Even the worst song is strong if – again – not among his most transcendent outputs. At times, it seems Bruce is almost too good for his own benefit. Does he make it look too easy? Is it all too accessible, slightly too broad, over-emphatically crowd-pleasing (see "Waiting on a Sunny Day" and "Let's Be Friends" as Exhibits A and B)? Too polished and assured? Too shiny and too impeccably produced? Are there perhaps too many relatable characters and personae? Definitely maybe on all counts. Still, editors are right, it is "magisterial" and "moving," clearly deserving of bonus points for the degree of difficulty.

Something about famous artists that you've never listened before is that you probably will understand why they are so liked. I don't know anything about him, but i can sense the emotion and the quality of his music.

Thoroughly enjoyable Springsteen album. It's got rock, ballads, soul, gospel, lots of the great E Street sax. Not really any dull songs. A long album that whistles through. Poignant subject matter. Top picks, depending on your mood, could be My city of ruins, The Rising, Mary's Place, Lonesome Days, Empty Skies.

I like Springsteen a lot. His 70's stuff is untouchable. I don't know how many albums he has on this list but I can think of at least 4 other albums that should be on here before this one. It's mostly good, but it's too long. 15 tracks at 72 minutes, should be 10 at around 42. That complaint seems to recurring for me from CD era releases.

Som muito bom, mas talvez muitos do mestre nessa lista

In the shadow of 9/11, Bruce got the E Street Band back together and recorded this fine collection of songs about love, loss, and finding the will to go on after tragedy. Not quite at the level of his greatest work, but well worth a listen.

Trodde inte jag hört någon låt från följande platta men det visade sig att jag hört 2-3 låtar tidigare. Blev tagen på sängkanten faktiskt. Det här albumet är riktigt bra. En stark fyra. Med lite inlyssning så kommer det i framtiden antagligen bli en femma.

Not the best Bruce album, but it’s still a Bruce album.

This is a solid album. I like Springsteen a lot but am definitely more drawn to his earlier records, so I haven't listened to this one as much. I think there are a number of really good songs on here and I wouldn't skip any of them but it still doesn't quite hit me as hard as his 70's and 80's records. Overall a strong album though. Standout Tracks: Lonesome Day, Nothing Man, Worlds Apart, The Fuse, You're Missing, The Rising, My City of Ruins

Liked it more the more I let it play. Wasn’t the old school Bruce but some soulful ballad type songs. Could throw it on the background at any point in time.

4.0

Pretty joyful, good old rock from The Boss. An enjoyable listen!

I thought the album was pretty nice, though I would say there were definitely a few misses. I also thought the album was a bit too long - definitely could've scrapped a few songs. "The Rising" was absolutely the best song on the album and was a bit more meaningful, considering my proximity to the events of 9/11. 8/10

It's Bruce. It's grand, it's pretty cliché but it is listenable and enjoyable to me. This was a rather long album and could have done with being halved but I wasn't wanting to burst my eardrums by the end to make it stop. Worlds Apart stood out for me out of the rather large bunch.

I love Bruce, but this record didn’t grab me. It has some very beautiful songs. But it misses the grit and the punch. It’s too lighthearted for my taste. I’m glad it gave him somewhat of a resurgence though! 7 out of 10

better than expected. im a big 9/11 fan i guess nothing man, countin on a miracle, worlds apart is a 5, paradise

This album is a very welcome return for the E Street Band. The sound on this album is very filled out, and has almost a wall of sound effect on certain tracks. The instrumentation is great overall. I have some qualms with some of the early 2000s style production and beats, but can generally look past it. Lyrically, this album deals with the aftermath of 9/11 and its songs are contemplative, joyous, somber, and life affirming. Springsteen’s emotional range on this album is vast and it imbues this essentially heartland rock album with a strong sense of place and storytelling that allows it to become something more.

Undeniable quality. Would I listen to this more often? Probably not.

Nice

hidden gem. Hadn't heard it and enjoyed it more than expected.

I wasn’t familiar so much with this entire album. Just knew a few tracks. Really enjoyed it. This apparently was a bit of a comeback album.. He still had it then, and he still has it now!

Opening track on this album has hints of greatness, and “the rising” is also a solid track, worthy of the Grammy. My general thoughts on the boss are that he was a 70’s storyteller, then a hit maker in the 80s-early 90s, then regression back to storytelling. I enjoy the hitmaking Bruce, not so much the storytelling.

Never listened to this but there were some good songs.

The Boss is back. Between 1992's Human Touch and Lucky Town, both uneven albums, Springsteen's only studio record was the folk album "The Ghost of Tom Joad." All the others else were live albums or compilations. For twenty years, there was no Boss album. Then The Rising was released. It was Springsteen back in his old form. The best songs include the title track, lead off track "Lonesome Day", and fun "Mary's Place". While not as good as 2007's Magic and on par with 2012's Wrecking Ball, The Rising is a great late career album for Springsteen, bringing back that old Boss energy.

gostei do álbum, o final estava bem melancólico. apesar de não ler cada uma das letras sei sobre o que se trata e achei a mensagem geral e intenção lindas.

Um álbum atemporal. Apesar de refletir, em grande parte, especificamente sobre os acontecimentos do 9/11, é na verdade, um álbum que trata sobre desastres, tragédias, tempos difíceis e os sentimentos que temos durante esses períodos - desde vingança, suicídio, desespero até um sentimento de perdão, compaixão, esperança, suporte e persistência - além de referenciar a religião ( e sua influência em tempos como esse ) de inúmeras formas. Um álbum com uma mensagem simples e clara ( como a maioria dos álbum do bruce ) porém profunda e necessária. Não é um álbum repleto de hits, como outros da carreira do artista, mas entrega exatamente o que se propôs a fazer e é uma ótima experiência musical e de reflexão.

The title track pulls a lot of the weight but BOY does it.

Despite never listening to Springsteen in depth, I really liked this album. It was consistent all the way through. Even though nothing blew me away, I would definitely listen again.

Gran disco de rock interpretada por una gran voz. Muy rítmico y con los tempos muy bien ajustados. Emotivo en algunos aspectos

Sounds like a distilled album of the music Bruce created up to this point, in a good way. Solid songs that reference the past, but evolve beyond it. Only real complaint is it's a bit long.

Enjoyed this so much more than Nebraska. This is the Bruce I like.

I went into this album not expecting much. "Waitin' on a Sunny Day" is maybe my least favorite single of Bruce's career, and I'm not crazy about "Lonesome Day" either. But there are enough great moments here to consider this album a success. The back half of this album particularly worked for me -- the slower cuts like "You're Missing" and "Paradise" really work for an older Boss, and songs like "Mary's Place" have all the E-Street swagger and pomp that we expect from a Springsteen album. This probably gets a 3.5 from me, in actuality. But what the hell, I'll bump it up.

This was fun to listen too, if a bit saccharine and Budweiser-y. Kind of lost its way in the middle but picked up at the end. You’re Missing was my fave

First time listening to a Bruce album from the 2000s all the way through and was not disappointed one bit.

Oh my days. 2002 Bruce Springsteen is the greatest of all time. The Boss delivers a stellar record that oozes with class. A marvellous culmination of all of his best work. His vocals are on point and his buttocks as hard as ever. What a derriere. Fine, fine buns of steel. That ass is to die for. Sumptuous peach.

ugh his voice is so pretty. the album’s clearly about 9/11, finding hope and keeping faith in dark times. his songwriting is so poetic and warming. the tracks are so comforting and bright, ironic to the subject matter but i think it works. I will say it’s less interesting musically than his classics but it’s a strong singer-songwriter album. 3.5

Listened Before? N I liked this one! It's not really on par with his older works, but it's very Springsteen... and it captures a very specific time in America: The post 9/11 vibe of shock, gloom, but hope. He did a good job. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Waitin' on a Sunny Day

Pretty good mid career Springsteen. No standouts. No turds. Excellent guitar on “Worlds Apart”. 3.5 and rounding up because my wife “really like this”

Great album. Really good vibe. Thoroughly enjoyed most of the songs on here.

You can't take The Boss in small doses, and this is a large dose of Boss (1hr15mins). Compelling as ever however with a couple of real bangers (Nothing Man, The Rising)

Good album

There are some great songs on here, but the album could probably lose a few songs and overall sounds more dated than most of his other stuff.

Just when I though maybe Bruce was kind of winding down....he. releases this powerful fantastic album. Saw him perform "The Rising" live.....like a religious experience.....I would. give it a 5...but. then what do you do with. Born to Run.....The wild, the innocent, and. the E street Shuffle.....Greetings from Asbury Park.....Nebraska......Darkness on the Edge of. Town? Giving it a 4....but it's a 5

Very good, although pretty much ignored at the time. Sounds very like his famous songs, but without the baggage of being rock radio staples for a few decades!

Not very interesting but the rythm is there and gives some good vybes.

Bruce just manages to always deliver. This album combines his classic e-street sound with contemporary production and sounds. The production is flawless, his lyrics are personal, and there are plenty of quality songs. If it was only a little shorter with the omission of 4 or 5 weaker songs, it would have been a 5.

Bruce is always a good time! Even in the early 2000s he proved that his typical style still works, while also showing some versatility by dabbling into other directions in this album

I love The Boss. It took me a while to come around. I've always been more of a John Cougar man myself, but Springsteen has some real depth that takes a while to dig into. I still chuckle when all the 'Merica folks think that Born in the USA is a patriotic song. I wasn't familiar with this post-911 effort by Bruce and the E-Street Band, and some parts are a little obvious, but remembering what the time right after 911 was like, obvious was just what we needed. There might not be a Tunnel of Love (man, that's a crazy hook) or Human Touch (his most underrated tune, IMHO, but still worth a few listens.

4 because it’s catchy and definitely above 3 but it still needs some work!

I haven't really listened to much from the Boss since Born in The USA and for the most part hasn't been impressed by his solo albums without the E Street Band. For The Rising, Bruce reunites with the band and the results are much more satisfying than his previous efforts. A powerful and passionate project for the Boss, the songs are all consistently good and interesting with the band adding that extra energy and spark. Sure, there are some slow moments and the album is a tad bit too long, but overall it's a solid return to the "glory days".

Not his best but still pretty good

Highlight: Worlds Apart

Very strong record. Especially given where he was career wise at that stage.

This was excellent.

I have not been much of a Bruce Springsteen fan before but I loved this album. I thought the E Street Band sounded absolutely perfect, and that the songs were all just what was needed in 2002. Having listened to Born to Run recently, I really noticed how this was a Bruce who's seen and felt some things since then, bringing all those experiences and feelings into this. Really good.

Very good. Nice instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics. I like it.

I enjoyed this album with its great sound and solid tracks - what I expected. A nice listen with some standouts that made me pause and really take notice. Favorite songs: World’s Apart and Mary’s Place

This may not be peak Bruce, but is still damn good. Let's Be Friends was never a favorite and Mary's Place seemed like he was trying too hard to create a centerpiece for the Rising tour. Further On (Up the Road) sounded great in 2000 on the Reunion tour at MSG, but seems flat here. The rest vacillates between very good and exceptional. Missing is simply devastating. Not bad for 30 years in.

The album marking Bruce's 21st century comeback. The Rising has many beautiful moments whether they are soaring with joy (Mary's Place) or devastatingly sad (You're Missing/ My City of Ruin). It captures a moment in time both lyrically and sonically. This is a very good album that will not get a 5 because the other albums of his on here are still a tier above. I also think that there are a few clunker tracks on here that could have been cut given the album's length in order to get a perfect score. However, I'm sure it was thrilling when this came out, as it marked a return for one of America's greatest rock and roll bands during a moment when they were sorely needed.

I’m relatively new to the boss and besides his early career behemoths I’m not that that familiar with his entire body of work - I just thought his later work was a bit poorer than Born to Run or Nebraska or Darkness… Well. I was wrong - this is a very strong showing - and I suspect it’s anther of his ‘growers’ - its subtler, mellower, more introspective but it’s a good record.

Good stuff.

Another fine album from the boss. Even his throwaway songs sound familiar and comfortable. Doesn't have the consistency of his 5 star albums but there's enough good songs to please most music fans. 4 🌟

Fav song: The Fuse

woah so ok turns out i like bruce springsteen. who knew? it's a 3.5 star rating for me - but given i'm new to this i'm gonna go 4 and regret my choice later.

Wow, a Bruce Springsteen album i actually enjoyed.

Ok first off....come on. Twice in a row? I guess that means we can get it out of the way. Starting to listen, however, I already like this first track more than the last album so I won't complain too much. Ok, as I listen, this album is really great. Feels very rock but also very folksy in a weird way. Pretty wild how different these two albums are and now I'm glad that we got to listen to them back to back.

Vau, tämähän on hieno levy! Todella leppoisan melodista countryrockia ilman Brucelle ominaista hieman överiksi vedettyä äijäilyä. Äänimaailma tuo kovasti mieleen Wilcon varhaiset albumit. Levyltä ei jäänyt mieleen ensimmäistäkään kappaletta mieleen negatiivisesti, mikä on melkoinen meriitti yli 70 minuutin kokonaisuudelta. Kohokohdat eivät kuitenkaan kykene nostamaan tätä ihan vitosen tasolle. Päivänselvä nelonen kuitenkin.

Good stuff! Best Springsteen album so far. 4

springsteen is an auto 4 but only the end stands out

This was awesome! Love a bit of the Boss and although not his usual rocking self, the slower more melodic side is as appreciated! Really enjoyed it!

Bruuuuuuuuuuuce

Interesting ref sept 11 influence Easy listening

I wasn't expecting much from this album. I've liked the Springsteen albums that I've listened to in the past, but a 2002 Springsteen album made as a response to 9/11 in light of everything that's happened since then sounds like the exact opposite of what I need right now. This album, however, is solid all the way through. Bruce's music doesn't sound dated for 2002, and the lyrics aren't the type of heart-on-my-sleeve rah rah bullshit that I associate with this period. Every song on this album is good, if not spectacular. More importantly, he found a way to capture the feeling of hope really well with this album. Totally worth coming back to in the future 4/5

Good, classic

Fínasta Springsteen plata. Rennur ljúflega í gegn.

This is a fine slice Springsteen goodness. One of his most consistent albums song after song is good with a few great one's thrown in; Lonesome Day, Empty Sky and the title track. The E Street Band absolutely cooks look seldom since Darkness on the Edge of Town, if you're more Springsteen appreciator rather than mega fan, as I am, don't sleep on this excellent album 4 stars

You get a classic Bruce Springsteen album... heartfelt, meaningful and straight ahead rock. Though it runs a little long, pretty much everything is enjoyable from the louder more energetic Worlds Apart to the more wistful Nothing Man. Really good album.

A really strong album from Springsteen. Enjoyed this quite a lot.

3.8 Ik denk niet dat je dit kan haten. Goede vibe, duidelijke stem, prachtig.

Decent

Love a bit of Bruce!

THIS IS DSOTM

нормально, отдохнуть

Hvis det er noe Bruce Springsteen får til, er det feelgood musikk! Mye karakteristisk og oppløftende på dette albumet, og man blir rett og slett litt gira. Energien fra Springsteen er ganske smittsom. Likevel har han en viss tendens til å skrive litt for repetitive sanger med mange korte vers og refreng, og det merkes godt når albumet bikker én time. Men jeg er sikker på at dette kan bli en deilig gjenganger når jeg har fått hørt mer på det. Beste sanger: Lonesome Day, Mary's Place, The Rising.

A pensive and slightly melancholic Boss.

Solid dad rock from the most dad rock guy around

It's a bit long and not quite up there with his best but some great tracks.

Gotta love brucey

enjoyed

A good one, but not my favorite Springsteen album

The emotion and depth is apparent throughout. Maybe a bit long winded at times, but overall it was really good. Solid 4.

Solid album, although not great (in my opinion) due to it being somewhat inconsistent and a bit repetitive at times. A few REALLY amazing songs on there though.

Mucho más movido que el otro que ha salido en la lista y se agradece. Me quedo con Waitin' On A Sunny Day y Further On (Up The Road), aunque también se puede colar Mary's Place. También tiene baladas, buenos arreglos de metales. No se siente como un disco arriesgado y no necesita serlo. Mi único tema es que es muy largo.

Very folksy and 2000s

Excellent

Pues sí, así como los Foo hacen música casi prefabricada para gustarle a nuestra generación en un estadio, este disco de El Jefe está prefabricado para gustarle al baby boomer o gen X gringo. Pero dejando eso de lado, para mí, que solo conocía Streets of Philadelphia o Born in the USA, tiene mucho que ofrecerme: bonita producción, mezcla de estilos y sonidos y hasta un coro árabe que es un contrapeso a todo el contexto del disco. Punto adicional para Bruce cuando leí que es defensor del matrimonio gay, que debe ser algo complicado al ser el cantante favorito de gen x y boomers.

A nice Bruce Springsteen album. Was nice to listen to.

false

Ich kann verstehen, warum er so unfassbar beliebt ist. Eine sehr markante Stimme. Einfache und doch gleichzeitig mitreißende Musik. Sicherlich massentauglich. Auch wenn das Album mit 73 Minuten etwas lang war, hab ich viel Abwechslung gehört. Ein Song mit viel Percussion und rhythmischer Begleitung. Einer mit elektronischen Sounds. Das Urgestein mit 23 Alben bei i Tunes gibt sich Mühe die modernen Entwicklungen in der Musikszene aufzugreifen. Country-Rock-Pop? Das Album hat bei mir Interesse an ihm geweckt.

Preachy but the rising (song) is a classic

Not his best album but it’s hard not to like the boss

If your from Jersey you know

Memories of 9/11. Heartbreaking and inspiring in the current crises.

The third Springsteen album I've had so far (after Born to Run and Nebraska.) For one of the previous ones I wrote: "I have no problem with The Boss but I just never got why people go so nuts over him, even after seeing him live (and everyone assured me I would "get it" when I saw him live.) Not sure why but his music just never clicked with me. That probably means I could never be a sportswriter." This sounds like... another Bruce Springsteen album. Nothing really wrong with it, it just doesn't do anything for me. I don't know what it is about him - I have listened to a lot of his music and tried. My brain just makes all his songs sound alike to me. I know there are artists I love who have the same effect on other people.

It's fine. It's got all the Bruce Springsteen vibes, but not really the hooks that non-hardcore boss fans are going to fall in love with. I doubt I'll come back to this.

It was decent. I think Bruce’s voice was just too gravely

Звучит в точности как его музыка в 70-х и 80-х, я думал тут будет что-то более современное. Но при этом там хотя бы были хорошие песни, тут такого не хватило.

I remember wheb tbis came out and it was being pushed pretty hard. Its clearly well made but theres just not a whole lot there. A few weird songs in the middle too

This album was fine I guess but was a really weird mix of genres that maybe shouldn’t have been put onto a double LP.

#459 Before this challenge, I’d never heard a Bruce Springsteen album before but always liked his hits. Listening to his albums haven’t diminished my opinion of him but this one felt a bit straight ahead decent rock, rather than anything essential. At times I enjoyed it but this was way too long, plus having 2 more tracks after the euphoric title track, seemed unnecessary. What struck me most about this album was how much his voice reminded me of post 90s Eddie Vedder! Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❓ Listen before you die? ❌ Fave track(s): Worlds Apart Rating: 6/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hard not to like this considering what the subject matter is all about. For that reason I don’t absolutely dislike it but I must admit it isn’t an album I would buy and listen to regularly. It’s just been the 25th anniversary of 9/11 so everything surrounding that atrocity has rekindled the numbness and sadness I felt for all the victims. Out if respect of them I remain neutral and respect Bruce for his tribute. 3/5 27/9/26

this is the twelfth album release from rock legend bruce springsteen. hopeful and heartening, springsteen created the album's concept after reflecting on the september 11th terrorist attacks, many music tracks dedicated to the individuals who had suffered or perished during the destruction of the twin towers. it was quite successful and earned a few grammys. it's not surprising that the guy who made it big with "born in the USA" made an album like this. the meaning of the album and its dedications are genuine, but it's pretty generic throughout its runtime if i'm gonna be real. it feels like the kind of positive pop, country and country pop rock music made post-9/11 that's a whole lot of "they can't stop us, we're americans and we'll fight for what's right! i will put my fist up in the air, and tell the whole world we will never back down." and i mean, i kinda get it, but this is ultimately an album where you can hear why it's gotten so many big mainstream rewards. it's bittersweet uplifting pop rock that makes you wanna stand up and salute and feels like it would be attached to a 4th of july picture with your grandma and aunt on facebook. very samey. very lengthy. bit of a shame.

(Strong 6/10) I think the cultural significance of this record outweighs the impact of the music for me, frankly. It's pretty by-the-numbers for Bruce as far as the songs go, the actual thing of note would be his pretty radical difference of perspective following the 9/11 attack. Instead of rising up against a monolithic enemy, he instead calls for community and even offers a different perspective on the lives of people on the other end of the conflict. Even going so far as to try and get a glimpse into the mind of a terrorist on the song "Paradise". I think this record isn't bad by any means and I admire Bruce's willingness to tackle this subject in such a way that isn't blindly nationalistic and patriotic, I just think the music itself got bland after a while during the album's 72 minute runtime.

Boss man hangin his boss balls by New Jersey son

Just a real solid 3.5 star album

This is a very diverse album, which I suppose shouldn't surprise me, but it did.

"Tramps like us, baby, we were born to remember where we were when the second plane hit." "The Rising" would get two stars but for the long-awaited return of the E Street Band.

3 Fairly bloated and apparently way past his best period. Some alright songs but also some unbearably soppy post 9/11 stuff. Passed the time well enough while I defrosted the freezer

Not a bad album but far too long.

It's decent background music, but it is the most pop-produced rock album I think I've ever heard. How can someone with such a prolific musical catalogue have so little to say? Most of the songs were the same handful of words/lines repeated over and over again.

Not his best work, but ok. In this case a little Bruce goes a long way. Liked The Rising, but almost have to deduct point for songs like Let’s be Friends. I’m not a giant Bruce fan, but will give this a 3 star.

Not my favorite Springsteen, I have been informed by my mother who is a big Springsteen fan that I am apparently more of a fan of his pop era. There were a few songs I liked but not much really stood out.

Middle of the road, background dad rock. Not bad, not really memorable, but an interesting little capsule from that time.

Middle of the road, not as bad as some reviews make it out to be. Maybe a bit too long and sometimes too evangelical. The rising and waiting on a sunny day are good songs though

I was suprised that I liked more songs in this album.

I’m not much of a fan of a lot of what I’ve heard from Springsteen, but this was a decent album. The style is quite a bit different from his older work that I’m more familiar with. Would listen to this again. Probably a 3.5 for me.

Couldn’t get into it.

Springsteen comforts the country in the aftermath of 9/11. This feels powerful and hopeful without ever falling too deeply into corny and cheesy patriotism. Springsteen sings to uplift the people and not just a mindless celebration of the flag. The strings, saxophone and gospel singers all add to that soaring feeling that Springsteen is going for. The record is about 20 minutes too long and there is a fair bit of filler that could have been cut. If you love Springsteen, I'm sure you will love this record. I'm just confused why a record that came out so late in the musician's career that doesn't stray too far from their typical sound is on a list like this when so many great bands are left off the list.

Bruce Springsteen has his own sound which remains pretty consistent. I wouldn't choose to listen to this but it probably hits the mark with Springsteen fans. I quite like the collaboration with a Pakistani musician for Worlds Apart

Everybody’s out here talking about how uninspired this album is and that is probably true but he’s also not doing that horrible yelling so it’s fine in my books

Not bad but kinda long and samey.

For this list, it's a good inclusion if you were already aware and enjoy Bruce Springsteen. I don't know how essential The Rising is to make it to this list vs a top 5 or 6 Bruce albums you need to hear list. It squeezes room out of other artists known for a pretty big album that deserves a chance. None of this is to say The Rising is some sort of subpar afterthought inclusion. 9/11 was still the biggest cataclysmic event to happen this century (sadly), and the emotional space and void it created in the world would not have the same reactions in the 2020s. The Rising feels more like a product of that time period more than 20 years later, writer's conclusions saying that the albums other themes of hope and sense of resurgence from tragedy be damned. But it is also not a mood I really want to hear in my music time. I'd prefer melancholic sounds in something like shoegaze or ambient electronic music. I think the middle part of The Rising is the best parts, Empty Sky, Worlds Apart, Further On (Up The Road) and The Fuse are pretty good. Enough to elevate a little above the average score but nothing more than that. Obligatory shout out to Clarence Clemons, the greatest rock Saxophone player.

This was meh. Not a favorite. Has some decent songs, but very forgettable. Sorry, Bruce. I still love you. 2.75 Top tracks: Waitin’ On a Sunny Day, My City of Ruins

This was pretty good, but a little long. I like Bruce Springsteen in small doses. His voice gets kind of annoying after a while, though it is a good match for the kind of music he makes

For Bruce , it was an ok album. I did feel like it could have been shorter. I appreciated the sentiments around 9/11.

He was pretty good

Love the Boss but this is not his finest work.

As someone who is very much not american, never quite got the hype of big bad bruce, and this doesn't do much to change my opinion but I can see *where* i might like him. Will give him another chance when he inevitably appears in this queue.

Sounds pretty good but not essential.

Good, but he certainly has better

Review - better than I expected for a naughties Springsteen album. His post 9/11 album. Lots of sentimentality (even by Springsteen standards) not to mention a lot of sincere patriotism. A lot of songs weren't particularly good and then would suddenly have a banging sax line, or some cool organ playing, or in one case all the instruments dropped out except a cello and Springsteen's voice. And it sort of redeemed the song. But didn't make the album interesting enough to listen to again. Score - 5/10 Need to listen? YES

It's good, but slightly overrated from being the first E-Street Band album in a decade and a 9/11 album. 3.5 stars

This was kind of billed as a return to form for Bruce. He reunited with the E-Street Band after a very uneven decade in the 90s. There are some good songs here and nothing is truly awful, but it feels kind of bland overall. I don't think the rockers really have the same energy of his 70s and 80s stuff and it seems like a competent dad rock album most of the time. I think there's some cool stuff here -- "Countin' on a Miracle" and "You're Missing" are probably the highlights for me, but I'm not sure I'd call it an essential Bruce album. 3.5 stars.

There’s better Bruce.

A bunch of typically Bruce Springsteen songs on a Bruce Springsteen album by Bruce Springsteen. A couple of the tracks were a bit different and surprised me but the rest were standard Bruce Springsteen fayre which Bruce Springsteen fans will love. I thought it was ok but nothing epiphanic. It does make me laugh though when he counts the band in on a studio track.

good album

I'm not a fan of The Boss, but I admit that this album meant something more for those of us who lived through that horrible day. 24 years later it is just another bland mid-tempo rock album, but I remember how it hit differently in 2002.

you get what you expect for listening to a Springsteen Album i guess

It's a decent album, even though much of it sounds the same. Very much in the Dad/Arena rock genre. 3/5 Probably won't listen again

It's okay Spruce Bringsteen, I forgive you

7/10 - Sometimes too many religious overtones but Bruce Springsteen really nails his music

Liked the start much more than I would have expected. What fine work this is, I thought. But then the second half of the album has several songs that are just fillers, and not particularly interesting. Difficult to understand what they do in the album. In the end a few nice songs, but generally it feels like an album that collected a few old songs.

meio trilha de 'carros'

Although I really love Bruce Springsteen, in my opinion this is just an average album of his. It’s not as significant as *Nebraska*, *Born to Run*, *Tunnel of Love*, etc, IMHO So, for an average album, I’ll give it a 3 out of 5.

I think there are several good songs here, but a lot of it seems like church-choir music to me, with nothing that rises to the level of Thunder Road or Badlands or any of the best Springsteen songs of the late 70's. 3 stars or C+.

Not a bad listen.

This album has many references to 9/11/01. So the lyrics are often affecting. But in the long run it just sounds like a long typical Springsteen album. The man doesn’t have a ton of musical range. And it really didn’t work well when he tried to expand into a middle-eastern sound on one track. If you are a Bruce fan you’ll probably love it. I thought a few tracks were better than others, but overall? Eh.

Don’t love Bruce. Hate his politics nowadays. Tired of rockstars doing that. Either side. This was fine nothing worth remembering

27 minutes in and the first interesting bit happened. Maybe cut in half it could have been a good album

This album can be divided into a few categories. First is the “classic E Street Band” stuff, as heard on the title track, “Lonesome Day,” “Mary’s Place,” “Waitin’ on a Sunny Day,” and “Countin’ on a Miracle.” I do like “Lonesome Day,” but overall this is the weakest group. Then there are what I would call the “90s Rock Eclecticism” set, where they play around with different styles the way U2 and Beck and so on were through the previous decade. You can hear this mostly in the middle stretch of the album: “Worlds Apart,” “Let’s Be Friends,” “Further On up the Road,” and “The Fuse.” These are fine, but a little better just because they’re more interesting. Then there are the quieter, sadder songs: “Nothing Man,” “You’re Missing,” “Paradise,” and “My City of Ruins.” These are the best songs on the album, with genuine emotion coming through, lovely production and instrumentation and really affecting songwriting. Overall this album is good, not great. It’s definitely worth listening to, but I don’t think I’d call it a “must.”

3.5

3 out of 5. Definitely an album parents listened to back in the day. Not the worst though.

Of all the Springsteen records—and there are some truly incredible selections—“The Rising” crops up on this list? Really? This record isn’t bad or anything, but it’s just not his best work. I love Springsteen, but this record’s inclusion here is a head scratcher. There’s like 6 records of his that could legitimately be featured here, and this isn’t one of them. Again, it’s not bad. I don’t think Bruce puts out truly bad work. But it doesn’t excite in the same ways that Born to Run, Born in the USA, The River, or Nebraska does. 7/10

This is my first introduction to Springsteen. These are rock tunes with country influences (gospel on the closing track, choir vocals on many others).The songs come across as very passionate and spirited. I mostly thought it was okay, it could get repetitive at times. The songs I enjoyed the most were ""Further On (Up The Road)" and "The Fuse".

Le début de l'album m'a fait penser à un Bono fatigué. Into the fire et The Rising ressortent fortes j'imagine vu le contexte dans lequel s'est sorti. C'est des beaux odes d'espoir assez entraînants. J'ai trouvé le reste plutôt meh. Maintenant qu'on en est à 4 albums de Springsteen, je maintiens que Born to Run est le meilleur (à date, mais un certain M. Pitre m'a beaucoup vendu Nebraska).

I just don't like Bruce Springsteen. I'll give it a 3 because it's not objectively bad. I simply don't like it that much.

I adore the Boss but I don’t get why this is on the list. Maybe his later work is just not for me.

I was tempted to give it 4 stars because it was a surprisingly solid album an great to listen all through, but in comparison to the Boss's earlier albums, it is just lacking the hits.

Vanilla.

There’s nothing bad, but nothing great either. Plenty of good enough, and I enjoyed it, but it’s nowhere near the best Springsteen album in my opinion. It’s a very high 3, but still a 3.

Bruce Springsteen is one of those artists that I am aware of and know some of his work, but never took a deeper dive into his music. First listen through was kind of ho hum. But upon a second listening and thinking about the album's post 9/11 context I definitely appreciated it more. I'm rating it 3, but could see that moving up as I listen more.

Not his best album but the consistency and musicians are sooo good that even when its not great its still good american pop rock

typical man music. meh

Some bangers here but it's a true 3 star

Decent rock album, some ok songs, but overall I’m not super impressed.

I'll placeholder this as a 3, but c'mon. Is this truly essential listening?

I know this was a bit of a return to form album for Bruce and also apparently very relevant to 9/11 and the vibe of the country and what we needed at the time. In isolation though while this album doesn't have like major flaws it just sounds a little corny and idk why I'd reach for this over a more classic album if I'm craving the straight ahead dad rock that the Boss has to offer

BRUCE SPRINGTEEN! Not bad, feels like good American music. Now I want to go to Mary's place

Not big on Bruce. I find him a little samey, especially on this album. It's not particularly bad, but it's not great. He's done better I'm sure.

Pleasent but not essential. 3.5