The Rising

Found this to be quite cheesy and boring for the most part. Title track is great but I just wasn’t massively engaged by this.

Unobjectionable in quality, about 15 unjustifiable minutes of quantity. Definitely could have done without the Sounds of Silence ripoff. Completely adequate and competent, but unfortunately, nothing special about this album ⭐⭐.51

A gentle album for the most part, with some more interesting ideas in the middle.

I think Bruce is a great songwriter and performer. This album isn’t great though.

A bit boring, predictable and lacking in originality

I've yet to be convinced on the brilliance that everyone else sees in The Boss and clearly this is not the album that's going to tip me over into fandom. It mostly sounds like a radio bop version of Springsteen, missing that essential spark of life which you hear in his more critically acclaimed work. Strangely it’s the Sound of Silence rip off Paradise that’s my favourite song of the lot.

Lo que me costó terminar este álbum dios mio, no tiene mucho que ver con proyectos anteriores de él y no es algo que destaque en general. Encima innecesariamente largo y con canciones flojisimas. No es un esencial lo siento 4/10

It's 18 years after 'Born In The USA', so change is to be expected... In that time he's just become a bit sofa, as against the stadium he was.

yawn

I’m not a huge Springsteen fan (unless it’s his stance on Trump), but the first four tracks on this album are just dull, pleasant but dull. ‘Countin’ on a Miracle’ finally injects some life into proceedings, which is definitely needed. ‘World’s apart’ also provides some interesting variety in style. How successful this is however is open to debate as before the band crash in it kind of feels like a clumsy approach to copy something Bruce has heard without an actual connection to it. Overall its just too long and boring

This starts slowly (and quite boringly, were I to be entirely honest); it takes until “Worlds Apart” before you start to get anything which feels a bit different and has a bit of life to it. Things pick up a bit from there on, and “Mary’s Place”, in particular, is a lively standout. The title track is pleasant to listen to, as is “Paradise” (although, if I were Simon and Garfunkel, I’d be looking for royalties because it sounded quite a lot like “The Sound of Silence” in places). I have been hovering between a 2* and 3* for this one; it’s probably a 2.5* album for me, but I have “Born to Run” at 3* - and this isn’t quite on the same level for me.

I'm on my third Springsteen album of this project. I am still very 'meh' about his voice. Lonesome Day was alright, I guess. Into The Fire, sounded like Christian rock and I was very much not there for it - it was far far too long as well. Waitin On A Sunny Day sounded like people should be line dancing to it until the sax and tinkly noises started, when it suddenly went all Christmassy. It also felt like it went on far, far, far too long despite being less than 4 and a half minutes. Nothing Man was forgettable. And then I zoned out until World's Apart started.... This is very much an album of it's time, isn't it? I cannot imagine any American writing that song at any time other than immediately post 9-11. It's trying so hard so hard to be worthy that it becomes cringey to me. And then the next song is called Let's Be Friends? Bruce being as subtle as a sledgehammer. I appreciate that 9-11 was almost unthinkable to people from the USA (and in many way, much of the rest of the world) and so songwriters are clearly going to use that experience to write lyrics to process those events. I also share a lot of Bruce Springsteen's politics, so there's not an ideological issue for me, but I definitely would have preferred not to listen to a whole album inspired by an act of terrorism. This definitely didn't make me like Bruce Springsteen's music more. 2/5

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.

Well it's better than Born in the USA, but twice as long.

Overall: 3/10 I think there's enough Springsteen in this list that I've already stated my opinion on him enough. Atrocious voice and boring music. The only reason I can never bring myself to give his ratings the lowest score possible is that I'm able to entertain myself by making fun of him, so at least I got something out of it. Fav Song: World's Apart

I feel like a real American

Didn't expect anything tbh Twas alright!

Cheesy. Boring. Bleh.

Ein sehr gutes Rockalbum im Springsteen-Stil 4/5

Considered it always a tough one to listen. Nevertheless, over the years some songs turned out to be important and showing its importance even 20+ years after their release

I like the boss but this wasn’t it for me

I remember hearing this when it came out. Still not the biggest Springsteen fan, but this wasn’t bad. 3.5/5

Ok mais Springsteen c'est vraiment médiocre

Muy bueno

Gar nicht so langweilig wie am Anfang gedacht

I really liked this

The Rising gets a solid 3, it's not prime Springsteen but it is still Springsteen

On the face of it, this is classic early 00s AOR, bombastic, mid-tempo and overly polished. Even the experimental Worlds Apart brings to mind a similar blend of middle-eastern and middle-aged in Desert Rose by Sting. What helps this album rise above though, is the context in which it was written and released - as a salve for the gaping maw left by 9/11 - and a scattering of the best tunes by the Boss in at least a decade.

Sonically this was my favorite Springsteen album so far. Still a soft 3 though, have no idea when I would ever be in the mood to listen to this.

Surprisingly good for a 21st century Springsteen release, lots of great stuff here. Still doesn't have the same vibe as his classic stuff though

Only knew a couple, but this is pretty classic Bruce, and I really enjoyed this album!

Very listenable. I knew of several songs on this album before this assignment... actually I think I might have owned this album back in the day. Really good; a few songs were a bit on the repetitive side, but overall a great listen for a beautiful fall morning. (4)

I think Bruce Springsteen is so popular because he manages to find the perfect balance of sort-of-cool sound, incredibly accessible music, and very competent musicians. It's easy-listening rock that can satisfy causal music fans, and also has aspects that make it palatable to more avid fans. I enjoyed this album. It had some really cool moments, but nothing that got me excited about listening to it again.

Listened while watching air show in SFO. Found it entirely boring. Bruce Springsteen consistently sounds the same across everything he does. The music is polished and wholly forgettable in every way. Simply don’t like. 2/5

prettyyy good

One of the greatest albums by The Boss.

Gear: ZMF Bokeh Closed Artwork: 📸👤🧱 Production: 🎧🛠️🤔 Music: 🧀📉💥 Rating: 📈/5

I have a real soft spot for aging rocker comeback albums whose songs are usually a bit dour and almost always run longer than 5 minutes. This one is a very good entry in that genre!

On first listen, it was alright and nothing notable. Nothing like the earlier Springsteen hits and songs I'd relegate + never seek out in his discography. But then, I got to My City of Ruins - a song about Asbury Park and modified to pertain to the 9/11 Attacks and NY's rebuild. With my proximity growing up to both places, the song -- and the album, retrospective to my listening -- takes on entire new meaning. This isn't my favorite album, nor do I really "like" it, but its meaning should not be lost. I think there are some albums that require context and, for me, at least, this is one of them. Bruce emerged from the dust to sing the feelings of Americans, New Jerseyans, firefighters, and those going through devastation and rebirth. In some ways, the personal connect transcends what I hear. 4/5 stars, with the added boost.

I unironically like Bruce Springsteen

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.

I was a senior in high school for 9/11 and it was a wild time to experience in person. This album is supposed to be The Boss's reflection on it during that time and it really misses the mark, especially when looking back on it 25 years later (almost to the date). Ultimately, this album isn't that good, by Bruce standards and 2002 rock music standards. Mostly forgettable at best...

I was never a Springsteen fan, although I like his early stuff ok. This album did not change my mind about later Springsteen.

Enjoyment: 4/10 Replayability: 3/10 Cohesion: 3/10 Flow/Pacing: 4/10 Artistic Merit: 5/10 Weighted Average: 3.75/10 Review: This was a struggle to get through. The backhalf of this album falls apart because it feels like he couldn't commit himself to the idea of another album centered around country rock-pop. Liked Song(s): Lonseome Day Disliked Song(s): Worlds Apart, Paradise Recommend? Maybe Heard Before? No

L: 7 M: 6 F:8 O:8

There is no world where this needs to be 72 minutes long.

While most great Bruce albums are excavations of his dark soul, this one’s an act of solidarity for the ppl, who needed to know they weren’t alone in the hurting ❤️.

Heel rustige muziek. Prima voor de achtergrond, maar valt me eigenlijk tegen van deze beroemdheid.

Didn't know this album existed, and don't know how many Bruce albums are on this list (think I've had 3 already), but was surprised to see this here. Decent listen regardless!

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

Во мне поднимается чувство, что это нечто из того, что должно мне нравиться, но всё равно в памяти не остаётся ни секунды

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.

сколько же альбомов у брюса.... мне такой вайб вообще не нравится - 3 с натяжкой, хотя нет, даже 2 пусть будет

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

Springsteen's 9/11 album as it's understood with the stories behind how it came about etc. Really enjoyed this. More so that I have some of the other Springsteen stuff on here and I say that as a casual Springsteen fan. There were a few tracks on here which I really enjoyed. Particularly Worlds Apart which got a few re-listens. Could have chopped a couple of tracks off this in the middle but other than that a great return for the Boss after a 7 year gap between albums.

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.

Surprised by this one. Very different to how I imagined a Bruce Springsteen album would be

I always enjoying listening to the boss, wasn’t as much of a banger as any of the 80s albums, but his voice and music is just great

"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.

Too long and takes itself way too seriously.

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

Boring and entirely too long. Might as well be Matchbox 20.

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.

I know, in my heart of hearts, one day I’ll love a Bruce Springsteen. Hope springs eternal. But today is not that day. The last few songs made listening to this otherwise awful album listenable. I think most songs could’ve been slashed, added like two more somber songs that didn’t attempt to blend numerous genres at once, and it could’ve been a fine tribute. Maybe not worth this list, but at least debatable. As it is, this is a shockingly poor addition to this list by a decent artist. This is, by far, a hot contender for worst album cover art on the list.

This album is evidence that once the creators of this list decide that they like you, they will include literally anything you produce. I love the boss as much as the next guy, but in what world is this awful album he recorded nearly 30 years after his prime a must listen? Honestly, this isn't even Bruce's fault. His best work is amazing, and even great artists almost never make high quality records in their late 50's. The blame for this falls squarely on the reviewers who appear to be actively trying tarnish his legacy by including this terrible album. Misc thoughts: -The early 00's production on this is killing my soul. If you told me this album was a collaboration between John Mellencamp and Matchbox 20 I would have believed you. - Is it just me or are the lyrics weirdly horny for an album about 9/11? -The piano riff from "My City in Ruins" is literally just "The Weight". Did they seriously think nobody would notice?

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.

Pas fan

Honestly take a look at my last Bruce Springsteen review - clearly wasn’t super into it. This album on the other hand was a complete departure. Looked into the obvious why: they’re 24 years apart. But think that just goes to show that I’m not drawn to the dramaticism contained in 80s reverb, but rather the slightly more polished tone he brings in the more modern age.

#99 I didn't know Springsteen had a 9/11 Country album of his own. I will say I much prefer his approach to what came from Pop-Country artists of the time. Highlights: Waitin' On A Sunny Day, Worlds Apart, Let's Be Friends, You're Missing, Paradise.

An album that is a far cry from Springsteen's best work, one that would be merely okay if it wasn't for the fact that it is over 70 minutes. I don't think I gained anything from listening to this and am left wondering why this needed to be on the list.

uau. n estava nada à espera de gostar tanto ahahaha

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

As a Bruce Springsteen fan I can tell you this is definitely one of the worst. Of all the Springsteen albums why was this one chosen?

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

Full of pathos, pretty overblown production, much too long. Springsteen just isn't for me and this one isn't even one of his better albums. Another average white guy that's WAY overrepresented here.

Nope. Too long. Too repetitive.

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.

Nice driving the country side music.

Boss

Я предпринимал попытку пару раз послушать Спрингстина и понял, что это НУ ВАЩЕ не мое поле интересов. Вот уже прям включая первую песню с альбома я чувствую запах старого салона какого-нибудь Lincoln и играющий на всю громкость adult contemporary радио-станцию для дедов и около-дедов 40+ которые чувствуют себя "американскими американцами" пока едут в каком нибудь поле посреди Верджинии. Короче, хуйня какая-то. Я слишком молодой и слишком нескучный чтоб это слушать, извините.

How this made the list I don’t know. I do know that it was dogshit

okay

Couldn’t get into it.

The first album on this project that I almost gave up on. As someone who already struggles with Bruce, an hour plus of late period Bruce is not really something I'm really dying to devote my attention to. It's not that it's bad, it just is so aggressively what it is, and it's not for me. And there's so much of it. Sorry, Boss.

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

This was a really long, and tedious listen. Musically dull, and lyrically lacking any subtlety, Bruce Springsteen does absolutely nothing for me. I’m refraining from giving this a one because saying it was unlistenable would be an overstatement. I am baffled by the fact that Bruce has 5 albums on this list though.

no

This is a strong mid-career (was originally thinking late career, but it was released 24 years ago and he isn’t done yet by a long shot!). I could do without the ‘Waitin’ On A Sunny Day’ sap, but otherwise there are fair number of strong tracks here, some with an energy similar to his early work.

This is not good