Customer Reviews

The Rising (Special Packaging)

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Rising, Bruce Springsteen's first album with the E Street Band since the 1984 landmark album Born in the USA, is a blazing return to form. His vocals are pure, intense, and emotional, sounding better than they have in years. The E streeters have fallen directly back in step with Bruce seeming to have not skipped a beat in their decade and a half away from Mr. Springsteen. It is easy to see the added maturity of the band, as they have evolved their sound for a new musical climate without forgetting the elements that defined their sound when they first got together over 25 years ago. The album showcases very solid guitar work, including some incredibly roaring solos and leads from Bruce himself, wailing away on his Telecaster. There are a wide variety of songs represented here, as well as many different musical styles. There are straight up rockers, more laid back songs, some excellent slide guitars, and even some middle eastern sounds reminiscent of recent work by Sting. Some of my personal favorites are Lonesome Day, Let's Be Friends (Skin to Skin), Further on up the Road, and The Rising. The album is filled with songs of loss and redemption, friendships and hardships. This skillful blending of emotions fills the music with added sense of reality which makes it that much more meaningful. This is a real man with real emotions that people can relate to. While watching VH1 recently, a Michael Jackson fan said that there were two types of rock stars: those like Springsteen who are very approachable people that often go out to local clubs and meet with everyday people, and those like Jackson, who seem like untouchable people that lead very guarded lives, on a completely different level than you and me. He said that this "untouchable" status was what drew him to Jackson. Springsteen's approachable nature, t-shirt and jeans appearance, and abilty to relate to the feeling of everyday people are what draw myself and many others to listen to his music. Give this album a try. It is one of the most powerful statements in this post 9/11 world (not to sound too cliched, but I really do think it's a powerful album from a man who realizes that our world has changed). A quick note about the limited edition: It comes in a bound cardboard booklet with about 45 pages of pictures and handwritten lyrics for every song. It's not absolutely essential, but if you're a Springsteen fan having the handwritten lyrics is a very nice touch. Hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as I do.

This is my favorite Springsteen album, but for a different reason. Once I heard this,it became more than just music. It's not just about Sept.11- it's about love and loss in general. I lost the love of my life to a surprise heart attack, and this cd articulates so much the feelings,the profound sadness, the coldness of life going on unimpeded."I wake from Paradise, and I wait for Paradise". He nailed that one. This music may not heal, but it has comforted me in ways I can't express. If you're hurting, give this one a try. Thanks, Boss.

It's almost a year since it was first released, and nearly 3 million concert tickets have been purchased to see this stuff done live... so it's not just me. It's an album about our entire existence... not just living through that fateful day 9-11-01. Bruce brings us through the lowest of lows and reminds us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It is not another misunderstood anthem like Born in the USA. It is another masterpiece of rock and roll, reminding us that "everything will be okay" If you don't have it yet... you need to get it and listen to it... and then, listen to it again!

In this time of pretty girls and handsome boys singing
plastic-forgetable after 1 week-mellow-luscious sweet
music, Springsteen save rock&roll once again. I have to
admit that it took me 3 days to make me feel comfortable
with the new Springsteen's sound. In that moment I had
translated all the songs to spanish so I understood the
depth of some lyrics. It was great to see that Springsteen
is writting in accordance with his age and with the figure
that he represents in US. "Worlds Apart" is a song that
demonstrates the responsibility with which Springsteen
takes his music. I was worried about seeing just another
one side coin...

This album is full of love and hope music with some sad
and tragic lyrics.

My favorite songs are "You're missing", "Nothing man",
"Waitin' on a sunny day", "Lonesome day".

But my really kick me-rock me top songs are "My city of ruins"
and "Further on (up the road)".

The glory days of the Boss may have seemed lost in the flood for the past few years, but Springsteen is back, big time. The Rising is one of his finest albums, and stands alongside Born to Run and Born in the USA as a true rock classic. Bruce takes listeners on a musical journey dealing with the events of and life after September 11, 2001. While some of the songs were written before the tragedy, they all seemingly aply to the subject, and those songs that were written on it are simply incredible. From the roots-rock opening track of Lonsesome Day and the heartfelt Into the Fire to the ripping sounds of Worlds Apart and Further On Up the Road, The Rising manages to make us cry, exalt, and think, all while treating us to some of the finest music heard in recent years. If you like Springsteen, get The Rising. If you don't like Springsteen, get The Rising. This album will doubtlessly go down in time as a cultural landmark created in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11 and be a symbol for American life after the tragedy.

It's clear that this doesn't have the signature E-street sound, but that's what sets it apart. I appreciate their sound. And since I didn't listen to this as a 9/11 CD, I can enjoy the music in another way. It doesn't have to be 9/11.

Knowing only the popular tunes, The Rising, City of Ruins, Lonesome Day, I was surprised that there was some nice songs here, some with a hard rock sound and some really nice ballads. This is a real treat!.....Rizzo

alright.....maybe my title doesnt hold true for all time, but i certainly beleive that it does for modern albums. not anyone, u2, eminem, metallica, even the bealtes, havn't made a record this good ever. from right off the bat, the album takes off with a bang. the opening 10 seconds on "lonesome day" will leave you hooked for the rest of the album. the next song, "into the fire", is the most september 11 oriented song of the bunch. i beleive that it will become the anthem for the attack for years to come. the album is truly incredible. especially the tracks "your missing" and "paradise". if you're a fan of vintage bruce then "further on up the road" is the song for you. and of course the E Street Band gives incredible performances on each song. the best of the best on this album is "worlds apart". this is six minutes of true lyrical and instrumental greatness. the only track ,and thats a BIG only, the only track that may leave you somewhat confused is "empty sky". its not a bad song, i just dont see where it fits in on this album. so if you're a true bruce fan or you just want to hear a great artist then, this is the album for you

I've been a Springsteen fan for a very long time but, many of his recent CDs have missed the mark for me. "The Rising" is like the old Bruce and fits like a pair of comfy slippers. I can listen to it over and over and over and I do. Slip it in the changer and you're transported back to the days when Bruce was "The Boss" and you were happier, younger, or whatever.

Because I live overseas, I missed all the pre-release hype that likely accompanied 'The Rising' in the US. My son surprised me with this CD and I'm not even a hard core Bruce fan. The first time I listened, the sound took me right back to my college days (Born in the USA), but on further listening it has a sound all it's own without losing the greatness of years gone by. The lyrics are wonderful, and while you can definitely see that New York skyline as you listen, the whole 9/11 thing is not being shoved down your throat. These are songs that can be haunting, uplifting, spiritual, desperately sad, all depending on your mood. But without a doubt, you can sing right along, enjoying yourself every step of the way.
The limited edition packaging is interesting, if you're a collector it's a must have. Otherwise if it doesn't cost too much extra, it's fun to look through.
If you're a hard core Bruce fan, you probably already have this. If you're not sure, give it a go---I am sure you'll like it.

I had not been a Bruce fan until this CD. This is the most
unique album I have ever heard. The Cd is basically about
9-11,but the way he orchestrates each song,just gets to you.
His lyrics are outstanding. I was amazed ,he was using strings
on a lot of his songs,beautiful arrangements. If you never
heard a Bruce album, you need to buy this. I am now buying
his earlier stuff and comparing it,but there is no match
to RISING!!! Really this CD is breath taking!!!! I literally
almost had an accident in my car ,when I first put this in
my player. I know he does not want to be called "the boss"
but he is every bit of that!!!!!!!