America: A Tribute to Heroes

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 4, 2001)
• Original Release Date: December 4, 2001
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B00005TNSK
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (67 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,261 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #34 in

  Music > Pop > Tributes

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. My City Of Ruins - Bruce Springsteen

2. Love's In Need Of Love Today - Stevie Wonder & Take 6

3. Walk On - U2

4. There Will Come A Day - Faith Hill

5. I Won't Back Down - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

6. Hero - Enrique Igelsias

7. Imagine - Neil Young

8. Someday We'll All Be Free - Alicia Keys

9. Wish You Were Here - Limp Bizkit & Johnny Rzeznik

10. New York State Of Mind - Billy Joel

Disc: 2

1. I Believe In Love - Dixie Chicks

2. Everyday - Dave Matthews

3. Redemption Song - Wyclef Jean

4. Hero - Mariah Carey

5. Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi

6. Safe And Sound - Sheryl Crow

7. Fragile - Sting

8. The Long Road - Eddie Vedder

9. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Paul Simon

10. God Bless America - Celine Dion

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Organized and aired within days of the September 11 attacks, the fundraising telethon documented here was as remarkable for its subdued sincerity as for its unity of purpose. This double-disc anthology presents the diverse musical content of the broadcast in the order it was aired, with Bruce Springsteen's "My City of Ruins" setting the appropriately somber and introspective tone. And while artists such as Stevie Wonder (with assistance from Take 6 on "Love's in Need of Love") and U2 rise to the occasion with the spiritually uplifting grace expected of them, there are a few surprises here as well. Limp Bizkit and Goo Goo Doll John Rzeznick turn in a spare, if seemingly unlikely, cover of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," appended with a new verse that asks what may be the 21st century's most compelling question: "Do you think we can change?" Even the viewpoint of John Lennon's anthem "Imagine" (as rendered by Neil Young) is occasionally altered to the first person, tellingly turning the song's idealism into a personal challenge. It's a rare event that can credibly sandwich Wyclef Jean's "Redemption Song," Mariah Carey's "Hero," and a chillingly somber take of "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, before offering up the subtly ironic benediction of Willie Nelson's "America the Beautiful." In the midst of its most trying time in a half century (arguably musically, as well as socially), America the sleeping giant awoke--and first listened to its heart. All net proceeds benefit the United Way's September 11th Telethon Fund. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

America: A Tribute to Heroes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A moment to keep, December 4, 2001

By	R. Riis "rriis" (NY) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

There may be more exciting concerts on CD, but few if any that carry the sheer weight and emotional impact of this history-making broadcast. The performances, with few exceptions, are direct and visceral, deeply emotional and quite unforgettable. The CD, shorn of the visual component that helped to making the telecast so memorably moving, fails to capture the full impact of the event but does prove that the music was indeed the as strong as it seemed on the night of the telecast. Highlights include Neil Young's heartfelt take on "Imagine", Bruce Springsteen's perfectly apt "My City of Ruins", and Wyclef Jean's interpretation of the Bob Marley classic "Redemption Song". The concert's spoken interludes/anecdotes by actors, while stirringly effective in the telecast, have been excised here, a wise decision. More than a memento of its time, this recording will undoubtedly endure as timeless.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars City of Ruin, Walk On, Incredible, December 4, 2001

By	Jim (Irvington, NY United States) - See all my reviews

I was just in a local Sam Goody and Springsteen's "My City of Ruin" came over the speakers. There was maybe 15-20 people in the store and everybody got totally silent, and just listened to the song. It's sounds incredible, and Bruce sings it perfectly.
U2's "Peace on Earth" into "Walk On" is extremely moving, with Bono and the Edge screaming "Ah-lay, Ah-lay, Ah-lay" at the end of the song.
Eddie Vedder's "Long Road" is another highlight.
The sound and production are excellent (with the exception of Enrique and Mariah, who use so much echo to hide the fact they do not sing all that well (Mariah has a strong voice, but not on that night)). It really captures the mood of the telethon, and those first couple of weeks after the horrible events of the 11th.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Therapeutic, comforting, emotional,and a way to never forget, January 3, 2002

By	"pauljarosz" (Michigan, USA & North Yorkshire, England) - See all my reviews

Being Americans overseas, my wife & I felt very alone in the aftermath of Sept. 11th and had to struggle with the pain without the support and patriotism of our fellow Americans around us (although the English have been very kind). Watching the telethon/tribute was therapeutic and provided some comfort; therefore this CD conjures up a lot of memories & emotions every time I play it. That alone is worth 5 stars. Reading the other reviews of this CD, one can certainly see a range of opinions on the individual performances. That's no surprise considering the diversity of styles, none-the-less, the theme overwhelmingly provides the necessary cohesiveness. Having said that, I will say that Bruce's My City of Ruin sets the stage perfectly. Billy Joel's New York State of Mind is absolutely superb with Billy hitting every powerful note with ease. Eddie Vedder's Long Road has a haunting feel and really captures the mood of the event. The lyrics and mood of Sting's Fragile and David Gilmour & Roger Waters' Wish You Were Here (as performed by Limp Bizkit & John Rzeznik) really hit you deep. Same goes for Neil Young's version of Imagine. On some of the other tracks, I had to search a bit to see the ties to the theme, but they're there, you sometimes just have to listen a little harder. I hate to admit it, but watching the closing song conjured up visions of Saturday Night Live's satire of We Are the World. That was not how I wanted it to end, so I had to try and block that out and focus instead on the lyrics. My only wish for this CD would be that they had included White Ribbon Day (by Delirious) which to me captures the entire tragedy, the questions, and provides answers unlike any other song. It was released in '98, and was probably intended for the events in Belfast, Africa, or Eastern Europe, but would have been perfectly applicable for the tragedy on Sept. 11th. If you're still searching for that 'one' song, it's worth checking out. The bottom line is the CD is worth buying for numerous reasons: the royalties go to a great cause, the performances are excellent, it may provide some comfort, and it's a means to never forgetting that tragic day.