Bruce Springsteen - The Rising

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Music reviews of The Rising

Music Review: A Needed Rock Voice
Rating: 4 Stars

On "The Rising," Springsteen no longer yelps about his
own internal struggles or rages on far-reaching
universal themes of injustice. Instead, he
compassionately examines the struggle of the
individual, using a new, focused perspective while
treading the familiar terrain of tragedy ("Empty
Sky"), loss ("You're Missing"), grief ("Into The
Fire"), isolation ("Lonesome Day"), insecurity
("Nothing Man"), hard love ("Worlds Apart"),
redemption ("The Rising") and or course, the
liberation of rock `n' roll ("Mary's Place").
Springsteen's rediscovered rock voice no longer growls
in anger or frustration, it now whispers, questions
and inspires.

He's transformed from ranting tent revival preacher to
consoling parish priest, interpreting the personal
confessions, confusion and chaos associated with the
aftermath of the September 11 terrorists attacks.
Though the album is heavily influenced by this
watershed moment in U.S. history, Springsteen is not
heavy-handed in his messages. Unlike the recent
overtly testosterone-pumped patriotic 9/11 anthems by
Toby Keith, Charlie Daniels and even Neil Young,
Springsteen offers a series of hymn-like songs
concerned with the tragedy's humanistic effect. He
speaks from diverse viewpoints - victims, survivors,
even the terrorists. These angles are more difficult
to capture, but they resonates with a lasting impact
through Springsteen's uncanny ability to cut to the
nerve of ordinary emotions, hopes and dreams. And
despite the 9/11 connection, these songs can also
transcend the event and strike chords in our
experience that have no connection with 9/11 at all.
That's Springsteen true gift - imparting his songs
with a versatility to be for the listeners what they
need them to be.

For all the differences in sound and presentation
here, a close listen reveals hints of Springsteen's
entire catalog. The bright and hopeful "Counting On A
Miracle" taps into the exuberance of "Hungry Heart,"
"Lonesome Day" conveys the urgency of "Badlands,"
"Nothing Man" echoes the introspection of the "Tunnel
Of Love" album, "Further On (Up The Road)" the rocking
hope of the "Born In The U.S.A." album, "You're
Missing" the longing lament that anchors "The River"
album, "Paradise" sounds like it could have easily
existed on "The Ghost Of Tom Joad," "My City Of Ruins"
touches the sentiments that dominated "Nebraska," and
the rollicking "Mary's Place" harks back in sound,
vibe and content to "The Wild, The Innocent And The E
Street Shuffle," with an obvious dose of "Give The
Girl A Kiss."

And despite these periodic similarities, "The Rising"
really doesn't sound like any other Springsteen album.
Producer Brendan O'Brien deserves the credit for this,
by pushing Springsteen into new directions and
experimentation. And obviously, Springsteen was
willing to be pushed and the risk pays off.

Although, as solid as the E Street Band sounds
throughout, this is more a "WITH The E Street Band"
than a "AND The E Street Band" band. Each member does
get his or her moment to shine, but this is clearly a
Springsteenian project. At times, it hints at aspects
of being a muscled version of previous stripped-down
Springsteen albums, "Nebraska" and "The Ghost Of Tom
Joad."

And even if there is some initial disappointment that
Springsteen didn't make the expected rock record, the
irony is, the best song here is "You're Missing," a
sorrowing, painfully poignant elegy of loss. So
perhaps, methinks this reviewer doth protest too much.
In the end, the album is a varied, challenging,
affirming listen that snares snatches of Springsteen's
past as it attempts to cut a road for his future.

"The Rising" does not demand you be a Springsteen fan
to enjoy it, but it does demand attention. Those
willing to invest the time and effort will be discover
a beautiful reward. Those not willing are missing out
on the chance to hear one of rock's most important
voices who somehow continues to find new ways to speak
to us. Bruce Springsteen is not that 25-year-old
"Rosalita" rocker anymore, but his aging process is
admirable - with grace and relevance.

Description of The Rising

Classic Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Folk
• Pop
• Rock