With its bold thematic concentration and penetrating emotional focus, [The Rising] is a singular triumph. I can't think of another album in which such an abundance of great songs might be said to seem the least of its achievements.
With its bold thematic concentration and penetrating emotional focus, [The Rising] is a singular triumph. I can't think of another album in which such an abundance of great songs might be said to seem the least of its achievements.
| Bruce Springsteen | Primary Artist, Primary Artist, Primary Artist, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar, Harmonica, Vocals, Guitar (Baritone) |
| Nils Lofgren | Banjo, Dobro, Electric Guitar, Background Vocals, Slide Guitar |
| Clarence Clemons | Saxophone, Background Vocals |
| Patti Scialfa | Vocals |
| David Angell | Violin |
| Roy Bittan | Organ, Piano, Keyboards, Mellotron, kurzweil, Pump Organ, Korg M1, Crumar |
| David Davidson | Violin |
| Connie Ellisor | Violin |
| Danny Federici | Organ, Hammond Organ, farfisa organ, Vox Continental |
| Carl Gorodetzky | Violin, Concert Master |
| Jim Grosjean | Viola |
| Ricky Keller | Conductor |
| Lee Larrison | Violin |
| The Nashville String Machine | Track Performer |
| Brendan O'Brien | Glockenspiel, Bells, Hurdy-Gurdy, Orchestra Bells |
| Mark Pender | Trumpet |
| Richie Rosenberg | Trombone |
| Pamela Sixfin | Violin |
| Michael Spengler | Trumpet |
| Garry Tallent | Bass |
| Soozie Tyrell | Violin, Background Vocals |
| Alan Umstead | Violin |
| Gary VanOsdale | Viola |
| Steven Van Zandt | Mandolin, Electric Guitar, Background Vocals |
| Mary Kathryn Van Osdale | Violin |
| Max Weinberg | Drums |
| Kris Wilkinson | Viola |
| Carl Rabinowitz | Celli |
| Jane Scarpantoni | Cello |
| Jerry Vivino | Tenor Saxophone |
| Monisa Angell | Viola |
| Julie Tanner | Celli |
| Asif Ali Khan | Vocals, Guest Appearance |
| Lynn Peithman | Celli |
| Jere Flint | Cello |
| Larry Antonio | Choir, Chorus |
| Haji Nazir Afridi | Tabla, Vocals, Guest Appearance |
| Tiffany Andrews | Choir, Chorus |
| Michelle Moore | Soloist |
| Carole A. Rabinowitz | Celli |
| Donald Clive Davidson | Violin |
| The E Street Band | Group |
| Ed Manion | Baritone Saxophone |
| Elton John | Composer |
| Bruce Springsteen | Composer |
| Nick DiDia | Engineer |
| Ricky Keller | String Arrangements, String Conductor |
| Bob Ludwig | Mastering |
| Brendan O'Brien | Producer |
| Chuck Plotkin | Engineer |
| Toby Scott | Engineer |
| Billy Bowers | Engineer |
| David Bett | Art Direction |
| Christopher Austopchuk | Art Direction |
| Laurie Flannery | Digital Editing |
| Dave Reed | Engineer |
| Melissa Mattey | Engineer |
| Karl Egsieker | Engineer |
Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
Most rock n roll artists who have been extremely successful in the 70's and have continued into the 80's 90's and the 2000's were either not as successful or have failed miserably during the period that followed the 70's. Surprisingly, Bruce Springsteen didn't. He was a true master of rock in the 70's as well as the 80's. Though, he didn't have much luck in the 90's, he did manage to make a huge comeback with "The Rising". When I first bought this album, I was afraid it wasn't going to turn out so good, but I was wrong. It's unbelievable! You cannot argue with any of the songs on here. The opening track, "Lonesome Day" shows a perfect example of what lies ahead on the album. Songs like the title track, "Empty Sky", "Into the Fire", and "Countin' on a Miracle" prove that Springsteen's songwriting is still from the classic Springsteen we all grew up with. There are also a couple of songs on here that show Springsteen's dark side very well ("Worlds Apart", "Further On (Up the Road)"). "Let's Be Friends" is not like a lot of songs that Springsteen has ever done, but it's still really catchy. There are also plenty of songs on here that give fans that same feeling the songs on "Born to Run" gave them ("Mary's Place" and "Waitin' on a Sunny Day"). There is no better way to end this album then with "My City of Ruins", Bruce's dedication to the many lifes that were lost on September 11, 2001. Overall, it's just a wonderful album!
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Posted October 1, 2010
If I go back and listen to a cd months after being released it means that I was emotionally impacted somehow; with The Rising the impact was profound. When I am feeling grief over 9/11 to this day I will seek solace in this cd. I was astonished it didn't win the Grammy for album of the year. This cd rocks and moves me with beautiful emotional transitions from grief to hopefulness, comfort to anger, anger to dread and then back again to hopeful. It isn't complicated, it's not obtuse or at all pretentious (nothing Bruce does sounds like something he isn't - he's as authentic as they come). This is real and sincere, no melodrama just great combinations of sounds and homey lyrics. Maybe it's because I'm just a scrappy chick from New Jersey but to me much of what Bruce has written and performed is very down to earth in a way only someone from a place like NJ could understand. The Rising cd still finds its way into my cd magazine. I look forward to each track like sitting with my warm labrador retriever on a chilly evening. It's comfortable and wears well cycle after cycle.
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Posted October 1, 2010
First let me state emphatically that I am a fan of Bruce since a friend handed me a Darkness On the Edge Of Town 8 Track back in 1978. (I still have it) Although I’m not crazy about the Rising, I do plan on attending the 08/31 show to celebrate my 40th birthday with my wife. My own reasons for not enjoying the Rising is that I was a few blocks away from the WTC on 9/11 and witnessed things no one should ever encounter. I spent 12 years in those towers and had many friends. Sadly, I lost 5 of them that day. Like I said, the Rising is just a difficult piece of music for me. With the Rising, and now the tour, Bruce should step up to the plate during his Giants Stadium stand and announce he’s giving a gate or two to the 9/11 fund. I know he keeps his charitable contributions private; however, singing these songs in the shadow of what was once the World Trade Center (now a burial ground) is not a typical event. Could you imagine how good it would be if he said, “tonight, we’re playing for free and giving the money you paid to buy some fire engines.” Such a statement would allow him to still be privately charitable because he would be empowering his audience. Remember, I said, “The money YOU paid.” Such an act of kindness would also dispel some of the hypocrisy from the debate. After all, the subject matter of the Rising, plus the tour, has allowed Bruce a nice windfall of money. The man has every right to work the capitalists system to his advantage. However, this is a special circumstance and difficult times.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Bruce's new album is a brilliant synthesis of sadness and hope. He has an unmatched passion for his subject matter and a personal connection to its meaning that no other artist can express quite as well. Although these songs, particularly "The Rising" are referential to the World Trade Center attacks I think there is another "rising" that most people are missing. Bruce's hometown, Asbury Park, New Jersey is also beginning to rise once again out of the ashes of poverty and neglect and this album is indicative of the new 1.2 billion dollar urban redevelopment plan that will resurrect this city. Asbury Park is "rising" and Bruce's personal connection to his roots is a primary source of the passion he exhibits within his music, particularly this album.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Me love the boss! E Street band best in business. Max Weinberg my favorite! Chawl Rakajack! Me sing while song play. Gnipp, Gnipp!
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Posted October 1, 2010
There is not a weak song on this album. Oh sure, some are stronger than others, but this is a master at work. His voice cries out in a combination of agony,hope and courage. He yearns to understand, not to condemn. This is a message for our times that everyone, Christian and Moslem, should hear.
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Posted October 1, 2010
We were there (Stone Pony) on the night the Rising was released and I will never forget the morning July 30, 2002. The girls were hot and Vinnie Lopez, former E Street member was amuzing... Bruuuucie... The town was full of life, hot dog vendors at 5AM. This was ole time Asbury. The beach was full, the boardwalk packed. My brother and myself were two of the lucky unexpected ones to be invited in to see Bruce and the band preform inside the convention hall." the morning of July 30, 2002 Woooooooooooo!!!!!! Even after seeing Bruce numerous times this was special because we never thought we'd be seeing Bruce preform the following morning. And Bruce almost ran me over with his Range Rover, and I have the pic to prove it. LOL My best summary of this experience would be in a line from the latest album the Rising titled Let's Be Friend's... "Don't know when this chance might come again, Good times got a way of comin' to an end." Thanks to My Brother Billy and of course you too Bruce. Tommy K
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Posted October 1, 2010
I bought the new album because it was the first album of the year to get five stars by Rolling Stone and let me tell you, I wasn't dissapointed one bit after I bought it. Pretty much every track has a destinctive notion to it. My favorite is "Waitin' On A Sunny Day." Every second of that just wants to make get up and start dancing around. I also love that Springsteen is so dedicated to his country that he would work as hard as he did to get this record out. A very enjoyable album to buy and listen to.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I am absolutley happy with 'The Rising' I love the whole CD...My favorite songs are 'Your Missing' and 'Into The Fire' How could you not love the boss?
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Posted October 1, 2010
I was a bit surprised at the media onslaught that was dubbing this ''The 9/11 album'' since Springsteen's magic has and, thankfully, continues to be his ability to paint the framework of a story in which listeners can fill in the names, faces and places for themselves. The Rising may have certainly been inspired by the events of last September...but the stories in the songs blend into a tenderly woven, rich collection in which you can wrap yourself and take comfort, as well as gain strength, to face up to that day, or any day. Springsteen didn't return to his roots on this one...he pushed through soil that few would dare to tread and brought forth a rich harvest that can stand side by side with the rest.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I did`nt really know what to expect. After I heard the first song (Lonesome Day) I stopped the CD and thought WWOOOWWWW. This is a must for any Bruce fan. And for anyone who wants to jump on the band wagon, this is a good time.
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Posted October 1, 2010
What a poignant, triumphant, humble, blazing offering from a Great American! Springsteen has always spoken to all of us with his music and this album is no different! Some of these songs will make you cry, laugh, and sing out loud, but all of them will make you remember! No matter who you are, in whatever walk of life, EVERYONE should own this album!
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Posted October 1, 2010
This is one of Bruce's most mature, reflective and thus inspiring works. As in much of his music, there are two levels of response in the listener: one which is immediate and gut level, and one which is powerfully, deeply human, reminding us of the nobleness of the struggle ''everyman'' makes to live a decent life, and to survive the tragedies we all eventually face. Every song on the album, ''perfect'' or not, is a true gift. Anyone who has struggled to keep a marriage and family together, to survive the loss of a loved one, or to rise above adversity or trauma in their life will hear their stories told in these songs as only Springsteen can do.
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Posted October 1, 2010
I heard the title song, The Rising, on David Letterman and ordered the CD the next day. Honestly did not know it was about New York. It's one of those albums you instantly love and cry through when you ''get'' the lyrics. September 11 awakened a love for our country that I didn't even know was in me. This album describes the our despair and hope perfectly. Thanks Bruce, glad the E-Street Band is back with you.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Following the attacks last year, I was sure there would be a truckload of music written and performed about September 11. And it scared the hell out of me. Not because of how powerful the music might turn out to be, but, rather, because the pop music world can make any subject sound trite and silly (e.g., McCartney's "Freedom"). Thankfully most other popsters stayed away from the subject. Springsteen didn't and I for one am grateful. The songs on "The Rising" are thoughtful, intelligent, and sensitive. And they look at the tragedy in a way that virtually no one else has thought to do. Bravo, Bruce.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Bruce surpassed every expectation on this one. Yes, I am a fan (maybe not on of the true Bruce fans we hear about), but a fan none the less. I have to say that this album challenges your emotions, opens your heart, and builds your faith and strength in a way that no other can match. "Into the Fire" puts a lump in my throat everytime I hear it, it is smooth and powerful. To love someone, to feel the loss, to be overwhelmed by the promise... Bruce tugs on the spirit that bound us together one year ago- that spirit lives on. It is the same struggle from other albums revisited, another chapter in the lives of the characters born to run on the Jersey boardwalk. This time, however, the harsh reality leaves them clinging to faith in ways that couldn't have been imagined in the past. The E-Street band plays at peak form, there is as much power in their performance as in the Boss's own lyrics. Its a perfect match, a somber reminder of what is truely important, and a damn good rock and roll album to boot. The best of the year, and one of the best of all time. Thanks Bruce...
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Posted October 1, 2010
Well, they did it again!! What a truly uplifting collection of songs. I do not think that anyone could have done it better. This is not just about the tradgedy of Sept. 11, it is also about appreciating every day and how to move on. To hear the East Street Band again gave me goose bumps. This is just a super CD! Buy it and remember the past, but also be thankful for the here and now!
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Posted October 1, 2010
As one who was there on that fateful day, I wasn't sure I wanted to buy a CD that would bring me down. But I picked up the disc the day it was released and after one listen I was glad I got it. It's a true album, not just a collection of songs. Many of the songs deal with hope, and have a positive vibe. I think this record will mark a year in my life (and the lives of many others), just like Born in the USA and his other releases.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Well, I'll tell you what, two words...sheer genius. There's a lot of feeling, a lot of tears, a lot of heart and a lot of pride. When you listen to this, it just feels good, real good. He's got songs as good as Downbound Train, Badlands, and Blood Brothers in this. One or two tracks are a bit of a struggle, but whatareyougonnado? I got two things to say 1. God Bless America and 2. God Bless the Boss Respectfully -Darnell Cysco
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Posted October 1, 2010
I've listened to it a few times and it's really growing on me. It may not be Bruce's best, but it sounds great to me.
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Editorial Reviews
Barnes & Noble - David Sprague
It would be a gross understatement to say that anticipation for The Rising was high. Having previewed one of its songs -- "My City of Ruins," which appears here in radically reworked fashion -- on a post-September 11th benefit show, Springsteen made it clear that the album was going to be more than a mere collection of tunes, and he certainly delivers on that promise. For one thing, the album is the first in years to feature the entire E Street Band; in addition, the songs all reverberate with the events of September 11th. On the surface, those two elements would seem to go together like ham and ice cream, but in practice the mixture works stunningly well. On several ...