Bruce Springsteen - The Rising
2002 / 72:57 Minutes / 15 Tracks / Studio
Release Date: July 30 , 2002 - Columbia
Produced by: Brendan O'Brien
Website: www.brucespringsteen.net

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on August 08, 2002

I'm going to get thrashed for this, I just know it. I may just be the only person in the entire world that thinks that, while this is a grand Springsteen effort, it's not a classic as Rolling Stone Magazine and others would have you think. Oh, don't get me wrong here. Springsteen is the man; there is never a doubt. I was a very early fan from the days of "The Wild, The Innocent, and The E Street Shuffle" so I think I qualify as a fan of the Boss. But I was one to think that "Born in the USA" was not an effort worthy to share the same stage as the brilliance of "Born To Run" (which, incidentally, is MY pick for the Greatest Rock album ever created) and "Darkness on the Edge of Town". And I think that now about "The Rising". It isn't even as good as "Born in the USA". Oh man, I've really put my foot in it now but it's there now so I'll explain.

So..what is "The Rising"? It is the best Springsteen album since "Born in the USA". Clearly, E Street Band helps here but they ain't the impetus. We know Bruce has got talent. You don't even have to go very far to prove it. Hear "Philadelphia" and you're awed. Listen to "41 Shots" and you are wowed. I put this disc on after being tipped to its classic status and I really expected more. I expected the calibre of "Born To Run" with all its gut wrenching power; I expected to be on the ground, rubber burns on my body and breathing rock n roll exhaust. Didn't get it. I wanted the torture and real pain of "Darkness". I didn't get that either.

"The Rising" is a highly crafted, grown up recording by a talented group of performers giving its audience a wonderful album of expert material. And it deserves its 4 star rating (soon to be a numerical rating). It is that good, just not classic. Now, I may be off base with new Springsteen fans. I even refer to Springsteen fans as new if they hopped on board during "Born in the USA". I apologize for the snooty reference; its not meant to be that. I think to be able to objectively compare the best of Springsteen, one would have to be in on the ride from "Born To Run".

There are classic songs on this disc, however. The extraordinary delivery of "Mary's Place" is incredible with the lyrical intensity and immediately recognizable E Street stamp right down to Clarence Clemons sax work. The poignancy of "Paradise" is tear invoking, stirring your soul with its words and meaning. "Waitin' on a Sunny Day" sounds like an outtake from "The River"; good but hardly spectacular work. "Countin' on a Miracle" is a little too contrived , as if it were struggling to become a single. "My City of Ruins" attempts to become an anthem to the 9/11 event but, again, feels like it worked too hard to get there.

Lyrically, the album is strong. Bruce has a finger on our pulse with inaccurate readings at times but, by and large, understanding our frustrations and fears. This is especially true on our post 9/11 watch. But I like Bruce better when he is screaming out our insecurities on a "chrome wheeled, fueled injected" dash of nightmare.

DISC

The recording is amazing; clean tracks with every instrument, vocals included, identifiable and impressively distributed.

PACKAGING

I don't have the limited edition of this work. I declined to acquire it due to its uncharacteristic architecture. The booklike (similar to Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust - 30th Anniversary") casing doesn't sit well on my shelve and is a tad unsightly. They could have provided a slipcase and the case would have been acceptable.

The regular edition is a nice affair. It provides a colourful 16 page booklet with heavy paper stock. Lyrics to all the songs are included. There are plenty of photos and notes. You won't be disappointed.

THE FINAL SAY

This album is an amazingly special release in that its a complete collaboration with the E Street Band and thus, a legit addition to that body of work. To call it classic is overstating its appeal and giving it far more credit as a great work than it deserves. However, it showcases a strong E Street unit and highlights a maturing Springsteen where E Street is concerned. The band plays well , as expected and meshes with Bruce's written material and his vocals, a bit on the weaker side. It's isn't lighning struck Bruce but it ranks up there. A definite buy.

Search Tour Database by: Artist City Venue