When Bruce Springsteen announced that he was releasing a new album, backed up by the E-Street Band, that included his reflections and responses to The Events (of September 11th), I don't think it was unreasonable to expect something with a level of depth and introspection and sincerity on the level of 'Nebraska' or 'Ghost of Tom Joad' (two of his older studio albums). Apparently, it was.

While the hard-core Springsteen fans will buy this album (like me), this is probably a Springsteen album best forgotten or at least shelved behind 'Human Touch' and 'Lucky Town'. The writing seems hurried and boring: 'Into the Fire' for example, is a rolicking meditation on the phrase 'may your strength give us strength, may your faith give us faith, may your hope give us hope, may your love give us love'. Over and Over. People who think 'Born in the USA' is a song about how great it is to be an American will probably think it's a great little ditty, and they're right about the little ditty part.

The album is a collection of ditties, including the hopelessly, chemically, tragically trite 'Countin' on a Miracle' and the radio-ready title track 'The Rising'. None of the tracks deliver the tour de force storytelling that we have come to expect from The Boss, or even the sense that he really cares. The E-Street band makes a nominal appearance - few big sax solos for the big man Clem, and the track 'Worlds Apart' features the singer 'Asif Ali Kahn' and Group, an ethnic affair that sounds more appropriate for Peter Gabriel than The Boss.

If Neil Young (of 'Ohio' and 'Pochohantas' fame) can sing 'Let's Roll' than I guess Springsteen can release the trite, bandwagonish 'The Rising'. We all have bills to pay.

Recommended: No