The Rising [Special Packaging] [Limited] by Bruce Springsteen/Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Pros: Powerful lyrics and imagery, Sequencing of songs, Message of healing
Cons: Nothing new in musical styles and arrangement

Above all, Bruce Springsteen has always had the ability to capture the heart and soul of the mythical Everyman. His new release, The Rising is no different in that respect. In fact, the only thing different about it than his previous...

Pros: A new genre of Springsteen to enter
Cons: Traditionalists might be disappointed

For years now, Bruce Springsteen has rocked out to the title of “The Boss.” Usually, although in a world of Enron’s and WorldCom’s this becomes less and less apparent, the title “The Boss” is not just given to some schlep who...

Pros: Many well-written, well-conceived tracks
Cons: A few weak songs; some lyrics are cliched

It had been a long time since we had heard any new music from Bruce Springsteen, but finally last summer he released a new album, "The Rising," complete with the East Street Band. This album debuted at #1 on the Billboard album chart last August, and it...

Pros: Some of the best Springsteen in years
Cons: Some of the worst Springsteen in years.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. For a fan, those two go together like peanut butter and jelly. They might be good by themselves, but put them together and the combination is dynamite.

That is why I eagerly anticipated this release....

Pros: Uplifting, lyrical directness, instrumentation
Cons: A couple of melodically uninteresting songs

In the months following September 11th, the music industry remained largely silent, seemingly unable to rise to the challenge of addressing this tragic and deep, deep scar on the American consciousness. There was, however, the Tribute to Heroes concert,...

Pros: E-Street band is back(!), nicely arranged songs, lovely themes
Cons: Sometimes Bruce's voice is grating, filler material, slightly annoying songs too

First, to clarify: I don't always care for Springsteen's voice. It has two serious flaws. One is an unfortunate tendency to slur some of the words. And the other is a tendency to, just occasionally, bleat like a sheep. At least that's what it sounds like...

Pros: Instant classic. September 11 Rock and Lamentations.
Cons: Dense production. The fact that September 11 made this album necessary.

Read this and weep.

A statement often said in cynicism. But the right title for this tribute to the powerful cathartic that is “The Rising.” We’ve grown cynical, again, in the 11 months since September 11. Thus, we need this album right...

Pros: It's THE 9/11 lament: trust me, this is not mushy crap.
Cons: I can understand those who complain about a lack of musical diversity...but get over it.

Who is more appropiate to center an entire album on one subject, September 11, than Bruce Springsteen? No one I can think of. The Boss hasn't just written about America in his career, his songs have became America. As the great Bono once said,...

Pros: Variation in styles beautifully illustrates Springsteen's songwriting talent.
Cons: There is none of the Everyman angst that longtime fans have come to expect.

As a long-time fan of Bruce Springsteen, both with and without the E-Street Band, I looked forward for years to this CD - his first new offering since 1994's "The Ghost of Tom Joad", and the first with his band since "Born In the USA". Once I heard it,...

Pros: Some very vintage Bruce sounds, circa "Wild, Innocent...". The Band is back together!
Cons: I can't think of any.

The E-Street Band is back together, adding violinist Soozie Tyrell to the mix. At times reminiscent of a John Mellencamp work because of the violin, "The Rising" blends emotions stemming from Springsteen's songs about 9/11 with more lighthearted songs...

Pros: The return of Bruuuuce, still in good form
Cons: His most creative days are behind him

I find it amusing that Bruce Springsteen, a guy who never held a real job in his life, is generally seen as the quintessential spokesman for America’s blue-collar class. Moreover, his songs about The Working Man tend to be the weakest and most...

Pros: Packaging, E-Street band
Cons: Sub-standard song material

It certainly is the event it's been boosted up to be... First studio album since God knows when! E-street band! Looks great! But what a disappointment.

Having been a Bruce-fan for close to twenty years, this really reminds me of the time ten...

Pros: It's Springsteen
Cons: Sometimes it's hard to believe it's Springsteen

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...

Pros: timely, heartfelt, well produced
Cons: Springsteen's singing voice doesn't have universal appeal

I should preface this review by mentioning that I am a jersey shore girl and grew up listening to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
However, I feel that Springsteen and company have something to offer on this album that will finally show the...

Pros: Superb lyrics, Potential future faves, Songs for every perspective.
Cons: Illustrated production

Bruce is traditionally one of the most controversial artists in the rock 'n' roll history. When he ...