Hey Bruce -
gonna keep the band this time?
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It’s hard
to believe this is Springsteen’s first studio rock album since the
1992 simultaneous release of Human Touch and Lucky Town.
Nigel Bell
In the intervening
decade Bruce has made a name for himself as a movie songsmith (Philadelphia),
a return to basics (The Ghost of Tom Joad) and possessor of a fine
greatest hits collection.
The Rising
undoubtedly sees The Boss living up to the album’s title and rising
back to the top of the music tree.
It’s no coincidence
his return to form sees him rejoined by the ultimate backing group
– the E Street Band – Clarence Clemons, Nils Lofgren, Roy Bittan,
Steve Van Zandt and co.
It’s the first
time they’ve played together on disc since their unceremonious dismissal
following the recording and touring of Born In The USA.
The Rising
certainly has the quality to match that album.
Having a good
band is one thing, having strong subject matter to draw on is another.
In the past
Springsteen has always been a mouthpiece for the working class blue
collar workers. Tales of life at the steel mill, unemployment and
teenage pregnancies are what made Bruce famous.
Now his passion
for America the brave has been fuelled by the events of September
11th.
The majority
of songs on The Rising pay tribute to the American spirit. Flag
waving and hope, but not in the way Born In The USA questioned the
running of the States.
There are so
many songs destined to become anthems. The Rising for one, Waiting
For A Sunny Day and My City of Ruins, performed by Springsteen as
part of the Trade Centre telethon.
Drawing on
the best bits of Born In The USA and Tunnel of Love, The Rising
could be accused of simply retreading old glories. But because we
haven’t heard classic Springsteen for so long the tracks sound fresh.
Even Into The
Fire, with a chorus which sounds like Sheena Easton’s Modern Girl,
can be forgiven. Welcome back.
The Rising is
released on Columbia COL 508000 2
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