The Rising: Your views

Springsteen's album is influenced by September 11

The Rising is Bruce Springsteen's first studio album with the E Street Band since Born in the USA in 1984.

The album deals with 11 September in songs such as Into the Fire, My City of Ruins and Empty Sky.

"In difficult times we all need our friends and it feels as though Springsteen is drawing his nearest and dearest to him to help explain his emotions," says BBC News Online's Darren Waters

But what do you think?

This debate is now closed. Please see below for a selection of your comments.

Glad to see New Jersey's favorite son back to form. Good music, powerful lyrics. This album has staying power.
Nick, NJ, USA

I have been a Springsteen fan since I could walk. The more I listen to The Rising, the more I appreciate it. As a Palestinian/American (who is also Muslim) I was relieved to see that Bruce, as always, deals with such subjects in an honest and straightforward manner. Musically, I think it is the best he has done with the band since The River. I like Nebraska and the Tom Joad more, but then again it is like comparing apples and oranges. A few tunes, in my humble opinion, are not really to my taste (Mary's Place, Miracle) but the The Fuse, City of Ruins, and Missing are really excellent tunes. Great album, no doubt. And hats off to Brendan O'Brian, who did an incredible job producing.
Akram Baker, Berlin, Germany

I bought the album today and have listened to it a number of times - it's excellent, moving, strong without being overly patriotic, and has great great music. I think it is a worthy example of the right way to deal with the new situation America finds itself in, with its calm, accepting, sad lyrics, but strong confident attitiude. Bruce is an intelligent man, and this album shows it.
George, United Kingdom

peaking as someone who lost someone dear to them on 9/11, this is a careful considerate album which offers reflection and hope. The tunes are memorable and the band seems to be playing out of their skin. Congrats!
Jon Lawrence, UK

As usual, Bruce encourages the listener to think. Eleven months on, and the devastation is a distant memory to people not directly involved. We sometimes need a reminder of how we all felt at that time. The western world was united in its shock and devastation, instead of allowing trivia to come between us. We need to remember this. This is what Bruce does.
Pam Tisdale, UK

The music is excellent, classic E STreet Band. Shame about the subject.
Kevin B, UK in US

Born in the USA and the The Rising are typical Springsteen works looking at life through the eyes of the downtrodden. There is hope if you want it, but it all depends on your view of the world.
Jim Chenowith, UK

I missed the Bruce of old (Born in the USA, Tunnel of Love etc) but wow, is he back with a vengeance. I think this is totally brilliant from the Boss.
Martin Boyt, UK

Welcome Back, Boss
Marian Hunter, New Zealand

A real return to form - best from Springsteen since Tunnel of Love. Roll on the gig in Seattle in 3 weeks.
Sean Cunningham, USA

Cheesy - just like most things American.
Sam, UK

With an unelected George Bush in the White House, with our civil liberties overturned in the name of homeland security, with jingoism on the upswing, the return of Bruce and his E Street Band is the first reason I've had NOT to be ashamed to be an American in over two years.
betsy reifsnider, USA

Springsteen is one of those songwriters who can turn your emotions in a couple of bars.
Alan, England

Good in parts. About 5 songs too long.
Declan, Ireland

I never really liked Bruce all that much. It was always a bit too American for me (not intended as an insult) and the new album is not that different. But The Fuse has got to be one of the best rock tracks ever made. I've played it over and over and I love it.
Pete, UK

There's no better ambassador for the voice of working class America than Bruce. Take a track from the 70's 80's 90's or now, and you can relate to lyrics everytime.
Martin Hellier, UK

The album that almost was... I think that the Rising has a few strengths but quickly gets eclipsed by weaknesses. Overall. Dissapointing when we were hoping for so much more especially after such a long dry spell.
Sunny, Canada

Listen to the depth of feeling, the intelligence and grace conveyed in the lyrics. Beautiful stuff. Nitpick about it being too "American" if you like but admit it's light years ahead of Sir Paul's 9/11 effort "Freedom"...
Kieran Gerard, Malaysia

I just bought the new album yesterday and I really like it. It's just such a shame that the subject matter is so sad. This is in no way a bad thing as it is a very deep and thoughtful collection of works, and very well written. I look forward to maybe the next album or the one after that when Bruce and the E Street band can give us a few more of those glory days when we can all do the E Street shuffle once again.
Steve C, UK

Having been a long time Springsteen fan and having endured some dark years recently The Rising is a welcome return to form. It deals with the tragedy from a human point of view yet the music is not sombre but surprisingly uplifting with the reunited E Street Band on top form. Best of all is the production of the album which gives Bruce a sound like he's never had before. In the days of boybands and popstars it fills me with hope that an album like this can be released and make it to number one. Outstanding!
Neil, England

I remember when I first heard Born to Run, it blew me away. I got the same feeling when I heard this album. Can't wait to hear it live at the end of October.
Mick Morgan, England

Bruce Springsteen, in true fashion, is the one American artist that could sum up events of 9/11 with the passion and emotion of a true son. Once again, you have done your home State proud! Thank you Boss!
Kelly, USA

One of the best albums in many, many years. The Boss is an amazing story-teller, you can tell by listening that he sat down with people who lost loved ones, sat down and had a beer with a few of the firefighters involved and listened to what they felt and the feelings since. This is music at its best, please no more Nickelback, Creed, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and the rest of that garbage being shoved down my throat. Long live Springsteen, Knopfler, Mellencamp, Dylan etc.
BTO, Canada

Bruce has produced a quality CD once again and this may be his best since 1987's Tunnel of Love. I must admit the lyrics about Sept 11th were a surprise. I think Bruce is much better off acknowledging a person's faith in God, it's a good thing. The real answer to it all is The reality of Jesus Christ and how this word is truth! Please don't mock the style of Pentacostal worship on this tour Bruce. Don't walk on both sides of the fence anymore. Be real, one way or the other.You couls also bring down your ticket prices some. I see Bruce as a musician I enjoy to listen to but I don't agree with some of his lyrics.Anyways, good album Bruce. I hope Jesus continues to work through you.
Stuart Deutsch, USA

Perfection....a return to form of the greatest band ever, Paradise being the stand out track, best song ever?
Kevin Waddell, UK

I just recently got into Bruce Springsteen, compliments of his beautiful My City of Ruins on America: Tribute to Heroes. Ever since then I discovered how great he really is. The Rising is a masterpiece. If you aren't sure whether or not to get it, I strongly recommend it.
Jared, USA

I admit to being a Bruce fan since '85 onwards and have listened with passion ever since. Without trying to be unsympathetic to the core subject of this work, it's simply the best album I've heard in 13 years!

I've had it less than a week and have played it an average of three times a day. The greatest compliment to this work is the fact it doesn't preach American liberties, but simply communicates on the human level. Your Missing and Into the Fire are as poignant as Streets of Philadelphia. You cannot argue the fact that this man cannot capture the human emotion as he can. An intelligent album written by an intelligent person.
Wayne, UK

This is Springsteen's best record since Nebraska in '82. I love this album!
Jan W. Feoy, Norway

Been a big fan of Bruce Springsteen for nearly 20 years (I'm only 26 now). I think this album is excellent and will thrust him seriously back into the limelight. I can't wait for the tour!
Anita, England

After the disappointing Human Touch and Lucky Town albums, The Rising shows that Springsteen has not lost his touch. This might be not become a classic, such as Born to Run, but it is a very good album.
Tedd, USA

Some of the most powerful, moving songs I have ever heard. Bruce is amazing. Four stars.
Dani, USA

Bruce back to his best. Maybe three tracks too long but a little too early to tell as so many of the songs seem to grow on you day by day. You're Missing and especially Paradise give a glimpse into the raw grief people feel at the loss of someone close and are worth buying the album for alone. Other tracks give a more optimistic look to the future through the grief. Some tracks may seem out of place but all are about the need to make a human connection in troubled times. Superb.
Matt Lewis, UK

This for me is a return to form from The Boss. The songs, although thematically connected to 9/11, are understated and deal with the emotions of the aftermath of that event rather than a sloganeering finger-pointing excercise that some expected. Producer Brenden O' Brien has reined in the E- Street Band's sometime sonic excesses and here they are used more like an instrument, sparse in places, full blown in others. Only criticism is that I may have trimmed it by one or two songs but overall excellent.
John, Scotland

A fantastic album!!! Bruce and the E street band are back!!! Bruce certainly knows how to inspire and give us hope in all that is good. Perhaps best demonstrated in songs like Into the Fire, The Rising, My city of Ruins and Lonesome Day, here's to a few more albums like this.
Karanjit, Englan

So along with many long time Brucie fans - the question for me was whether The Rising would be up with the classic albums of his first fifteen years (Tunnel of Love, Darkness, Born To Run being my top three) - or down with the worthy mediority of his output since. And it's the second for me.

The good points first. The lyrics are as fantastic as ever - full of tenderness, understanding and love. The E-Street Band sound great - imparting a real energy, which has been so lacking from Brucie's stuff recently. And I'm sure these songs will go down very well in concert.

And now the bad points - or rather point. Brucie in general just doesn't have the tunes he used to have. There are too many simple three-chord ideas without originality - and no amount of effort (which is there in abundance) can cover it up. For me over half the songs fall into this category - and that's too many pushes of the fast-forwards button.

In conclusion - The Rising is a must-buy for Brucie diehards like me - but I fear it will be gathering dust alongside Lucky Town in three months time - while I turn once again to the classics.
Jon, Paris

In a few years this will be considered a classic.
Darren, UK

What an album!!! Album of the year, most definitely! And maybe artist as well. 11/10!
Antoni, England

A beautiful album. After all the horror and sadness of September 11th, this album does not dwell and mourn on the past. Instead this album honours those who were lost and celebrates life. Bruce has taken the sorrow and emptiness felt by so many since that terrible day, and in fifteen tracks takes us on a journey. A journey through the eyes of the families, the locals and even those lost. He lets us know that it is OK to move on, and to celebrate in doing so. To be thankful for what we have.

I have read some of the comments written, some people see this as being American, patriotic, and I even believe someone called this album cheesy. Well let me say that that those of you with comments like that just don¿t get it, and the events of September 11th must not have affected you. I am British and I live in New York and of all the musicians to have brought something out with a connection to this day, this album must be the best. It captures a time I will never want to forget, although would never like to see again.
Mitchell Badillo, NY, US

This is good stuff. Up there with Badlands and The River. And when he turns up to these and others live, go and see him. Then you'll see what all the fuss has been about for the past 30 years or so.
Paul Gilmore, UK

Like a lot of folks, I didn't think our boy had it in him anymore, and I wasn't expecting much. But this is a wonderful album, and Paradise is as gorgeous and haunting as the title track from Nebraska.
Greg Taylor, New York

Just bought this album today. I am delighted, it certainly lives up to his work in the 80s. He's back, better than ever.
James Hilsdon, England

Simply the best first six tracks on an album ever.
Gary, England

Absolutely great.
Allan Brown, UK

I feared there would never be another great boss album, but The Rising is. Tight, emotional and emotive. A balanced and personal view of the events of 9/11. A return to his very best.
Tony Marks, England

Fantastic album. I have been a Springsteen fan for many years and this is the best album since Tunnel of Love. Hope to see Bruce live if he remembers to come back to the UK. Keep on rockin'.
Mike, UK

Great album, the band is back! So why only one date in England instead of the usual 5+?
James Morrison, England

Maybe it's simply because it's been so long since he's put out an album this good, that makes you play it over and over. Whatever the reason, every time you hear it, you're just reminded how powerfully Bruce and his E-Street Band can send you on such a rollercoaster of emotions - like no one else. Years since they last seriously recorded and the sound is fresher, the band are even better and he sounds like he's still got a point to prove. Bruce's best work has been trying to deal with what life throws at you, The Rising is obviously no exception.
Ian, England

Bruce Springsteen is the boss, always was and always will be a fantastic album. A classic without a doubt.
Natalie Carroll, England

I too like many other reviewers feel that this is his best work since Tunnel of Love. The production of Brendan O'Brien has brought a fresh vibrancy to the sound. Some beautiful songs mixed with powerful rockers. A much more consistent quality group of songs than say the Lucky Town or Human Touch albums. Can't wait for the Wembley gig!
Pat Stokes, UK

This record takes the listener through a rollercoaster of emotions including sadness, empathy, joy and most importantly hope. There are songs which call for reflection and thought as to why we humans are currently living our lives. There are also tracks which demand that we express unbridled joy which we should utilise to bring us all together. Has a record ever been more appropriatly titled?
Faron Convey, UK