Springsteen rises to the challenge

A tragedy such as 11 September, with its repurcussions felt across the world, was always certain to affect the arts - and popular music is no exception.

Films, plays, essays and novels have all begun to grapple with the political, emotional and sociological fall-out of such a disaster and in recent months the first songs about the World Trade Center attacks have begun to emerge.

Country singer Toby Keith is at number one in the US album charts, helped by a single which warns: "You'll be sorry that you messed with the U.S. of A. Because we'll put a boot in your ass; it's the American way."

But not all responses are as crass and Bruce Springsteen's album The Rising is the antidote to such short-sightedness.

Direct responses

Springsteen, often unfairly ridiculed as a testosterone-fuelled, workman-like singer, has written his fair share of songs which address complex emotional issues and those on The Rising are no exception.

Tracks Empty Sky, The Rising, Into The Fire, You're Missing and My City of Ruins are all direct responses to the tragedy and are appropriate, stirring songs.

The album also marks the return of The Boss's collaboration with The E Street Band and the reunion should be greeted with joy.

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.

The songs are full of such tender words, heartache and pain, focusing on sudden absence, loss and confusion.

Hope

In Empty Sky he sings: "I woke up this morning, I could barely breathe. Just an empty impression in the bed where you used to be."

Musically, the album is spot on - moving between mournful tracks with dignified strings and acoustic guitars to uplifting quick tempo numbers, pointing towards hope.

In Into The Fire, a requiem for the fallen firefighters, the lyrics become a simple litany: "Up the stairs, into the fire, up the stairs, into the fire.

"May your strength give us strength, may your faith give us faith."

A few songs - Nowhere Man and Counting on a Miracle - show up Springsteen's bad habits - indistinct lyrics over forgettable melodies.

Comforting

And in the song Worlds Apart, Springsteen's attempt at diffusing racial tensions and encouraging understanding feels forced and uninspired with its Middle Eastern drums and quasi-religious chants.

The album works best when Springsteen's rough, world-weary voice and comforting, thoughtful words are layered over the strum and slide of guitars and the beat of a drum.

Because that, contrary to what Toby Keith thinks, is the American way.

Bruce Springsteen's The Rising is out now.