The first studio album to feature the E street Band since Born In The U.S.A. the album titled “The Rising,” is set for a July 30 release.
The 15 tracks are:
The album was produced by Brendan O’Brien which leads one to think that it would be a more recok based record.
Ok, it’s officially on my “must buy on July 30” list.
QtM
-Seeing Bruce and the E street Band live in concert since 1976
I love the song My City of Ruins.
I first saw Bruce in concert under the stars at Red Rocks Amphitheater, June 20, 1978. The thing I always liked about Springsteen concerts was that playing, for him, was really a calling. He did not take himself too seriously, but a concert wasn’t just another night on the road for him–he gave his all.
I’ll show up at the record store on July 30.
I’m hopeful, but scared. I was born and raised a Springsteen fan. The “Born in the USA” tour was the first time I camped out for concert tickets (10th row center at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis). While there were obviously some songs I liked more than others, there wasn’t a single track between “Asbury park” and “Born in the USA” I didn’t love (and that still holds true).
Then came Tunnel of Love. I thought, “Okay, it’s another ‘Nebraska’-style diversion where he wants to test some new stuff.” Then he turned into the talentless reincarnation of Woody Guthrie and started sucking hard. I really haven’t liked anything Bruce has done since the “Chimes of Freedom” EP. Even the couple of “new” E Street tracks on “Greatest Hits” were pretty ho-hum.
Bruce has disappointed me too many times in the last 15 years. I’ll wait to catch a couple of the new tracks on the radio before I make up my mind to buy or not.
[soft, hopeful voice with fingers crossed] Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. Please be good. [/soft, hopeful voice with fingers crossed]
So, who’s heard it yet? I think it is very good, but I’m no music critic. To me, some of the songs sound exactly like other, older songs of his. Not that that’s a bad thing.
Opinions, anyone?
My take? Hmm… well, I can’t very well use the word “disappointing” because Springsteen hasn’t made a good album since “Tunnel of Love.”
“Lucky Town” was a complete waste; “Human Touch” had a great title track, but was, otherwise, pretty weak. “The Ghost of Tom Joad” was almost as bad as “Nebraska.” So, we’re talking about an artist who hasn’t been in top form in about 15 years.
As for the new album… well, the good stuff rates a B- or C+ at best, and the bad stuff is REALLY boring. Bruce obviously feels that, post 9/11, he has an obligation to be profound, and he just doesn’t have it in him.
I certainly won’t buy it. WHen he comes to town, I may go to the concert, but only if I’m sure he’ll stick mostly to older material. If he’s planning to play more than a few of his new songs, forget it.