The Rising Songs Ranked
The Rising is the twelfth studio album by American recording artist Bruce Springsteen, released on July 30, 2002, on Columbia Records. In addition to being Springsteen’s first studio album in seven years, it was also his first with the E Street Band in 18 years. Based in large part on Springsteen’s reflections during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the album predominantly centers upon themes of relationship struggles, existential crisis, and social uplift. Upon its release, The Rising was a critical and commercial success, being hailed as the triumphant return for Springsteen. The album became Springsteen’s first to top the US Billboard 200 since Tunnel of Love in 1987. It also garnered a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2003; although nominated for the Album of the Year award as well, it was beaten by Norah Jones’s debut album Come Away with Me. The title song “The Rising” was also a Grammy recipient. Here are all of The Rising songs ranked.
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10. Into the Fire
“This recording shows less genuine emotion than a Hallmark card. Speaking of trite Hallmark sentiments, “May your strength give us strength/ May your faith give us faith/ May your hope give us hope/ May your love bring us love.” Yet, if you mock these words, YOU will be the bad person, much as you would be for disagreeing with some congressman’s support for “family values” or “the children.””
9. Nothing Man
“Humble, ‘out of nowhere’ heroism is sung about first-hand on the mellow, keyboard driven ‘Nothing Man’, which sounds like it could have been recorded during the ‘Born in the U.S.A’ Sessions and is one of the best songs on the album.”
8. Empty Sky
“An excellent piano and percussion intro before the rest of the band joins in. “I want a kiss from your lips/ I want an eye for an eye/ I woke up this morning to an empty sky”
See more: Bruce Springsteen Albums Ranked
7. Let’s Be Friends (Skin to Skin)
“The happy-go-lucky bomp of “Let’s Be Friends (Skin to Skin)” doesn’t convince you that Springsteen’s as hip as ever, its “doo doo do do”-ing should: anyone who can release as much stellar material as Springsteen and still sound like they have something to say while “doo doo do do”-ing at his age is truly gifted.”
6. The Fuse
“Another drum machine. But then there’s an un-Brucie beat and the song evolves into a nice melodic mid tempo rock song with some electric guitars.”
5. You’re Missing
“‘You’re Missing’ is the slowest, sappiest song on the album. And ‘Let’s Be Friends (Skin to Skin)’ is an annoyingly positive little thing that is easily my least favorite song on the album; it should have been left off in my opinion.”
4. Paradise
“You have probably already heard about this song; it is about a Suicide Bomber in a Middle Eastern country. I know, it sounds kind of stupid. Then I listened to it. The song is very low-key with cautious, muted keyboard work, and it’s first verse sent chills up and down my spine. ‘Paradise’ might be the most haunting, eeriely beautiful song Bruce has ever done in terms of both music/sound and lyrics (and hopefully, fans realize that this is saying something!). “
3. Countin’ on a Miracle
“‘Countin’ on A Miracle’ might just be the best straight rock tune The Boss has ever done; it stands out in the middle of the album and for an Old School Bruce Fan, this itself is worth the price of the disc.”
2. Further On (Up the Road)
“This is Springsteen at his best. A fantastic driving beat, a splendid melody that you can’t get out of your head, and an arrangement that leaves no room for improvement. The only real rocker on this album with lots of electric guitars. I catch myself repeating this track over and over again while driving to work and back.”
1. The Rising
“An outstanding, marvelous, ethereal,stirring title song. the best one the whole darn cd. The drums kick in after about one minute and we have another nice Springsteen rocker. A nice inspirational tune to get in good spirts with a nice beat and excellent background vocals.”