Bruce Springsteen – The Rising (2002)
Release Date: July 30, 2002
Label: Columbia Records
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Rock / Heartland Rock / Alternative Rock
Length: 72:52
Producer: Brendan O’Brien
Overview
The Rising is Bruce Springsteen’s twelfth studio album and one of the most emotionally powerful records of his career. Written in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the album captures themes of grief, loss, resilience, faith, and collective healing. It also marked the full reunion of the E Street Band, their first studio collaboration since Born in the U.S.A..
Rather than offering political commentary, Springsteen focuses on human stories, honoring victims, first responders, and families affected by tragedy. Songs like “The Rising,” “Lonesome Day,” “My City of Ruins,” and “You’re Missing” balance sorrow with hope, blending modern rock production with Springsteen’s classic storytelling.
Critically acclaimed and commercially successful, The Rising debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and is widely regarded as one of the defining albums of the post-9/11 era.
Tracklist
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Lonesome Day – 4:08
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Into the Fire – 5:08
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Waitin’ on a Sunny Day – 4:19
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Nothing Man – 4:35
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Countin’ on a Miracle – 4:45
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Empty Sky – 3:34
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Worlds Apart – 6:16
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Let’s Be Friends (Skin to Skin) – 4:21
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Further On (Up the Road) – 3:53
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The Fuse – 5:37
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Mary’s Place – 6:41
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You’re Missing – 3:58
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The Rising – 4:48
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Paradise – 5:39
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My City of Ruins – 4:40
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?
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Post-9/11 Context: Springsteen was encouraged by fans to write new music after 9/11, with one famously telling him, “We need you now.”
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E Street Reunion: This album marked the official reunion of the E Street Band after years apart.
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Did You Know? “My City of Ruins” was written before 9/11 but took on profound new meaning after the attacks.
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Producer Shift: Brendan O’Brien gave the album a modern, layered sound, distinct from Springsteen’s earlier productions.
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Spiritual Imagery: Songs feature religious and biblical symbolism, reflecting themes of redemption and faith.
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Critical Acclaim: Frequently listed among the greatest albums of the 2000s by major publications.
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Touring: The Rising Tour was praised for its emotional intensity and communal atmosphere.
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Awards: Won Grammy Awards for Best Rock Album and Best Rock Song (“The Rising”).
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Global Impact: The album resonated worldwide, becoming a soundtrack for collective healing beyond the U.S.
Album Credits
Bruce Springsteen: Lead vocals, guitar, harmonica
E Street Band:
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Roy Bittan – Piano, keyboards
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Clarence Clemons – Saxophone
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Danny Federici – Organ, keyboards
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Garry Tallent – Bass guitar
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Max Weinberg – Drums
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Steven Van Zandt – Guitar, backing vocals
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Patti Scialfa – Backing vocals
Production Team:
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Producer: Brendan O’Brien
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Engineers: Nick DiDia, Toby Scott
Mini Review
The Rising is Bruce Springsteen’s most moving and socially resonant album, capturing grief and hope in equal measure. With the reunited E Street Band and Brendan O’Brien’s modern production, the record blends anthemic rock with intimate storytelling. Songs like “You’re Missing,” “My City of Ruins,” and the title track offer comfort without sentimentality, making The Rising a defining post-9/11 statement and one of Springsteen’s finest late-career achievements.