If Magic was a good example of Springsteen's more recent politically charged efforts, then 2002's The Rising was a brilliant one. At the time of release, America (in particular) had suffered through the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and both New York as well as the country as a whole was desperate for figures to rise through the smoke to lift the spirits of a nation. Springsteen has forever been seen as the voice of the American people, and he lived up to his reputation with the release of this record. Admittedly, a few of the songs (notably My City Of Ruins) were written before the attacks, but the majority of the record can be seen as a rallying call for better days for the American people. There's humanity, humility, sorrow and joy in abundance in the tracks of this album, and the title track in particular has become a staple of Springsteen's live shows. Furthermore, the whole theme of togetherness represented on this album is echoed in the fact that it was Springsteen's first album reunited with the E Street Band in eighteen years. Coming together just when they were needed, eh?
