Bruce's subtle tribute to the heroes of the September 11 attacks resonates more clearly, more appropriately, and in a more heartfelt manner than any of the lame, knee-jerk "we're Americans and we're gonna kick your..." songs we've been innundated with over the past 10 months. "The Rising" is a brilliant testament from one of this century's most talented singer/songwriters.

As a bonus, the "Rising" single contains the stunning live version of "Land and Hope and Dreams" from last year's 'Live in NYC' album. In the original concert, this song was played directly after "Born to Run", and hearing the songs side by side, it's clear that the latter is written by the same man as the former--only now he's 25 years older and that much wiser. "Land of Hope and Dreams" brilliantly revisits the same territory as "Born to Run", only whereas the characters in "Born to Run" were running AWAY from lives they wish were better, 25 years later in "Land of Hope and Dreams", those same characters in are now running TO lives that they know will be better.

I look forward to hearing the rest of the new album. If what I've heard so far ("The Rising," "Lonesome Day" and "The Fuse") are any indication, this could be one of Bruce's finest.