OT - Springsteen - Magic vs The Rising

[StoneCold]

Which album do you like better and why?

[AR]

Magic. I just think it's more uptempo and closer to the sound I prefer out of Springsteen. Not that I dislike The Rising or anything though.

[NealIsGod]

Magic. I just think it's more uptempo and closer to the sound I prefer out of Springsteen. Not that I dislike The Rising or anything though.

I don't have The Rising, but I do have Magic and the production is top notch and the songs are great. Although I liked "Radio Nowhere" the first time I heard it, when it was "867-5309 Jenny".

[WickedGail]

Magic and after seeing him for two nights at Madison Square Garden yes he still does have the magic!

Gail

[Just_Plain_Eric]

IMO the Rising is one of the best CD's to be released in the last 10 years, and Im saying stand alone without the 9/11 references. I've skimmed the songs on Magic and I dont believe they are anywhere near as strong as the Rising in melodies and chorus.

E

[JohnH]

I agree totally with Eric here. The Magic is great, but The Rising was everything he says it is. Back then I was in a Springsteen tribute band so we learned several tunes from the Rising so I'm maybe closer to that album for that reason. But I still bought it to enjoy it and still listen to it.

John

[WalrusOct9]

I think I still prefer the Rising, but I think Magic is more effective simply because it's shorter and more to the point.

On the one hand, it was great having 15 new Springsteen tunes on one album, but I think it might've been more powerful had it been cut to 11 or 12 songs and around 45-50 minutes, with a couple of the weaker tracks maybe appearing on another box set or something. Still, the high points of The Rising are so good that it makes me still pick it as the better album, even though Magic is pretty great.

[StoneCold]

I'm leaning towards The Rising as well which is why I did the poll. Curious how the new one's hitting you guys.

But one thing I can't stand is the new title.

MAGIC

Magic what? What's magic? It seems to much of a marketing driven title. I'm expecting a more down to earth title from him. I'd say that's probably the worst album title on any Bruce album.

I do like a lot of the songs on there and they'll probably pass up The Rising as faves eventually.

Kudos to him though for continuing to make some great ORIGINAL music.

[StoneCold]

This has become my favorite song on Magic. I think its gonna be a classic for him.

GIRLS IN THEIR SUMMER CLOTHES

Well the streetlights shine
Down on Blessing Avenue
Lovers they walk by
Holding hands two by two
A breeze crosses the porch
Bicycle spokes spin 'round
Jacket's on, I'm out the door
Tonight I'm gonna burn this town down

And the girls in their summer clothes
In the cool of the evening light
The girls in their summer clothes
Pass me by

A kid's rubber ball smacks
Off the gutter 'neath the lamp light
Big bank clock chimes
Off go the sleepy front porch lights
Downtown the stores alight
As the evening's underway
Things been a little tight
But I know they're gonna turn my way

And the girls in their summer clothes
In the cool of the evening light
The girls in their summer clothes
Pass me by

Frankie's Diner's
An old friend on the edge of town
The neon sign spinning round
Like a cross over the lost and found
The fluorescent lights
Flick above Pop's Grill
Shaniqua brings a coffee and asks "fill?"
And says "penny for your thoughts now my boy, Bill"

She went away
She cut me like a knife
Hello beautiful thing
Maybe you could save my life

In just a glance
Down here on Magic Street
Love's a fool's dance
I ain't got much sense but I still got my feet

And the girls in their summer clothes
In the cool of the evening light
The girls in their summer clothes
Pass me by

[JohnH]

I think Magic would be a close second to Rising. I had it on a car trip Saturday and it really works well in the car. That's where I listen to music rather than at home. Really enjoyed it, that was probably the third time all the way through, it gets better with every listen.

John

[Ehwmatt]

Magic. I just think it's more uptempo and closer to the sound I prefer out of Springsteen. Not that I dislike The Rising or anything though.

I don't have The Rising, but I do have Magic and the production is top notch and the songs are great. Although I liked "Radio Nowhere" the first time I heard it, when it was "867-5309 Jenny".

Hahah... my thoughts exactly. I loaded the CD up on my iPod and fired it up on my way back to school and that first riff came on and I was like huh? Tommy Tutone?

[JohnH]

Ok I've had the album two months and am digging Magic way more than I did Rising. So I'm retracting my earlier comments in this thread. The album is more uplifting. The song Last Mistake is absolutely incredible and at times has me in tears as it's powerful message hits me in the heart. I love the bass playing on that song. The song Magic is just spellbinding. The album just flows together really well. Magic is it!

John

[StoneCold]

Ok I've had the album two months and am digging Magic way more than I did Rising. So I'm retracting my earlier comments in this thread. The album is more uplifting. The song Last Mistake is absolutely incredible and at times has me in tears as it's powerful message hits me in the heart. I love the bass playing on that song. The song Magic is just spellbinding. The album just flows together really well. Magic is it!

John

As a complete album, Magic is better so I've changed my stance as well. Some songs on Rising were great though.

Agree on the song Magic as well. Actually I like everything with Radio Nowhere being one of my lesser liked songs on it. I'll actually skip it to hear the others. Probably 'cuz I overplayed it at the start.

[Rockindeano]

I'm leaning towards The Rising as well which is why I did the poll. Curious how the new one's hitting you guys.

But one thing I can't stand is the new title.

MAGIC

Magic what? What's magic? It seems to much of a marketing driven title. I'm expecting a more down to earth title from him. I'd say that's probably the worst album title on any Bruce album.

It's a coded title. A play on the Bush Administration. How they make you believe something that's not really there.

[StoneCold]

I'm leaning towards The Rising as well which is why I did the poll. Curious how the new one's hitting you guys.

But one thing I can't stand is the new title.

MAGIC

Magic what? What's magic? It seems to much of a marketing driven title. I'm expecting a more down to earth title from him. I'd say that's probably the worst album title on any Bruce album.

It's a coded title. A play on the Bush Administration. How they make you believe something that's not really there.

Makes sense. Not being as vocal is a smart move career wise but he should just lead the revolt.

He'd make a hell of a great president.

He's got what of these buffoons don't. Common sense.

[X factor]

Tough one... I think MAGIC is better as a whole piece of work, but I believe LONESOME DAY and particularly MY CITY OF RUINS are two of the best songs he's ever recorded. Seeing MCOR perfomed live is something akin to a catharsis...
I caught him three times on THE RISING tour, and each show was just stellar. It does my heart good to see the Boss still gettin his groove on at such a high level. The man is pushing 60, for Heaven's sake!


Oh yeah...going to see him in CINCY in March! Santa was good this year...

[Rockindeano]

Tough one... I think MAGIC is better as a whole piece of work, but I believe LONESOME DAY and particularly MY CITY OF RUINS are two of the best songs he's ever recorded. Seeing MCOR perfomed live is something akin to a catharsis...
I caught him three times on THE RISING tour, and each show was just stellar. It does my heart good to see the Boss still gettin his groove on at such a high level. The man is pushing 60, for Heaven's sake!


Oh yeah...going to see him in CINCY in March! Santa was good this year...

Boy are you right. I have the Barcelona DVD, and My City in Ruins is a heart stopper. Just makes you go numb. Bruce playing the piano...those notes...man, almost teary eyed. (Then he completely fucks up Spirit in the Night, and the crowd loves it!), and he kept in on the DVD!

I also vote The Rising as a better CD. I was going to say his message was so strong, writing an entire album due to 9/11, but then Magic is an entire album due to the Hell that is the US Government and in particular the White House the past 7 years.

I think I am right when I say nobody in music, nobody, tells the story like Bruce. Named my 1st son after him. Very proud to do so.

[X factor]

Tough one... I think MAGIC is better as a whole piece of work, but I believe LONESOME DAY and particularly MY CITY OF RUINS are two of the best songs he's ever recorded. Seeing MCOR perfomed live is something akin to a catharsis...
I caught him three times on THE RISING tour, and each show was just stellar. It does my heart good to see the Boss still gettin his groove on at such a high level. The man is pushing 60, for Heaven's sake!


Oh yeah...going to see him in CINCY in March! Santa was good this year...

Boy are you right. I have the Barcelona DVD, and My City in Ruins is a heart stopper. Just makes you go numb. Bruce playing the piano...those notes...man, almost teary eyed. (Then he completely fucks up Spirit in the Night, and the crowd loves it!), and he kept in on the DVD!

I also vote The Rising as a better CD. I was going to say his message was so strong, writing an entire album due to 9/11, but then Magic is an entire album due to the Hell that is the US Government and in particular the White House the past 7 years.

I think I am right when I say nobody in music, nobody, tells the story like Bruce. Named my 1st son after him. Very proud to do so.

Damn straight! I've been a fan since DARKNESS came out !
The SPRIT fuck up is hilarious! That's one of my favorite Springsteen tunes, and I finally got to see him play it in NO back in 2000. He actually had to shush the crowd about three times during the slow break at the end ("Hazy Davey got really hurt" part...) Fuckin loud -ass cajuns!

[Red13JoePa]

Magic is stronger track for track but the single best song out of both is the title track of The Rising.

[Just Sara]

I don't have The Rising, but I do have Magic and the production is top notch and the songs are great. Although I liked "Radio Nowhere" the first time I heard it, when it was "867-5309 Jenny".

Great, now that's all I'm going to be able to think about when I hear this song!

[Rockindeano]

Magic is stronger track for track but the single best song out of both is the title track of The Rising.

I happen to think the opposite. Both A rated discs though.

[Rockindeano]

If there is any interest here by any member, I can upload BOTH CD's here for you all.

[StoneCold]

If there is any interest here by any member, I can upload BOTH CD's here for you all.

Hell no, don't do it!

Everybody should go out and buy the actual cds! They're that good!