A TRIBUTE TO HERO'S was the Entertainment Industry's way of trying to help heal the United States. Musicians and Actors appeared together to play their music, sing their songs and tell their stories of the Hero's of September 11, 2001. I watched the original broadcast that was filmed on both coasts of the U.S.A. On the box the discs came in it says that 'all the Royalties equal to the distributor's net proceeds from the sale of this 2 disc CD will benefit the September 11 Telethon Fund'. An Illustrated 8-page small Book, (with the personnel listings for each Song), is included in the box.
DISC 1:
An Illustrated 8-page small Book, (with the personnel listings for each Song), is included in the box.
1) Bruce Springsteen sings ''My City of Ruin''. I felt it was a prayer for the people who died, were injured or the families who had loved ones killed or hurt. This begins with a short harmonica solo and becomes a soft song. The song builds to become a gospel song. The E Street Band sing in the background. I thought this was an excellent choice for and opening song as it set the tone for the rest of the show.
2) Stevie Wonder, (on piano) and Take 6 sing the backup harmony on ''Love's in Need of Love Today'' and ''Let us pray that we see the light.'' I love Stevie Wonder because he is living proof that people can overcome anything if they really want to. I think that this was the message to the Citizens of the U.S.A. they can overcome a tragedy like this. The song is both upbeat and restrained at the same time.
3) U2 sings ''Walk On''. The Band begins with a short introduction to ''Heaven on Earth, (a soft song), that is a plea for Peace. It builds as the volume and goes higher when they begin to sing ''Walk On''. I felt this was a song of hope, love and persistence. When you think the song is ending three backup singers appear to sing ''Hallelujah''. It is wonderful!
4) Faith Hill, (a Country and Western Singer), gives a strong performance when she sings ''There Will Come a Day''. A Gospel Choir was the back up singers. Faith Hill pushes her voice to its limit. The story the song is telling is of a time when those who have lost all hope can ''feel'' hope again.
5) Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers sing ''I Won't Back Down''. Petty strums his guitar to this rock song. This song speaks on behalf of us around the World when he says, ''America will stand its ground, will not get pushed around and won't back down from anyone that threatens its people or the friends of the United States''.
6) Enrique Iglesias sings ''Hero''. I thought it was a wonderful song that made good use of his wide vocal range. 7
7) Neil Young's ''Imagine'' is a legendary song that was written by John Lennon. It fits well when you are celebrating Peace or ranting out against injustice and tragedy. Neil Young accompanies himself on the piano.
8) Alicia Keys, (of R & B fame), sings ''Someday We'll All Be Free''. What a mixture of wonderful blues, gospel and R&B music. This is another song of hope. She also accompanies herself on the piano. I love this quiet emotional song.
9) Limp Bizkit of 'feat' and John Rzeznik of the 'Goo Goo Dolls' get together to sing '' Wish You Were Here''. The echo distortion in their microphones bothered me and because I couldn't hear it properly I don't know how to judge it. The message was the same as it was 30 years ago when it was release. This is about change, freedom, emptiness, hate, loss, love and freedom.
10) Billy Joel sings ''New York State of Mind'' that has become an ''anthem'' for NYC. It was good but not the best song on the album.
DISC 2:
1) Dixie Chicks trio sing ''I Believe in Love''. I love to hear a western twang in songs and I loved this quiet and very sad song.
2) Dave Matthews, (from his latest sing on DMB), performs with no band and only an acoustic guitar to sing a solo of ''Everyday''. Every so often in the background you hear John Lennon's ''All You Need is Love''. I felt this song is a treat to listen to.
3) Wyclef Jean sings Bob Marleys song called ''Redemption Song''. I enjoy reggae instrumentals. I thought that he could have done without his female backup singer!
4) Mariah Carey struggled though her performance of ''Hero''. She did not use her full range that her voice was once capable of. She used backup singers to try and hide her problems. It is a great song should have been a wonderful addition to the CD. To bad the Producers used the wrong singer. I pray her Friends do an intervention and get her some help as it appeared to me she is using drugs.
5) I loved listening to Bon Jovi sing his greatest song called ''Livin' On A Prayer''. The message I felt was that people can get through their troubles if we do our best, hold each other's hands and pray.
6) Sheryl Crow sings and plays the piano to ''Safe and Sound''. What an angelic song! The violins were a perfect match for her voice. Once again she should have left her backup singers at home!
7) Sting sings ''Fragile''. He has a soft and jazzy voice. I found this song calmed me. It also reminded me that we should live each day as if it were our last day.
8) Eddie Vedder, (Pearl Jan's lead singe), sings ''Long Road'' with his famous raspy voice. Neil Young plays his guitar in the background.
9) Paul Simon sings his famous ''Bridge Over Troubled Water'' with an African beat, (he used this on his Album that he made in South Africa). This is a song that tells me that I will never be alone if I don't want to be.
10) I loved Celine Dion when sang ''God Bless America''. It amazes me how she hits every note perfectly. I thought it was a powerful song.
11) Willie Nelson strummed his guitar while he sang ''America the Beautiful''. I first heard Willie when I he was in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I just love Willie and every song he has ever sung. All the Stars in Los Angels join him. Just to name a few there was Mariah Carey, Reba McEntire and Slash. The Choir was huge and full of pride. I enjoyed this rendition very much.
SOME THOUGHTS: If you don't have this album yet I know you will love it. ©LL .
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