Columbia Records rushed this compilation of patriotic and inspirational favorites into production in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks. The title song is a new version by Celine Dion similar to the performance she gave on the Tribute to Heroes telethon, while John Mellencamp's "Peaceful World" is included in an alternate, acoustic treatment. Each listener may find his or her own favorites, but few will be left unmoved by a selection that also includes Bruce Springsteen's "Land of Hope and Dreams," Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water," and renderings of "America the Beautiful," "This Land Is Your Land," and "Amazing Grace" by, respectively, Frank Sinatra, Pete Seeger, and Tramaine Hawkins. Bill Withers's "Lean on Me" closes the disc on a plainspoken note that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of rescuers and other Americans since the tragedies. A back-cover note promises that a "substantial portion of the proceeds received by Sony Music [Columbia's parent company] from sales of this album will be donated to the Twin Towers Fund." --Rickey Wright |
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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Blown away.....Mar 06, 2007
I am not a Celine Dion fan normally, but stumbled onto this mix for many of the other titles on this CD. The brief download does not give her version of God Bless America justice. This arrangement builds slowly, eliciting "what the heck are you listening to?" comments and grows until anyone in listening range has goose bumps. I played it while stopped for hours on the freeway in front of Moore Park College where the long lines formed for Ronald Reagan's casket review and people on the side of the road actually gathered around the car and asked me to replay it. A must for any fan of patriotic music.
6 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Uplifting!Jun 19, 2005
This is a very nice patriotic CD with some great songs. My favorites are God Bless America, sung by Celine Dion. America The Beautful, sung by Frank Sinatra. This Land Is Your Land, sung by Peter Seeger. Peaceful World, sung by John Mellencamp. Blowin' In The Wind, sung by Bob Dylan. Bridge Oer Troubled Water, sung by Simon & Garfunkel. Good Bless The U.S.A, sung by Lee Greenwood. And The Star-Spangled Banner, sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The songs are all beautiful and uplifting!
4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
A Good Americana CompilationOct 27, 2003
This compilation was made soon after the 9/11 in a wake of patriotic feelings among Americans. It comprises songs of different genres, from rock ballads ("Peaceful World" by John Mellencamp, "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers) to ballads ("Bridge over Troubled Water" by Simon&Garfunkel), to big Americana hits ("God Bless America" by Celine Dion, "America the Beautiful" by Frank Sinatra, "This Land Is Your Land" by Pete Seeger, "We Shall Overcome" by Mahalia Jackson) to the National Anthem "The Star Spangled Banner" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, plus "Hero" by Mariah Carey, "There's a Hero" by Billy Gilman, and a few more.This CD is a good compilation of songs that may lift the spirits of the nation, as well as some truly inspirational melodies. Performances by Tramaine Hawkins ("Amazing Grace"), Billy Gilman, Celine Dion, Simon&Garfunkel, Bill Withers are the gems of this CD. The same can be said about the National Anthem, though you might find some acappella version (by Lee Ann Rimes, for example) not less appealing. Personally I bought this CD because of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA". But this turned out to be the worst track. It is probably some remix. Almost nothing is left from the original version, neither its marching touch, nor the integrity that left your skin covered with goosebumps, inspired you and made you realise the true spirit of American patriotism. The version from this CD is more on the jazz, relaxed side, which is killing for such a song. On the whole, this CD deserves your attention if you need a compilation of Americana music, or at least a flavour of it.
2 of 4 found the following review helpful:
A great CD, powerful and movingOct 24, 2003
True to its title the music CD God Bless America is a masterful tribute to America. This collection of patriotic music includes many soul-stirring songs; I especially like the selections by Lee Greenwood, Frank Sinatra, and Bill Withers. All of the songs on this CD are powerful and will remind you how great this country truly is. God Bless America is great for working, driving, or listening to all by itself. I guarantee that you will not regret purchasing this collection of American songs. This CD draws together an immense pool of talent and is extraordinarily successful at illustrating the greatest nation in the world.
2 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Moving Patriotic tribute!!!May 25, 2003
Well done! Loved Celine Dion's version of God Bless America in tribute for her adopted county. Pete Seeger's This land is your land is equally great. Has the beloved Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA!
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based on 57 reviews
