The Boss, The Poet, Creedence Clearwater Revival front man, the country beauties, and the ever-so-political Eddie Vedder are just a few of the artists chosen as the inspiration for the "Fahrenheit 9/11" soundtrack.
"An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing," are just a few words originally written by Bob Dylan, covered on this album on track two by Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen's usually powerful voice exceeded its standard on this album.
Michael Moore couldn't have said it better.
"Though the songs aren't mine, I feel them in me, and they urge me on to do the work we all need to do. I hope they have the same effect on you," Moore states in the album's liner notes.
The incidents that occurred on 9/11 will forever be engraved in the heart of American. The American dream seemed to be shattered on that day as our country's vulnerability was exposed before the world. Michael Moore's film was a bold move, however, which attempted to get people to vote and to encourage a sense of civic duty.
This album captures the emotion of that fateful day instantaneously. Bob Dylan's "With God On Our Side" was not one of the best songs on the album, but featured the harmonica-playing poet's usual style. Dylan is certainly a master of words, but if vocals are the key element then stick with the Dixie Chicks.
These three young ladies lay down one of the best tracks on the album, "Travelin' Soldier." There is something about the lyrics to the song combined with the Dixie Chicks' sweet country style that allows the listener to imagine why Michael Moore was so inspired.
Another Dylan song included in the mix was "Masters of War," performed live by Pearl Jam in 2003. Pearl Jam's lead singer Eddie Vedder is famous for his political outcries during concerts, which gives significance to the lyrics in the song.
And who else to top off the album but a member of one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time, John Fogerty, with his live performance of "Fortunate Son."
The CD has its slow moments, but the songs chosen by Michael Moore define the artists' voice of a day upon which our country suffered.
