Average Rating: 
Rating: - Very Powerful, Very Moving...
Although most songs on this CD were first recorded and released by these artists long ago, to hear them in the order on which they appear really stirs up the emotions. The CD begins with the unforgettable version of "God Bless America" as sung by Celine Dion in the way that only she can sing, and continues with the haunting "Land of Hope and Dreams" by Bruce Springsteen. I must say that the tears really started welling up during the listening of "America the Beautiful" by the late great Frank Sinatra, who was (and continues to be) one of our greatest national treasures. I never realized how much of one he was until hearing him on this CD.I never sang along to the stirring chorus of "God Bless The U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood until now. To hear Mahalia Jackson's voice (on "My Country 'Tis Of Thee") alone is probably worth the purchase of this CD. (Speaking of national treasures, she also was one of our greatest.) The wan but quietly inspiring "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers is the right song that ends this collection of American artistry, which pays tribute to the nation from which these artists sprung. Artists who all came from such widely different backgrounds, with such widely differing political views (try to imagine Pete Seeger and Lee Greenwood at the same political event--highly unlikely), but they knew what united them all: each and every artist on this CD was proud to be an American. So am I.
Rating:  - Beautifully poignant collection for these times
This may be the most pointless review that could possibly be done at this time, but it is worth a mention anyway. If you are a true American with any heart at all, then you have to be affected by this collection of songs.I am no fan of artists like Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, but hearing Celine's cover of "God Bless America" and Mariah's hit from several years back "Hero" is affecting in this context. Bruce Springsteen's 9-minute live version of "Land Of Hope and Dreams" is also about perfect here. "Amazing Grace" is beautfully done, as is "The Star Spangled Banner". You also have to love the inclusion of such classics as "Blowin' In The Wind" and "Lean On Me" as part of the whole theme presented here. My personal favorite--and the biggest reason I bought this collection--is the inclusion of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The U.S.A." Hearing that song at various points in the days after the September 11 tragedies nearly brought me to tears each time, and I woke up with the song in my head for a couple of weeks straight during that time. This is what it is all about in the spirit of patriotism. The reviewer who have this collection one star and called it a "cash in" must be one cold and clueless person. Never mind the emotions the content of this collection brings; the proceeds go to the Twin Tower Funds! For any human being with a heart and patriotic spirit, this collection will make your day. An absolute must-have during these most trying times we are now in.
Rating: - America's Music."God blessAMERICA"
Everyone should buy this fantastic collection of the greatest songs about our country,or music to bring us hope,like Mariah Carey's"Hero," Gloria Estefan's,"Coming out of the Dark,"and Bill Withers "Lean on me."All the money goes to the benefit of the TwinTowers fund.If anyone's having trouble finding Lee Greenwood's,"God Bless the U.S.A.,look no further.The one song that gets to my heart,and had me in tears the first time I heard it ,is "God Bless America,"by Celine Dion.I've never heard anyone sing Irving Berlin's classic more beutifull. I just wish that Whitney Huston's,"The Star Spangled Banner," was on this set,even though the Mormon Tabernacle Choir does a fantastic job,but no one can touch Whitneys version."God Bless America" is one CD we all must have.Its what were all about,all kinds of diferent people,Losers and Winners,Sinners and Saints,riding the train, like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band sing about on my second favorite cut,"Land of Hope and Dreams.Were ALL in this together.GOD BLESS AMERICA.
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