Various artists - 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief

After walloping the Caribbean, Hurricane Sandy took a devastating toll on the northeastern United States. The powerful storm left parts of New York City underwater and left millions without heat or electricity for weeks. It caused 140 deaths and destroyed or damaged hundreds of thousands of homes. The music community rushed to help, staging a mammoth concert on Dec. 12 to raise money for the victims, reaching over two billion through TV, live streams, radio and theatre simulcasts. More than $30 million was raised through ticket sales alone.

Now that superstar-packed concert is available on a two-disc benefit CD. Jersey shore hero Bruce Springsteen delivers an impassioned “Wrecking Ball,” Paul McCartney careens through a rousing “Helter Skelter” and the Rolling Stones serve up a feisty “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” The rock legends and others then join Alicia Keys onstage to perform her anthemic “Empire State of Mind.” It’s a stirring finale of a memorable event.