New U2 Album Review

 

So I got my hands on the new U2 album “No Line On the Horizon” from a secret source three days before its official release. If you want a copy you will have to wait until March 3rd and buy one yourself! If you want to know where I got the copy you will have to break my legs!

My initial thoughts as the first two tracks magically rang through my headphones was wow – I haven’t heard anything this incredible and original from U2 in a long time! My second thought was why was a rather shaky “Get On Your Boots” the first single that they released?  To me it is one of the weakest tracks on the album. Certainly it is the most commercial song on the album and a bit reflective of Vertigo so I suppose that is why the suits probably chose that one. The first two album tracks though – “No Line On the Horizion” and “Magnificent” – were …. well magnificent! The album kind of peaked for me about halfway through (not surprisingly just before the boots song), however, that being said there really isn’t a bad track in the bunch. 

Now I have not had a chance to listen to the album anymore than once, so again these are just my initial thoughts. And I did not even try to listen to the lyrics and make sense of what Bono was pontificating about this time but I’m sure that it is masterfully relevant to our trying times. 

If I had to sum the album up by comparing it to those from the band’s past masterpieces I would have to describe it as “a more polished Zooropa with hints that harken back to The Unforgettable Fire.” It definitely does NOT sound anything like the last two releases from U2. Lot’s of studio tricks and overdubs on this baby – you can tell Mr. Eno and Mr. Lanois were in the house that is for sure. 

You can also feel a few Radiohead influences throughout this album. In fact, at times it plays out almost like a great soundtrack. Edge’s guitar has never sounded so incredible and there are even some great little solos spattered throughout. If Bono’s voice is supposed to be on it’s downside you cannot tell that on this album. I had heard this release was supposed to be one of their “hardest rock” efforts to date but the album as a whole is actually very subdued. Maybe they have saved the real “rockers” for the rumored 2nd album they are expected to release within the coming year. 

I don’t think this album will be as commercially successful as their past two releases but I do think it will fill the appetite of even the most die hard of U2 fans like myself. Especially those who have been with them from the beginning. Amazing how this band continues to morph/reinvent itself and produce excellent original and relevant music. Is this their best? Not sure I can answer that right now without several more listenings but it is significantly solid.

So at last I can smile a little bit. A new U2 album and upcoming tour ……. finally something to enjoy in a rather dismal and dreary 2009.

POSTED BY DAVID