U2 - No Line On The Horizon
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Free Music Notes for No Line On The Horizon
Free Music Review: Pure Brilliance!
Hit: 5 Stars
I have to tell you that when U2 released the single Get On Your Boots, I wasn't pleasantly surprised; I was downright dissapointed.
Still, I decided to buy NLOTH because its U2 we're dealing with here and I've enjoyed their albums for twenty years now. Hard to turn your back on a band when they have given you so much enjoyment for so many years.
When I first listened to NLOTH, I was overwhelmed with dissapointment like I had already experienced with the single. Not good but I realised that this in fact could be a good thing because I had the same experience with Achtung Baby.
It took quite a few listenings for Achtung Baby to grow on me but it did and became my favorite U2 album.
So I put NLOTH on auto-replay and just sat at my computer doing my thing, with U2 bursting though the speakers.
Now I'm struck by the depth, brilliance and sheer beauty of each and every song on this album. This is U2 showing what they are capable of when they are at the top of their game. A masterpiece very much like Achtung Baby was.
I won't attempt to give a description of each and every song on this album as I lack the words needed to do them justice, but I just wanted to write this review to say that if you think this album is a turd after two or three listening - don't throw it in the recyclebin! It takes some time to grow on you but once it does it'll show you a beauty that very few albums have. Again, this U2 being at their best.
As far as I'm concered, U2 is back where they belong: charting unknown waters just as they did with Achtung Baby and Zooropa. Brilliance.
Free Music Review: magnificent, yes - a masterwork, definitely
Hit: 5 Stars
In reading previous reviews, I've seen those who love the new album as much as I do, and I've seen reviews from people calling it too slow, not catchy enough, and a general downer. I could not agree less.
This album may just prove to be their best yet; I already think it is. It takes the leap forward they made with Achtung Baby & Zooropa and kicks it into the stratosphere. This may sound like sheer hyperbole for those who see the album as just "eh," but it isn't. At first listen - the 1st time I listened to the whole album streaming on their website - I had a similar reaction. Weird intonations, really odd amalgams of sound, space and rhythm, and just a general "what the hell are these guys up to with this one?" But then, just like I did after the first time I listened to HTDAAB (which I also thought was oddly flat on that first go), I listened to the whole thing again, straight through. And I decided to put my initial judgments on the shelf, just to see if the experience would be any different. And holy bleep ... it was. I've heard it described as creating a new sonic landscape. I think it's created a whole new sonic universe (ok, this might be hyperbole...).
This album's a genuine wonder, full of wonder and awe and sorrow and joy. It's not meant to be Top 40 (though I don't think a band exists that wouldn't like to make that cut). It was written and recorded as an album - a musical experience that only truly makes sense if you listen from start to finish. True, the songs should stand on their own, and I think they do (some perhaps more than others). But the whole here is definitely better than the sum of its parts.
Free Music Review: Simply fantastic
Hit: 5 Stars
I noticed one reviewer referred to this album as "sleepy and subdued",which is rather ridiculous,especially if you are familiar at all with any of Eno's past work. What it is after all,is a musical soundscape with a lot of twists,turns and ambient noise,the constant undercurrent of Edges noodling guitar,the fat bass,the soulful yet rocking songs. I have been a U2 fan since the bands inception,and while I have found myself pining for the glory of past efforts like War,Joshua Tree,and even Boy,this album satisfies me in a way I found unexpected. I entered into the listening experience with no expectations at all,and while I dug the first track,it was Magnificent that hooked me in,and the journey at that point was mesmerizing to say the least. Its been a while since I have reviewed anything,and since Ive been so moved by new music. This record is fantastic. Now I am a die hard metalhead as well,and lately have been listening to alot of heavy music,but after checking out this new one from the boys from Dublin I delved into past albums,and reinstated once again why U2 is one of my favorite bands of all time. I wont go into a song by song review,I think if you are a fan of the band and you like all their previous works,you will love this effort. At intervals throughout you can hear the channeling of ghosts from albums past,but not rehashing,just as an accent,some spice to some of the most fulfilling stuff on disc in a climate full of generic retreads and lame,commercial,no talent hack bands. U2,while many consider them to be a commercial band,has always stayed true to the music,and each other,this album is the payoff. Journey well.Free Music Review: U2: Masters of Their Domain
Hit: 5 Stars
Like commenters I am a fan from the way-back days ("Am I buggin' ya? Didn't mean to bug ya!"). NLOTH resonates with me far more than All Thank You Can't Leave Behind and Dismantle, and frankly is the one I would take to the proverbial desert island over Acthung Baby.
There's such a richness to the lyrics; even a piece of "candy floss ice cream" like Boots comes back with that touching refrain "you don't know how beautiful you are". (What great mental Akido to think that about someone who's being a jerk!) Edge is spreading these heavenly, amazing sonic ducats like Rockefeller used to toss out dimes. Check out that little fillip he adds to the end of the title track. There's a great control to the lyrics (Eno & Lanois reigning in exuberance?), and the control makes Moment of Surrender and White as Snow all the more powerful. Fez-Being Born just blows me away; it puts me in mind of Elvis Presley in America from The Unforgetable Fire in breadth, but it's structured and has a thousand times more integrity lyrically and sonically. (Lovin' me some Edge on that one.) It's just really, really wonderful and inpsiring.
The weakest link to me isn't Boots; I think once the economy gets better and the wars wind down we'll appreciate its loopy optimism more. Magnificent is the one that leaves me wanting less, but the critics are crazy about it, so go figure.
What else is there to say? Beautiful Day is an excellent song. Sometimes You Can't Make It is an excellent song. The tracks on this new album, though, seep into your soul and reset your heartrate. Highest recommendation.
Free Music Review: No Line in sight for these guys
Hit: 5 Stars
The real question is, is it any good?
I'd say, oh yeah. Even hell yeah. Anyone who feels the need to tell you that this album doesn't equal the majesty of "War", "The Joshua Tree", "Achtung Baby" needs to get off the high horse and take the album as what it is; a new album by one of the greatest bands ever and a damn good album at that. There are echoes of their previous works strewn throughout and it feels much more introspective and focused than either of their last two albums. I think the album flows really well and every track fits into the next very well. None of the songs here scream Billboard charts, not to the intensity of "Beautiful Day" or "Vertigo". Strange as it may sound, its a slightly less friendly yet completely accessible album. Some songs rope you in and wrap you up in the familiar U2 sound blanket (Cedars of Lebanon, I'll Go Crazy...)while others beckon you forward with slightly sharpened nails (especially that title track... fantastic!). There is a slight experimental edge to some of the cuts but anyone expecting the same kind of jarring switch in styles in the same way "Achtung Baby" was in comparison to "The Joshua Tree" will be disappointed. It seems like the tunes are a little growlier here, maybe even a little funkier.
Mainly, I'm just happy that this album is (in my opinion) just as good, if not better than the last two. It's consistent, and most importantly, they're not trying to cash in on whatever the current trends are, as they've never been known to do. It has to appeal to any U2 fan, be it old school or new. It just has to.