U2 Review: No Line On The Horizon
Feb2108:02 PM
Filed in: Opinion
In fact, it bugs the hell out of me when I hear it on the radio. Still does.
So I was a little crass when I sat down to listen to the album, not expecting much. But before I continue, I can assure you the rest of the album is NOT like the first single. Get On Your Boots is an awful representation of what the album is about. BUT, that same song actually works when put in context with the full album.
How often does that happen anymore? An actual album. Wow, what an idea.
So rest assured, there are far stronger songs on the album than the single. A lot of the songs WILL take you back to that classic 80's U2 feel, But No Line is unlike their previous two albums. They're no longer trying to recreate Joshua Tree. They breathe new elements into their songs.
Yes, the Danger has long disappeared from U2's music. It's hard to retain that same pissed off and rebellious energy after selling 18 kajillion albums.
BUT despite the lack of danger...the album IS Adventurous.
It's welcoming to see a band with so much commercial success continue with genuine creativity. The songs experiment with new sonic layers and play with new instruments in unique ways.
At times, the production edges closely to being TOO much...but it never quite crosses the line.
Edge's classic guitar tone and lyrical 80's style are intact throughout the album. Thankfully, the album isn't a techno-wannabe experiment trying to retain relevancy with today's cool-kids.
In fact, there's actually some real, honest SOUL on this album. They continue to do things other bands just can't pull off.
How is it that a band...who you'd expect to be jaded...can still deliver sincere feelings and emotions in their music? Meanwhile, modern day contemporaries struggle with studio excess, manufactured pretension, hit-song-viability, and demographics.
To be honest, I didn't fully "get" the album until I listened to it with headphones on.
I played it about four times on the stereo while I was working (distracted), and simply thought it was "ok". BUT then I put the headphones on and had a dedicated listen. When I heard the nuances, textures, and subtleties...that's when the album really came to life for me.
It's relieving, promising, and encouraging to see a band like them continue with new things. Let's hope others can follow their example.
Other reviewers have posted that it's U2's best work since Achtung Baby.
Definitely.
But...is it better?
This is an album that grows on you.
Only time will tell where it ends up in their final catalogue...
by Brian Thompson
