I was going to wait until the release to talk about the new U2 album but I can't. I've been a U2 fan since I was 13, that's eleven years of utter devotion. The only time I swayed even a little was with "All That You Can't Leave Behind" and even then, I went to five shows during the Elevation tour. Now, don't get the idea that I'm a crazy fan and I think that every single thing the band has ever released is a message from God. I'm a fan not a psychopath.
That being said, this post will probably only interest big U2 fans. I've nothing against casual U2 fans but casual I am not.
There has been talk that "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" is U2's best release since "Achtung Baby." Let's be honest here, that's not saying much. I happen to love "Zooropa" and "Pop" but they're not masterpieces. "Zooropa" is basically what happens when the Edge is bored and has access to a recording studio and "Pop" is under-rated but somewhat shallow. I don't think I've listened to "All That You Can't Leave Behind" more than twice so I don't have much to say other than I'm not crazy about it.
Sidenote: I miss short U2 album titles. They keep getting longer! I won't get into a discussion about how an album can be just as easily summed up in one or two words as an entire friggin' sentence. Anyway.
So, the new album. Yes, I downloaded it, I couldn't wait. I promise to buy the deluxe version when it comes out. Sadly, the left speaker on this computer is dead so I'm not hearing the album in all its glory. I guess that's what I get!
I'll cut to the chase: this album is fucking brilliant. Pardon my language but there's no other way to describe it. Fucking brilliant. I'm never crazy about an album the very first time I hear it, so I've been listening to it pretty much nonstop since I downloaded it last night. The fact that I like every single song is saying a lot because the only other U2 album I listen to without skipping songs is "October." Ok, song by song commentary.
1. Vertigo
You've heard at least parts of this one. For the record, U2 wasn't paid for appearing in that iPod commercial. This is fun U2, something they don't always do very well. I see this being the opening song on the tour. This is the kind of music I listen to when I'm getting dressed and making myself pretty. "All of this can be yours, just give me what I want and no one gets hurt." AND THAT GUITAR! Oh mighty Mr. The Edge, I bow before you!
2. Miracle Drug
I wish that damn speaker was working because I know this sounds even better on a proper sound system. This song is sorta reminiscent of ATYCLB but it doesn't bug me. I love when the Edge works some piano into a song. Here's something you should probably know about Bono's lyrics: if it sounds like he's singing about a woman, he's probably really singing about God. Actually, that's easy to figure out on this song but ya know, on other songs. Anyway, this is a straight forward song, accessible, etc.
3. Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own
Long enough title there? I think this song is about the relationship between the guys in the band, at least I think that's how it started out. I might be wrong. I love the backing vocals on this song. It sounds like the Edge but it might be Bono. This sounds like a mix of "Achtung Baby" and ATYCLB. A little bit of straight forward rock with interesting guitar effects. I love that the Edge always sounds like he's trying to beat the CRAP out of his guitar instead of just playing it.
A moment to say that yes, I am as dorky about U2 as you think I am. I don't even try and act like I'm not, so there.
4. Love and Peace or Else
The title goobs me out big time but this is easily one of my faves. This song has the kind of complexity that I miss from the "Achtung Baby" era. It has a hooky chorus but the song itself isn't at all shallow, there's a lot going on. "I don't know if I can make it, I'm not easy on my knees. Here's my heart, I'll let you break it. I need some release." See, it sorta rhymes but it's not silly!
5. City of Blinding Lights
I just realized I've been listening to the album out of order OH GOD NO. Ok, sorry. I really don't know what to say about this song other than that I LOVE IT AND IT'S BRILLIANT. Bono's voice is just so, well, Bono-y on this song. When Bono's voice is in top form and he hasn't been running it ragged, it's easily the most beauitful tenor you'll ever hear in rock music.
6. All Because of You
This song opens with what sounds like an opening from a song on "War," I'm so not kidding. This is kinda poppy, in an upbeat rock sorta way. It makes me want to shake my butt a little. I can't believe this is the first time Bono has rhymed "voice" and "choice." This song somehow goes right into....
7. A Man and a Woman
I really enjoy this song. "You can run from love and if it's really love it'll find joo, catch you by the heel... the only pain is to feel nothing at all." There is some neat vocal layering and falsettooooo Bono goodness. You know, when it sounds like someone is stepping on his package but it makes for a fun effect. Such a fantastic song.
8. Crumbs from Your Table
It might be the speakers but I don't hear any bass in this song at all. Maybe Adam was taking a nap. The tempo of this song seems a little odd to me. It's another straight forward rock moment, with some subtle effects. This is probably my least favorite song on the album but I still like it. It's just not fucking brilliant.
9. One Step Closer
The very beginning of this song reminds me of "The Joshua Tree" for some reason. It's quieter than most of the other songs, no driving guitar or crazy vocal effects. It reminds me a bit of "Dirty Day" from "Zooropa." Soft and depressing for some reason.
10. Original of the Species
Violins! I'm a sucker for classical instruments in rock music. "Some things you shouldn't get too good at like smiling, crying, and celebrity. Some people've got way too much confidence, baby." I love that!
11. Yahweh
Yahweh means God in Hebrew and sounds cool when sung like "Yah-WAAAAYYY." Usually, I'm not into religious music at all but I love it in U2's music because it's not overt or cheezy. I mean, my favorite album is "October" and it's ALLLL about God. Anyway, this song makes me want to smile. I love the backing "Ooooh OHHHH oohhh OHHH!" vocals. I'm getting sleepy so I'm glad this is the last song on the album, haha.
What's neat about this album is that it sounds like everything U2 has ever done mushed together to make a whole new sound. To be honest, I wasn't expecting to be blown away but this album is just amazing. Obviously, I'm really emotionally invested in U2's music and this album has sort of lit a fire under that. They're the only band that can make me feel elated and sad in the same song. There's something about Bono's voice that makes me wish I could sing so I could express the kind of emotion he does.
I think they've been around for so long because their music has the ability to express a range of emotions without getting stuck in a particular "sound." They can at once be exburiant and absolutely bursting with energy and mellow and sort of sad. Every song has its own personality but they all have a signature feeling of spirit and wonder at the world.
God, I'm such a DORK.
I wasn't much of a U2 fan in my youth, but I've begun listening to their stuff from the 80s and I'm loving it.
I enjoy "Vertigo", but I CANNOT STAND the beginning when Bono says, "Uno, dos, tres, catorce". 1, 2, 3, 14 WTF? Gah!
This new album sounds interesting though; I'll check it out in iTunes when it's released. :D
Posted by: mandy | November 11, 2004 at 08:29 AM