I now consider myself a U2 fan although before this album was announced I only listened to a handful of their songs, mostly to All That You Can't Leave Behind album. U2's fan base is so huge that you have the feeling that you're left-out if you start discovering only now their tremendous back catalog. I felt the same way but it all changed once they released this pure masterpiece. I suddenly feel that U2is my band also.
The longest gap for the bad between two albums served them right, because they came back with some Magnificent songs (pun intended). The lyrics are just mind blowing as usual, Bono probably reached his high-point as a poet and songwriter.
I have to admit that the album does need a few listens before you could organize your thoughts and write your feelings down. I did and this is how I feel about No Line On The Horizon:
No Line On The Horizon
The perfect opening track for an album like this. Starts off like a fly through the clouds in dawn greeting a new day. That's how I feel about this song. The verses are the key point in this song. The chorus is also very catchy. Pure U2'ness.
Magnificent
This is probably the best song off the album. That angry and poppy intro doesn't prepare you for what comes next. Melodic layers of guitar while Bono yells 'Magnificent', probably describing their new album. The verses are very beautiful and the lyrics just phenomenal.
Moment Of Surrender
This song was the hardest for me to like but I do now, after some good sessions of listening. It has that definitive feel of their Joshua's Tree crossed with Achtung Baby. The bass is very beautiful. The best thing about this song is Bono's vocals and the sweet melodies he resurrects.
Unknown Caller
This is simply a great song. It's not their best but it sure makes the album much better. This song has the 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' feel. The melody is just up-lifting and it makes you wanna sing along.
I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
The other great song of the album is this beautiful ballad. Some said that it's 'Beautiful Day's equivalent here and they are probably true. But the song also has its uniqueness. The intro and the primary chord is one of their best. The lyrics are beautiful, they can sure make your day. When I first heard that will.i.am worked on this song I was afraid that it will sound way too poppy but it's not the case.
Get On Your Boots
The lead single of the album is the most demented song of the eleven. The fast paced verses and the grungy chorus makes it a great addition to the bands sound. The lyrics are entirely catchy so you'll sing along after a few listens. The Edge is just a genius on this one.
Stand Up Comedy
This is the weirdest song of the album. It doesn't really reminds me of anything from their catalog. But that's a great thing. The poppy element is still there but the electrical guitar has a more important role. The chorus is very melodic and the lyrics make the song an anthem.
FEZ-Being Born
The experimental intro is just beautiful in this song. After that a sweet electronic ballad surfaces out of nowhere. One of the slow songs of the album.
White As Snow
Another song with a great piano intro. The lyrics leave a wonderful imagery. It's the slowest ballad from 'No Line On The Horizon'.
Breathe
The band tries to get electrical again with this just before the closing song. It's an uplifting song about life and respect to life these days. Beautiful lyrics again.
Cedars Of Lebanon
This is the perfect closing song for an album like this. It's haunting, slow and Bono's voice is crystal clear. He does not sing here, he recites over the echoing melody. Again, the lyrics are just captivating.
U2 are back and they're back in force. The album will be no. 1 on lots of charts around the world, that's guaranteed. The guys are back and the album simply rocks. It's not the 'hard rock' record The Edge promised 2 years ago but it's still a perfect masterpiece in my humble opinion.
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Great rewview. I am trying hard to like this album, but its not really happening for me. Maybea few more listens will do it justice! 8^)
zoobremia 02.05.2009 15:49
Hi there, well, I totally agree with You, these songs need / this record needs a few times for listening to, before it works or You can get the details in the sound, but still I haven't got all songs so far ... I like the songs "No Line On The Horizon", "Magnificent", which works better and better more often You'll listen to it, and "Unknown Caller", the rest isn't worse, but it's quiet okay not to listen to it for me ... I'm very interested in hearing "Get On Your Boots" live in concert for my very first time ... "Moment Of Surrender" is hard, I like it a little, but it sounds a little boring in some way, too ... "FEZ - Being Born" starts very curiously, but still it has a lot of power ... Well, "Cedars Of Lebanon" is too much Eno for me, or better, it's too much Harold Budd, which Eno added to U2 ... Well, I like the sounds of Harold Budd, Brian Eno and many more, I'm a big fan of Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze, too, but I don't like it in U2-songs (so far) ... Cheers, Sven
kevin121 10.04.2009 14:48
Nicely reviewed, although this isn't my fav U" album.
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