All the info you need...
Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2008 12:44 am
... on U2's new album coming out in 2009. Basically, I'm making this thread just for me and I guess Jake L. and Shawn too since I know they are U2 fans, but mainly for me because I'm tired of the fan sites not having a good organized page for all the information flowing out there. I guess this is for anybody else who may have an interest in them, or who just want to be awed at my ridiculous obsession, but whatever, as I've said to a few of you I'm ready to go into full U2-Dork mode which I haven't done in a few years, so away we go...
Title: No Line on the Horizon
Release Date:
* March 2: Worldwide
* March 3: North America
* February 27: Germany, Australia, Ireland
* February 25: Japan
So in my ever waiting anticipation last night I was on some Australian news website reading a review of the new album. I followed a link to an online store, ran by Universal, that had minute long samples of the songs. Next to it it had "Buy MP3." It worked. Someway, somehow. It took 10 minutes for Universal to correct their error but the damage had been done. I have the album, but have not personally spread it around the internet like wildfire, though I'm sure it is making the rounds. That said, here is my review track by track after six or seven listens.
No Line on the Horizon: You can hear a lot of Eno work on this one, meaning that it's very spacy and ambient at times but unmistakably U2. Bono channels the 80's on his vocal take and it works here. The verses flow nicely into the chorus leading up to the obligatory Oh-oh-oh bridge in the middle of the song. Good song that's indicative of what's to follow for the rest of the album. It's a more complex song than Vertigo, and for the first time since Zooropa (1993), the lead single is not the first song on the album.
Magnificent: An electronic intro that will be sure to remind some people of the Killers, which is ironic because the Killers remind many of U2. Regardless, the intro leads into a familiar Edge guitar work using his delay pedal. The drumming and rhythm carry this song. The melody is subtle and builds up perfectly into the chorus. This will likely be the second or third single. On the U2 fanboards out there, this is many people's favorite. The melody and delivery of the final part of the chorus leading to the bridge and end of the song is one of my favorite moments on the album, "Just a fight till we die, you and I will magnify, oh oh oh Magnificent"
Moment of Surrender: One of U2's longest songs, clocking in at 7:24. Amazingly, this was recorded in just one take. And I say amazingly and mean it because this is a band that, for just this album, mixed five, re-recorded three and ditched two songs in the final 24 hours of making this album. They will tinker and toy with anything and everything. And the fact that they didn't on this one is excellent. Bono's voice sounds better than it has since probably the ZooTV days on this one. A very moody and reflective song that the piano, bass and drums carry throughout. Early reviews that called it the "new One" are mistaken. And I don't mean that from a quality standpoint, they are just two very different songs. The verses melody is full of desperation and gives way to almost a hymnal chorus. The song does not feel like it's 7 and a half minutes long. In my opinion it will go down as one of their finest songs when the dust settles. Not an easily accessible song, but already one of my favorites off the album. Again one of my favorite moments after the last chorus, I did not notice the passers by and they did not notice me giving away to again the obligatory Oh-Oh-Oh with a great keyboard arrangement in the back.
Unknown Caller: Completing one of the longest streak of U2 songs on an album, following Magnificent (5:24), Moment of Surrender (7:26), Unknown Caller comes in at 6:03. A very subtle and quiet opening which does indeed have bird sounds from the riad where they recorded this in Fez above Edge's familiar chiming guitar. Bono said the song was about a man at the end of the rope when his cell phone buzzes the man instructions. Obviously, with the 3:33 in the morning when the numbers fell off the clock face, the "Unknown Caller" is God. Some excellent lyrics and a great delivery really depict the tired frame of mind. The group chant chorus also works well, even if it's a bit funny and has a Mac shout out "Force Quit! And move to trash!" The song has one of the Edge's better solo's that he's done. The organ preceding adds a lot to the song. I chalk that to Daniel Lanois. Not an easy song to get into at first, definitely a grower, but there is a lot going on and in the end, it works well.
I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight: After two long, moody songs full of atmosphere, here comes likely the second or third single. It's easily one of U2's more joyous songs and the "happiest" song since Beautiful Day. It's a great pop song. People who were fans of the last two albums will likely flock to this song. It's unmistakably U2, with an interesting melody in the verses that won't immediately stick with you, but it's very very good. A bit of self-depreciation from Bono with "The right to be ridiculous is something I hold dear." Amen. The chorus is not how I expected it to sound, and I mean that in a great way. The song climaxes nicely after a small Edge solo (you know, the 3 or 4 note one we're accustomed to by him
), before erupting nicely into the prechorus that sticks nicely and finally "We'll shout out into the darkness, squeeze out sparks of light, You know we'll go crazy if we don't go crazy tonight." I had my doubts on this one just by the name of it, but it's a very very well done pop song.
Get on Your Boots: Interesting that it was the lead single. Aside from I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Crazy Tonight it is probably the most accessible track on the album. Some people will say it reminds them of Vertigo, which I guess is fair since it's a bass driven song, but it's not completely fair. It's got a more complex chorus which is one of the more interestingly layered ones they've done this decade. The "Meet me in the sound" breakdown is still super cool in my book. It's a fun rock song with lyrics that aren't throwaway. Not my favorite off the album, but I still really enjoy the song.
Stand Up Comedy Funky rock song. Reminds me a lot of "Come Together" by the Beatles. The lyrics are a bit obvious, probably the most obvious on the record, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Bono said it was about beating down hypocrisy. Self depreciation mode again: Stand Up to rock stars, Napolean is in high heels, Josephine be careful of small men with big ideas." Despite being very direct and preachy to an extent (not as bad as you'd think), it's one of my favorites off the album. Very funky, very rock, and not like the typical U2 rock song, but it is at the same time.
Fez-- Being Born: Definitely the most experimental track. For anybody familiar with U2's back catalogue, think Unforgettable Fire meets Zooropa. Samples the "Let me in the sound" from the aforementioned Get On Your Boots before switching gears from sounds from the city of Fez with a drum loop and electronic noises into a funky electronic song, the "Being Born" part of it. The lyrics are used almost as an instrument in this song. But if you actually discern them, they're very good. Bono really is in top form on this album, both with his voice and with his lyrics.
White as Snow: The first thing I thought of when I heard the intro to this was Kid A by Radiohead. It gives way to one of the tracks where Bono sings from character; a dying soldier in Afghanistan. Very intimate song, and one that you'll either love or hate. I'm leaning more towards the love side (shocking, I know.) A different style for U2, almost like a country song. The melody is partially taken from "O Come O Come Emmanuel." At first I didn't like it, but it's definitely grown on me on only my first few listens.
Breathe: I was anticipating this, Magnificent and Moment of Surrender the most. Trip hop beat and cello opening give way to grunge guitar and ranting verses. Dylan-esque delivery on the verse. The guitar and cello amazingly work well. Of course, they're no stranger to strings in rock songs. (Hold me, Thrill me, Kiss me, Kill Me.) Contains some of my favorite lyrics and melodies, "Every day I die again and again and reborn; Every day I have to find the courage to walk out into the street, with arms out, got a love you can't defeat, neither down, nor out, there's nothing you have that I need, I can breathe." In only a way that U2 can seemingly do, they turn an angry song into one of their most uplifting chorus'. This will be a song that is a staple live. Sounds silly, but a cello breakdown in the middle of the song? Awesome. The Edge's guitar takes off on this song as well.
Cedars of Lebanon: After a heavy rock song, the album comes to a subtle close. A spoken word style of singing as Bono sings in character of a war correspondent. Haunting and chilly is one way to describe it. "Return the call to home" breakup a few times in the song reminds me a lot of Radiohead. Not an immediately accessible song. Full of atmosphere and definitely not radio friendly. The album concludes with one of my favorite lines: "Choose your enemies carefully, cause they will define you; Make them interesting because in some ways they will mind you; They're not there in the beginning but when the story ends; Gonna last with you longer than your friends." In my opinion, it's their best album closer since Love is Blindness on Achtung Baby.
On a whole, I obviously can't rank it yet against the rest of their history. It's far too early for that. That said, I am confident it will stand the test of time and wind up as their third masterpiece next to the Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby. Every time you listen to it, you pick up on something else. That can be credited to the Lanois and Eno production team. The album will be a grower. And that's a good thing, after two very direct albums. U2 change, and they've not only changed up musically progressed with this album as well. The single-oriented fans and casual fans will not immediately be happy with this album. Fans of U2 from the 80's and 90's who haven't been keen on the past two offerings should be very satisfied with this album. Fortunately for me, I like the 80's, 90's and 00's offerings. Their latest is no let down and has surpassed my expectations. Well done, U2, you did it again.
For the iPod generation and the people who will only want to hear the quick, in your face songs, I suggest: Magnificent, Stand Up Comedy, I'll Go Crazy if I don't go Crazy Tonight and Breathe. For the fans that are after an actual album, enjoy what should be hailed in four or five years, if not now, as their third true masterpiece. This is easily U2's most spiritual album since October, and perhaps surpassing it. And that adds bonus points with me as well.
Title: No Line on the Horizon
Release Date:
* March 2: Worldwide
* March 3: North America
* February 27: Germany, Australia, Ireland
* February 25: Japan
So in my ever waiting anticipation last night I was on some Australian news website reading a review of the new album. I followed a link to an online store, ran by Universal, that had minute long samples of the songs. Next to it it had "Buy MP3." It worked. Someway, somehow. It took 10 minutes for Universal to correct their error but the damage had been done. I have the album, but have not personally spread it around the internet like wildfire, though I'm sure it is making the rounds. That said, here is my review track by track after six or seven listens.
No Line on the Horizon: You can hear a lot of Eno work on this one, meaning that it's very spacy and ambient at times but unmistakably U2. Bono channels the 80's on his vocal take and it works here. The verses flow nicely into the chorus leading up to the obligatory Oh-oh-oh bridge in the middle of the song. Good song that's indicative of what's to follow for the rest of the album. It's a more complex song than Vertigo, and for the first time since Zooropa (1993), the lead single is not the first song on the album.
Magnificent: An electronic intro that will be sure to remind some people of the Killers, which is ironic because the Killers remind many of U2. Regardless, the intro leads into a familiar Edge guitar work using his delay pedal. The drumming and rhythm carry this song. The melody is subtle and builds up perfectly into the chorus. This will likely be the second or third single. On the U2 fanboards out there, this is many people's favorite. The melody and delivery of the final part of the chorus leading to the bridge and end of the song is one of my favorite moments on the album, "Just a fight till we die, you and I will magnify, oh oh oh Magnificent"
Moment of Surrender: One of U2's longest songs, clocking in at 7:24. Amazingly, this was recorded in just one take. And I say amazingly and mean it because this is a band that, for just this album, mixed five, re-recorded three and ditched two songs in the final 24 hours of making this album. They will tinker and toy with anything and everything. And the fact that they didn't on this one is excellent. Bono's voice sounds better than it has since probably the ZooTV days on this one. A very moody and reflective song that the piano, bass and drums carry throughout. Early reviews that called it the "new One" are mistaken. And I don't mean that from a quality standpoint, they are just two very different songs. The verses melody is full of desperation and gives way to almost a hymnal chorus. The song does not feel like it's 7 and a half minutes long. In my opinion it will go down as one of their finest songs when the dust settles. Not an easily accessible song, but already one of my favorites off the album. Again one of my favorite moments after the last chorus, I did not notice the passers by and they did not notice me giving away to again the obligatory Oh-Oh-Oh with a great keyboard arrangement in the back.
Unknown Caller: Completing one of the longest streak of U2 songs on an album, following Magnificent (5:24), Moment of Surrender (7:26), Unknown Caller comes in at 6:03. A very subtle and quiet opening which does indeed have bird sounds from the riad where they recorded this in Fez above Edge's familiar chiming guitar. Bono said the song was about a man at the end of the rope when his cell phone buzzes the man instructions. Obviously, with the 3:33 in the morning when the numbers fell off the clock face, the "Unknown Caller" is God. Some excellent lyrics and a great delivery really depict the tired frame of mind. The group chant chorus also works well, even if it's a bit funny and has a Mac shout out "Force Quit! And move to trash!" The song has one of the Edge's better solo's that he's done. The organ preceding adds a lot to the song. I chalk that to Daniel Lanois. Not an easy song to get into at first, definitely a grower, but there is a lot going on and in the end, it works well.
I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight: After two long, moody songs full of atmosphere, here comes likely the second or third single. It's easily one of U2's more joyous songs and the "happiest" song since Beautiful Day. It's a great pop song. People who were fans of the last two albums will likely flock to this song. It's unmistakably U2, with an interesting melody in the verses that won't immediately stick with you, but it's very very good. A bit of self-depreciation from Bono with "The right to be ridiculous is something I hold dear." Amen. The chorus is not how I expected it to sound, and I mean that in a great way. The song climaxes nicely after a small Edge solo (you know, the 3 or 4 note one we're accustomed to by him
), before erupting nicely into the prechorus that sticks nicely and finally "We'll shout out into the darkness, squeeze out sparks of light, You know we'll go crazy if we don't go crazy tonight." I had my doubts on this one just by the name of it, but it's a very very well done pop song. Get on Your Boots: Interesting that it was the lead single. Aside from I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Crazy Tonight it is probably the most accessible track on the album. Some people will say it reminds them of Vertigo, which I guess is fair since it's a bass driven song, but it's not completely fair. It's got a more complex chorus which is one of the more interestingly layered ones they've done this decade. The "Meet me in the sound" breakdown is still super cool in my book. It's a fun rock song with lyrics that aren't throwaway. Not my favorite off the album, but I still really enjoy the song.
Stand Up Comedy Funky rock song. Reminds me a lot of "Come Together" by the Beatles. The lyrics are a bit obvious, probably the most obvious on the record, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Bono said it was about beating down hypocrisy. Self depreciation mode again: Stand Up to rock stars, Napolean is in high heels, Josephine be careful of small men with big ideas." Despite being very direct and preachy to an extent (not as bad as you'd think), it's one of my favorites off the album. Very funky, very rock, and not like the typical U2 rock song, but it is at the same time.
Fez-- Being Born: Definitely the most experimental track. For anybody familiar with U2's back catalogue, think Unforgettable Fire meets Zooropa. Samples the "Let me in the sound" from the aforementioned Get On Your Boots before switching gears from sounds from the city of Fez with a drum loop and electronic noises into a funky electronic song, the "Being Born" part of it. The lyrics are used almost as an instrument in this song. But if you actually discern them, they're very good. Bono really is in top form on this album, both with his voice and with his lyrics.
White as Snow: The first thing I thought of when I heard the intro to this was Kid A by Radiohead. It gives way to one of the tracks where Bono sings from character; a dying soldier in Afghanistan. Very intimate song, and one that you'll either love or hate. I'm leaning more towards the love side (shocking, I know.) A different style for U2, almost like a country song. The melody is partially taken from "O Come O Come Emmanuel." At first I didn't like it, but it's definitely grown on me on only my first few listens.
Breathe: I was anticipating this, Magnificent and Moment of Surrender the most. Trip hop beat and cello opening give way to grunge guitar and ranting verses. Dylan-esque delivery on the verse. The guitar and cello amazingly work well. Of course, they're no stranger to strings in rock songs. (Hold me, Thrill me, Kiss me, Kill Me.) Contains some of my favorite lyrics and melodies, "Every day I die again and again and reborn; Every day I have to find the courage to walk out into the street, with arms out, got a love you can't defeat, neither down, nor out, there's nothing you have that I need, I can breathe." In only a way that U2 can seemingly do, they turn an angry song into one of their most uplifting chorus'. This will be a song that is a staple live. Sounds silly, but a cello breakdown in the middle of the song? Awesome. The Edge's guitar takes off on this song as well.
Cedars of Lebanon: After a heavy rock song, the album comes to a subtle close. A spoken word style of singing as Bono sings in character of a war correspondent. Haunting and chilly is one way to describe it. "Return the call to home" breakup a few times in the song reminds me a lot of Radiohead. Not an immediately accessible song. Full of atmosphere and definitely not radio friendly. The album concludes with one of my favorite lines: "Choose your enemies carefully, cause they will define you; Make them interesting because in some ways they will mind you; They're not there in the beginning but when the story ends; Gonna last with you longer than your friends." In my opinion, it's their best album closer since Love is Blindness on Achtung Baby.
On a whole, I obviously can't rank it yet against the rest of their history. It's far too early for that. That said, I am confident it will stand the test of time and wind up as their third masterpiece next to the Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby. Every time you listen to it, you pick up on something else. That can be credited to the Lanois and Eno production team. The album will be a grower. And that's a good thing, after two very direct albums. U2 change, and they've not only changed up musically progressed with this album as well. The single-oriented fans and casual fans will not immediately be happy with this album. Fans of U2 from the 80's and 90's who haven't been keen on the past two offerings should be very satisfied with this album. Fortunately for me, I like the 80's, 90's and 00's offerings. Their latest is no let down and has surpassed my expectations. Well done, U2, you did it again.
For the iPod generation and the people who will only want to hear the quick, in your face songs, I suggest: Magnificent, Stand Up Comedy, I'll Go Crazy if I don't go Crazy Tonight and Breathe. For the fans that are after an actual album, enjoy what should be hailed in four or five years, if not now, as their third true masterpiece. This is easily U2's most spiritual album since October, and perhaps surpassing it. And that adds bonus points with me as well.