While I’m waiting until March 3 so I can have my little U2 album-unwrapping ritual, I’d love to hear from you.
Now that there’s a way to hear the album early legally and with the band’s blessing, what do you think of it?
(You did see this news about today’s MySpace release, didn’t you?)
Here’s David Fricke’s 5-star review in Rolling Stone, for whatever that’s worth.
At the first listen, it reminds me a lot of Achtung Baby. Don’t know why.
I did listen (thanks for the news!), and am listening. The first few tracks really grabbed me (I think there is one or two I don’t care for but will grow on me) from both a music and a songcraft standpoint. I agree with Alex, reminds me of Achtung Baby.
I should have said that the first few tracks grabbed me and that I love the album from both a music and songcraft standpoint (one or two tracks that might take a bit to grow on me).
From what I’ve heard so far: Meh.
Unfortunately this doesn’t seem to work from Europe…. or perhaps it’s not online anymore?
It didn’t work in Mexico or Canada either. Apparently this was a US only event, though that wasn’t clear on MySpace Music’s website. I wasted a lot of time trying to get it to work. I’m upset with U2 and myspace over it. I can’t afford to buy the album right away and really wanted to hear it. You’d think that a group this big would be able to do streaming right if they’re going to do that… 🙁
I did hear a few tracks on a radio station in Chicago that was playing one track an hour over the weekend and overall liked what I heard. With U2, the only album that has grabbed me from the beginning has been War. The rest of them have needed multiple listens. I think this one is no exception. Right now, based on the little I’ve heard, I’m guessing it will be up there with Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby in the end. I may even like this better than Achtung Baby, but time will tell…
Thanks for passing on the news Jeffrey!
When I started listening, my impression was that either this was the blandest collection of songs they put out, or that greatness would be revealed slowly.
I happy to say that it’s growing on me (thank God!).
A note: The thing I was most curious about this album was the question of wether they were going to be able to achieve the “whole album” feel that the past few have lacked. In this realm they succeed entirely. It’s beautiful to hear.
(It an absolute delight to hear Bono get to be so soulful in ‘Moment of Surrender’!)
Musically I found it to be very much in the “Achtung Baby” mold. It seems they are trying to stretch themselves. Incorporating aspects of world music and relying a bit less on the standard “digital delay” of Edge’s guitar is fantastic. Excellent production overall.
Lyrically, however, I feel Bono phoned this one in a bit. Little of the poetic nuance which made Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby and even dare I say the underrated POP, virtually timeless. I think he has gotten weaker as a lyricist with each of the last few albums. He has become just much more obvious in his words, imagery and rhyme choices and I am afraid they are almost turning into the cheesy “Christian” band we championed them for NOT being for so long. Some songs come of like Third Day or something in the lyrics department. I know for some that age can bring about more certainty and peace about the things of life and faith, but I still would like to believe there are more artistic ways to communicate that lyrically. I am just a bit disappointed after my first few listens, because I know Bono is capable of greatness.
I think it sounds pretty good so far. I too am hoping that the songs grow on me more.
Has anyone else noticed that the verse melody to White As Snow is almost identical to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”? It has to be intentional. Sounds great.
Jtilt, I did notice that and am glad you did as well so that I was not just imagining it. It is remarkably similar.
I noticed that too! And I love it. To me it feels off-the-cuff. Kind of like they sat around and said, “Hey, let’s try this”, and recorded it.
I know the band doesn’t do things that way (and even less so this time). But I guess I just think it’s cool that even though they spent a bajillion-million years making this album, it can still feel surprising. I like that about this album.