U2 “No Line On The Horizon” Review
A new record by U2 is never really going to sneak up on anybody, so even the leak of No Line On The Horizon earlier this week was greeted with fanfare and much discussion within the blogosphere. There are always plenty of promotional bells and whistles associated with an imminent U2 album, as well as a guaranteed asinine comment or two by Bono in the lead-up to the release date—this time it’s “If this isn’t our best album, we’re irrelevant.” Well Bono, it’s not your best album, and you know it, but you’re never really going to be irrelevant either, and you know that as well. Of course, he probably repeats this little mantra to himself every night before he goes to bed anyway, so irrelevancy is not something Bono or his ego will ever let happen. But my trouble with this record doesn’t start with Bono, it starts with the fact that U2 are repeatedly trying to get away with things we’ve already heard from them musically, and I don’t know if it’s because they don’t know how to sound any different at this point in their career, or if they simply think most of their fans can’t remember the riffs and arrangements from their earlier records to call them out on this rehash. Well, I’m calling them out.
The record begins strong enough with the title track, but layered underneath the insufferable yelping of Bono is a riff that sounds suspiciously close to the one the Edge used, albeit to a less successful effect, on “The Fly.” It’s subtle, but it’s there. Maybe it’s because the Edge’s guitar style is so recognizable and distinct at this point that even he can’t get away from cribbing some of his best riffs. I mean, so many other bands are doing it, right? But to me, as a longtime U2 fan, I view it as laziness and lack of inspiration. “Magnificent,” while being a good song (and perhaps the best track on the record), essentially recycles the riff from “Where The Streets Have No Name.” And “Moment Of Surrender” basically uses the backing rhythm of “Tryin’ To Throw My Arms Around The World” to drive the song along. That’s not to say that these songs don’t have value on their own, but U2 has obviously been influenced by themselves and what got them here to such an extent that they struggle to come up with anything truly original anymore. Plus, when you add lyrics as clichèd as “It’s not if I believe in love, if love believes in me,” and one of my pet peeve’s “Punching in the numbers at the ATM Machine”—Bono, and everyone, the M stands for machine, please don’t be redundant. So when you add all of those factors up, a song that certainly has the potential to be stirring and meaningful loses all of it’s impact on me.
Certainly, if you listen to this album without such attention to detail, in can be (and should be) an enjoyable listen, for the boys invested in heavy—hitting producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, and they are real professionals at getting great sounds out of the bands they are working with. So, sonically, this is a pleasurable listen, if you forget the fact that you’ve heard most of this before. “I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight” apes the guitar part from “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” as well as shamefully stealing from Journey’s “Faithfully” towards the song’s end. “Get On Your Boots” doesn’t fit well on this record, sticking out like the obnoxious lead-single it’s trying so hard to be. But the song is just a mishmash of styles that changes pace so much during the course of its three minutes that it looses all cohesiveness and strives for a grandeur it never achieves.
The song that really reached me the most on this record, “FEZ-Being Born,” is also (coincidentally, or not) the track where Eno’s production is the most evident, and Bono’s vocals are rendered nearly inconsequential. It’s quite an aural achievement from the band, one where they are out of their element a bit, and the riffs are fresh and new along with Bono’s more reaching, passionate vocals (despite the early “Let me in the sound” reprise from “Boots”). This U2 I would certainly be more interested in, one where they again switch directions in sound and scope, and try for something new instead of something safe. But unfortunately, they return to that familiar territory again on “White As Snow,” which could just as easily be called “One (Part II),” if that wasn’t such an awkward title. It’s a lousy song, reaching for the emotion of “One” without ever coming close.
“Breathe” also finds the band branching out from their comfort zone a bit, with the Edge providing the song with a crunchy guitar base and Bono letting himself go in free-verse style. It’s quite interesting for about a minute, but the chorus really kills any momentum the song has going, and Bono’s lyrics descend into meaningless gibberish probably written on a drunken night in Dublin. And by the time the Beatles “Within You Without You” strings kick in, I’ve stopped caring. “Cedars Of Lebanon” closes out the 54 minute record, and finds Bono trying to make a dramatic spoken-word statement about the escalating state of affairs in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinians, but it really falls flat with lyrics that are borderline laughable when you consider the delicate subject matter he is striving to write about—”Child drinking water from the river bank/Soldier brings oranges he got out from a tank/Waiting on a waiter, he’s taking a while to come/Watching the sun go down on Lebanon.” He really shouldn’t have bothered because he’s adding nothing meaningful to the discussion and should just go back to having dinner and writing pop songs. Let the talking heads on CNN have their politics Bono, for when you use lyrics like this you’re embarrassing yourself and your fans, and making light of what really is a tragic situation. I appreciate what Bono has done in raising awareness and money for a lot of worthy causes in the world, and I sincerely hope he continues to make a difference where he can. But keep the politics out of your music, unless you’re able to come up with something better than “Lebanon.”
So U2 are back with their familiar sound and usual bombast, and No Line On The Horizon is going to be a big record, both in scope and sales, no matter what I think of the album. I just wish that they would strive for something new, and not this rehashed sound that they’ve been peddling for years. I remember when they really went for vastly different sounds on subsequent records, going from the lush Americana of Joshua Tree to the more soulful sounds of Rattle and Hum, and the brilliant sonic-curveballs of Actung Baby and Zooropa to the materialistic over-the-top consumerism of Pop. Some experiments worked better than others, but at least they kept things interesting by changing gears a bit musically and topically, and switching up their sound so that their music didn’t get stale. But now they’ve settled into territory that is much too safe and into sounds that are too similar to their past to hold my interest.
I briefly mentioned this before Erik but when I was listening to the album I caught myself doin’ a little head bob… and it kinda struck me that if it’s off in the background somewhere, and I’m not paying attention to it… “No Line on the Horizon” is fine. But the exact same can be said for Nickelback and Coldplay. If it’s music to fill space that you’re looking for, U2 can take care of you.
The same can be said for a lot of music I listen to, so don’t get me wrong here–I’m not trying to say anything about those who enjoy the album… but when you’re the biggest band in the world, you got some splainin’ to do when you release music lacking soul.
Got to agree with you Erik. The first time I heard “Get On Your Boots” on The Current I had to switch it off halfway through the song. They are beginning to remind me of Journey (that’s no compliment).
Boots is easily the worst song on the album by FAR, and not in any way indicative of the rest of the record at least…
not saying it’s a great album, it’s not, but i like it more than their last 2 at least.
it’s about a 6/10 for me
I give it 8 Courics!
I’ve only listened to the album twice now all the way through. As a life long fan, it’s difficult not to fall into the trap of defending them. I’ll just say this, I notice all of the things and nuances that are mentioned in the reviews. Whether it’s a lyric that makes me a bit uncomfortable or a part of a particular song that builds a little momentum and then deflates for whatever reason. However, I’m not as offended as most of the people writing negative reviews. Maybe my tastes are not as developed but I’m just sincerely grateful they are still making music. I’m not really concerned about comparing this to other albums or efforts as EVERY single reviewer seems to be. As far as stealing goes, technically 90% of all pop and rock was stolen from the boys from Liverpool. Who cares?! Some of U2′s albums I rarely listen to. Some I listen to more than others. Most of the time when I listen to U2 it is to a live performance. This band has enjoyed enough success to tear apart TEN bands. The fact that they are still making music is an anomoly. I just appreciate know that this new album will more than likely lead to a tour and I’ll once again get to see one of the most powerful live performing bands in the world.
I continue to ask myself why I read reviews on music/art. I listened to the new U2 album. Not that my opinion matters to any other person than myself, but I can say that I had not been completely blown away with any U2 album since Achtung Baby. Now, with that being said, I also understand that U2 have gone through many, many changes. As a whole, can the masses like every change they have made? Of course not. You have one critic that loves POP, and another that hates it. Which one is right? They both are, because they both have their own opinion. I have now listened to NLOTH many, many times. I love it. That is my opinion, and that’s all that matters.
Look I am a U2 fan. Its not stealing if it is their sound. If the songs sound similar to other songs they have done in the past so be it IT THEIR SOUND.
Zepplin did it, the stones, the dead ect ect ect.
To a certain degree there was a formula those bands stuck to regardless of what was going on around them musically. Once U2 made the conscious effort to incorporate outside elements into their music, they set themselves up because they provided evidence that there is this spark to incorporate new sounds into their music that the AC/DCs and Stones of the world haven’t really shown. Once they did that, rehashing bits and pieces with far less care than was given to the original comes off sounding a bit boring.
I was excited because I heard a different version of the song No Line On The Horizon on a yahoo page … it sounded fantastic! So full of life! Then I hear a version of the entire album on myspace, and it sounded dull and lacking life. The version of No Line On The Horizon is weak compared to a previous version I heard. I don’t understand what U2 is doing. I think this album at first listen is pretty weak and not hitting me in the heart. I honestly think this band has lost it ever since Achtung Baby, though I remained a fan, and I don’t understand why they continue to get critical acclaim when other bands are better and need to be rewarded. For this reason, I think U2 stayed banal and dry.
the album version of No Line >>> the Get On Your Boots single version
interesting take… it’s easy to take cheap shots at Bono, but this review seems pretty objective.
Look, this is not U2′s best record, but it is the best since…Achtung or Pop (I liked Pop). As for U2 not changing their sound/style. This record feels like a collaboration of all their records. I give the album an 8/10 compared to Achtung.
Let’s put this in perspective. People are soooo critical of U2 because they expect bigger and better things each time. If this was put out by an unknown group this would definitely put them on the map.
This in no way is BANAL and DRY. This album has a lot of thought and work put into it. Atomic Bomb and perhaps Leave Behind were dry albums. I love the “hardness” of this album. Many riffs and good music. It has never been about Bono’s voice, it has been about all four members who put their two cents in and give you a dollar. Bono’s voice is getting way weak…
All in all, great album. I listened to Atomic Bomb may twice all the way through. I am on my 5th go around with this one.
I haven’t yet heard No Line On The Horizon except Get On Your Boots which i find enjoyable but not great, maybe it will grow on me a bit more. I think the problem with U2 is all the hype, “the biggest band in the world” and all that. It raises expectations too high for most people. I’m a huge fan of Achtung Baby, i consider it an all-time classic which deserves to be included in all the 100 Greatest rock/pop albums lists that people love to read. But all U2 albums since then have had there moments. I tend to agree with other fans who’ve said that their last album is too unadventurous sound wise but i heard Because Of You the other day and thought “thats fucking great! who cares!” its full of euphoric rock energy, it totally transformed my mood that day. I’m sure No Line On The Horizon will have 3 or 4 classic tracks on it, thats really all i expect and i know with U2 i will get it. If the album turns out to be up there with Achtung Baby then that will be a bonus.
Well, after a couple more listens through the myspace version of this album, I must say I changed my mind. This album is DIFFERENT than any other U2 album. It’s, shall I say, a truly epic album. Much better that the overhyped and over-rated How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. The singing is a lot more thought out… the use of harmonies/chanting is very unique in this one. Makes me want to keep listening. This one is a step in the right direction … and after a couple more listens may prove to be one of their very best. I need to hear the non-Myspace version… and I am still looking for that other version of No Line On The Horizon the song … which is more retro and crisp… Can anyone help???
Hey do U2 get a chance to critique you as a human being? Since you’re so ready to dissect them, is their anything you create and contribute to the world? The job of reviewing something doesn’t always have to be so negative. So many reviewers think that being negative gives them some sort of street credibility. People like you think that because you can pick out elements of something familiar, that means you’ve figured everything out. Well, aren’t you so smart and clever! So, ‘if you were an orphan, and I read Oliver Twist, would that pretty much sum up your life? Would Oliver Twist encapsulate you?’. I’m sure you’d like to think not.
Much of the best music has depth, in terms of layers of instrumentation, rhythm and emotional depth. This music also has space around each sound, and is set in its own environment. U2 have achieved this in their best music. NLOTH has some of these moments as well, but it’s too early to assess how great an album this is. The album is not a sonic revolution for the band, but there are enough new ideas to suggest they’ve broke some new ground. Even much of the familiar song structures and sounds have been approached from a different angle.
Lyrically, the album has some really strong moments along with a few eyebrow raisers. But, even at that, Bono is clever enough to make those lyrics stick out. He’s not afraid of pricking your ears up and saying ‘yeah, that’s right, I did just say that.’ And, what exactly is wrong about mentioning an ATM machine? It presents a place and a time that the song is set. It’s really nitpicking to dissect every line this way? I’ve got to ask, are you getting enough bran in your diet? perhaps feeling constipated or down about your own place in life?
Reallly, you’ve got to look beyond the surface of things and spend time with music before you review it. And, in the mean time you might want to create something real of your own before you tear down something else.
I feel compelled to write a response to this review as a musician. I feel that reviewers are extremely quick to use older material to try to help them describe what they are attempting to review.
In this regard the part of the this review that states…. “Magnificent,†while being a good song (and perhaps the best track on the record), essentially recycles the riff from “Where The Streets Have No Name.†And “Moment Of Surrender†basically uses the backing rhythm of “Tryin’ To Throw My Arms Around The World†to drive the song along” ….. is completely off the mark and should be ignored by anyone reading this article. Music journalists would surely be better at their jobs if they actually knew any music theory.
I used to dig U2, haven’t given a flying fuck since….well O I don’t even remember. Bono is Bono, I love his eye wear, but getting on stage with the Killers (frauds)& Coldplay (who took hustle John Mayer fans) seem to be a way of drawing their “of the moment status” on U2, still as Jane Addiction said Nothings Shocking.
The Perfect Boy Band
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article5765519.ece
cheers/yo
Ive read many reviews including this one and come to the conclusion than many music jurno’s are more into their work than the music which they are reviewing.Ive listened to the album twice now and its an exceptional peice of work. Again and again u2 blow the competition out of the water.
macko, i’m a musician myself…
i don’t think the record is particularly great either (it’s their best since Pop, but that’s not very good praise either).
also, knowing music theory doesn’t mean shit, it usually just means you make boring music imo.
Snap! I like reading these comments better than most reviews! Erik, I haven’t ever really been a U2 fan so I have no frame of reference here – but it’s well thought out and written as usual.
You should really realize that you aren’t entitled to an opinion though. Especially if it isn’t the same opinion as I have. I am sure that if you just took the time to “really” listen to (fill in the blank) that you would love it as much as I do.
yeah. opinions are like assholes everybody’s got 1. but eric is so gifted apparently he has 2. he’s shitting from both ends. I love how you only mention the shit you hate but the stuff you probably like, you don’t really expound on. you little ass rimmer. i bet you’re wacking off to the Jonass brothers right now. enjoy that tossed salad buddy.
I like it when people feel the need to defend U2 like a bad review is going to hurt their feelings. Thank god there are people out there who will defend these poor guys. Also, for the anonymous people who rail on reviewers for not creating something, I think you should not throw stones while living in a glass house. Erik took his own time, wrote a review and posted it. He has an opinion, just like you (except that your opinion is worth more because of your music theory degree). He created something and isn’t hiding behind a name like “dman” and talking shit that he doesn’t have to back up. If you are the second coming of Greil Marcus, start a blog and write about it and enlighten people who know less than you, which I’m sure you think is everyone.
Who’s hiding Josh. I will meet you anytime, anywhere and kick your stanky ass out
with the rest of the garbage. Erik’s review sucks. Not because I have a different opinion, but because his review isn’t complete. Also, IMO he hasn’t really listened to the music. As for relating one song to another, anyone can play that game with tonal music. Almost any song, by any artist/band in pop music has a rhythmic or melodic idea that can be found to inspire another song. There are also distinct sounds, phrasing, snippets of melody, and rhythmic patterns that artists frequently use again and again. It’s part of what constitutes as ‘their’ sound.
Oh, and I can back up my comments about ‘creating’. I write a lot of music in various styles and have performed in Europe and the U.S. And, I can say that if I were to review something, I would really attempt to absorb the music and try to describe it and how i feel about it as a work unto itself. If I felt bias, or that I was affected by a boneheaded comment by a lead singer I would try to leave that out of my review of the music.
There’s some wonderful guitar playing on this album, and some real soul on “Moment of Surrender”. It’s a 7 minute song that feels like 3. In “Magnificent’ U2 have managed to make a classic U2 song but underpinned by an almost hypnotic space-disco beat. “White As Snow” is beautifully simple and based on the hymn ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’. It also has some fine lyrics that effectively paint a picture. There are a few eyebrow raising lines, sure, but there are twice as many good ones ” Such as the best song with an ATM machine reference, lol:
At the moment of surrender
I fell down to my knees
I did not notice the passers-by
And they did not notice me
I´ve been in every black hole
At the altar of the dark star
My body´s now a begging bowl
That´s begging to get back, begging to get back
To my heart
To the rhythm of my soul
To the rhythm of my unconsciousness
To the rhythm that yearns
To be released form control
And in White As Snow:
Now this dry ground it bears no fruit at all
Only poppies laugh under the crescent moon
The road refuses strangers
The land the seeds we sow
Where might we find the lamb as white as snow?
As boys we would go hunting in the woods
To sleep the night shooting out the stars
Now the wolves are very passing stranger
Every face we cannot know
If only a heart could be as white as snow
If only a heart could be as white as snow
I can’t name too many singers in popular music today that could right something close to the feeling in those lines. Bono may annoy you, but he has a wonderfully distinctive voice and he’s one of the few lyricists right now that has you hanging on every word, whether you like his lyrics or not.
“I can’t name too many singers in popular music today that could right something close to the feeling in those lines.”
dman: 1 – Josh & Erik: 0
I have studied U2 songs for over 20 years now.
Saying that Magnificent is a take off of “Streets” is simply and painfully wrong. His comparison of Moment of Surrender and Trying to throw your arms around the world solidifies his ignorance of U2.
I dont so much as dissagree with him about calling them out, but this can only be done on “Crazy tonight, and “No Line on the Horizon” (Which by the way is a great song)
How can you get anymore original than songs- “Unknown Caller”, “Fez”, and “Stand up Comedy” is completely new ground for U2.
If you are gonna do a review, atleast know what you are talking about. He should be embarrassed with his break down.
- Also- If you arent listening to each song multiple times, you arent gonna to get them, and shouldnt bother trying to get U2.
Erik, by the extent of these comments and the vitriol contained within, it appears you’ve arrived. Congratulations!
And I agree with a few of you more level-headed folks out there – if you think you can write a better, more “thorough” review, by all means do so. Put your efforts toward something constructive.
I agree with the author of this review. It is very obvious U2 have no more ideas. For example, Bono sings “I grew up in a place with no hills”. On ATYCLB he sang “I grew up in a place where there were no trees” What the heck! This lazy bum couldn’t think up better lyrics in more than 5 years! Then we have the “Baby Baby” always an indication of not having any ideas what to sing about.
Then we have the Edge just basically reusing the same riffs from past albums. Larry and adam mailed in the drum and bass as they always do. Why they are even considered part of this band is a mystery.
Well that is 3 garbage albums in a row, so U2 are done in my book.
I will go listen to Boy or anything before zooropa because everything after is stinks.
Dman, you may “create” in your own time but I have my reservations about it, most of your comments seem to be filled in with lyrics that you somehow want to use as an argument and that line about Oliver Twist/orphans was stolen from ‘Good Will Hunting’, if you’re going to knock a guy for claiming your favorite band is unoriginal, please have the decency to be original yourself. It’s ugly, much like Bono’s growing God complex.
I’ll never understand the vitriol and intensity with which U2 fans defend the band. I’m not a U2 fan any longer, but I don’t mock you for being one nor try to convince you they suck. I don’t really even think they suck, I just don’t enjoy them and there’s a subtle difference, but I have found that it often pointless to try to spell the difference out because you and many of your brethren are so quick to jump on us and accuse us of being elitist and snotty. That’s not it, I don’t enjoy U2′s music any longer and, with a few exceptions have not since ‘Rattle & Hum’. I also do not enjoy Bono’s God complex and his assumption that the fact the he is a huge, international rock star somehow qualifies him to solve all of the world’s ills. Disliking U2 is not a crime. To the contrary, it’s my right, just as it is yours to love them with all your heart.
I also forgot to add this: No, U2 does not get to critique me as a human being, I also do not live a life that is, for all intents and purposes, public.
When you do things in the public eye (create music, act in films, etc.) you are going to be critiqued and second-guessed and sometimes disliked. It comes with the territory.
So you can sit in front of your computer and lob molotov cocktails at Erik but he has chosen a life out of the public eye and chooses to write about albums and bands, but I can assure you that your assessment that he is a jerk does not affect him any more than his assessment that this new album isn’t good affects U2.
POB – (Pissed Off Beatch? -If that’s your name I almost like you.) THANK YOU. You have just revealed and demonstrated how narrow-minded some casual music listeners can be. You adopt an “us vs, them” rational and lump people into fans of U2 and non-fans of U2. Has the ‘war on terror’ taught you nothing? People don’t have to be fans of an artist or band specifically. It can be about ‘THE MUSIC’. It shouldn’t be difficult for someone who is supposed to be a Critic, to write a fairly objective review. If you don’t like U2′s music that is fine. But, a review needs to be complete, and a professional or semi-pro reviewer should have some basic music theory and an understanding of music terminology and then still make the review palatable for non-musician folk as well. I also think that it’s better if a Music Critic has an appreciation for several styles of music so that he/she isn’t judging the quality of music based merely on their style preference. It’s clear to me that this reviewer here is not happy with Bono, and how much attention U2 get. I can understand that. Sometimes Bono (as brilliant as he often is) is a bonehead. He’s excitable and he hypes stuff to a ridiculous degree of hilarity, or annoyance. That said, if a Critic is reviewing music, than he/she should not take those particular feelings into a review on MUSIC. Keep that for a character piece, perhaps on “Why does or does not U2 matter” or some other ridiculous topic. Because to take the baggage of what you dislike, or vehemently hate about a person, personality, or out of context comments made and filter that through a MUSIC review is downright cynical, unprofessional, and let’s just say juvenile. U2 can defend themselves. They made their millions and rightfully so. I defend the music. Not ‘their music’. Not ‘our’ music, or ‘your’ music. There is no possession as MUSIC is it’s own force beyond the confines of mortal flesh & bone. IMO, this review comes off as someone trying to gain some ‘street credibility’ with indie-kids. “Look at me, I’m cool because I just slagged off the mighty U2.” Someone whose entire knowledge of music consists of wacking-off daily to pitchfork interviews. Someone who thinks feeling alive means being ‘trendy’ and has the mentality that if it was good last week then it cannot be good today. Someone who thinks being green means wearing a green t-shirt and getting Gonorrhea. it would be refreshing for people to discuss music without the need to feel ‘cool’. I would seriously recommend a pair of high quality headphones when preparing to listen and review music. Then, listen to it in your car driving 120 mph till you crash into Erik’s office, you get the point.
As for what is/isn’t the public eye…guess what POB, that also includes the internet. ‘Erik the Critic Extraordinaire’ is posting something publicly. SO, pube-lick away POB. And, Artists /public figures have a right to defend themselves just like anyone. They just need to comment wisely and generally be more tactful. Oh, and the comment I used from Good Will Hunting, I put that in quotations, you Dumbass. That’s more than most twats give in posts on lame-ass wannabe ‘alt’ pitchfork blogs or in this case blah-g.
BTW, if you’re not so ‘cool’ it’s okay to like this music. It is a quality album that deserves repeated listening. There’s a lot of soul in this music, and it has layers galore that you won’t hear on 1st listen. lots of quiet rhythm guitar and other instrumentation, vocal harmonies that are panned at various degrees of the stereo spectrum which gives this music a sonic depth not found in most popular music. The production is remarkable in that aspect. It also helps to have geniuses like BRIAN ENO (produced David Bowie, Talking Heads among others) & DANIEL LANOIS (Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel among others) The ‘devil is in the details’ so to speak.
Its a 6.5 maybe a 7 out of 10 for me
I agree with some of the reviewers statements, it is VERY noticeable that they are reusing old techniques, effects, riffs and arrangements
BUT…
1. As someone else stated: It’s their sound, copying your own sound isn’t wrong
(I think why we’re disappointed is because it brings nothing new to the table)
2. We expect too much, yes they’re ‘the biggest or one of the biggest bands in the world’
However U2 is like every band, don’t expect each album to be a revolution.
3. They’re not ‘old U2′ and they’re not coming back
U2 are too comfortable right now, they have a signature sound and don’t feel they need to change it as of yet.
4. The reviewer is being a bit critical with the lyrics considering it was one line, but yes – Bono’s lyrics are and really always were a bit cliche – I agree he needs to keep political matters to a minimum as they’re getting in the way of the music
5. U2 rock…
This has been a very interesting commentary to read through. I’m on my second listen of the album, and initially, I was very disappointed. I felt like Bono’s voice stands out a bit more abrasively than I’m used to on other albums, and much of Larry’s driving rhythms have taken a back seat with the Edge. After the first listen, some of the songs felt incomplete, incoherent, or almost unbearable. I skipped through Stand Up Comedy (partially because I HATE the title of the song for some reason) and White As Snow (because it struck me bored).
But, as with any difficult new sounds, listeners need to take time to let the essence of the music breathe like a nice full bodied red wine. So I put on a pair of great headphones, and gave it another try. This is some deep stuff. There is all kinds of delicate layering going on. The sound mix is absolutely superb (not that you can expect anything else from these guys). For the common listener, if, over time the album does nothing for you, then it’s time to move on, but at least you gave it a good effort. Try something else; don’t be angry about it. Honestly, where’s anger getting you?
About three years ago, Daniel Lanois had a month-long residency at Spaceland in Los Angeles, and I was able to see him perform live. He is a fantasically gifted musician. It became obvious how much his guitar sound has influenced the Edge, and how both he and Brian Eno are married to this band. Danny’s solo records are an acquired taste, but in lieu of the occassional interrupting blarts from Bono, I’m enjoying how his smooth musical styling is smattered all over this record, in the guitar phrasing, harmonies, and soft rhythms.
While I agree, NLOTH is not their best album, Moment of Surrender is the absolute standout song on the record, and could be one of the best songs they’ve ever written.
I agree that Fez-Being Born shows a lot of promise for the band, if they choose to go that direction.
But overall, halfway through my second listen, I already know the record will grow legs. I already like White As Snow a lot more. So everyone, get a pair of good headphones, drink a glass of wine, and chill the phück out.
this reviewer is a miserable turd. he’s trying way to hard to be ‘alt’ or whatever. i don’t care what he says…he was never a fan of the music. he probably bought into a culture of bands. whatever. probably has tv on the radio tattooed to his ass.
I know this sounds crazy, but as an avid fan of music from almost every genre, all I care about is whether it sounds pleasant to my ears. It’s one thing to be knowledgeable about music, but to be so anal about things, to the point that you can’t enjoy the sound…heck, that’s snobbery/groupie behavior.
I disagree heartily with the assessment here. Particularly the ho hum you take on in regard to the lyrics. Cedars of Lebanon predates the Gaza altercation by the way, and instead voices the world weary journalist’s take on the Lebanon invasion of 2007. The sort of exhausted hush where the buzz has gone and the oranges from the tank seem surreal. Its a sound picture not a screed.
Breathe is easily one of their best “rockers” ever. The lyrics are by turn hilarious and heartfelt. I particularly like the image of “the roar that lies on the other side of silence”
I think it got better with a listen on the headphones. Listen on vinyl if you can.
Kelly Kinsel wouldn’t know a good musician or a good song if it her her on her big lesbo azz. To say Larry and Adam mailed in the drum and bass as usual is totally ignorant. You have no idea how vital Larry’s drumming etc is to U2′s music. I’ve been drumming for 30 years and Larry still blows me away with his ability to strike a drum like no one else. Lets see you sit down behind his kit during a U2 show!!! hahahah Looks so easy until you get behind the wheel.
U2 the best band in the world. Coldplay etc…all rip off U2
Erik the reviewer is musically retarded by saying Magnificant is the same as Streets etc..The guitar is not even playing the same thing as streets you dope. I agree U2 has a style you recognize but at least get your comparisons correct before you post untrue garbage. Are you listening to the same album I am? Man you have no clue..
“musically retarded” & “lesbo”
wow…are you in 6th grade? Why don’t you call something “gay” too. Way to keep the discourse civil and mature. Not to belabor the point, but I am fairly certain the lead singer of “the best band in the world” isn’t a bigot, so maybe in addition to liking his music so much, you should follow that lead too.
You are a shining example of why internet message boards/comment areas are a joke.
JoshCB …are you gay? hahahah you must have no sense of humor.
For me, for Q, for RS, masterpiece and nicely close trilogy The unforgettable fire and Achtung baby; for Eric Thompson, well for poor Eric reason why he doesn’t write for Q and RS
Seriously, why do people at once deride U2 and Bono as a messianic nutter and then whine when they feel that he and the band no longer appear to be walking on water musically?
This is an album akin to Boy and October, tinged with The Unforgettable Fire. Go back and listen to their old work and you will see that it is in their blood to tinker and deliver albums like No Line!! Even War has some catchy little numbers amongst the grand soundscapes.
No Line is an excellent album and after repeated listens I am sure most will agree. It is serious folly to expect them not to have U2 ingrained in what they do, it is who they are. The nods to their previous work are to be expected and embraced. If you want something completely new, listen to an emerging band. If you want something from the biggest band in the world, then accept their flaws and recognize the seam of gold that runs through this album.
Dman, I agree with most of what you’ve said. I’ve now heard No Line On The Horizon half a dozen times and think its very excellent. True music lovers don’t bring any baggage to a new piece of music. Whether some of the album resembles previous songs or not, whether U2 are perceived as cool at the moment, whether or not disagreeable marketing was involved, whether or not Bono has a God complex, whether the album cover is awful, whether U2 played a half-hearted live show one time, or whatever else that is not strictly related to the songs themselves. NONE OF THIS SHOULD MATTER! But one thing really bugs me, and that is the Bono bashers. I lived in Africa myself at one time and came to appreciate the beautiful and creative nature of most Africans. I was also horrified at the poverty i saw. Now as far as i can see Bono has showed more integrity and commitment to the cause of helping the world’s poorest continent since Live Aid than any other celebrity and he has the results to prove it. Why is that a God complex? And what if it was? The results are still there, $40 million debt cancellation for African nations. Don’t people have the sense to appreciate any good thats done in the world anymore? I have my own gripe about Bono, i’m a bit sick of seeing him on music shows/documentaries, The Pixies, Leonard Cohen, Abba to name a few recently. But i don’t let that get in the way of enjoying a great new U2 album or seeing the value in his political activism. The ATM machine complaint is pure nitpicking.
The making of this album for U2 – unfortunately – again was just a rehash process. Great ideas as they have their potential and always had at this part (Breathe – like taken directly from Page and Plant’s Unledded sessions, Moment of Surrender) but seems the once perfect studio musicians have melted into sure-shooters. The ideas are not developed enough and/or too over-produced. This is with all my love just a 6/10.
Now everyone got their choice to buy this one (again) in whatever packages to compensate the mediocre standard they are getting out (for years now).
Having seen them multiply times live, I remember their show in Vancouver in 2001 and they were on the wrong track by that time and you could sense it. It’s a shame that they listen to the world and believe that they are the best. I think that’s the main source of the problem.
Our singer being a messiah?
Man, please get back on the ground.
Will ya?!
go listen to no line on the horizon and they go listen to some of the older u2
this album is an expression of creative experimentation
if you do not like this album than you deserve to have 2:30 second songs rammed down your throat
if you do not like this album then you are a pro audio tool pop rock brittney spears loving commie
when you done listening to the album on good speakers and read the lyrics you can go back to your 4 second loop beat box and think your all that
By reading all the reviews that have been written about U2′s latest album, it seems to me that the album is being judged based on its “innovative rate” and not just by simply listening and reviewing the songs the album is composed by, without making for each of the tracks a link to a past album.
In my opinion, even if the album is definitely more innovative compared to the previous two, it cannot be as innovative as the album from the 90s for a really simple reason: when the U2 came out with Achtung Baby (their greatest record in my opionion), Zooropa and Pop, there were much less hits to be compared with than today.
So, what should they do in order to appear 100% innovative, a reggae album? I frankly don’t think so. This album is not the best in their history, but it’s anyway a great one!
Davide
Well at first i was disapointed with No line on the Horizon.
But it grows on you.
The Title track ist typical U2 and magnificent ist great too.
Very similiar to their last 2 Albums which are for me based on their greatest album “the Joshua Tree”
Achtung Baby ist not like the Joshua tree and The Unforgetable Fire(both great albums)
Pop i thought was brillant!Seems to split the U2 fans every time though!
Worst U2 album was zooropa-Apart from 4 tracks awful(every good band has a bad album)
For me 7/10-good but there are better U2 albums out there.
As for Coldplay-The next U2 believe me…(Viva la Vida is a better album than this one sorry and that as U2 fan from the War album)
NLOTH is in my top 3, right next to Joshua Tree and Acthung. Very different if you listen to their other albums. The only reason why critics are harsh and people are disliking is because they are already so big. “Best band in the world”, 22 Grammys, 30+ years together, etc. Everything U2 puts out is compared to their previous work, and that bar is so high that “good” is not good enough. For people to like them the album must be GREAT. I love the album, it’s one of those that take a few listens to each song and I would give it a 8.5/10. The only downside being Get on Your Boots, but then again it does grow on you. Upsides:
Moment of Surrender-beautiful lyrics and Bono puts his all into it
I’ll Go Crazy…- very upbeat and fun
Magnificent- Probably will be everyone’s favorite
I try not to compare new albums to to previous releases from the same artist. I like U2, I like their music, I like their style. The whole “Best Band in the World” thing doesn’t bother or offend me one bit. I’m just glad someone has the balls to do it. I love it and I want more! I even love that there is no other band on Earth that can polarize people as U2 can. It seems like it’s undying loyalty or unbridled hatred. This is the appeal. Did I mention I love it?
Poor review, let me tell you why.
Most reviews I have read applaud that U2 is experimenting again.
After listening to the album I completely agree.
This sounds like someone who listened to the Album once or twice and made his call.
If you were to do the same review of Achtung Baby you (and I) would have given one of the best albums ever poor marks.
There was major uproar about that album, and every time U2 has a new album its the same thing. Then, after listening to the album for a while the greatness shows itself.
NO line on the Horizon is probably going to go down as the bands 3rd best album.this is after listening to it about 20 times now.
U2 is about uplifting, positive music, (even in the dark songs) and high energy rock. If you like U2 and you dont like this album, you are jumping the gun.
I couldn’t agree more with the last reviewer.
As a hardcore U2 fan since the very beginning, I’d be the first to point out the highs and lows of what (IMO) the band’s trajectory has been.
Poor, poor review Erik. It almost feels like you did the I-Tunes ‘listen to the first 30 seconds and make up your mind’ routine that is so prevalent today. The only thing worse than a tone-deaf review like this is that you might turn people off from giving this a listen.
So I’m calling YOU out. Terrible ship-shod review of what will be considered a U2 masterpiece. Come back to this in a year (hell, a MONTH, TWO WEEKS) and everyone will see this tossed-off hack ‘review’ was way off the mark.
Im very disapointed in this review. There were a few good points made here and there, but the bottom line is you just have poor taste in music. There is a riff in “NLOTH” that sounds similar to the main riff in “The Fly”, but its so subtle and fits so perfectly, that you sitting here pointing it out looks nit-picky. The song still sounds nothing like “The Fly” and as a matter of fact, it sounds like nothing they have ever done before. Then moving to “White As Snow”, your crazy if you think its trying to be “One”. I could go on and on but I just dont feel like it
This is review could in my opinion not be more missing a chance to tell the world what the album really is. I think this is their best album since Achtung Baby which is widely acclaimed as there last master piece. I have played this album 5 times in a row yesterday evening and its spinning again today. I love the album, I am proud to be a U2 fan again as it was a bit of too much defending the band the last years. Although I liked Atomic Bomb, No Line does it for me. I seriously don’t understand comments on how the band sounds familiar and did not renew themselves. Isn’t that just great, I mean I am a fan because I like there style, if they change that too much, it won’t be the music anymore why I became a fan.
I applaud the fact that they sound like Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby again. I am willing to go as far as linking Unknown Caller to the October album. It has a more modern sound but the first thing that came to mind was October when I heard the vocals of the four band members together. Even the rifs could be in an October song.
Anyhoo, I think all the U2 fans will embrace the album and be at peace again with the greatest band on the face of the earth.
My god, I love this album. Thanks Bono, Edge, Adam & Larry.
Let’s not beat around the bush…I was not expecting a truly great U2 record here, but somehow the fellas did it. This album is simply sublime from start to finish.
I will agree with the reviewer that you can hear elements of past U2 songs in some of the work here…but you can level the same “criticism” at every musical artist since time began. That is what creativity is all about: making brand new things out of what is already at your disposal.
On listening to this album I can also hear traces of early eighties gothic rock, Kraftwerk, Tubular Bells, Hendrix and Led Zep. The influences and ideas are all there.
The thing I like most about the album is Bono’s voice. Just when I thought it was shot, it seems to sound younger and fresher. A really pleasant surprise.
Folk, I was not expecting an album as good as this from U2 in 2009. My advice would be for you to take a listen for yourselves. In my opinion it is up there with Achtung Baby…and I never thought I’d ever say that about another U2 record.
Review is close to the truth. Album looks like it is forcefully finished, lot of loose ends, clumsy lyrics, repetition and taking from other songs. There is no that old spark of originality. Otherwise is U2 what emerged from ATYCLB.
U2 Albums from the best down, by my opinion:
1.The Joshua Tree
2.Achtung Baby
3.Rattle And Hum
4.The Unforgettable Fire
5.War
6.Boy
7.Zooropa
8.Pop
9.October
10.All That You Can Leave Behind
11.How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
———————————–
No Line On Horizon, maybe with more listening new number 8.
This is a great album. I like it. I hope they continue in the direction that they took on Fez–Being Born.
Completely disagree with the reviewer. The reviewer’s mistake is getting too caught up in the words -it’s more an instrument on this album. The sounds are king and they are powerful. I can’t get enough of this album!!
O.K. After listening to No Line On The Horizon all weekend i think its time to revise my U2 Top 10.
1. No Line On The Horizon
2. Achtung Baby
3. Passengers
4. Zooropa
5. The Unforgettable Fire
6. All That You Can’t Leave Behind
7. War
8. Boy
9. October
10. How To Dismantle An Electric Fan
No i didn’t completely forget The Joshua Tree. I’ve just grown sick of hearing all the hits from it over time and it prevents me from wanting to play the album.
Pop is U2′s only mediocre album in my opinion. If God Will Send His Angels is the only track that i still would listen to.
Moment Of Surrender is a classic, its one of those rare songs that when you hear them for the first time they have the strange effect of making you think they’ve somehow always existed.
Every past U2 album has had something real, something “relevant” to say. This album is disconnected from anything that is true and real. Bono no longer has the same vision he once did. He has lost his way.
That single (Get Yr boots on)… sounds like a lame rehashing mashup of “Vertigo” and Bono trying hard to mask the rhythmic lyrical riff he ripped off from Billy Joel’s “we didn’t start the fire”.
I can’t speak for the album (haven’t heard it), but that song is the worst song I’ve heard all year.
Haven’t heard the album but all this debate has definitely piqued my interest. Am a big fan from the beginning but I kind of dropped out after ATYCLB…still, I root for them. If they can still write big, moving pop songs that yearn for some kind of transcendence without repeating themselves, then I say, what more do you expect? I love Zooropa and think that Pop has some interesting moments, too…but if this ‘Boots’ song is any indication of the rest of the album, I’m sad to say that I think it’s crap. Seriously, when I heard ‘Boots’ on the Grammys, I thought U2 had become a puny shadow of their former selves. I really hope I’m wrong…
i liked it. it’s actually better than i expected. it reminded me of my two favorite u2 albums: achtung baby and zooropa. the only thing i’m still not to happy about it’s bono’s singing style. he insists on high tones. i know he can get there, but i don’t like the sound of it… i don’t like it when, because of the lead singer, you can’t hear the music… i think u2 sounds much better when he sings in low tones (like achtung baby and zooropa).
Album title perfectly matches to what you can find inside this record. Music is even (linear) and distant just like horison is. Listening to this record brings me to the sense of emptiness just like the space towards the horizon is. Songs are very, very cold. Creatively, U2 are helpless and on this record they openly admit that. After POP Bono lost his voice. POP tour was the last with his solid singing. Thera are a few good songs on each U2 album, but Bono is very pathetic-he doesn’t sing any more, it is much more like crying and talking…And so much of: “Oooo…oooo” in almost every single song.
POP was the last creative work for the guys…
You are all a pack of miserable whingers! I’m far from being a U2 obsessive but i just don’t understand all the fans on this forum who say they have followed U2 from the beginning and all they’ve got to offer is nitpicking and ingratitude. U2 make rock/pop records, they were born in the era of punk, it was never meant to be scrutinized like classical music, its more primitive, rough and non-perfectionist. Its about the feeling of it, and the energy and atmosphere. I couldn’t give a toss about Bono’s voice, its not as if he’s a contestant on Pop Idol or anything, I like the strained quality of it on some of the songs like on the song No Line On The Horizon where he sings “I’m hatching some plot, scheming some scheme…” I don’t know if he is doing a Marlon Brando in the Godfather impersonation there or whether his voice just cracked under the strain. Rock history is full of those moments – John Lennon on Twist and Shout is the first that comes to mind. Also, how a voice comes across on a record is the result of lots of different factors, such as choice of microphone, amps and E.Q requirements. The way it is on this album is probably the way it sounded best with the music when it came down to mixing the album. I read a review that suggested that some of the song intros were misguided! How can a song intro be misguided? It is what it is and i happen to really like the intros on Fez and Magnificent, its like they are putting the songs in a setting before they begin.
I seriously think in this era of Youtube, myspace, ipods, file sharing, free downloads there are far too many jaded ‘so called’ music fans who probably don’t really enjoy anything about their music listening experience anymore.
Go out and get a quality turntable. Buy No Line On The Horizon on vinyl and sit back with a drink and actually really listen to the whole thing properly before dribbling your jaded complaints all over music forums.
hello everybody! As a Sound design (composition) student and (ex)die hard u2 fan I can find myself in both the negative and positive feedback given on the album. To be short: “no line on the Horizon” COULD have been a pretty good album! It has the potential to be really good, because it feels like it’s soooo close from finishing. In other words, production wise the album lacks alot of freshness, finesse, a final touch. So now and then Music technically there were made some -in my opinion- bad choices and the overall sound feels raw like in pre production phase. The songs don’t breath because it just goes on and on without a break. To be honest, I didn’t really expect this from the producers responsible from the album, but there can be alot of other reasons… or maybe it’s even a matter of taste! In the end we were hoping for a masterpiece and didn’t GET it. And for the ones who are very happy with the album: Please don’t listen to the ones who don’t like it… musical taste is very personal…
Wow most of you are not U2 fans. Miroslav what the hell are you talking about Bono still doesn’t have a voice after POP, do you have downs syndrome bud, let me see here, o yah “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” and “The Hands That Built America”. This review is absolutely awful, bud you obviously no nothing about U2 and what they are about. And this album sounds nothing alike to their previous stuff, i have no clue what made you think that. I think that this album is actually pretty good. The top two songs without doubt are “No Line On The Horizon” and “Breathe”. It reminds me very much of “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb”, in the sense that it has a similar set-up and will probably have similar success. Comparing the two: Get on Your Boots – Vertigo No Line on the Horizon – City of Blinding Lights Breathe – Sometimes You Can’t Make it on Your Own Moment of Surrender – Original of the Species **these are songs that play the same role on their respective album. No Line on the Horizon is no Joshua Tree, but it does bring a different dimension to the band and it does it in a really unique fashion. This just may be one of U2′s best and most successful albums just for the fact that this album is one of those when you listen to it the music starts to grow on you and you can’t help but listen.
This is one of the bands best work i have been a fan from the begining. At the end of the day they are a rock and roll act, their album is not supposed to sound polished if you want that buy a take that album. i persoaly cannot wait for the tour i have have been to everey live act since the Joshuea tree tour.
i have to say the review here is absolute shite nloth is the best thing u2 have done in years i only got into the band in 95 and yes pop wasnt what it could have been but took balls, and this new album is better and braver than the last 2 albums, white as snow dosent sound anything like one and nloth sounds nothing like the fly and even if it did its a better tune and sick tunes this album has plenty of its fecking wicked and im proud to be a fan again and my jamacian mate who hates anything that aint reggae or hip hop has asked me to borrow him it and that says everything about this u2s third masterpiece
best u2 albums 4 me are,
1. no line on the horizon
2. achtung baby
3. pop
4. zooropa
5. war
Sorry guys
This is just another boring warmed-over retread of the last 5 U2 albums. Ever sice “POP” they have been floundering. Can you really get excited by anything on this album? This is just elevator music. So many tracks have no tune. Don’t get me wrong I used to class myself as a fan, but then I bought “pop” & “Passengers” and the scales fell from my eyes – The king has no clothes!!!
Where is something like “Bullet the blue sky” or “Two hearts beat as one”.
Sorry guys, but this just won’t do – I want my money back!!!
I disagree with this review greatly. I don’t know what this person was expecting, IT’S U2. Were you expecting Bono to break out with Frank Sinatra like tunes? Stating that riffs were used from other songs such as “The Fly†is just a narrow sited perspective. There may be some VERY subtle difference, but hey, it’s the Edge. These are inspired song with genius guitar work. If there are similar sounding guitar riff’s it’s because the Edge is tapping into that “Edge Muse.†It wasn’t like he figured, HHHmmm, I’ll just listen to Joshua Tree and Actung Baby and just copy some riffs. The guitar work on this albums is profound with many layers of depth. Take my advice please, go back and listen to the album again. I’m sure you will soon discover that this is there best album since Actung Baby, and will be the best album of the year.
I believe that your review is absolutely right.This album isn’t the best U2 album and except 2 or maybe 3 tracks is the worst of them.And because I’m a U2 fan I cannot believe why bands like U2,James,Killers,Verve,Sigur Ros,Razorlight,Oasis make albums that doesn’t represent their reputation and their music.Even if all of you believe that U2 cannot write better tracks than that.
P.S. I want to suggest you some new bands like Transistor and GAD(from Greece) and essentially an old band which called Adorable.
erik – that was an idiot review -
“Certainly, if you listen to this album without such attention to detail, in can be (and should be) an enjoyable listen….”
That’s about it. Don’t listen to it closely. Some of the vocals were just aggravating. A few times I thought a synthesizer was a little strong and quickly over-repetitive (yea, I didn’t describe that very well).
Bono flopped on parts of it, I’d rather listen to Hollywood week of AI than a few of his straining sounds.
The album isn’t a total turd but it will probably sit somewhere in the collection not far from the spot a Winger CD would have sat.
It’s U2 = the album will sell.
Much room for improvement and I’m looking forward to it in the future.
Erik, great job man! you´ve put in words what i´ve trying to explain to my friends since i first heard the album…first of all, the terrible mistake of releasin BOOTS as a single or even, as an album track…man, is pure garbage…i was so dissapointed, but then the whole disc arrived and yes…i saw the big picture: this is U2 again in solid economic ground, with almost no fears anymore, loaded on the boat with all of those good ol´fans that they started missing when POP came out (the time when i noticed U2); they have NOW a formula! man, look at that guy that hired some hypnotherapist for f*ing coldplay, he could be BRAIN ENO, he understands this pseudo rockbands and their audience, it´s a so sweet mix of what you crave and what you heard and what you think it sounds fresh but yoú have heard before…edge infinite guitar, bono´s antics, robot drumming, jazzy bass, sweeping choruses…all that made joshua is there, achtung…and the best of the garbage released in the last two albums…all is there, fans, GOOD ol´fans, here´s your treat, enjoy! for the rest of us, thank god, Radiohead exists…
This Album will go down in History with a couple more eternal Edge riffs and at the same time the final conclusion that Bono has succeeded to once and for all, take all meaning and politics out of rock an roll.
Sonically brilliant whilst historically irrelevant: Sign of the times.
I agree with bits of Erik’s review about U2 seem to have salvaged some familiar riffs & beat from previous compositions and re-used them in some songs here. In fact I dont seem to hear ‘The Fly’ in the title track, instead it was ‘Stand Up Comedy’ where theres lots of drum patterns & riffs very similar to ‘The Fly’ which is my fav U2 song from ‘Achtung Baby’. Then theres ‘Get On Your Boots’ sounds like a badly reconstructed & weaker version of ‘Vertigo’.
Anyway, I like this album and will probably grow to like it over time. I think the very uplifting ‘Magnificient’ and subtle ‘Moment Of Surrender’ will be classics in time to come. ‘FEZ-Being Born’ is the most creative and adventurous attempt and one can definitely hear Brian Eno’s touch in the song’s progression. I actually prefer ‘NLOTH’ version 2 (as found as track 12 on my Australian pressed CD) eventhough I initially frowned when I saw ‘will.i.am’ having some input in this version. This version 2 sounds more dynamic with additional galloping beats….having said that, I also quite like the original version especially being the opening track for the album. ‘White As Snow’, ‘Cedars Of Lebanon’ & ‘I’ll Go Crazy…’ is likeable and tolerable. The rest is ……messy, disjointed and sounds underdeveloped.
I consider myself a U2 fan or at least a mild fan…I saw them all 3 occassions since Zoo-TV tour when they played Australia. I dont own any PROPOGANDA mags but I do own every single CD albums, most CD singles, all vinyls except POP & ZOOROPA plus a few books.
I have been aware of U2 since WAR album but never really followed them until THE JOSHUA TREE – I bought the CD on the week it was released, yes, my CD has no barcode.., after the music store staff offered a money back guarantee if I didnt like it. Well, the rest was history!!! THE JOSHUA TREE blew me away. Unfortunately by the time RATTLE & HUM came along, I felt I have been fed too much U2. Luckily, ACHTUNG BABY revived my interest. In fact, I went to work late the morning I played ACHTUNG BABY the first time….as I wanted to listen it again ..and again.
So personally, THE JOSHUA TREE & ACHTUNG BABY are one of my all time TOP 10 albums. (By the way, I own about 6,500 CDs + 1,500 vinyls …..about 900 of these are JOY DIVISION or NEW ORDER related)
Funny….not many people here like HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB but I personally would rate it in my Top 5 U2′s releases.
The album is incredible. It is layered with great sound and vocals. After the 3rd listen you will feel the same. This mentally challenged reviewer actually wants politics kept out of U2′s music. What’s the matter are they making it too real for you?? it’s not bubble gum pop enough?
Another band (like REM) who have gone on well past their sell-by date. A fanfare on release and many fans who will blindly insist its the best thing they’ve ever done or ‘a return to form’. Of course its neither because they’ve nothing left in the inventive tank to give. U2 are especially insulting because many of their new tracks are often complete rip offs of other records (often not their own!). The catchy but hideous single borrows influence from QOTSA and lifts its bassline from Queen’s Dragon Attack. So its really time to stop being an apologist for such bands. Go back and listen to The Joshua Tree if you want a memory of how really good U2 used to be. They’ll never come anywhere near such heights again. But you can all fool yourselves if you want, I suppose…
Martin, you really are ignorant. By the tone of your post I’m certain you never liked the band in the first place. So, you want us all here to believe that you actually listened to the album. As if you ever intended to give it a chance. QOTSA, seriously?
Finally got the album and it’s a different listen on stereo compared to the leaks I heard on myspace. This is brilliant stuff! Much better and full of life compared to ATYCLB and HTDAAB. … They are on new territory here … very surreal sounding … and epic.
My observations:
1) Bono’s voice is back.
2) The songs have brilliant melodies — again.
3) Vocal innuendos and harmonies — some new territory — and it sounds amazing!
4) Production is taken to a higher level compared to their recent projects, when U2 went more basic.
5) The Edge solos are brillian … just brilliant!!!!!
Plus seeing them live on Letterman — U2 is finally back the way they should be, after almost a decade. Thanks guys!!!!!
The more I listen … the more I will be convinced that this is one of U2′s best albums, up there with the big two of JT and AB.
Look, I’m not one of those U24EVER guys, and after the first listen, NLOTH didn’t spark my interest
BUT, when I set aside an hour of time, grabbed some guality headphones and played it again (and then again, and again, etc), I found it to be FANTASTIC!
SO,before you pass judgement, listen to some more, and I almost guarentee that you will LOVE it
U2 classic for sure
PS: this for “martin”- will you (and others like you) please stop comparing this album to U2 opus magnus “the joshua tree”? It’s not supposed to be “the joshua tree”, times have changed, and U2 is just adjusting to that change (think, if “the joshua tree” was release this year instead of NLOTH, people would give most of the album a “meh” review)
I used to be a U2 diehard but it’s time to face the facts that the band sold out quite some time ago. It’s hard to watch Bono in 1987 and look at the EGOMANIAC he has become today.
I used to think nothing would top U2 live until I was fortunate enough to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band. Bruce charges half the ticket of Bono and the boys and plays for an hour and a half longer.
I was very disappointed to see $180.00 face falue on a ticket to see U2 fo their last tour. And I thought that it was a shame with such high demand for tickets that the band still refused to play the bigger stadiums and watched how their fans only resort to ge tickets was to get raped by the scalpers.
Sad think is the set list is basically the same night in and night out. So i’m checking out as a Die Hard U2. I’m fortunate to say that I’ve seen Springsteen and know now that I can say that I’ve seen the best.
I’m a huge U2 fan and managed to see them on two tours (Joshua Tree & Popmart or whatever it was called). Personally for me & I’m not saying this because of Bono’s recent comments, but U2 are living on past glories. Truth being told. U2 are currently a poor man’s coldplay. Viva wipes the floor with this album and I think Bono’s know’s it.
lmao.
Coldplay’s best work doesn’t even begin to touch U2′s worst work, sorry
Coldplay are rock for soccer moms
Today I thought of new way of giving an album a rating. Put all the tracks into one of two categories, either 1. Great/Good/O.K or 2. Mediocre/Skippable/Crap. Then add up how many tracks fall into the first category and put that over the total tracks.
All That You Can’t Leave Behind, using this system it gets an 8/12
Good/Great/O.K tracks= Grace, New York, In a Little While, Wild Honey, Beautiful Day, Elevation, Stuck In A Moment, Peace On Earth
Mediocre/Skippable/Crap tracks= Walk On, Kite, The Ground Beneath Her Feet, When I Look At The World
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb gets 5/11
1.= All Because Of You, City Of Blinding Lights, Crumbs From Your Table, Original Of The Species, Yahweh
2.= all the others
No Line On The Horizon gets 10/11
2.= Get On Your Boots
1. = Everything Else!
I agree 100% with the previous poster, Bill. Eric, the reviewer obviously has not listened to this album from start to finish and should be embarassed to pretend otherwise.
The mood and emotion U2 creates is fantastic. I am by no means an avid U2 fan, while I’ve listened to and enjoyed their music over the years, the last album purchased was Achtung Baby.
For me, the brilliance in this album comes from the fact that I had NO expectation. What a wonderful event to become re-acquainted with an band like U2!
Unless everybody here got the album before Tuesday it’s a little early to be making any large pronouncements about this album and where it stands in the band’s overall discography. All their albums take time to fully appreciate. Sure there are tracks that immediately hit you and force endless repeating but many others seem to take longer. I judge their material by how it sounds live. That’s pretty much how I listen to their stuff.
I agree that NLOTH is much better than ATYCLB and especially HTDAAB. To me it’s like an updated TUF, with all of the ambience/spaciousness going on. It sounds amazing. Erik, I don’t know how you managed to think that “White As Snow” sounds like “One,” but with all respect I think you’re waaaaaaay off the mark. Give the album a few more listens. What I love about U2 is that the more you listen to them, the better they sound. And seriously, after putting out 12 albums, I think ANY band is going to start sounding like they recycled something. Lay off the nit-picking and give U2 a break.
The best thing about this album is that, unlike HTDAAB, NLOTH contains songs that aren’t total pop pieces. HTDAAM was all processed and clean and safe and…boring. How come there’s been little mention of “Unknown Caller” here? Great song, in my opinion. One of the best on the album. Edge’s fragile guitar in the beginning, Bono’s tragedy in the verses, redemption chanted in the chorus…and a crazy synthesizer at the end! That was a surprise! That song sounds nothing like I’ve ever heard them do. Hefty 6:03, too.
I can’t wait to hear these songs live.
I feel like this cd is VERY bass(y) and distant sounding…the lyrics aren’t easily heard…I do agree that the more I listen the more it grows on me! Has anyone else noticed the cd being real bass(y) or do I just have a bad copy?
I seriously do not understand the people that state the album is not good. I know its all about taste, but I cant stop listening to it.
I am a huge Pink Floyd fan, Rush, Marrilion with Fish, Beatles and of course U2. I do know my music, and No Line is a great album and has seriously good tracks on it. The basslines from Adam are massive and the riffs from The Edge are gripping. I do have to hear the music live though to get the real feeling for Larry’s drums as there is a lot of electronic drums in there. But all in all this is their best album since Achtung Baby.
I have been re-listening to October, Unforgettable Fire, Boy and No Line easily fits in the middle of them all, it just sounds a bit more modern. But all bands do that after 30 years of making music. I have never heard a band make the same music they did 30 years ago. Take Pink FLoyd and Rush for that matter.
Great album, mesmerizing.
Thanks lads, see you in Croke Park or Slain Castle
Like all U2 albums, this gets better and better with every listen. When I first played it, I was really disappointed and felt that they had blown it. After about 5 listens, I can’t get enough of it. One of my favorite U2 albums.
My only critisism of U2 is the songs they release as singles. My top songs are Moment of Surrender, Magnificent, and No Line on the Horizon. I’m surprised they released Boots as their first single because: a) It’s like Elevation and Vertigo, and b) Ranks as 5-6th as the best song on the album, in my opinion. Also, based on what they’re playing live, looks as though Breathe will be the next single, which isn’t a top song either. Just like they released All Because of You as a single, which I thought was terrible (Bono’s voice was horribly annoying).
Anyway – overall one of my favorite U2 albums. I just hope they release the better songs as singles.
GREAT review, hitting the nail right on the head. Very, very poor effort from the People’s Band. Bono can’t sing anymore and thus Edge helps out in almost all songs. The lyrics have reached a new low as well. The record will still sell truckloads, which of course will go a long way to ending poverty in Africa (that was sarcasm Marge).
Horrible review. What in the hell is a band supposed to do when you get mad at them for sounding like THEMSELVES! Seriously. I’m glad they didn’t stray so far from the “U2 sound” that it was Pop all over again (an album I liked, but not nearly as much as every other album they’ve ever put out). Also, if you knew anything about guitar, you might realize that part of the reason the riffs sound so familiar is more due to the EFFECT that The Edge is using, not the actual note progression. Triplet delays are his thing–deal with it. None of this matters, because time will prove you wrong. NLOTH is a fantastic album, and this is a pathetic, slip-shod review.
U2′s No Line On The Horizon is a beautifully crafted album. Rich in character and melody. The song order is perfect and allows for an enjoyable listen from song to song. Stand out tracks, every single one! This has not happened since Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree. NLOTH may actually be the best U2 album ever. So well constructed, so much passion and energy. U2 are back on top. All I can say is ‘Magnifcent’ and all I can do is wipe the tears of joy from my eyes. Wow ***** indeed!
HEY WIM! What exactly is wrong with U2 being The Peoples Band? I think its great that a band so popular for so long is actually worth listening to, more than that, they’ve just made another masterpiece up there with Achtung!
Its rare that a hugely popular group is as good as U2. I find it refreshing that i’m listening to the same album as millions of people all over the world for the first time since probably R.E.M’s Automatic For The People. Usually the good stuff hardly makes a dint in the mass media, most of the albums i listen to ‘the people’ have never heard of, it gets lonely!
I guess what puts some people off U2 is the fact that they have to keep in mind the huge stadiums they will be playing in. It does influence their music, but what else can they do, they are a stadium band.
Also it must be difficult being so popular and resisting ‘big meaningful message’ lyrics. Look at Everybody Hurts by R.E.M, apparently that song helped so many depressed or suicidal teenagers get through their dark moments. If you knew that your words were going to be listened to by millions of people across the world wouldn’t you want to make them meaningful and possibly a good influence in peoples lives? In some ways it must be tricky being The Peoples Band but i’m glad its U2 that is doing it. There’s hope and joy in No Line On The Horizon.
To me great albums grow on you. At first listen, No Line On The Horizon wasn’t what I expected. I liked it, but needed to delve more into the subtle nuances. Now after a week of listening, I must say I love it. I don’t think it is fair to compare it to thier other work, because it stands on its own as Achtung Baby, Joshua Tree, Unforgettable Fire and War did. What I didn’t care for in this review was the complaint of U2 sounding like U2. What were you expecting to hear, Frank Sinatra? To me this album sounds like U2 past, present, and future. Good stuff from a thirty year old band. The future is bright for U2 fans. Take this for what it’s worth because I love the band and it’s body of work.
Favorite Songs on No Line:
1. No Line on The Horizon
2. Magnificent
3. Breathe
4. Cedars of Lebanon
This album grows on you. Someone said it previously — this one is mesmerizing. I also read the words (finally!) on the book insert — and this album is full of symbolism. A lot of it deals with being REBORN and FINDING NEW LIFE FROM DEATH, which the very sound of the album itself portrays quite well, i.e use of trance sounds, organ, ethereal sounds, like “finding heaven.”
This has made me look at the entire U2 anthology of albums, and I now have a theory that the entire U2 album catalogue is the essence of LIFE.
Where the 80′s sound marked the birth and youth (Boy, October) of a band finding itself, penultimately culminating into the spiritual journey epitomized in The Unforgettable Fire (Baptism) and The Joshua Tree (The Christian Walk). The 90′s marked the subsequent megalomania and excess of Achtung Baby (achtung means “warning” in German), the self-aggrandizement of Zooropa (The First Time Bono throws away the keys to His Kingdom…), and ultimate fall from grace in Pop (as summed up by the song Dead Man Walking and chaos of Mofo).
The 2000s marked an act of grace and forgiveness in ATYCLB, where the band stripped down its sound amidst a sort of tired sound symbolizing the band’s “midlife crisis” and an ambience of “death” in HTDAAB (an album largely inspired by the death of Bono’s father). Notice that HTDAAB ends with Yahweh, a song that prophesied the band’s direction — being reborn. Now we have NLOTH — an album that gives NEW LIFE to the band. I believe the album has found a state of entering “heaven” in this album.
I think when all is said and done, all will come to know that everything U2 has done has been on purpose with the intent of brining a message of hope amidst and tumultuous world of uncertainty. I will do more research, but all the critics should consider my theories above…
To the reviewer: your pet peeve is redundancy in “ATM machine”? Mine is writers who use a possessive apostrophe for a plural, as in “riff’s” and “pet peeve’s.” Take note: you don’t use an apostrophe for plurals except in the case of plural possessives–look it up in your style guide. Petty? Yes, I think we both are! Relax on the small stuff, buddy! Or check your own work before being so overly analytical and self-righteous in pointing out the minutae!! I love this album and I think that, like most U2 records, it gets better the more you listen to it. The Edge has a sound that many try, but fail, to duplicate. But the fact that his riffs are recognizable is the very definition of having a signature sound and should not be counted against him. Music tastes are subjective, of course, but some of your critique is a bit self-important! Just my subjective opinion!
I’ll take the hit on “riff’s”… lol, kinda funny that it took 98 comments before someone made notice
feckin coldplay! im sick to death of hearing comparisons between coldplay and u2, coldplay are u2 wannabees with no balls, lets see where coldplay are in 25 years, this album is wicked and bono has never sounded better here than since zooropa days, past glories my arse
Simply refreshing and relaxing at the same time. All four sound great, but I tip my hat to Edge and Adam.
The more I listen to it… the more I like. Obviously it has a mix and blend of previous recordings. I must admit I did read some reviews that were not so good before I listened to it in a complete and focused way… Well done boys… Keep at it…
The 360 tour is going to be a smash hit. This is going to be so cool to see them in Croke Park, Dublin. Cant wait. Yiehoo.
I think this review is way off base. I believe this album in this best one since Achtung. It is complex, and you have to listen to it a few times to really appreciate it.
Are you actually a U2 fan at all?
When you got so pedantic about the ATM machine lyric it leads me to believe that you carry the same pedantic attitude about the rest of the album.
Too bad for you, that you can’t enjoy a brilliant album because of your cyncism.
Oh well, your loss.
I agree… unfortunately… The album sounds tired. I given it several listens to make sure. In the end the it feels like an album slapped together rather than being well crated. It would seem Eno and Lanois have done wonders, the album sounds decent but really nothing new. Left me feeling empty.
I couldn’t agree less with this reviewer. These are the greatest, freshest sounds out today…Still! From U2!
It sounds anything but rehashed, and if anything, it represents a natural evolution and perfection of their sound. U2′s big problem is that their best album came out 22 years ago, and they haven’t managed to top it, even with this latest great record.
The reviewer should just accept the reality that the majority of people besides him think this is a classic album, but he chooses to think he knows more than everyone and takes a huge dump on it.
Classic album? You must be kidding!
“Richard says:
March 16, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Classic album? You must be kidding!”
No, I am not kidding. Maybe you’re just a hater who needs to shut the hell up. Your opinion is like your butthole…stinks to high heaven!
nice review ASSMUNCH. Typical hater, probably dislikes Celtics and Notre Dame on principal. Maybe try listening to it more than once. This album grows on you and than you’re able to see the range of Bono and that the CONSISTENT quality of their music is to be appreiciated. SHOCKER U2 to sounds like U2, what did expect a Timbaland mix Dumbass. One of their best albums if you’re a U2 fan. “moment of surrender” and “magnificent” are classics. Can’t wait for the concert. Review guy stay at home and continue to hate for the sake of hating.
It’s sad to see that U2 has as many brainwashed Dittohead fans as Rush Limbaugh does.
No Line is the worst albums they’ve ever done. I mean that in a “it’s genuinely terrible” sort of way. They’re too old, they have too much money, and they live in a vapid celebrity world where they fire they used to have isn’t wanted anymore. They should be promoting this album and tour on the Oprah Winfrey show for the burnt-out middle-agers they’re obviously trying to cater to because I can’t see any rock radio station worthy of the description wanting to have anything to do with No Line. Even the best publicists in the world aren’t going to be able to put much of polish onto this turd that the guys have just popped put
Jimmy, you should just go back to playing mind-numbing video games and inhaling glue. It’s clear you don’t know what you’re talking about, and that’s something you have in common with the author of this article, whose commentary is steeped with crusty, anal retentive cynicism.
I am a massive U2 fan, thus far I don’t think I can fault much of U2′s material. No Line On The Horizon though, I think, to quote ‘yarm’ sounds like a tired try-hard effort of a U2 album. The ‘sound’ that was there in previous records like War, The Joshua Tree and even How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb just isn’t there. It is the least U2 like of all their albums. If you ignore the fact that it is U2 and get that expectation of that sound out of your head, it is a fantastic album.
i totally agree with bumblebee.
those who dont have any idea about what real music is ,they just throw rubish out of their mouth. why dont u admit that u2 are great rivals or better competitors of many other bands?.
they started to make hits since when i was not born yet and they continue to do so.
they should continue to perform as they are doing !!
their new album : no line on the horizon, for me is not good but a MASTERPIECE!: it’s very versatile. the songs : ill go crazy if i dont go crazy tonight, unkown caller and moment of surrender are undescribable – how amazingg they aree
im proud to say that i started following them since i was 13 years old and they drive me crazzyyy
well done band!!
I am a life long U2 fan who sadly has to agree with the majority of Eric’s sentiments. I rushed out and brought the album, threw it in to my car stereo for the trip home and my immediate reaction was “what the heck is this?”.. I was left feeling strangely numb – no pun intended! To be fair I have listened to it another 8 or so times since and it is growing on me BUT as I said to my wife – I don’t think the lads, esp. Bono, have devoted as much effort to this album as they could have. I guess at this point in their careers its probably unfair to expect ground breaking work – most large multi generational rock acts would be equally guilty of producing their best work during their inception phase. Such is life. Long live U2.
Wow! What a range of responses to the latest from the greatest! I was first introduced to U2 when one of my Jr. High students from Rolling Hills Covenant Church said, “I won’t be at Confirmation next week.” I said, “Why not?” He said, “I’m going to a U2 concert!” I asked, “Who are they?” He looked at me as if I had just crawled out from a rock. He gave me “Joshua Tree” and said one word, “Listen!” I did. I had to pull over to the road, I couldn’t drive. I had NEVER heard anything like it. Relevant? No! Other worldly? Yes! I’m so glad they weren’t able to play anybody elses song. Think of what we wouldn’t have heard! Everybody is entitled to their opinion, and to rebuttal. Their music stands apart and always will. Thanks guys, I look forward to “Songs of Ascent”. Blessings to the world. How long to Sing this Song? I hope for a long time.
Dear Chris Z:
First, you stated that U2 did not spend much time working on this album. Would it surprise you to know that they spent two years working on their latest effort?
With U2′s efforts to dumb down lyrics in order to attract a larger fan base, it’s clear that the new fans of U2 do not appreciate the thematic structures of U2′s music. It’s more evident that people just don’t know how to appreciate music anymore.
This album features French horns, beautiful string sections, and memorable guitar riffs; yet, fans want Vertigo over and over again.
Take this lyric from the Bomb:
“Freedom has the scent, like the top of a new born baby’s head.”
From No Line:
“She said infinity is a great place to start”
Also from No Line:
“The shitty world sometimes produces a rose.”
Bomb: “I like the sound of my own voice.”
The lyrics in No LIne are far reaching and tells me that Bono still has that poetic stroke.
How to Dismantle is U2′s most overrated record-some of the crappiest lyrics the band has ever put out. No Line is U2′s most underrated record to date. Yeah RS gave it five stars, but it got plenty of 1 stars too. This is a band that is still experimenting and wants to give its fans an experience.
Jimmy: Your post shows that Skid Row is in your POD SHUFFLE. If U2 is crap Jimmy, explain concert sell outs for every single date (Two nights NYC, TORONTO CHICAGO BOSTON). Not to mention all of Europe
Brainwashing? Jimmy hates U2 and Rush. From this, we can conclude the following:
1. System of the Down is his favorite band.
2. He wants to have sex with Sean Hannity.
3. The best publicists in the world? What the hell are you talking about? You are one of those idiots who writes U2 off, but do this at your own peril. Selling out stadiums in Europe, and they will sell out stadiums again in America. That stupid fuck, Henry Rollins, will eat his words.
Speaking of Rollins, has anyone really engaged his written material on any level? I have read so much of his crap, and I can’t find one redeeming quality. It’s funny: Rollins said that U2′s music are for people who have lost the will to fight. I argue that Rollin’s repertoire of garbage is for people who don’t know how to fight.
He is just as arrogant as the next artist, but what the hell has this man accomplished? When I think of Henry Rollins, I think of a guy in a has been band who is able to mobilize the cynical and jaded in one place; however, his sin is that Rollins does nothing to lift that cynicism. He just barks at people who thinks he sucks. And what authority on music does he have? None. Rollins and the Rollins Band. Everything that man has done has had little impact on the daily lives of people. Rollins said, I don’t think Bono’s a bad man; I just think he is a boring singer.” What has Bono said about you, Mr. Rollins? Not a damn thing!
I really like some U2 songs but not on this album. I wouldn’t waste my hard earned cash buying it thats for sure. It may be time to retire gracefully.
I really get surprised by some of the rubbish people say about U2. Apart from the fact that they have been making music for longer than most of you have been alive, they are the worlds biggest band for a reason. That reason is that the world’s majority opinion about U2 is: THEY ARE SUPERB.
I have been a U2 superfan for 24 years. I’m now 31. I think NLOTH is breathtaking. It is U2 unabashedly, but fresh, young sounding and innovative. I think this album holds some of Bono’s best vocals and lyrics since Achtung Baby. The whole album works just like that, as a whole. It’s an exhilarating sonic experience, definitely a classic. STOP CAMPARING YOU IDIOTS! It’s a different album. Take it as that. Stop living in the past..Jeez…
This album is pure confusion. I hear threads of Blondie on “Magnificent,” too…lots of lines remind one of other songs. And if Bono wasn’t the star already, he wouldn’t become one with recent works, it’s almost as if Bono and The Band aren’t equal in ability anymore–Edge just keeps getting better and better. This all coming from a fan of more than 25 years.
LOL at all the fanboys getting all worked up, haha
especially ram dog
get a life man
Well, everyone has their opinion but it is a shame you totally missed the mark on this gem. There are many awesome moments on this album, including familiar sounds from past work. I imagine if you have what seems to be an axe to grind, then you would undoubtedly trash a solid effort.
There is no other band out there who consistently offers up the output that they do over and over. Simply put, another incredible effort from easily the most innovative band ever! I am looking forward to their next release, which I hear will be next year.
Thanks, U2!
Just listened to the Album. It’s not doing it for me yet, but will give it a few more spins. Certainly not their best. I’d rank it in the experimental category with The Unforgettable Fire and Zooropa, two other albums I never fully embraced. But don’t misunderstand me, I love U2 and appreciate the full body of work they’ve produced. In a certain sense, they remind me of another favorite band of mine, Rush. Obviously Rush hasn’t achieved the mega-stardom of U2, but both bands have albums that, while not reaching the heights of their best work, are always an interesting listen.
i can’t agree with this review at all. the only thing we here from people and the press is how U2 should go back to the way they used to sound. so now we have no line… which is their best album since achtung baby and all people do is bitch that it sounds too much like their old stuff. they’ve been making music for nearly 30 years people so yeah, some of their stuff will sound similar. this album is amazing HAIL U2, the biggest band on the planet!!!!!
As a long time U2 obsessed fan and music lover, I have tried to be fair when listening to No Line on the Horizon. First off, I have to say that it was an unwelcomed relief to finally hear someone else notice or at least bring up all the Achtung Baby-like riffs. I noticed it from the first measures and heard it throughout the record. Of course, I love those riffs so I didn’t mind hearing them again and with a new twist. I still can’t decide if No Line is my favorite. I go back and forth with it and Achtung Baby. When I listen to Magnificent and Moment of Surrender I have to say it’s No Line. But what an album Achtung Baby is still today. I think that No Line is at the very least the best since Achtung. When Unknown Caller began, I thought that it would be a crazy fantastic song, and it is, but I could really do without the Eno inspired chanting. I have always thought that he was a little too arty for my liking but I completely understand the symbolic nature of what the chanting is about. I agree with the review that Breathe satrts with greatness but the chorus seems to stop the momemtum…still a cool song though.Gotta go, I ran out of change. Long live the greatest…u2!
Bono and the boys hav edone it again. U2′new album is simply incredible, very well done. Sure, Bono likes to pontificate about everthing under the sun and has way too much money, but such is the age of celebrity.
Im listening to u2 for last 15 years.More i listen to them more i like to admire them.U2 is a band with very little knowldege in their pockets ,but of great creativity . With very ordinary chord progression they make masterpieces.What makes them intersting is the creative co-ordination of bono,edge,adam specialy simple and sonicaly brilliant and lary . Im from India ( metal dominates) were u2 fans are very few because most of the younger generation are little impatient .They dont have time to admire beautiful things.No line on the horizon undoubtly their masterpiece album .
i’m enjoying the album more when i watch (and listen to) it
through ANTON CORBIJN’S film LINEAR. THEN you get a
different/better (to me) VIJ-AUD (VISUAL/AUDIO) experience
that i want NLOTH to be.
Good review erik – i’m a U2-F4L and
enjoy your review out of all the other ‘big‘ reviews, that are
giving NLOTH 4 or 5 stars – i’d give NLOTH
3.5 out of 5 stars but know the 360 tour help pump int’l U2 enthusiasm
and FAN-anatic-ism again.
mark @ illustrationISM
Magnificent is powerful but there is an overuse of the word ‘magnificent’. Unknown caller is brilliant. Breathe sound’s great for all that attitude, but also like a layered version of the tune Oasis had for Ain’t Got Nothin’ released over seven or eight months ago. I like it. White As Snow is a nice song.
My ratings are magnificent, unknown caller, breathe, white as snow 5/5. No disputes.
no line on the horizon 4/5,
stand up comedy 2/5.
If i don’t go crazy tonight, Cedars of Lebanon 1/5.
moment of surrender -1/5.
fez being born -10/5.
Magnificent, Unknown Caller, Breathe, White As Snow and No Line On The Horizon… Six out of eleven is not bad & the six songs that are good are only songs but they are great. BYE.
I’m a U2 fan for about 20 years now. I try to take each album as it comes. One can’t really compare NLOTH to AB or JT or any other record. Every album was written at a specific time, with specific issues (political, cultural whatever) and the band members were at a certain age each time. You don’t think the same when you are 18, 28, 38 and 45 do you? I appreciate each album differently. U2 are one of the few bands I consider as true artists, because they are not afraid to experiment. Yes you ‘stick’ to something, but it’s not entirely the same as the previous time. And one can’t really be that harsh to always compare any future work to JT or AB or R&H. When I look at a Picasso painting, I don’t compare it to Guernica. Every artist has a masterpiece or two, but you don’t necessarily create future work to live up to that…
They still have a special communication with their fans and that’s what excites me more than anything. Somehow, I see a senserety in that and not necessarily just a marketing strategy. You feel that in their concerts. The new album is great, but the song that stands out is Fez-Being Born. I consider it as a ‘sound installation’ and a great experiment (OK..) with the help of Brian Eno. I cannot wait to hear the songs LIVE!
erik sucks. go back to the work you know something about -handjobs & tossed salads. oh, and no line is better than just about anything else i’ve heard this year. it’s one of the best albums done by any band..EVER. not just saying that because it’s U2. personally, i think bonzo is a tea bagging wanker. but good music is good music.
Erik, you imbecile, the Edge is intentionally using a riff from ‘The Fly’ in U2′s new song
‘No Line On The Horizon’ as a means of communicating directly with their fans. Fans who understand that Achtung Baby was an album by a band that reinvented itself and beat the odds by experimenting and deep introspection, and thus creating a new chapter for an already legendary band. No Line On The Horizon is a return to U2′s more adventurous side. So, the use of this trademark riff as a rhythm guitar line is very clever form of communication by the band with their fans.
I think I can say with confidence that ‘No Line..’ will be recognized as one of the great U2 albums.
I been force feeding myself this album since it came out. Well I have to say I hate it! I’ve tried to like this album but I can’t it’s bad! “No Line On The Horizon” and “Magnificent” are the only songs I can stand! “Breathe” has been growing on me a little. “Get On Your Boots” might be the worst song they’ve ever done! Bono as great as he is. There is some ware and tare in his voice. He sounds like he’s be singing for 300 years!! I LOVE u2, they’re my favorite band, I hope the new album coming out later this year early next year is better!!
i agree with macko, as a musician as well i find this review extremely opinionated, with a lack of understanding of music in general. Comparing parts of songs on this album to other songs in the bands past is completely stupid, because they arent even slightly similar. this review is completely irrelevant since it seems to have been written by someone with no musical experience. this is one of the best albums i have ever heard in my life, with incredible vocal harmonies, deep meaningful lyrics, incredibly textural guitar playing, and a perfect rhythm section that carries the band gracefully and never sticks out like a sore thumb. Erik Thompson, never review music again in your life, because you clearly don’t have a clue how to, and you inject an incredible amount of personal opinion into your reviews. this is the most musically uneducated, personally biased album review i have ever read in my life, on one of the best albums of U2′s career.
U2 recently played 3 nights in Dublin and the feeling around town is fairly mixed on the gigs. I was on the pitch and the stage was overwhelming, too overwhelming at times. But one thing in the whole concert got me and I couldn’t get it out of my head, and that was the chorus chant on Unknown Caller. The album version, when I listen to it now, is actually unsettling, I mean where else do you hear five grown men singing an infectious and perfect harmony about some otherworld based on strange apple macintosh key words. It’s nuts. And after seeing them live the whole record had changed. I’ve listened to it every day on repeat for the last 3 weeks since then, and despite being totally disinterested when I bought it, now I’m at the point where these songs just won’t go away. Stand up comedy is the only all out turkey on the record, though even this song has an interesting wrap up in the last 2 minutes. Get on your boots actually works on the record as a kind of sorbet moment, because musically Moment of Surrender, Unknown Caller and Fez Being born are astonishing songs. The 1 and a half minute lead in to Moment of Surrender becomes more revealing every additional time you listen, because I can think of few songs in pop/rock history that can so level you in the way that the first lines that Bono sings do on this song. In a way its a Lennon song or a Cobain song, the lyric piece is the perfect collision of intensity, melody and catharsis, but I wonder if even Lennon could have sung it. Cedars of Lebanon touches another level too. Most reviews chastise Bono for egocentric simplification on this one, but they miss the point that the song is not about the Palestinians or Hamas, its about about a Journalist. I don’t know how good this record is relatively speaking, that will take some time. But after 30 or so listens, I am sure that it is good. I spat out my coffee when I first saw RS give it five stars. But now I agree.
To call the album derivative (of themselves) and then to Praise “Fez” as if it’s something new, when it’s clearly the Zooropa sound, is ridiculous.
I disagree with most everything this critic is trying to convey to the U2 fans. I do realize you (critic) need something to critize about. The Edge does have a very unique style and I challenge anyone with a style like his to do better. No line is sooo different than war, october, pop, zooropa. U2 keep up the great work and keep the GREAT songs coming.
This is U2′s best album ever. A lame review full of cliches and lazy journalism. This album hasn’t got one weak track on it and it’s superbly produced as can be expected coming from Eno, Lanois and Lillywhite. Unknown Caller is 100 yrs ahead of it’s time as is Fez (been born) and the sublime Moment of Surrender is up there with One. Look the Edges guitar sound is always gonna be synonymous with U2 and they will always have a certain sound that makes them who they are. Even the Beatles for cryin’ out loud had a quality that made them sound like the Beatles! through all their records.U2 are their natural heirs and after hem they are arguably the greatest band since the moptops from Liverpool – 3 of which coincidentally had strong Irish backgrounds. Having said that Edge doesn’t sound like Edge on the majority of this album eg Stand up, Unknown Caller(solo), Moment Of Surrender (very Clapton) and Fez to name but a few. Wait – like Zooropa or Pop in 15 yrs time you will be all saying this is a fucking masterpiece. The rolling Stone at lesat thinks so, giving it 5 stars.
What a lame ass review by a writer that probably hasn’t done shit in his life other than write rave reviews about bands that never made it anywhere, while bombasting the U2′s of the world, who not only still have it, but continue to rock the world. U2 is U2 and they will always sound like U2, but Adam Clayton’s bass lines have never been better than on this CD, Edge is Edge and yes, his style is recognizable…that’s what U2 fans love about him… He can take a delay peday and a chorus pedal and make me forget the distorted 80s and grunge altogether… “Breathe, Magnificient, I’ll go crazy if I don’t go crazy tonight and Unknown Caller” are sheer pleasure to listen to…so refreshing in an age when all the rock bands are trying to get on the playlist in a Hollister dressing room… These guys kick ass…. I think its funny that you roast them over the fire about sounding the same when the Beatles rarely ever didn’t sound “Beatleish”….and Zepplin always sounded Zepplinish.. And we loved them for it. I’ve heard a lot of my friends in their 20s and 30s singing these songs and since I’m 40, I’ll take pride in that…. I doubt you’ll know who Kanye is when he’s 50.
Erik, with all due respect, terrible review.
U2 were safe on All That You Cant Leave Behind and How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb I’ll admit, but not here. NLOTH is a fantastic album and their best since their best ever, Achtung Baby.
First of all, how on earth can you hear The Fly on the title track, Im confused??? Its a really strong opening song, which I love. Magnificent, well, I should have stopped reading when you called that the best song on the album. Its a very good song, one that could have belonged in Unforgettable Fire, but far from the stand out track.
In fact, the best song on the album, for me, is one you didnt even bother to mention, Unknown Caller. Id rank it as one of U2s best ever, especially live. We then get the two radio friendly tunes, lead single Get on Your Boots to begin. This song was the first sign of experimentation we heard with it being the lead single. I like the song, but Magnificent should have been released first. I’ll Go Crazy if I Dont Go Crazy Tonight, is hard not to like, very radio friendly yes, but also quite uplifting.
Stand Up Comedy, what it lacks in lyrics, The Edge makes up for with a fantastic guitar sound. Fez is a real gem of a song that is really different from the rest of the album, completely takes you away.
The only point I’ll agree with you on is White as Snow, forgettable song really. Breathe on the other hand, is competing with UC for best track in my eyes. Could very well be the best U2 song have produced this decade. Every member is on form in this track, sheer quality. Cedars is OK, but not up there with the likes of Please or Mothers of the Disappeared.
Overall, 7.5/10, and the 360 tours ace as well.
Left out Moment of Surrender!! Shame, another great song!!