I got hold of the latest U2 album a week or 2 before going to see them in Croke Park on their first night on home soil as part of their current world tour. Just wanted to aquaint myself with some of the songs in case they played a load of them! They played 4 or 5 and I was ready for them!
I had heard reports that U2 were past it and that the current album was proof and that it wasn’t a patch on their earlier stuff. Never one to be influenced too much by others I wanted to form my own opinion! To cut a long story short I’ve been listening to the album almost non stop for about a month now!. It’s one of those slow burning albums, just enough at first listen to tempt you to listen again and slowly but surely you get it then can’t get enough.
Bono is in great vocal form and The Edge’s riffs are “infinite” as usual. Stand out tracks for me are “Magnificent” a classic U2 anthem, “Moment of Surrender” and “White as Snow” both gorgeuos ballads and “Unknown Caller” with a great Riff and nerdy computer lyrics, right up my street!
The only weak songs on it for me are “Get on your boots” and “Stand up comedy”.
I think the album is a mature U2 recording with echoes of some of their great anthems of the past and for me, proof that they are still top of the stadium rocker league.
PS – The 360 tour and “Claw” are awesome too!