I've downloaded it but because i haven't got an apple mp3 player si i can only listen to it on my computer which I'm not used to and I've only heard it once...i wasn't blown away to be honest and I've never said that about a u2 album before but i need to listen to it properly!

(Reply) (Thread)

For what it's worth, I wasn't blown away on the first listen either (just thought it sounded "interesting"), but it was a really fast grower - I loved it within three listens! So it may yet come to impress you, unless it just isn't your thing for whatever reason.

(Reply) (Parent) (Thread)

Warning! Glowing review incoming! The album release took me completely by surprise! I downloaded it immediately, and took the long way to work to listen to it for the first time. It's the first album in a long, long time that I've listened to front to back, over and over. Overall I think it's a little Black Keys in the guitar, a little Stereophonics in the size and feel, some Danger Mouse, and of course a whole lot of U2.

I haven't immediately enjoyed an album this much since Pop (I know, I'm one of the *POP* kids). In fact, the only song that I'm not too hot on is Volcano. As of now, California is the favorite for me. I like that Every Breaking Wave made it in, although I'm a touch partial to the tenderness of the live version. Cedarwood Road is incredible, some shades of Hold Me Thrill Me in there, also the Troubles is fantastic. The album feels adventurous and full of energy, and for some reason much more accessible than No Line, although I enjoyed that album as well.

I love Eno and Lanois, and no one can touch what they do, but I'm glad U2 took a step away from them for a bit, cause I feel this album is full of details and flourishes and indulgence that I don't think Eno would have let them get away with. A coule things stand out for me. First off, I'm blown away with the lyrics, there's some really good poetry in some of these songs. Second, Adam is absolutely killing it on bass, some of his best work since Pop, I think. I wouldn't have minded some more Edge, but often times his work really shines when they take these songs on stage. Really looking forward to seeing how they plan on doing these songs on tour.

All in all, I think it's fantastic, I can't stop listening to it. On a sidenote, I also have to say it's been INCREDIBLY hard as a U2 fan to keep my mouth shut amidst all this constant bitching (excuse my french) and whining from people over this album showing up in their iTunes. I'm kind of stunned at the amount of hate, but then again, the internet hates everything, and I suppose it's just U2's turn in the spotlight. What keeps me sane is knowing that, when the lights go down in the stadium and 10,000 people absolutely lose their minds as the band takes the stage, it won't matter what a bunch of faceless complainers sitting behind their computer screens think.

Edited at 2014-09-22 02:48 am (UTC)

(Reply) (Thread)

It's funny you mention Pop because this album makes me feel the same way I did when I first bought Pop (i.e. warm and fuzzy and thrilled), and Sleep Like A Baby Tonight *really* reminds me of that album.

Glad to hear someone else likes California - I'm absolutely loving that track, but it doesn't seem very popular from comments I've seen floating around?

Totally agree with your assessment of the album. It's so good lyrically, and vocally - I didn't know Bono still had it in him! And yes, a huge thumbs up to the new producers. I can't stop listening either.

Regarding the haters, it's brilliant and hilarious how Bono just hasn't given the slightest fuck in all his snarky radio interviews this week. :D

(Reply) (Parent) (Thread)

My most fav to least fav:

1. Song for Someone
2. Volcano
3. The Miracle
4. Raised by Wolves
5. Iris
6. Cedarwood Road
7. California
8. Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
9. This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
10. Every Breaking Wave
11. The Troubles

That said, I'm super impressed with the whole album - and friends who are also fans have said the same thing (including the die hard, long time ones). The twitterati seem to hate it (they can suck it), but it's my favourite since ATYCLB easily.

(Reply) (Thread)

My favs are Every Breaking Wave, Iris, California.
You can vote for your favs in my blog)

(Reply) (Thread)

I'm in love with "Every Breaking Wave", "California", and "The Troubles". The whole album is fantastic though.

(Reply) (Thread)