For several days we, myself and MikeMous, we're listening to a new - a long-awaited album of one of the few remaining major groups, which is and has been active (up and about) for the last 33 years! " No Line on the Horizon " is been said by the producers of Brian Eno , Daniel Lanois & Steve Lillywhite to be the album that will put U2 back to a new - separate orbit, and this statement has created high expectations. So after we have melt the record in our daily listings, listed below are our reviews on the record and each piece separately. Do not think that we agree on everything. .. Let's go then:
The band: U2 The style of music: pop - rock
Disc: No Line on the Horizon (27/02/2009)
The single: " Get on your boots "
Disc: No Line on the Horizon (27/02/2009)
The single: " Get on your boots "
MikeMous: This is truly a «different» record from the Irish band. Clearly there are common points in the past, but " No Line On The Horizon " could well be described as a new, fresh, unique and bold beginning for Bono and his friends, here in the late first decade of the 21st century. Both music and lyrics of the songs exude creative and oestrus inspiration. Edge , Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen play with the maximum maturity, but some experimentation following the dictates of the musical climate of the 00's, Bono does not still enchant, but he keeps it up with his experience and « lifts off» at times. The production is great (put in the hands of B. Eno ) and the overall result is a very good job which will certainly be one of the best of 2009 (although in fact the production started in 2006). A plus is the fact that a large part of the disc was recorded in N. Africa .
gbal: usually I don't expect much from bands / musicians with a great history on their back. Instead I am waiting for something new, unique and special, to be produced by new formats-groups.As far as the latest U2 album, I tried to think of it as a new album, forgetting the past and staying only in 2009, as if they were a new band.
So, I must say that the main features of the record for me are: - the maturity exhaled from it,
- a stable pace, without trying to impress, but wanting to travel and to enchant,
- mystic's special atmosphere, created in different parts of it,
- the existence of hits as a "supporting role" rather than the one of the "leading actor".
" No Line on the Horizon " really sets a new basis in the structure of U2 and does not offer another composition of songs in music history- hits in the style we're used to during many years by the band. U2 are not based on the form of their success to sell another million copies and have actually chosen a rather difficult path. They chose to experiment with sounds and feelings, managed to win back several friends and funs, who had taken a distance from the band in recent years. Many of you who love the inventiveness of " Achtung Baby " & " Joshua Tree ", but despise the hits of " All that you can't leave behind "and" How to Dismantle an atomic bomb ", will probably change your opinion about Bono , Edge , Clayton & Mullen . I can not predict that you would put the record in the list of Best of 2009, but I'd rather save a place for " No Line on the Horizon " in my list.
Let's see the songs one by one separately:
MikeMous: The same-as-the-record titled track that opens the album reflects the will of the band to «Rock» testing new «recipe» experimentation. The musical result is relatively good with simple forms and pace - (**,*)
gbal: I would say that this song directly puts you into the record. Although there is good Chorus, the atmosphere of the song sends you the message that there will be a lot to follow to a different direction than the one you're used to by the band - (****)
02 - Magnificent
MikeMous: One of the songs that appear to be from the good old times with a strong chorus and thorough riffs. The break of Larry Mullen before Chorus strongly resembles the one in "Pride". Powerful lyrics and remarkable length (5:20) - (***)
gbal: Strong track, which would logically be one of the singles of the record. I wonder why haven't they chosen it as the first single ... - (****,*)
03 - Moment of Surrender
MikeMous: The 7 minute long creative inspiration. Very good with an incredible Edge and with Bono following at points. Melody and lyrics in a very beautiful path - (****)
gbal: particularly melodic, slow, melancholic which brings in mind the style of Brian Eno & David Byrne. From this piece on one can realize the diversity of the record - (****)
gbal: particularly melodic, slow, melancholic which brings in mind the style of Brian Eno & David Byrne. From this piece on one can realize the diversity of the record - (****)
MikeMous: Nice, but relatively weak and a little gushy, although its strong point is in the vocals and the keybords at the end - (* *)
gbal: The special atmosphere of the previous song is the beginning of this track, even though it reminds us of " Magnificent ". Fairly good Chorus and strong solo at the end - (****)
05 - I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight
MikeMous: Another melodic creation with elements that can compose a possible single. Nice Chorus and beautiful kouple - (***)
gbal: For me is the best song of the record. Classic super hit with the Chorus, which brings together the past and the present of U2 - (*****)
06 - Get On Your Boots
MikeMous: 1st single (so far) is known and has been released recently on the grounds of promotion (gbal had already put in harmless songs ... ....). Dance and rock, with a fresh sound and playful (and slightly sexy) - (**,*)
gbal: I think it was inappropriate choice as first single, unless they wanted to surprise us when we heard the record. The "GoyB" is based on the form of Vertigo and perhaps it is what is left from the last record - (***,*)
07 - Stand up comedy
MikeMous: rhythmic, well rock, dance with outbreaks at times. The band is in perfect balance and maturity - (***)
gbal: This is a different song with funky and strong Chorus disposal. From the cheerful songs of the record - (****,*)
08 - Fez - Being Born
MikeMous: Perhaps the most surprising part of the record with intense experimentation. Important role played by the fact that this was written in Batha in Chad. I have the impression that this is a sample of the style they want to follow from now on. A far as music is concerned it's got perfect pace and Bono in great spirit. Lyricswise is (along with the "Cedars of Lebanon"), the culminating point of the record - (*****)
gbal: particularly experimental song with prominent figures, that U2 wanted to add to their music as a result to their journey to Fez and North Africa. Excellent performance from Bono and musically one of the top moments of the record - (****,*)
MikeMous: Beautiful introduction, so and so Chorus, with a bit of rumbling after the first half of it. With a little work it could be one of the best tracks - (**,*)
gbal: The rates have fallen and created an atmosphere of mysticism in which Bono whisperes as if he wants to confess various stuff. The peaks in the vocals, the incredible melody and the whole atmosphere makes another particularly strong moment of the record - (****,*)
10 - Breathe
MikeMous: Best time of Bono. Concise, lyrical and excellent performance. Musical piece «stands» well, but I feel that «something is missing» - (***)
gbal: "Breath" I would say that brought in mind the new songs of Bruce Springsteen. The keybords play a greater role in the track, along with the requisite guitar solo of course and the super performance of Bono! - (****,*)
11 - Cedars of Lebanon
MikeMous: The last piece is something of «cedars of Lebanon». Very good lyrics by Bono in a simple outline, but with warm and special performance. The conclusion is the best moment: "Choose your enemies carefully 'cos they will define you / Make them interesting' cos in some ways they will mind you / They're not there in the beginning but when your story ends / Gonna last with you longer than your friend "- (****)
gbal: All the record as you may notice is divided into two pieces and they swich places all the time. From the song with the pop lyrics to most experimental song. Here is the turn of the 2nd category. Bono tells us a story in the light of candles with a melancholic melody rising slowly -(****)
The reviews of the record from musical forms and sites are moving at very good levels: Rolling Stone (5 / 5), The Observer (4 / 5), Spin (3,5 / 5), BBC .
Listen to the whole album in MySpace page the band .
February ends and we have 3 extremely good albums from musicians with a long history behind them, see Bruce Springsteen, Morrissey, U2. Let's see what follows ...
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