Backstage at the Golden Globe Awards, Variety columnist Army Archerd asked Bono to describe the album that U2 have begun recording in Dublin.
“Pedal to the metal. It is high-energy, joyous rock ‘n’ roll,” Bono replied.
The U2 singer also spoke with Archerd about the inspiration for the “The Hands That Built America,” the song the band wrote for Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York.”
“The thing that got us to write the song,” Bono told Archerd, “was seeing the filmed time-lapse of New York between 1842 and the day after Sept. 11.” Bono treated Archerd to a few lines from the song: “It’s early fall, there’s a cloud on the New York skyline/Innocence dragged across a yellow line/These are the hands that built America.”
Archerd reports that Bono also musicked two other songs for him — “In America,” a modern story of Irish immigrants of the 1980s in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen and “Time Enough for Tears,” a song he wrote with Gavin Friday and Maurice Seezer.
After Bono had claimed a full-tilt rock album for the previous two albums, I believe him this time. POP and ATYCLB were not that. Great works, but not the all-out r&r frenzy we expected. But I think the Edge is assuming control of this project. And the last time that happened we we as fans were treated to Achtung Baby. Edge, we’re ready. Take control and create something inspiring.
After Bono had claimed a full-tilt rock album for the previous two albums, I believe him this time. POP and ATYCLB were not that. Great works, but not the all-out r&r frenzy we expected. But I think the Edge is assuming control of this project. And the last time that happened we we as fans were treated to Achtung Baby. Edge, we’re ready. Take control and create something inspiring.
It’s amazing the way U2 usually used to talk about their work. I’m sure the next album will be full of joy, great melodies, great edge’s guitar solos and SOUL!! That’s what U2 means: soul… and hope.
It’s amazing the way U2 usually used to talk about their work. I’m sure the next album will be full of joy, great melodies, great edge’s guitar solos and SOUL!! That’s what U2 means: soul… and hope.
It’s amazing the way U2 usually used to talk about their work. I’m sure the next album will be full of joy, great melodies, great edge’s guitar solos and SOUL!! That’s what U2 means: soul… and hope.
It’s amazing the way U2 usually used to talk about their work. I’m sure the next album will be full of joy, great melodies, great edge’s guitar solos and SOUL!! That’s what U2 means: soul… and hope.
dreamlandscape has more faith than I have. I also believed reports before previous albums. It seems to me that they rehearse the songs in a raw state only for the energy of the songs to be diminished somewhat in production and mixing, and then to be re-energised again live. This cycle needs to stop and I think they got close to that with ATYCLB as they said that the songs were played over and over until they knew them very well before recording (no lyrics written at the mike). Personally, Achtung Baby is my favourite and if the new one can achieve a similar combination of sonic invention with emotional depth then I will indeed be wetting the bed!
dreamlandscape has more faith than I have. I also believed reports before previous albums. It seems to me that they rehearse the songs in a raw state only for the energy of the songs to be diminished somewhat in production and mixing, and then to be re-energised again live. This cycle needs to stop and I think they got close to that with ATYCLB as they said that the songs were played over and over until they knew them very well before recording (no lyrics written at the mike). Personally, Achtung Baby is my favourite and if the new one can achieve a similar combination of sonic invention with emotional depth then I will indeed be wetting the bed!
I agree with the last post, look at Electrical Storm, totally Orbit-ized, and the effects weren’t positive. The demo we all heard was rougher, more rock oriented but the single was beautified to the detriment of the song.. Beware of all this “we’re making joyous” rock music..
I agree with the last post, look at Electrical Storm, totally Orbit-ized, and the effects weren’t positive. The demo we all heard was rougher, more rock oriented but the single was beautified to the detriment of the song.. Beware of all this “we’re making joyous” rock music..
lordy, that sounds f$$%&?* exciting!!! I
lordy, that sounds f$$%&?* exciting!!! I
didn’t bono go on and on about how ATYLC was a “back to basics” rock album? I’ll have to hear it to beLIEve it.
didn’t bono go on and on about how ATYLC was a “back to basics” rock album? I’ll have to hear it to beLIEve it.
A couple of years ago (before Achtung Baby) I remember reading an article with Bono where he said that they were losing touch with the reason they were making music – hence the need to go away and dream it all up again. They came back with sarcasm and satire (and a Zoo). It strikes me that they’re heading in the same direction now – losing sight of why they make music, that is. With all his humanitarian efforts (much respect, yo) I think that Bono is getting carried away with the “Peace On Earth” motif in his lyrics. I think they are forgetting that what we really want is “Trying To Throw Your Arms Around The World” or “The Fly” – not “Elevation” and “When I Look At The World” (good as they might be on their own). I look forward to the next album and wait to see if they will ever plateau. No sign, in my opinion, of that ever happening!
A couple of years ago (before Achtung Baby) I remember reading an article with Bono where he said that they were losing touch with the reason they were making music – hence the need to go away and dream it all up again. They came back with sarcasm and satire (and a Zoo). It strikes me that they’re heading in the same direction now – losing sight of why they make music, that is. With all his humanitarian efforts (much respect, yo) I think that Bono is getting carried away with the “Peace On Earth” motif in his lyrics. I think they are forgetting that what we really want is “Trying To Throw Your Arms Around The World” or “The Fly” – not “Elevation” and “When I Look At The World” (good as they might be on their own). I look forward to the next album and wait to see if they will ever plateau. No sign, in my opinion, of that ever happening!
A couple of years ago (before Achtung Baby) I remember reading an article with Bono where he said that they were losing touch with the reason they were making music – hence the need to go away and dream it all up again. They came back with sarcasm and satire (and a Zoo). It strikes me that they’re heading in the same direction now – losing sight of why they make music, that is. With all his humanitarian efforts (much respect, yo) I think that Bono is getting carried away with the “Peace On Earth” motif in his lyrics. I think they are forgetting that what we really want is “Trying To Throw Your Arms Around The World” or “The Fly” – not “Elevation” and “When I Look At The World” (good as they might be on their own). I look forward to the next album and wait to see if they will ever plateau. No sign, in my opinion, of that ever happening!
A couple of years ago (before Achtung Baby) I remember reading an article with Bono where he said that they were losing touch with the reason they were making music – hence the need to go away and dream it all up again. They came back with sarcasm and satire (and a Zoo). It strikes me that they’re heading in the same direction now – losing sight of why they make music, that is. With all his humanitarian efforts (much respect, yo) I think that Bono is getting carried away with the “Peace On Earth” motif in his lyrics. I think they are forgetting that what we really want is “Trying To Throw Your Arms Around The World” or “The Fly” – not “Elevation” and “When I Look At The World” (good as they might be on their own). I look forward to the next album and wait to see if they will ever plateau. No sign, in my opinion, of that ever happening!
but then, “i still haven
but then, “i still haven
if the new album is anything like achtung, this is very exciting. but achtung came out of such an interesting place in u2 history, and there’s no way they can make one like it. but i have faith in these guys, i know it will be good no matter what.
if the new album is anything like achtung, this is very exciting. but achtung came out of such an interesting place in u2 history, and there’s no way they can make one like it. but i have faith in these guys, i know it will be good no matter what.
“We”…are not Richard. Maybe you want the fly…I think its a cool song…but I enjoy both the music and message of Beautiful Day or Elevation just as much or not more…..
“We”…are not Richard. Maybe you want the fly…I think its a cool song…but I enjoy both the music and message of Beautiful Day or Elevation just as much or not more…..
I’m with Gloria…U2 need to get out of the confines of their own little snuggly studio, go some place and lock themselves in there for a few months, get really pissed and annoyed at eachother, and then maybe we’ll be more likely to hear something more “Even Better Than The Real Thing” and less “The Hands That Built America”…hey, what the hell, they can come stay at my place… 😉
I’m with Gloria…U2 need to get out of the confines of their own little snuggly studio, go some place and lock themselves in there for a few months, get really pissed and annoyed at eachother, and then maybe we’ll be more likely to hear something more “Even Better Than The Real Thing” and less “The Hands That Built America”…hey, what the hell, they can come stay at my place… 😉
Ditto Gloria…it will be good no matter what. Pick any U2 album and there are always your standard 3-4 favorite songs. The others are good, just not as “Great” as your favorites. As for the spirituality side of the lyrics…Isn’t that what we ALL Love about U2? And when Bono whispers through “Beat on the Brat” instead of the “Threw a Brick” type or “Gloria” vocal, realize The Ramones have a special place with the boys that we as fans can’t even come close to understanding. Joey Ramone, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and The Clash are some of Bono’s favs…that is where the diversity in his vocals comes from…IMO…Cheers!
Ditto Gloria…it will be good no matter what. Pick any U2 album and there are always your standard 3-4 favorite songs. The others are good, just not as “Great” as your favorites. As for the spirituality side of the lyrics…Isn’t that what we ALL Love about U2? And when Bono whispers through “Beat on the Brat” instead of the “Threw a Brick” type or “Gloria” vocal, realize The Ramones have a special place with the boys that we as fans can’t even come close to understanding. Joey Ramone, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and The Clash are some of Bono’s favs…that is where the diversity in his vocals comes from…IMO…Cheers!
Ditto Gloria…it will be good no matter what. Pick any U2 album and there are always your standard 3-4 favorite songs. The others are good, just not as “Great” as your favorites. As for the spirituality side of the lyrics…Isn’t that what we ALL Love about U2? And when Bono whispers through “Beat on the Brat” instead of the “Threw a Brick” type or “Gloria” vocal, realize The Ramones have a special place with the boys that we as fans can’t even come close to understanding. Joey Ramone, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and The Clash are some of Bono’s favs…that is where the diversity in his vocals comes from…IMO…Cheers!
Ditto Gloria…it will be good no matter what. Pick any U2 album and there are always your standard 3-4 favorite songs. The others are good, just not as “Great” as your favorites. As for the spirituality side of the lyrics…Isn’t that what we ALL Love about U2? And when Bono whispers through “Beat on the Brat” instead of the “Threw a Brick” type or “Gloria” vocal, realize The Ramones have a special place with the boys that we as fans can’t even come close to understanding. Joey Ramone, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and The Clash are some of Bono’s favs…that is where the diversity in his vocals comes from…IMO…Cheers!
Maybe it’s just me, but I just can’t find fault with anything they do. The more I listen the deeper I get into the music. It’s always something wonderful I hear in The Edges guitar or Bono’s lyrics. As far as I’m concerned they can do whatever they want, I’m listening. Can barely stand the suspense of the new albums release.
Maybe it’s just me, but I just can’t find fault with anything they do. The more I listen the deeper I get into the music. It’s always something wonderful I hear in The Edges guitar or Bono’s lyrics. As far as I’m concerned they can do whatever they want, I’m listening. Can barely stand the suspense of the new albums release.
I’m with Sue. It’s bleepin’ U2, people. I’m sure it’ll be bleepin’ brilliant. Only without the bleep. 😉
I’m with Sue. It’s bleepin’ U2, people. I’m sure it’ll be bleepin’ brilliant. Only without the bleep. 😉
Well, it WAS with the bleep at the golden globes. Except, of course, the bleep wasn’t bleeped out. Bleepin’ brilliant.
Well, it WAS with the bleep at the golden globes. Except, of course, the bleep wasn’t bleeped out. Bleepin’ brilliant.
I’m with Sue as well. My only problem with ATYCLB was that it was TOO easy to like – didn’t make me work for it like AB or Zooropa or JT. But that’s a minor complaint! As for producing all the roughness out of the songs, how about In a Little While? I remember hearing that New York was a first or second take too. Anyway I’m looking forward to it.
I’m with Sue as well. My only problem with ATYCLB was that it was TOO easy to like – didn’t make me work for it like AB or Zooropa or JT. But that’s a minor complaint! As for producing all the roughness out of the songs, how about In a Little While? I remember hearing that New York was a first or second take too. Anyway I’m looking forward to it.
yep, that
yep, that
Lucy…couldn’t have said it any better…Now that I look back, AB, Zooropa, and Pop really did take a lot of listening to get used to (especially AB)…funny how those albums are all my favourite ones though!
Lucy…couldn’t have said it any better…Now that I look back, AB, Zooropa, and Pop really did take a lot of listening to get used to (especially AB)…funny how those albums are all my favourite ones though!
Richard, who said “we” didn’t want ATYCLB? That was U2’s best selling album since Achtung Baby, so somebody must’ve wanted it. Use the word “we” all you want… I believe that you are in the minority.
Richard, who said “we” didn’t want ATYCLB? That was U2’s best selling album since Achtung Baby, so somebody must’ve wanted it. Use the word “we” all you want… I believe that you are in the minority.
I think U2 will continue to play it safe ala ATYCLB. Out of all my U2 albums ATYCLB is the only one that I can not listen to over and over it is good but boring. I wish U2 would push the limits again. In my opinion Radiohead is the only band still out there that has the sack to push it to the limit.
I think U2 will continue to play it safe ala ATYCLB. Out of all my U2 albums ATYCLB is the only one that I can not listen to over and over it is good but boring. I wish U2 would push the limits again. In my opinion Radiohead is the only band still out there that has the sack to push it to the limit.
Well, I’m not sure who belongs to a minority. I guess, if you made a poll examing the popularity of ATYCLB, I think it would be 50/50. Honestly, I’ve not heard so much fan criticism of an album, well since Rattle and Hum. But we don’t know how unpopular it is among fans, do we?
Well, I’m not sure who belongs to a minority. I guess, if you made a poll examing the popularity of ATYCLB, I think it would be 50/50. Honestly, I’ve not heard so much fan criticism of an album, well since Rattle and Hum. But we don’t know how unpopular it is among fans, do we?
“Trying to Throw Your Arms Around the World” is one of the more boring songs on AB, IMO. I’m looking forward to not hearing a song like it again. I do think that the next album will be harder in sound than ATYCLB.
“Trying to Throw Your Arms Around the World” is one of the more boring songs on AB, IMO. I’m looking forward to not hearing a song like it again. I do think that the next album will be harder in sound than ATYCLB.
Well, ATYCLB was voted the fourth favourite U2 album over at Interference.com a while ago, so I guess quite a lot of people liked it.
Well, ATYCLB was voted the fourth favourite U2 album over at Interference.com a while ago, so I guess quite a lot of people liked it.
ATYCLB….the album would have been better in my opinion if SIAM, WILATW, Peace on Earth and Grace were left off the album…just imagine 4 more solid tunes on that record
ATYCLB….the album would have been better in my opinion if SIAM, WILATW, Peace on Earth and Grace were left off the album…just imagine 4 more solid tunes on that record
ATYCLB….the album would have been better in my opinion if SIAM, WILATW, Peace on Earth and Grace were left off the album…just imagine 4 more solid tunes on that record
ATYCLB….the album would have been better in my opinion if SIAM, WILATW, Peace on Earth and Grace were left off the album…just imagine 4 more solid tunes on that record
Heh…. I loved AB instantly, I can’t imagine it being difficult to like. ATYCLB on the other hand – that took some effort.
Heh…. I loved AB instantly, I can’t imagine it being difficult to like. ATYCLB on the other hand – that took some effort.
Daria, put some headphones on fire up the volume on AB and you’ll know what there is to love about. Throw your arms around it baby, it’ll love you back.
I do this at work and co-workers throw things at me because I don’t realize how loud I’m singing. Can’t help it, I just love those guys.
Daria, put some headphones on fire up the volume on AB and you’ll know what there is to love about. Throw your arms around it baby, it’ll love you back.
I do this at work and co-workers throw things at me because I don’t realize how loud I’m singing. Can’t help it, I just love those guys.
i kinda agree with tiredeggman…the boys seemed to play it safe in ATYCLB, but its not worse, just different. anything that comes from them i will enjoy, because its u2.
i kinda agree with tiredeggman…the boys seemed to play it safe in ATYCLB, but its not worse, just different. anything that comes from them i will enjoy, because its u2.
I just don’t find TTTYAATW a particularly interesting tune. It’s Ok, but put next to the other AB songs it’s a filler.
I just don’t find TTTYAATW a particularly interesting tune. It’s Ok, but put next to the other AB songs it’s a filler.
u2 should take a leaf out of ryan adams book: learn all the material, go in with the band, no more than two takes a tunes, no overdubs = “demolition”. check it for yummy rock-ness. imagine what u2 could pull out with that method…*sigh*.
u2 should take a leaf out of ryan adams book: learn all the material, go in with the band, no more than two takes a tunes, no overdubs = “demolition”. check it for yummy rock-ness. imagine what u2 could pull out with that method…*sigh*.
In 1985, some fans surely wanted the band to return to its sound from 1982. In 1992, some wanted 1987. In 2003, some want 1992. This year’s model will be just fine with me, thanks.
There has not been a second War; the band has never returned to the Joshua Tree; we should not expect “Achtung, Again.” I love Achtung Baby, but when I want to hear songs like that, I listen to that album: I am not expecting U2 to produce more of the same. That’s not what the band is about.
In 1985, some fans surely wanted the band to return to its sound from 1982. In 1992, some wanted 1987. In 2003, some want 1992. This year’s model will be just fine with me, thanks.
There has not been a second War; the band has never returned to the Joshua Tree; we should not expect “Achtung, Again.” I love Achtung Baby, but when I want to hear songs like that, I listen to that album: I am not expecting U2 to produce more of the same. That’s not what the band is about.
“Ditto Gloria…it will be good no matter what. Pick any U2 album and there are always your standard 3-4 favorite songs.”
I really hate that. Speak for yourself. i don’t always have a favorite three or four songs. So many U2 fans are willing to accept any garbage and call it good just because it’s U2. I think the band knows that too and can fall back on those people. This is put up or shut up time for U2. They can either put out a truly great rock album and extend their tenure as one of the world’s best bands, or they can release a soft adult contempory album like ATYCLB and establish themselves as a safe, no longer creative act like McCartney. But I’m a little fed up with the pre-album talk that always turns out to be bull.
“Ditto Gloria…it will be good no matter what. Pick any U2 album and there are always your standard 3-4 favorite songs.”
I really hate that. Speak for yourself. i don’t always have a favorite three or four songs. So many U2 fans are willing to accept any garbage and call it good just because it’s U2. I think the band knows that too and can fall back on those people. This is put up or shut up time for U2. They can either put out a truly great rock album and extend their tenure as one of the world’s best bands, or they can release a soft adult contempory album like ATYCLB and establish themselves as a safe, no longer creative act like McCartney. But I’m a little fed up with the pre-album talk that always turns out to be bull.
I am wondering how making your album showcase your signature sound can’t be creative or enveloppe pushing. In the landscape that ATYCLB was released in, I say that the sound they produced was the most radical and risky thing they could’ve done. Think about it… before the album came out, if you had heard BD, would you have guessed that it would’ve received airplay alongside bands like, Limp Bizkit, Eminem (although not a band), Everclear (maybe a bad example), and Sum41? I agree that the band needs to change their sound up with every album, but you can’t deny that younger listners picked up this album, that the band’s live shows were amazing on the tour (mainly fueled by the new songs like Elevation, BD, Walk On, and Kite). If an album can connect with so many people then who are you to say that it is stale and bad?
I am wondering how making your album showcase your signature sound can’t be creative or enveloppe pushing. In the landscape that ATYCLB was released in, I say that the sound they produced was the most radical and risky thing they could’ve done. Think about it… before the album came out, if you had heard BD, would you have guessed that it would’ve received airplay alongside bands like, Limp Bizkit, Eminem (although not a band), Everclear (maybe a bad example), and Sum41? I agree that the band needs to change their sound up with every album, but you can’t deny that younger listners picked up this album, that the band’s live shows were amazing on the tour (mainly fueled by the new songs like Elevation, BD, Walk On, and Kite). If an album can connect with so many people then who are you to say that it is stale and bad?
I am wondering how making your album showcase your signature sound can’t be creative or enveloppe pushing. In the landscape that ATYCLB was released in,
I say that the sound they produced was the most radical and risky thing they could’ve done. Think about it… before the album came out, if you had heard
BD, would you have guessed that it would’ve received airplay alongside bands like, Limp Bizkit, Eminem (although not a band), Everclear (maybe a bad example),
and Sum41? I agree that the band needs to change their sound up with every album, but you can’t deny that younger listners picked up this album, that the
band’s live shows were amazing on the tour (mainly fueled by the new songs like Elevation, BD, Walk On, and Kite). If an album can connect with so many
people then who are you to say that it is stale and bad?
I am wondering how making your album showcase your signature sound can’t be creative or enveloppe pushing. In the landscape that ATYCLB was released in,
I say that the sound they produced was the most radical and risky thing they could’ve done. Think about it… before the album came out, if you had heard
BD, would you have guessed that it would’ve received airplay alongside bands like, Limp Bizkit, Eminem (although not a band), Everclear (maybe a bad example),
and Sum41? I agree that the band needs to change their sound up with every album, but you can’t deny that younger listners picked up this album, that the
band’s live shows were amazing on the tour (mainly fueled by the new songs like Elevation, BD, Walk On, and Kite). If an album can connect with so many
people then who are you to say that it is stale and bad?
ATYCLB was in no way a “safe” move for U2. “There are no reverse gears on this tank,” Bono said multiple times while promoting the album. I believe him. BD is unlike any song they’ve ever written, and the rest of the album follows suit. The bridge of WILATW is unprecedented in U2 discography. Thematically, Bono treads the same ground, perhaps; but what’s wrong with that when you’ve spent your whole life tackling The Big Questions? And then, the impossible happened. A horrifying act of terror made ATYCLB’s themes more relevant than seemed possible. U2 nailed ATYCLB. Well done, boys; don’t do it again. And they won’t. They’ll surprise us and baffle us and infuriate some of us. I celebrate them for it.
ATYCLB was in no way a “safe” move for U2. “There are no reverse gears on this tank,” Bono said multiple times while promoting the album. I believe him. BD is unlike any song they’ve ever written, and the rest of the album follows suit. The bridge of WILATW is unprecedented in U2 discography. Thematically, Bono treads the same ground, perhaps; but what’s wrong with that when you’ve spent your whole life tackling The Big Questions? And then, the impossible happened. A horrifying act of terror made ATYCLB’s themes more relevant than seemed possible. U2 nailed ATYCLB. Well done, boys; don’t do it again. And they won’t. They’ll surprise us and baffle us and infuriate some of us. I celebrate them for it.
All I want to hear is the song “Street Mission” (U2’s first ever) 13 times in a row… Baby… Not really… I thought one of the greatest things about U2 is that they sound different on every album… Would there be a Joshua Tree without War??? An Achtung Baby without ATYCLB??? I personally like to take them in as a library of music, not certain era’s… Although, I definitely go through phases where all I listen to is ’84-’88, or just Achtung Baby, or even where I fall for one song so hard that’s all that’s playing in my house for 2 weeks… Oh, hell, I love it all!!!
All I want to hear is the song “Street Mission” (U2’s first ever) 13 times in a row… Baby… Not really… I thought one of the greatest things about U2 is that they sound different on every album… Would there be a Joshua Tree without War??? An Achtung Baby without ATYCLB??? I personally like to take them in as a library of music, not certain era’s… Although, I definitely go through phases where all I listen to is ’84-’88, or just Achtung Baby, or even where I fall for one song so hard that’s all that’s playing in my house for 2 weeks… Oh, hell, I love it all!!!
yes yes, ATYCLB was either a baldfaced ploy to cash in on the u2 signature 80’s sound and it’s mammoth unit shifting abilities OR a cunning ploy to free them (financially) up and allow for another genre-bending, trend-defining masterwork (which the last album most certainly was not – four guys in a room? i need two hands and my left foot to count the guitars tracks on some of those tunes.) and what’s with the lyrics? “a mole digging in a hole?” fark orf the edge and stick to that axe, man. me thinks bono needs to pick up the delmore schwartz where he left off…back to the torurous infidelities and crisis of faith(lessness) – enough of this fat elvis! deep breaths…
yes yes, ATYCLB was either a baldfaced ploy to cash in on the u2 signature 80’s sound and it’s mammoth unit shifting abilities OR a cunning ploy to free them (financially) up and allow for another genre-bending, trend-defining masterwork (which the last album most certainly was not – four guys in a room? i need two hands and my left foot to count the guitars tracks on some of those tunes.) and what’s with the lyrics? “a mole digging in a hole?” fark orf the edge and stick to that axe, man. me thinks bono needs to pick up the delmore schwartz where he left off…back to the torurous infidelities and crisis of faith(lessness) – enough of this fat elvis! deep breaths…
damn straight achtung bubba !
damn straight achtung bubba !
ryan, wasnt The Fool U2’s first ever song???
ryan, wasnt The Fool U2’s first ever song???
Yeah, “Elevation” would have fit on JT no problem, what with its signature 80’s sound and all. Just because there’s a random whiff of Edge’s guitar here and there on the album doesn’t make it a throwback or anything.
Yeah, “Elevation” would have fit on JT no problem, what with its signature 80’s sound and all. Just because there’s a random whiff of Edge’s guitar here and there on the album doesn’t make it a throwback or anything.
Yeah, “Elevation” would have fit on JT no problem, what with its signature 80’s sound and all. Just because there’s a random whiff of Edge’s guitar here and there on the album doesn’t make it a throwback or anything.
Yeah, “Elevation” would have fit on JT no problem, what with its signature 80’s sound and all. Just because there’s a random whiff of Edge’s guitar here and there on the album doesn’t make it a throwback or anything.
How is it possible to critique their new release before it even exists!? Its nothing short of incredulous.
How is it possible to critique their new release before it even exists!? Its nothing short of incredulous.
Ok, first of all elmo, i’ve never heard any boring singer and a musician than ryan adams. ryan adams has to go so far to get even close to U2. And he never will. Second of all, the majority of U2 fans that i have talked to like AB, which also is my favorite album next to ATYCLB. The first day i heard the album i was in love with the band. And some of the songs that were mentiond here, such as Grace, WILATW, SIAM, Peace on Earth, are awsome songs. Songs that touch hearts. What I’ve noticed is that a lot of people being U2 fans for years or recently, or not fans at all, are narrow minded. Most of Boy, War or JT fans don’t like AB, ZOO, POP, or any recent songs that the band has created. I don’t get that at all. One of the reasons U2 is loved, is cause of the dept in their songs and the spirituality of their lyrics. One other reason for me is that they are not the same U2 that they were in 80’s. They have guts to experiment, grow , change, and go with what they enjoy doing. Most bands today are the same crap they were yesterday. Not U2. They have a unique style. Radiohead is another band that I like for the same reasons.Bono knows what he’s doing, so does Edge. Most of their albums or just songs off of them grow on you in time. I am very sure that their new album is gonna surprise everyone. I can’t wait to hear it. And to all those narrow minded stuck in the 80’s people out there, you shouldn’t even be U2 fans or waste your time listening to their albums. You don’t understand them anyway. Go and listen to real rock (ryan adams) perhaps. It’ll help you to fall asleep faster. Their new album is gonna rock!!!
Ok, first of all elmo, i’ve never heard any boring singer and a musician than ryan adams. ryan adams has to go so far to get even close to U2. And he never will. Second of all, the majority of U2 fans that i have talked to like AB, which also is my favorite album next to ATYCLB. The first day i heard the album i was in love with the band. And some of the songs that were mentiond here, such as Grace, WILATW, SIAM, Peace on Earth, are awsome songs. Songs that touch hearts. What I’ve noticed is that a lot of people being U2 fans for years or recently, or not fans at all, are narrow minded. Most of Boy, War or JT fans don’t like AB, ZOO, POP, or any recent songs that the band has created. I don’t get that at all. One of the reasons U2 is loved, is cause of the dept in their songs and the spirituality of their lyrics. One other reason for me is that they are not the same U2 that they were in 80’s. They have guts to experiment, grow , change, and go with what they enjoy doing. Most bands today are the same crap they were yesterday. Not U2. They have a unique style. Radiohead is another band that I like for the same reasons.Bono knows what he’s doing, so does Edge. Most of their albums or just songs off of them grow on you in time. I am very sure that their new album is gonna surprise everyone. I can’t wait to hear it. And to all those narrow minded stuck in the 80’s people out there, you shouldn’t even be U2 fans or waste your time listening to their albums. You don’t understand them anyway. Go and listen to real rock (ryan adams) perhaps. It’ll help you to fall asleep faster. Their new album is gonna rock!!!
achtung bubba!!! You are damn right!
U2 can do what they please… …If I don’t like it, I won’t buy it… …but all that I’d really like is an album full of great emotional songs able to become greater live!
P.S. IMHO Radiohead pushed the limit too far… …and became cacophonic and depressing!
achtung bubba!!! You are damn right!
U2 can do what they please… …If I don’t like it, I won’t buy it… …but all that I’d really like is an album full of great emotional songs able to become greater live!
P.S. IMHO Radiohead pushed the limit too far… …and became cacophonic and depressing!
I think it’s a pretty safe bet that you can play any track off of ATYCLB next to any track from the 80s and it will be clear which one is from the 21st century. The album is certainly not a return to their “signature 80s sound,” whatever that is, anyway.
I think it’s a pretty safe bet that you can play any track off of ATYCLB next to any track from the 80s and it will be clear which one is from the 21st century. The album is certainly not a return to their “signature 80s sound,” whatever that is, anyway.
Back to themes of infidelity and faithlessness…in their forties..why? As much as I loved AB..I wouldn’t wish the state of mind that produced that album on anyone, much less a band that I love…
Back to themes of infidelity and faithlessness…in their forties..why? As much as I loved AB..I wouldn’t wish the state of mind that produced that album on anyone, much less a band that I love…
Megan, you are right. But it must be said that artists tend to produce their best work when experiencing emotional extremes. Bono has spoken about the ecstatic quality of their early sound and attempting to recapture that. I think though that Joy is much more difficult to produce than the sort of themes explored in AB.
Megan, you are right. But it must be said that artists tend to produce their best work when experiencing emotional extremes. Bono has spoken about the ecstatic quality of their early sound and attempting to recapture that. I think though that Joy is much more difficult to produce than the sort of themes explored in AB.
Dunno, I’ve read an interview with PJ Harvey recently where she said that, in her mind, the idea that an artist has to go to emotional extremes in real life in order to do great music is simply ridiculous.
Dunno, I’ve read an interview with PJ Harvey recently where she said that, in her mind, the idea that an artist has to go to emotional extremes in real life in order to do great music is simply ridiculous.
Oh yeah, and just because some older fans don’t like U2’s 90s catalogue doesn’t make them narrow-minded. Everyone has a right to dislike some of their favourite band’s albums without being called “narrow-minded” or “unable to appreciate U2’s experimental side” or whatever.
Oh yeah, and just because some older fans don’t like U2’s 90s catalogue doesn’t make them narrow-minded. Everyone has a right to dislike some of their favourite band’s albums without being called “narrow-minded” or “unable to appreciate U2’s experimental side” or whatever.
ROCK ON HARRY!!! You are so right with what we know and love about U2. When I hear a track I don’t think I like as well as another, I find myself thinking about that song and looking up the lyrics to see what it could possibly be about. No other band – I can call to mind- has me reading the lyrics to try and understand where they(the band) is coming from. I still don’t know, so I just apply it to where ever I need to in my life. They are such phenomenal writers & musicians, I can’t get the tunes out of my head, nor do I want too.
ROCK ON HARRY!!! You are so right with what we know and love about U2. When I hear a track I don’t think I like as well as another, I find myself thinking about that song and looking up the lyrics to see what it could possibly be about. No other band – I can call to mind- has me reading the lyrics to try and understand where they(the band) is coming from. I still don’t know, so I just apply it to where ever I need to in my life. They are such phenomenal writers & musicians, I can’t get the tunes out of my head, nor do I want too.
If you’re all experts on how U2 should make music and what makes good music, then go out and record your own fucking record!
Selfish wankers, the lot of you. Haven’t got a fuckin clue.
If you’re all experts on how U2 should make music and what makes good music, then go out and record your own fucking record!
Selfish wankers, the lot of you. Haven’t got a fuckin clue.
The album musn’t be like anything. They just need to dream it all up again and surprise us with noise – real rock’n’roll.
The album musn’t be like anything. They just need to dream it all up again and surprise us with noise – real rock’n’roll.
I completely agree that ATYCLB was like a safe harbor for the band. It was an album the average person would like and the band knew that before they released it. I’m also of the opinion the band should experiment (experiment doesn’t necessarily mean making an electro-rock album). Instead of releasing an album with good tunes, the band should push themselves to the limit and try to write out of this world tunes, which can only be achieved with experimentation. Think about the average album from any band. Sure, it’ll sell, it’ll get played. I think often about AB and what it did (not the songs in particular, but the whole album concept). It sold 11m+ copies with music that was TOTALLY out of the blue, refreshing and exciting. That was something that ATYCLB did not live up to. Like someone on this thread said, it’s the only album I can’t listen to over and over. It was good but not great. And U2 is not good, but GREAT, so they should come up with something that lives up to their greatness.
I completely agree that ATYCLB was like a safe harbor for the band. It was an album the average person would like and the band knew that before they released it. I’m also of the opinion the band should experiment (experiment doesn’t necessarily mean making an electro-rock album). Instead of releasing an album with good tunes, the band should push themselves to the limit and try to write out of this world tunes, which can only be achieved with experimentation. Think about the average album from any band. Sure, it’ll sell, it’ll get played. I think often about AB and what it did (not the songs in particular, but the whole album concept). It sold 11m+ copies with music that was TOTALLY out of the blue, refreshing and exciting. That was something that ATYCLB did not live up to. Like someone on this thread said, it’s the only album I can’t listen to over and over. It was good but not great. And U2 is not good, but GREAT, so they should come up with something that lives up to their greatness.
A beautiful thing about u2 and why they are such a successful group of musicians is because of the fact that all of their albums are very different- they try new things and create music that reflects what they are going through. Of course they cant make another AB, JT, or War, but that should be a good thing! different doesnt mean they are doing it safe, thats just what they came up with. If you dont like it, dont listen to it. Though we dont know what to expect from the next album, it will surely be worth listening to no matter what to see what the boys are thinking. I love how if i have heard too much of ATYCLB or AB I can put in War or JT and get something so different but still amazing. And I disagree that fans are so shallow as to like anything u2 produces, “just because its u2”. No true fan would ever do bulls**t like that. So let’s let it go!
A beautiful thing about u2 and why they are such a successful group of musicians is because of the fact that all of their albums are very different- they try new things and create music that reflects what they are going through. Of course they cant make another AB, JT, or War, but that should be a good thing! different doesnt mean they are doing it safe, thats just what they came up with. If you dont like it, dont listen to it. Though we dont know what to expect from the next album, it will surely be worth listening to no matter what to see what the boys are thinking. I love how if i have heard too much of ATYCLB or AB I can put in War or JT and get something so different but still amazing. And I disagree that fans are so shallow as to like anything u2 produces, “just because its u2”. No true fan would ever do bulls**t like that. So let’s let it go!
So you can only write “out of this world tunes” through experimentation? I disagree. Take my favorite American rock star, Bruce Springsteen. Experimentation was never part of his vocabulary. Guitars, vocals, keyboards, sax, the occasional tuba or violin. That’s been it for 30 years for this guy. And does he write “out of this world tunes” or WHAT! It’s not about the clothes, it’s about the soul. U2 have dressed up the songs in different ways over the years – slap on a little grime and call it UTEOTW or make it sparkle like cool rain and call it Electrical Storm. It’s the same band, the same heart. The best of the 90s collection proves, to me, that U2 has succeeded in convincing everyone they’ve changed more than they actually have. This is not to say their albums sound the same – certainly not, and neither do Bruce’s. But I think the potential guitar/drums/bass/vocals avenues have hardly been exhausted (as “The Rising” proves).
So you can only write “out of this world tunes” through experimentation? I disagree. Take my favorite American rock star, Bruce Springsteen. Experimentation was never part of his vocabulary. Guitars, vocals, keyboards, sax, the occasional tuba or violin. That’s been it for 30 years for this guy. And does he write “out of this world tunes” or WHAT! It’s not about the clothes, it’s about the soul. U2 have dressed up the songs in different ways over the years – slap on a little grime and call it UTEOTW or make it sparkle like cool rain and call it Electrical Storm. It’s the same band, the same heart. The best of the 90s collection proves, to me, that U2 has succeeded in convincing everyone they’ve changed more than they actually have. This is not to say their albums sound the same – certainly not, and neither do Bruce’s. But I think the potential guitar/drums/bass/vocals avenues have hardly been exhausted (as “The Rising” proves).
The reason why AB sold like hotcakes -and- the reason why it’s considered to be a great album is precisely because it’s full of great tunes that an average person (whatever -that- means) could love. No one could honestly say that “One” is not a great, radio-friendly tune. And honestly, I could think of dozens of bands whose music I find much more musically challenging and experimental than anything U2 ever put out. I don’t mean it as a slander; I simply think that U2’s strengths are in writing great songs which may differ wildly in musical styles but which are still fairly accessible and melodic.
The reason why AB sold like hotcakes -and- the reason why it’s considered to be a great album is precisely because it’s full of great tunes that an average person (whatever -that- means) could love. No one could honestly say that “One” is not a great, radio-friendly tune. And honestly, I could think of dozens of bands whose music I find much more musically challenging and experimental than anything U2 ever put out. I don’t mean it as a slander; I simply think that U2’s strengths are in writing great songs which may differ wildly in musical styles but which are still fairly accessible and melodic.
I’d always been a casual fan of U2, liking whatever they had on the radio at the time, dating back to about the time of Rattle & Hum. (“Angel of Harlem” is the first U2 song I remember hearing on the radio.) But for whatever reason, I’d never actually bought any of the albums. Until I heard “Beautiful Day” a few weeks before ATYCLB came out. I was absolutely blown away by that song — it’s amazing, especially in comparison to what else was considered popular on rock radio at that time. That song, and ATYCLB as an album, made me a U2 fan. I’ve since gotten into the back catalog, and I love JT, AB, and POP specifically. ATYCLB stands among those as a great U2 album in my mind, and I think it deserves appreciation by fans as a great album.
I’d always been a casual fan of U2, liking whatever they had on the radio at the time, dating back to about the time of Rattle & Hum. (“Angel of Harlem” is the first U2 song I remember hearing on the radio.) But for whatever reason, I’d never actually bought any of the albums. Until I heard “Beautiful Day” a few weeks before ATYCLB came out. I was absolutely blown away by that song — it’s amazing, especially in comparison to what else was considered popular on rock radio at that time. That song, and ATYCLB as an album, made me a U2 fan. I’ve since gotten into the back catalog, and I love JT, AB, and POP specifically. ATYCLB stands among those as a great U2 album in my mind, and I think it deserves appreciation by fans as a great album.
Well said, John.
Well said, John.
U2 make music with love in it. They do what they want to do, and hope we will like it too. Least, that’s how it looks to me in my 20th year as a fan.
Yesterday I listened to “October” then “All That YOu Can’t Leave Behind”. These are the two albums I enjoy most. Comparing them proved to me that U2 are still the same U2, but have grown!
Anyway, Bono’s voice and Edge’s guitar, and the special thing that happens when the four of them play together, still does it for me, so whatever they do next, I’ll be listening.
U2 make music with love in it. They do what they want to do, and hope we will like it too. Least, that’s how it looks to me in my 20th year as a fan.
Yesterday I listened to “October” then “All That YOu Can’t Leave Behind”. These are the two albums I enjoy most. Comparing them proved to me that U2 are still the same U2, but have grown!
Anyway, Bono’s voice and Edge’s guitar, and the special thing that happens when the four of them play together, still does it for me, so whatever they do next, I’ll be listening.
U2 make music with love in it. They do what they want to do, and hope we will like it too. Least, that’s how it looks to me in my 20th year as a fan.
Yesterday I listened to “October” then “All That YOu Can’t Leave Behind”. These are the two albums I enjoy most. Comparing them proved to me that U2 are still the same U2, but have grown!
Anyway, Bono’s voice and Edge’s guitar, and the special thing that happens when the four of them play together, still does it for me, so whatever they do next, I’ll be listening.
U2 make music with love in it. They do what they want to do, and hope we will like it too. Least, that’s how it looks to me in my 20th year as a fan.
Yesterday I listened to “October” then “All That YOu Can’t Leave Behind”. These are the two albums I enjoy most. Comparing them proved to me that U2 are still the same U2, but have grown!
Anyway, Bono’s voice and Edge’s guitar, and the special thing that happens when the four of them play together, still does it for me, so whatever they do next, I’ll be listening.
Music within a sense is an art form. How many U2 fans can write just the music and add lyrics to a song later. Now U2 can do a lot of different albums and I’m looking forward to hearing the next new album! I really like all of their songs!
Music within a sense is an art form. How many U2 fans can write just the music and add lyrics to a song later. Now U2 can do a lot of different albums and I’m looking forward to hearing the next new album! I really like all of their songs!
Music within a sense is an art form. How many U2 fans can write just the music and add lyrics to a song later. Now U2 can do a lot of different albums and I’m looking forward to hearing the next new album! I really like all of their songs!
Music within a sense is an art form. How many U2 fans can write just the music and add lyrics to a song later. Now U2 can do a lot of different albums and I’m looking forward to hearing the next new album! I really like all of their songs!
Music within a sense is an art form. How many U2 fans can write just the music and add lyrics to a song later. Now U2 can do a lot of different albums and I’m looking forward to hearing the next new album! I really like all of their songs!
Music within a sense is an art form. How many U2 fans can write just the music and add lyrics to a song later. Now U2 can do a lot of different albums and I’m looking forward to hearing the next new album! I really like all of their songs!