The latest U2 [http://u2.com] album – No Line on the Horizon [http://astore.amazon.com/soulthou-20/detail/B001O5W6C0]- could well go down as one of their best. As they did with their classic Achtung Baby in 1991, this album is a result of a slight re-invention of this fabulous band’s music. I say ‘slight’ because the change from the previous album is not as great as the change that Achtung Baby was from Rattle and Hum.
This album is sort of like a cross between The Unforgettable Fire and Achtung Baby. It has a distinct European sound, and if you’re a long-time U2 fan, you will recognise the influence of producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.
Containing only 11 songs, ‘No Line on the Horizon’ has more hard rock songs than ballads and, as usual, the band excels at both. U2 fans have hung out for a while for this one and I suspect they won’t be disappointed. Having had a few listens, the favourite track for me is ‘Magnificent’. This song, an anthemic hymn of praise and thanks to God for who he is, will, I believe, be to this album what ‘One’ was to Achtung Baby. It is a superb song, full of uninhibited joy, and I can see it reverberating around packed stadiums the world over as Bono’s soaring voice once again sends the fans to another place. This is one to play loud and long when you’re alone at home and there is no one else around! It comes across as one of those songs that has been waiting for years to be written. Many Beatles songs come across like that. I think the ability to do this reflects the greatness of a band.
‘No Line on the Horizon’ is more of an introspective album than their most recent releases. This is most seen in lyrics such as the following:
“I don’t wanna talk about wars between nations”
“Love is evolution’s very best day”
“A change of heart comes slow. It’s not a hill, it’s a mountain as you start out the climb…we’re gonna make it all the way to the light”
“Can I stand up to beauty, dictator of the heart”
A recurring theme of the album revolves around dying to self and being reborn. There are tinges of the social concern that has been the hallmark of so much of their music over the years and which has formed their identity as a band of prophetic concern. Above all, this is the quintessential U2 album. Edge’s incredible guitar riffs, Adam’s bass, and Larry’s drumming, combined with Bono’s poetic lyrics and unique voice, make this an album that will be remembered in years to come as one of their finest.
by Nils von Kalm
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