The Return of U2

Wow, I've forgotten about this place. I've also forgotten to collect new music... until recently.

The big news in the music world last week was the release of U2's new album, No Line on the Horizon. After much deliberation on whether it would be worth getting the album and whether or not I could should afford it, I decided to go ahead and just pick it up while it was still under $10. The album has gotten some mixed reviews, but my overall impression is positive on this one. This album has more of that classic U2 sound, a turn from the pop-like sound of their last two albums. Looking at the 5 star and 1 star reviews on Amazon.com, I notice the following: Those that like the album were a fan of the band's experimental albums of the mid and late 90's (Achtung Baby, Pop, and Zooropa); those that did not like the album did not like the experimental years and thought the band had redeemed itself with All That You Can't Leave Behind and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

My favorite tracks from the new album are 1. The title track, "No Line on the Horizon," 3. "Moment of Surrender," 9. "White as Snow," and to some extent 6. "Get on your Boots." Of course, the rest are pleasing to listen to as well.