DevilsShoes
War Child
So I've been listening to this song all week now and for whatever reason its just not really connecting with me and I don't quite know why.
I mean I can see why its popular.
Lyrically its pretty great, the idea of writing from another characters POV is something I think has paid off in spades and I hope Bono chooses to explore the idea a little further in the future. I like alot of the imagery, 'playing with fire until the fire played with me', vision over visibility, the passers by did not notice me, counting down till the pain would stop', its all evocative stuff.
Vocally, I don't think Bono's been this emotive for about 20 years, the first line slices right through you, the fact that this was all done in one take makes it all the more remarkable, plus its a trick to sound both resilient and broken at the same time.
But with that said, it seems to meander a bit, Edges solo appears slightly directionless and the song never really reaches its climax. I was waiting for it to catch fire, but I don't think it ever really does. Although I like the fact the all the voices in the chorus are not perfectly in sync with one another, the overall melody seems bit weepy and, dare I say it, a bit maudlin.
Calling it the 'greatest song U2 have ever recorded' is a little ambitious in my book. Maybe I would feel more inclined towards it if I'd been able to approach it as just another song on the album rather than this great 7 minute epic.
Perhaps I'll prefer the live versions, these things often appear more defined and impactful on stage.
Anyway just thought I'd post a few thoughts and find out if anyone shares my sentiments.
I mean I can see why its popular.
Lyrically its pretty great, the idea of writing from another characters POV is something I think has paid off in spades and I hope Bono chooses to explore the idea a little further in the future. I like alot of the imagery, 'playing with fire until the fire played with me', vision over visibility, the passers by did not notice me, counting down till the pain would stop', its all evocative stuff.
Vocally, I don't think Bono's been this emotive for about 20 years, the first line slices right through you, the fact that this was all done in one take makes it all the more remarkable, plus its a trick to sound both resilient and broken at the same time.
But with that said, it seems to meander a bit, Edges solo appears slightly directionless and the song never really reaches its climax. I was waiting for it to catch fire, but I don't think it ever really does. Although I like the fact the all the voices in the chorus are not perfectly in sync with one another, the overall melody seems bit weepy and, dare I say it, a bit maudlin.
Calling it the 'greatest song U2 have ever recorded' is a little ambitious in my book. Maybe I would feel more inclined towards it if I'd been able to approach it as just another song on the album rather than this great 7 minute epic.
Perhaps I'll prefer the live versions, these things often appear more defined and impactful on stage.
Anyway just thought I'd post a few thoughts and find out if anyone shares my sentiments.
Cheers Gav, appreciate your reply mate.
That's another one I'm struggling with, I really enjoy the chanting choruses but the verses don't really do it for me, they seem a bit disjointed. Yeah certainly a grower this one.
