Does anyone remember how many weeks before release the official tracklist was announced? I seem to recall between 4-6 weeks. I can't wait to see what tracks are included and the order ...
I'm hoping this is a true and cohesive album (JT and AB - even ATYCLB) and not just a collection of songs (HTDAAB). With all classic albums the whole is always great than the sum of the parts. IMO bands that understand the importance of the "album" (U2, Killers, etc.) are the ones that last.
The tracklist could be a clue ... can't wait.
I felt HTDAAB was more cohesive than ATYCLB, as that album suffered from a great first half and a very weak second half. But if you state that HTDAAB is a collection of songs, then I'd say that was true for "Pop" (which seemed all over the place for U2, exploring traditional U2 as well as "experimental") and ATYCLB.
Also, even for the albums you mentioned (JT and AB), I've seen so many fans counter with alternative track-listing. Some even say that ATYCLB and HTDAAB would be better albums with a shift in track-listing.
It just goes back to the "what works for one, doesn't work for another" theme, that especially seems to dominate U2 fans on this website.
What I hope is that U2 avoids the temptation of sticking in the "cute" songs, like "A Man and a Woman", "Trip Through Your Wires", "Babyface", "Some Days Are Better than Others", "If God Will Send His Angels", and most of the second half of ATYCLB. These are the songs that tend to derail an album, IMO. And while people will argue with my song selections, remember, this is subjective. Others probably feel the same, even though their song choices are different. What makes a great album is one that has very few "cute" songs, that the artist loves, but that are a bit questionable on the album.
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