October is my 7th favourite album yet still warrants a 5 star rating.
The album is made amazing by the fact that it has U2's greatest ever song on there.
GLORIA. The Bass solo is Clayton's finest moment and sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. The riff that runs through the verses of the song is unlike anything else. Whilst Edge provides the energy in the verse, Bono vocals that are just as energetic and passionate in the chorus. After Clayton steals the limelight, we have an amazing outro, one that differs from the rest of the song and is extremely moving. All 4 members of U2 unite to produce something incredible. Gregorian chants add something magical to the song as well, and let's not forget that the song was written at a time when U2 were coming to terms with what for them was a difficult decision. Being in a rock and roll band whilst also having faith in God. They played the Devil's music, something they wouldn't regret continuing to do.
Amazing song. Encapsulates why U2 is the greatest. Best video clip too.
Every track is an enjoyable listen, yet Stranger in a Strange Land, Scarlet, and Tomorrow could have been better songs in my opinion if they were rejigged a little bit during production.
Fire, I Fall Down, ITABTAW and Is That All? are remarkable.
Is That All? in particular deserves praise because it was a song practically written on the spot and poses an interesting question to the listener.
"Is that All you want" from U2? After Boy and October, U2 proved that they were more than just 4 blokes who could write 2 similar albums. They were 4 blokes who would write songs like Drowning Man and New Years Day, 2 songs that show U2's willingness to "try something different."
That "try something different" philosophy has remained since U2 posed that question "Is that All you want from me?"
Think of songs like The Unforgettable Fire, Desire, Mysterious Ways, The Fly, Daddy's gonna pay for your crashed car, Discotheque, Mofo, Elevation and A Man and A woman.
Is That All? has a remarkable structure and is short and snappy with a typically U2 soaring chorus. Brilliant.
October "failed" because it was pretty much Boy Part 2. The same energy with subtle experimentation, and an unfortunate haste in trying to complete the album. Like Pop it's still an important part of the U2 collection.
Strangely enough, until now I never paid too much attention to the drum part in the middle, only to the amazing guitar.
