Your opinion of HTDAAB now

[djerdap]

So, what do you think now of this album? We had almost two months to digest it. Your opinion at the end of the year?
Still one of their best albums for me. Achtung Baby will always be #1 for me, but HTDAAB stands right next to The Joshua Tree and Pop. A great, great effort from the band with at least three classics. My list now goes like this:

1. Miracle Drug
2. City of Blinding Lights
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
4. Crumbs From Your Table
5. Original of the Species
6. Love and Peace or Else
7. All Because of You
8. Vertigo
9. Yahweh
10.One Step Closer
11.A Man and a Woman

One Step Closer is really growing on me. It could be a new Heartland or even Running To Stand Still. We really have to give it time. It's no Grace for sure.

 

[HelloAngel]

My opinion on it has changed considerably since last month. I have come to feel that this is a solid effort from the band with plenty of very strong, heartfelt songs. It was definitely the record for them to make at this point in their lives and careers.

I also feel "Miracle Drug" and "Sometimes" are classics, and can't wait to see them live.

 

[ponkine]

Hola amigos

I know I´m waiting for at least 5 fans saying bad things against me but here´s my opinion anyway ( I feel like 80´s Bono performing Bullet The Blue Sky, saying the truth against Ronald Reagan on Los Angeles stadium he was dare to speak anyway )

At the end of the year, without a doubt, the most safe U2 album ever Not their worst ( that´s ATYCLB IMO ) but clearly the most safe and commercial effort they´ve ever made. As a fan said here, it´s the Rattle & Hum of this era. 11 songs put together doesn´t make an album, and that´s clear here. Despite it was great moments ( City of Blinding Lights is the best U2 2000 song ) it has a terrible ones ( One Step Closer - the new Grace -, Original Of The Species, A Man And A Woman, etc ). Half of the album is just filler stuff, really . Sometimes You Can´t Make It On Your Own has become their most overrated song from the album. The overall album is so short, predictable, soft, safe, commercial, uninspired, lame and boring. There´s nothing truly new on this album. The same Edge guitars, the same production, the same sound, the same kind of songs, etc. Like the Led Zeppelin song: THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME.

That´s by far the most annoying thing about this album. I know it´s better than ATYLCB, but given is so commercial and safe, in the end appears at the worst U2 album for some fans
Honestly, U2 shouldn´t have done this one, really. Is a big step back on their career. I think if Bono and Management wouldn´t have used all that pointless and fake marketing ( you know, stolen album, leaked "demo" version, Ipod, "best U2 album ever", etc, etc ) - All those lies and hype make this album even worse - this album would be better accepted by all fans, including me. But all that fake propaganda really upset me, sorry folks
Still the U2 masterpieces for me are ( chronogically ) Boy, War, Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree, Acthung Baby, Zooropa and Pop.

Here´s my rank:

1- City Of Blinding Lights
2- Miracle Drug
3- Crums For Your Table
4- Yawheh
5- All Because Of You
6- Vertigo
7- Love And Peace Or Else
8- Sometimes You Can´t Make It On Your Own
9- A Man And A Woman
10- One Step Closer
11- Original Of The Species

Peace

 

[mikal]

omfg!!111 i hait u cuz u hait da albim!!!111

 

[NotAnEasyThing]

I absolutely love this album, and it has been on constantly in my car. I know this is an album I will still be listening to for many many years to come. In my opinion it is up the top with Joshua Tree. As I am one of those who found AB more inaccessable, the so called "commercialism" of HTDAAB is to my ears damn good music. About the only song I am having trouble really getting into is OSC. But I think I agree that even this song may grow on me in time. I too am looking forward to these songs taking on an even greater life when they are toured live. No fillers here.

Here's my order:
1- Miracle Drug
2- City Of Blinding Lights
3- Sometimes You Can´t Make It On Your Own
4- Yawheh
5- Original Of The Species
6- Crumbs For Your Table
7- Love And Peace Or Else
8- Vertigo
9- A Man And A Woman
10- All Because Of You
11- One Step Closer

 

[bw in dc]

I've actually taken a few days to get away from the disc. Let the music kind of soak in without actually hearing it on the player. It's pretty amazing how much the sounds have become embedded in my mind. I hear the guitar almost note by note ringing in my head from start to finish with "Crumbs".

I still think time needs to elapse before we get a real sense of the album's standing, especially, as others have mentioned, we hear the music live in concert. Right now I'd throw this disc right into the mix with AB. I sense the same depth of quality.

My top tracks are (no order): "Crumbs", "Man and a Woman", "Yahweh", "All Because...", and "Sometimes..."

I'm not sure I'll ever get "Original of the Species". For whatever reason, it just won't click. I have no reason why they threw the orchestra into the song. It seems so forced.

And for some reason I can't quite explain, I'm not sure "Miracle Drug" has the right ending. It starts to build for me, but then seems to flatten out at the end. When I first heard it I thought it was going to be great. Not so sure anymore...

 

[TheBrush]

let me give it a crack, newbie reporting,

1. city of blinding lights
2. original of the species
3. vertigo
4. sometimes you can't make it on your own
5. all because of you
6. miracle drug
7. yaweh
8. a man and a woman
9. crumbs from your table
10. love and peace or else
11. one step closer

 

[JENDEL]

Hi im on line from Sydney Australia.
I have to agree with BW in DC, miracle drug was going to be great till the ending.
All because of you is great and man and a women well there are no words for that tune. Its u2 at their best.

 

[U2Kitten]

I like it more every time I hear it.

My ranking:

Vertigo
ABOY
COBL
OOTS
Yahweh
OSC
SYCMIOYO
LAPOE
AMAAW
MD
Crumbs

I rank the album about 4th, behind JT, AB, and UF and just ahead of War and ATYCLB.

 

[TheBrush]

lovin u2 kittens thinking. but what may i ask do ya see in UF?

 

[RademR]

dont have time to rate the songs, but it's still a brilliant album. I have grown tired of a few of the songs, but just because i've heard them more than any human should. I'm still constantly listening to half of the record.

 

[U2Kitten]

lovin u2 kittens thinking. but what may i ask do ya see in UF?

Beautiful, dreamy, passionate, almost mystic feeling. Bono's voice was so young and strong and powerful and emotional. I have a special feeling for it since I was 15 when I got it and I've loved it ever since.

 

[kakvox]

lovin u2 kittens thinking. but what may i ask do ya see in UF?

The Unforgettable Fire is my favorite U2 album. I don't know why, because it certainly isn't their "strongest", but to me, it's perfect. It has a very cinematic and open quality to it that I love. And my favorite U2 song is on it: Bad

 

[xaviMF22]

Miracle drug - best song on the album, and the stand out track on the album.

 

[TheBrush]

Beautiful, dreamy, passionate, almost mystic feeling. Bono's voice was so young and strong and powerful and emotional. I have a special feeling for it since I was 15 when I got it and I've loved it ever since.

its time i take a closer listen.......and in it goes into the cd player

 

[JOFO]

for me, the best are:

Miracle Drug
Yahweh
City of Blinding Lights

Still really good:

Love and Peace
Original of the Species
One Step Closer

eh, not bad:

Crumbs
Man and a Woman

totally overrated:

Vertigo
Sometimes
All Because of You

 

[banapaulo]

I've only had this album since Christmas Day, so it's hard to give a definitive verdict. But I've gone to sleep to the album every night since, and I can't help but like it. I sometimes feel I shouldn't - be it another vague lyric, another predictable Edge harmonic or whatever - but I do. I'm impressed by how easily the songs have slipped into my subconscious in a non-annoying way. Here's an off-the-top-of-my-head rank, that will probably change in the next second

1. Love and Peace or Else
2. City of Blinding Lights
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
4. All Because of You
5. Miracle Drug
6. A Man and a Woman
7. Original of the Species
8. One Step Closer
9. Vertigo
10. Crumbs From Your Table
11. Yahweh

None of these are bad songs, even Yahweh I can't help but like even when I feel I shouldn't. I think Original of the Species is the most underrated. If it doesn't click with people, fair enough. But for me it's a lovely tune. It has an almost Beatles anthemic feel to it at times, and has my favourite lyric on the album "There are some things you shouldn't get too good at... some people got way too much confidence, baby".

Love and Peace or Else is irresistable. I feel regret in choosing such a grandiose and un-subtle tune as my favourite, but it is totally likeable, and different without being alienating. City of Blinding Lights is one to listen to at night with headphones. It reminds me of such classics as With or Without You and The Unforgettable Fire.

Vertigo is the Elevation of this album, yet more raw and likeable. Not one I want to play lots, but neither one I'm ashamed to listen to and like either.

So much to say... let me just finally add that A Man and a Woman is lovely, and I can't quite understand how much negativity it's got. I think it's to do with the vagueness of the song, but I love it. Also, the bonus track Fast Cars is brilliant.

 

[sue4u2]

lovin u2 kittens thinking. but what may i ask do ya see in UF?

Perfect U2Kitten:

Beautiful, dreamy, passionate, almost mystic feeling. Bono's voice was so young and strong and powerful and emotional. I have a special feeling for it since I was 15 when I got it and I've loved it ever since[/B]

For the new album: my line up.

Crumbs
A Man and A Woman
SYCMIOYO
Vertigo
Original of the Species
All Because of You
City of Blinding lights
Fast Cars
One Step Closer
Love & Peace or Else
Miracle Drug
Yawheh

 

[Dalton]

The only other U2 album that got a longer and more consistent run in my player after its release was Actung Baby, and I am not even beginning to get tired of the album.

I love the people who think it is "safe".

 

[LarryMullen's POPAngel]

Love it.

 

[Yahweh]

Loving it even more then when I first heard it still stands up to Joshua Tree and just behind Achtung Baby for me...so thats good I havent tired of it thats for sure and really looking forward to it on tour too!

 

[yimou]

The album is getting better and better,
Best song of the album for me is....

Yahweh

I love that song,,

 

[FrostFLow]

come ya'll!

All because of you!,, (is an ill song,actually rock)
Crumbs (sounds like old school u2
Love and peace (heavy jam, good mix of using the tech again
Vertigo (lyrics are very great
blinding lights (reminds me of achtung baby)
sometimes you can't make it (beautifully personal)
a man and a woman (relate to it, if you're in the situation)
original of the species (sweet love song)
one step closer (beautiful atmosphere)
miricle drug ( I appreciate it, but sounds too sappy at times)
yaweh(it's one for the end of the show)

 

[Axver]

lovin u2 kittens thinking. but what may i ask do ya see in UF?

UF is U2's best album. It definitely has the most cohesive flow of them. The Unforgettable Fire --> Promenade --> 4th Of July --> Bad is so brilliant and could be a single track rather than four separate songs.

So yes, UF has retaken its position has my favourite album. It only slightly beats out HTDAAB and JT, though. I won't rank those two as I am honestly unable to decide which is better right now. In the long run, I think HTDAAB will be my second-favourite album.

To rank the tracks ...

1. City Of Blinding Lights - U2 at their best. This song is of the calibre of other classics such as The Unforgettable Fire, Bad, Streets, One Tree Hill, and Heartland. You couldn't ask for a better song or one that sounds typically 'U2' but is completely fresh.
2. Crumbs From Your Table - That lovely ringing guitar and Bono's politically charged lyrics make this song another U2 classic.
3. Miracle Drug - Stunning lyrics and Edge is at his best. Also earns classic status.
4. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - This song belongs in the category defined by One and Stay. The singing is amazing and very emotionally powerful.
5. One Step Closer - Here's a little surprise. This song is either disliked or overlooked rather often, but it is in the league of RTSS and The First Time. It's the fine wine of the album.
6. Love And Peace Or Else - The opening is dark and bleak and the song rocks with a ferocity we did not hear on ATYCLB. To me, it is like a mix of HMTMKMKM and Zooropa.
7. Yahweh - Classic U2. A rarely upbeat album closer, full of passion and insight.
8. Original Of The Species - Another beautiful song. If it were a song on an album by any other band, it would likely be in the top three. That shows just how solid HTDAAB is.
9. A Man And A Woman - Same comment as that for OOTS: On any other band's album, this would be in the top three. It is fun but serious at the same time and immensely enjoyable. I can't help but tap my foot in time to this one.
10. All Because Of You - From the piercing first note through the primal scream and wonderful solo to the very end, this is classic rock, U2 style. Wonderful song.
11. Vertigo - If ABOY is classic rock, U2 style, then this is modern rock, U2 style. Edge is playing some powerful guitar that captures your attention and I don't think Bono could have sung this three or four years ago. I cannot believe that I have placed this song last. I feel like it should be in the top five.

There is nothing to dislike about this album. From start to finish, it is as solid an album as you can request. Indeed, on a song-by-song basis, it's U2's best. I only rank UF higher due to the overall flow of the album and the genius of tracks 4-7.

 

[U2girl]

I'm still loving it. It's very even throughout. I would place it behind JT and AB, and slightly ahead of Zooropa and ATYCLB.

My ranking of songs:

1. Sometimes (next One if you ask me)
2. Original of the species (feels like John and Paul were in the room)
3. One step closer/City of blinding lights (love both)
4. Miracle Drug

are all very good/classic potential songs

Still good

5. Crumbs
6. A man and a woman

OK

7. Love and peace
9. ABOY
10. Vertigo
11. Yahweh

 

[MatejU2]

1.Miracle Drug
2.Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
3.Original of the Species
4.City of Blinding Lights
5.Yahweh
6.A Man and a Woman
7.Crumbs From Your Table
8.All Because of You
9.Vertigo
10.One Step Closer
11.Love and Peace or Else

 

[the tourist]

01. Love And Peace Or Else -- I love this song because it just comes off with so much rock star swagger.
02. Vertigo -- It's just so darn catchy; I loved Native Son, too, but the little riff before the second chorus brings me back to songs like Wire.
03. Original Of The Species -- I love how it builds into two different choruses and all the different melodies with the same chords. Very triumphant.
04. City Of Blinding Lights -- This song *would* be at the top, but to me it seems mixed incorrectly; I only say this because I am a musician and it just seems like the vocals on the verse should be a little lower and the 16th note muted guitar rhythmic sound should be brought up to like double its volume -- one of my only critiques. Still love it.
05. Miracle Drug -- very strong song and it builds very well, but the freedom line seems a bit cheesy to me. A lot seems cheesy to me, though, so I may be biased. I'm used to more poetic than obvious I guess.
06. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own -- amazing song, but I think it's a bit overrated.
07. All Because Of You -- the flat vocals are a little hard to look past, but I love the scream before the solo!
08. Crumbs From Your Table -- this song reminds me too much of Walk On.... I still love it though.
09. A Man And A Woman -- at first I loved this song so much, it was one of my top three, but then the other songs grew on me and surpassed it. I still love this song just as much though!
10. Fast Cars -- good song, very different. I liked Xanax and Wine better though.
11. One Step Closer -- it would have been better with the synth sound from songs from The Joshua Tree and The First Time -- you know, that high keyboard/ebow sound?
12. Yahweh -- I think this song is too mellow for how intense it tries to be.

 

[Zoovation]

I think that HTDAAB is one of their best, behind AB but as good as JT.
The songs are all very strong with the exception of One Step Closer. I really like the album.

It's very difficult to rank the songs because they are all very good, but my favourte song is Miracle Drug.

 

[Aardvark747]

My top 3 remain the same

1)AMAAW
2)SYCMIOYO
3)OOTS

ABOY has really grown on me...I love it now.

 

[jcool]

well, is better than REM's around the sun.

HTDAAB is a good album, not the best!