My excitement with bomb was mostly due to the fact that it was new U2. I loved the songs, and still do, but the overwhelming sense of relief to have the new U2 cd took over from it all. It was setteld into a mid-range U2 album for me.
This is an entirely different kettle of fish. My excitement for the new U2 has dissipated before this was leaked due to the 45 second clips, and the short space of time between the leak and the actual release. I feel I appraised the songs more for what they are, without having my head totally full of delerium.
My first impression is that it is their most consistant record. On every album prior to this, I can always find songs to skip (I love them all, but if I have, say 40 minutes, and Pop is on in the car, I'll skip a few).
When I was ranking the songs, I found GOYB was at 11 with a bullet. I LOVE GOYB btw. That may be because it is the one I know, but somehow, I feel it is more due to the fact that this album has no weak tracks. There is no "One Step Closer" or "Wild Honey" or "Playboy Mansion" or Some Days Are Better Than Others" or TTTYAATW" you get what I mean.
In terms of longevity, it is the fact that the songs are far more densly layered than Bomb that gives me hope. I think some here will become tired of Stand Up quickly (for the lyrics more than anything else). But even on a 10th listen right through, the songs reveal more and more.
Initial impressions (in order of preference):
Unknown Caller
On first listen I was blown away by the transition from intro to chorus/verse. The mix on Edge's guitar may be slightly loud, but repeat listens justify it as a beautiful clean guitar part that adds oodles of texture. The chorus gives me goosebumps each time I hear it. Edge's solo is fantastic. He is the master of the understatement. It's not an overly intricate part, but, in typical Edge fashion, it is PERFECT for the song, and expresses feeling in a much cleaer and more succinct way than any lyric could.
Magnificent
I am dumbfounded by the criticism of the electronics in the intro. It transforms what could have been a standard U2 classic into something for the ages. It instantly draws you in, and like any good bottle of wine, gets better and better with age. Each time I hear the chorus I feel like doing a 'Michael Stipe' dance. It is the most ecstatic and emotive song they have ever written. The perfect number 2.
Breathe
I must admit now, since we have the songs, that while I loved the sounds in the beach clip, the vocal syncopation had me worried. Not any more. The pre-chorus vocal melody is probably the best on the album. I'm at work now, and this is the song that has been in my head since my last full listen to the album. With some solid live performances, this could move up in my rankings.
Crazy Tonight
Yes it is pure pop, but it is perfect pure pop. Bono's voice is amazing, and the little intro line (stolen from Love Actually if I'm not mistaken) harkens back to the sound of SYCMIOYO, but sounds more like a celebration of life, rather than the lament of death. Bono's best vocal in the chorus. Never before has he sung so high with so much power. I do suspect this is as high as this song will go in my rankings, but in a fantastic group of songs, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Moment of Surrender
The line "I did not notice the passer's by, and they did not notice me" is probably the sadest line on the album. With all that is said about Bono's ego, this line, longing for anonymity and normality is just so striking, especially as it is juxtaposed with the self-deprication of Stand Up Comedy. I think this will be the biggest 'grower' on the record. Initially it is striking, but each listens reveals more gold and it shows no signs of slowing down.
Cedars of Lebanon
The emotional core of the record. The honesty and longing in Bono's voice, and the haunting beauty in the Edge's backing vocal paint a sparse and desperate landscape. An understated song, that on just about any other U2 album would be in my top 3.
White As Snow
This song would be higher if it weren't for the generic country bass line. I love the imagery, and the overall soundscape created. It speaks volumes to the albums quality that this song is ranked at 7.
No Line On The Horizon
The perfect opener to what may turn out to be U2's best record. What a fresh change that the opener is actually a traditional opening song, rather than just the first single! A simple song that serves its purpose more than any other song on the record. The layering and build out FAR outstrip the b-side version and introduce the record perfectly.
Stand Up Comedy
The most interesting song interms of riffing and lyrics. Won't have the longevity that some others have, so is perfectly placed at number 7. A very groovy song that stylistically is different enough to the rest of the album to warrant its place, but definately fits the overall textures and themes. Probably the most 'fun' song on the disc.
Fez-Being Born
The weirdest and most interesting song. The lyrics do seem to have only been added for the sake of having lyrics (and I am one of those guys who actually likes Bono's voice, so it's not entirely a bad thing). The melody is slow providing a stark contrast to the pace of the rest of the band. The intro is one of my favourite sections on the album, and is a perfect transition from the more 'traditional U2' middle section and the more experimental final section.
Get On Your Boots
I do love this song. The album's strength is that the lead single is the worst song on it. The chorus is still suprising to me. I love Edge's backing vocals throughout this record, and here is probably the most effective example.
Overall I feel this record will be remembered by most in their top 5. It amazes me that a band in their 33rd year is producing some of the best music of their lives. To me, anyone who says they like this album more than JT or AB is much more justified than anyone saying it about HTDAAB.
In my opinion the strength of the album lies in the fact that it is one of each members best performances.
I would say it is one of Bono's best records. His voice is more powerful than ever before. It is easily his best vocal performance since Achtung Baby, and could be argued that it surpasses it.
It is Edge's best performance. He combines classic Edge tones and effects, and brings them into the present day. He is clear, and perfectly fits every moment. He is the most emotional guitarist in the world right now. He also has some of his best solos on here. Contrast the solo in Unknown Caller to the solo in All Because of You and you will see what i mean about fit-for-purpose.
Adam is totally on his game. I don't like the bass line in WAS, which probably places this as his 3rd best album for me, behind War and TUF. He isn't just playing root notes, but gets some amazing counter-melodies going.
Larry is branching out 'into the sound'. This is the first time I can recall hearing him competing for front-line honours. Drum fills, drum intros, and complex parts reminiscent of the Unforgettable Fire make this his best performance.