24 hours have passed and things have changed for me a little. Sure, it's great to come across an album where all the songs are "cohesive". And the new sounds are exciting. But I love U2 because there are songs that I keep coming back to, even after over 20 years in some cases... I haven't across such consistent song longevity as I have with U2.
I am judging these new & past songs based on whether I really look forward to & enjoy listening to them over & over again. And so, after several listens of NLOTH, I cannot say it's one of their greatest albums as there are already a few which are being skipped...
Magnificent, Crazy, MOS & Unknown Caller will keep me excited about the modern-day U2. I suspect from GOYB onwards will fall into the same category as Grace / Miami / Playboy Mansion and not be played much. For me, the first 5 songs set this album up to be their 3rd masterpiece but, unfortunately, I just don't get the last 5 songs.
In my eyes, equal to HTDAAB & ATYCLB. Better than POP. So far behind Achtung Baby...