i fucking love this album. one of the very few U2 albums that, once it has finished playing through for the first time, the words "what a fucking great album" dropped out of my mouth. just stunning that a band that only four years earlier couldn't even play instruments put out an album this good. better than October and War, definitely. i think it still sounds quite fresh too, that's probably moreso a testament to the raw energy and enthusiasm of the album though. Edge, Adam and Larry all fantastic and outshine Bono.
1. The Electric Co - blew my mind the first time i heard it. and 30 years on that guitar still sounds exciting, even if Bono was singing in his own language.
10
2. An Cat Dubh - this is one of the songs on the album that i think points to the fact the band were going to go far. great dark vibe to it.
10
3. Out of Control - also hints to a great career, and contains some pretty great lyrics for a bloke who was freshly 18. the only problem i have with it is in terms of sequencing; it follows An Cat Dubh and Into the Heart, and has the same bass line, so once this track starts it feels, "ughh again?"
9
4. I Will Follow - the lyric may be "walk away walk away" but that's not what Bono sings. guitar still sounds blistering.
9
5. Shadows and Tall Trees - The Electric Co would be a great closer, but i love how this flows so seamlessly out of it and calms you right back down. i know it's generally hated but
to you all.
9
6. A Day Without Me - another ridiculously exciting guitar riff.
8
7. Twilight
7
8. Into the Heart
7
9. Stories for Boys
6
10. Another Time Another Place
6
11. The Ocean - love the mood and the lyrics too, even if it's just a glorified intro/outro
6