Well I just finished my first listen through and am making my way through listen number two. On the whole, I'm definitely liking what I'm hearing. There were a few moments that really surprised and impressed me, and thankfully only a couple of moments that made me second guess the band's thinking. I don't want to play the rank against the past records game so early, but I think it's safe to say it's high up there.
I'll post my initial song rankings though. Of course, I just looked back at the initial rankings I had for SOI when it came out and it's basically completely different from how I look at that album nowadays. But it's nice to get those first impressions out there so you can see the changes your mind makes over time.
Anyway...
Red Flag Day -
I'm a big fan of their first three albums so I'm not surprised this is the one that I liked the most, after hearing others reactions. Love they brought that sound back for such an infectious song. Definitely the song that made me smile the most.
The Little Things That Give You Away -
Honestly it's funny I have this so high because I felt like the first half was a bit of a disappointment - a little over produced, not enough space to breathe. But that second half is just perfect and classic U2 in the best possible way. The chills moment for me of the album.
Lights of Home -
This was a surprise to me, but I pretty much loved this front to back. Probably the song I was most interested to revisit once I finished.
The Showman (Little More Better) -
No doubt the must fun track here. Had me singing along, which is something I rarely do on a first listen.
The Blackout -
It's still killer. I have a couple issues with the mix (and where it's placed on the album, I mean, really?) but still a great song.
13 (There Is a Light) -
The most pleasant surprise to me of the album. Love how they took the most sickly sweet and classic U2 song off SOI (and, also, the worst) and completely turned it on its head with some definite Pop-level darkness. Some real heft there.
Love Is All We Have Left -
I feel like this is very much a piece with 13. They work perfectly as thematic, atmospheric bookends. Starting off with this made me kinda go "oh shit," and set just the right tone. I don't even hate the auto-tune, honestly if anything it only adds to the sci-fi/Passengers (!) sound.
You're the Best Thing About Me -
Hearing this, I sort of wish I hadn't listened to anything before I got the album. Because it's kind of hard to evaluate amongst the rest of the record when, as soon as it comes on, my mind just shifts into a different mode (if that makes sense). It's still a pretty good song, and I never minded the single version, but here it definitely feels a bit out of place sonically. This is the one that gets me most thinking of alternate track lists (with probably the sci-fi soul mix).
Summer of Love -
Reading reactions I thought I'd like this more, and maybe it was overhyped or maybe it'll grow on me. But, while I liked this song, I felt like it was mainly a tease, building and building to a pay off that never came. We'll see how I feel later.
Landlady -
I honestly liked this one quite I bit when I heard it, but I really can't remember it at all. I'm guessing it's a grower.
Get Out of Your Own Way -
My thoughts on this haven't changed much. It's a solid tune, if a bit basic and maybe to brief for its own good.
Love Is Bigger Than Anything in its Way -
I wanted to like it. I really did. And, really, I kinda did. But (and I'm not usually one to complain about this sort of thing), but the production kills it. Not that I hate that modern type of production, and honestly I feel like deep down it's a good song, but the production is just so overbearing, it's hard to get into it.
American Soul -
Reading the reactions here, I expected this to be the least of the album's offerings and, well, it was. Although I didn't really think it was that bad. It's a fun tune, but there's really just a couple things that stand out (you can guess what). People warned about "you are rock and roll" and "refu-jesus" but I didn't take the warnings seriously. Thing is, I really don't mind that bit in Volcano (or the idea of reusing lyrics), but when it's so front and center like this it just feels supremely cheesy. Speaking of cheese, I thought "refu-jesus" would just be an easily ignorable, quickly passed-over lyric in the song. But, nope! He literally yells it in the dumbest way possible! Yeah, pretty bad!
On the whole, I do think we have a pretty great album on our hands. Excited to spend more time with it (and the deluxe songs that I purposefully put aside for a bit).