I took some time out to write my review as I listen to the new songs.
These are just my humble opinions as a U2 fan ,
I do not work for Rolling Stone magazine!
01.Lucifer's Hands
Great rock song. Nice hard beats and a very very familiar guitar riff that many
fans have heard before in past concerts - Return of the Stingray.
This is a great rock song , sounding very much like some late 1970s songs I have
heard before.
Even though this is an entirelly new song, it has its sound roots with
music from Marc Bolan and T.Rex. If you know what I am talking about, you will
understand my point of view and why I say T.Rex.
That heavy guitar riff sound , the drumming, the bass.
To my ears its a 1970s rocker, and a damn good one too.
Many years ago U2 paid homage to Marc Bolan and T.Rex by playing "Children Of The Revolution"
Perhaps you have heard it before?
You will hear some similarities in that heavy rocking sounds in this new song too. Its Glam-rock!
02. The Crystal Ballroom
This song has a very familiar back beat style from a CLASH song, also some synthesizer-organ from a
Blondie style song . But its not Clash or Blondie, this is U2.
It´s a very electro-retro new-wave-rock type of song. Hard to describe it , really.
Very groovy, very good rock. Good vibes!
Reminds me of the late 1970s--early 1980s very much.
03. Every Breaking Wave
A piano song. A beautiful melody and this song sounds perfect with
just Bono singing to it. In the background some violins make their presence in
accompanying the piano + singer and later go into full John Williams mode!
Just beautiful and very romantic.
Hollywood directors, take notice, you will want to use this song in your next film!
04. California
A much diferent version from the already released song. This is a top notch song. Well played
and sung throughout. I like the idea of adding some trumpets and trombones to it. Spices it up
and takes it back to the late 1970s Motown sound.
The chorus part is also exceptional.
05. Cedarwood Road
A much simpler song than what was heard before, but not letting it go to waste.
Groovy guitar playing with accompaniment by some violins and cello (a quartet?)
make it sound very good.
Bonos voice is also in great form here in this song.
06. Raised By Wolves
Another stripped down version of the original. Sounding diferent but not letting go of
its power and rage. It´s still a song about a terrorist bombing. You can feel the anger
in Bonos voice and the band hits hard on the rhythm and drums when its time to hit it hard.
It also has a horn instrument section accompaniment.
Somehow I have a feeling about the horn instruments used on here, I have heard something similar before,
it reminds me of some of Bjorks songs. They sound very much alike.
07.Sleep Like A Baby Tonight (Alternative Perspective Mix)
Some diferent lyrics on this one. But its not an acoustic version, more of a dance type
version, but no Hip-Hop discoteque tune.
Very powerful sounding bass in some parts. Overall its a very good song remix.
07-b- There is a hidden track which follows the end of this song, it´s "
Invisible".
Sounding a little diferent from the already heard version.
08. Song For Someone
Piano is the main instrument on this song, but the rest of the band does not keep quiet.
Once more Bonos voice is amazing with the melody of this song. If you liked the other version
already heard , you will also love this one. They could be played back to back and still sound
perfect together.
09 The Miracle (Busker Version)
An acoustic version of the rocking song already heard. Its one of those sing-a-long type of songs.
A few hands clapping will get the crowd singing to this song in concerts, for sure.
Personally I do like the reverb-echo used on the hand-claps, but that is my personal taste in
this song version. It could have been done a little diferent.
I will have to wait for the "re-mix version". Perhaps next century.
10. The Troubles (Alternate Version)
The violins and chorus is just heavenly-like on this song. I am sure Edge and 3 other
people are singing the chorus. Its just so beautiful.
The songs melody just twists and slithers around your body and head like a snake.
Of course Bono here is the snake-charmer singing to you and your troubles.
Great voice once again from the "crooner" and with some diferent lyrics too.
I´m just looping this song over an over. It is that good and sensual.
Overall, it is a GREAT second CD for this Son gs of Innocence!
Score = ********* 9 Stars (out of 10)
I will buy this record! I reccomend it!
Thank you U2 for another incredible sounding record to light up our daily lives