New Album Discussion 1 - Songs of..... - Unreasonable guitar album

[super fly guy]

https://youtu.be/7qQh8qA3-i8?si=e2Fj2T674XaJiJo8

[bono_man2002]

Gotta scroll to about 5hr 39:20 minute mark since I’m dumb and can’t timestamp on mobile

https://www.youtube.com/live/yGm_xRQ...remzrFhzLibx2H

[JamietheEdgefan]

I'll reserve full judgement until I hear the proper recording - but man it was so great seeing Larry back with the band! This is the first time they'd played together since 2019, right?

Based on this being recorded mere weeks before the Sphere shows (and still not finished according to Bono ), plus the direct references to Vegas in the lyrics makes me feel pretty certain this is a standalone single written for the shows rather than a lead single/start of an album cycle, and likely could have been written entirely separately, with a different sound/style/direction to the actual album(s) they're working on - as opposed to an indication of what comes next.

I do have to say, I can't hear any 'unreasonable guitar'; other than the solo it's pretty much the same arpeggiated guitar chords as usual. Maybe the fuck off rock n roll comes later, with the next album. Or maybe it's my fault for believing the guy who described HTDAAB as "punk rock from Venus"

[dan_smee]

Cool. Not going to explode with excitement on that. Obviously playback with Bono singing over it so sound wasn’t great. Some positives in the vibe and the little solo. Some cheese in the lyrics though. Liked the chorus hook. Good to see Larry, hoping this is a one off, throwaway song for the Sphere and there is a new album in March that is a bit more… cerebral.

[JamietheEdgefan]

Originally Posted by dan_smee

Cool. Not going to explode with excitement on that. Obviously playback with Bono singing over it so sound wasn’t great. Some positives in the vibe and the little solo. Some cheese in the lyrics though. Liked the chorus hook. Good to see Larry, hoping this is a one off, throwaway song for the Sphere and there is a new album in March that is a bit more… cerebral.

Yeah, this is my initial take too. If they were going for a clash-inspired, fun throwaway single, then they succeeded, I guess? But it's not the kind of sound I can personally get very excited about. I'm open to a heavier, classic rock sound, but I think they can do way better than this. It seems to almost deliberately lack the atmosphere and stadium energy that makes the band special, like they're actively trying to sound like a garage band (again, I'll reserve judgement until hearing the actual recording!).

The vocal hook is pretty decent, but the guitar riff feels surprisingly underwhelming, especially after all this talk from Bono about making a guitar-based album.

Based on the context, I suspect (and frankly kind of hope) this has little to do with the next album. The recent studio sessions with Lillywhite suggest this could have been cobbled together independently of album recording.

And they're likely reserving their best material for the lead single/album, after all.

[DeVaul]

He’s on board, kids. Larry’s… Larry’s on board.

[dan_smee]

40 Foot Man is better. Proof that quick and dirty but inspired is the way to go.

I’ve said it before - the EBW from the doco and 40 foot man are the best they’ve sounded in years.

[Headache in a Suitcase]

I'm gonna let you (everyone) finish, but maybe we ask wait until we get the actual track and not poorly recorded cell phone video before passing final judgement

[super fly guy]

Compared to YSSML this is a classic,sounds good to me. Catchy vocal and seems like cool bass and guitar. Want to here it properly first before making total judgement.

[Headache in a Suitcase]

One judgement I can make it this... Debbie Harry is going to make a few bucks off this track. "I'm free" and "call me" are almost identical.

[BEAL]

Originally Posted by Headache in a Suitcase

One judgement I can make it this... Debbie Harry is going to make a few bucks off this track. "I'm free" and "call me" are almost identical.

That’s why it sounded so familiar haha.

Agree with others on the guitar but a proper recording will be nice.

Edge really has gone basic with his playing. It’s like he’s taken everything that made him unique and shelved it. The focus has been waaay too much on melody

It’ll be awesome to have him revisit his greatness with AB.

[Gonna Run 2 U]

Yeah that’s nearly identical to call me which is unfortunate because it’s a fun little bop until
“I’m free…”

[ascender_RS]

The Debbie Harry thing was immediately obvious although the second half tone of the phrasing is different so you think "oh, that's the same as... no, its different now" when listening to it.

With the title and nods to the city I guess this is just a one-off single a la Invisible.

Larry drumming is a good sign and if he had his surgery earlier this year, it would possibly fit with the rumours which say the album is pretty advanced and could be out next year. With the way U2 write and record now, that would be perfect for him to be starting to get drumming again as he could do as little or as much as his rehab plan allows.

[JamietheEdgefan]

I can imagine the drums and bassline of this track sounding fantastic with the right production, and hopefully will be front and centre - I reckon they're in good hands with Lillywhite there

[super fly guy]

One thing is for sure,Bono is sounding good. Since the book shows started he has been sounding back on form.

[Gonna Run 2 U]

Originally Posted by JamietheEdgefan

I can imagine the drums and bassline of this track sounding fantastic with the right production, and hopefully will be front and centre - I reckon they're in good hands with Lillywhite there

Again, Adam comes in to steal the show. And yes let’s hope this is produced right. As annoying as it’s going to be to hear people say they ripped off blonde, I think it has a shot of being a nice little single for them!

Also Bono still clinging to freedom in his lyrics.

[phanan]

I mean, he even referenced Blondie when introducing the song, so yeah.

[Gonna Run 2 U]

The best thing about this song is that Larry is on board

[super fly guy]

Nice to be talking about music again,and not fat puns or that Larry has quit.[emoji854]

[Headache in a Suitcase]

I mean they did play directly in front of Pinkbox Donuts.