U2FloridaFan
New Yorker
After a year, it's still in my top 3 albums...maybe even top 2. Looking forward to what comes next though......
Surprised to see this album so high up on people's lists!
For me, 'Passengers' was the last great U2 (or project that involved U2), everything since has been sub-par.
Of course, like every post-passenger album, NLOTH has its moments, but over all, it lacks that special U2 quality.
I hate the false experimentation on it, if you're going to experiment, really go for it. Don't just dress up a bunch of retreads in some squiggles and squawks and call it a Picasso.
For me, U2 albums are as follows:
1.) Zooropa: Yes, that's right. I think Zooropa is the bands true zenith, a masterwork in post-modern rock music. No pretensions, just a world weary romanticism and the most gorgeous melodies the band has ever put on tape. I love the playful U2, despite popular belief, Bono hasn't always had his head up his own ass.
2.) Achtung Baby: Almost as good Zooropa. A lovely re-working of the bands sound and the last great rock n roll album. Yes, that's right. It not only had the dark sexuality of rock's best, it had the characterization of Bowie and that mythical tour that will forever define the ensuing paranoia of the 90's.
3.) Original Soundtracks 1: Of course, I highlight this as it isn't really a U2 album. But I do feel there is an undeniable U2 fingerprint on every song. This album is like the perfect after thought to the ZOOTV tour. If AB and Zooropa were a night out in Tokyo neon, this album is the sound of the lights turning off and the world going home.
4.) Joshua Tree: A great album, not a classic, but a great album none the less. The first three songs are probably the greatest opening to an album ever. But for me, the album hasn't aged as well as their 90's material. Compared to Zooropa, it feels a little...dry?
5.) Pop: For me, the faults in this album are enormous, but so to are the triumphs. It was the last U2 album to throw caution to the wind. It has a bit of personality in it. Yes, it's contrived. Yes, it is too ironic for its own good. But damn, it's a nice slice of apocalyptic pop music from the bottom of a trash can in Miami ain't it?
All other albums are very rarely listened to.
5.) Pop: For me, the faults in this album are enormous, but so to are the triumphs. It was the last U2 album to throw caution to the wind. It has a bit of personality in it. Yes, it's contrived. Yes, it is too ironic for its own good. But damn, it's a nice slice of apocalyptic pop music from the bottom of a trash can in Miami ain't it?
All other albums are very rarely listened to.
They are too old (and set in their ways) to do another re-invention Achtung/Zooropa phase, and they've already playd their "back to basics/retro" card. So what can they do now?