I like the song, but I think I like it less as I listen more--the "sexy boots" line really bothers me, and the real progressive hookishness comes at the end of the song (bad move)--I think the objective verdict comes from iTunes. It's #82 in the U.S....82!!! really shocked at this--I also think they made a huge mistake by not offering a free download.
I noticed the position on iTunes as well. I can't imagine that anyone (record company, band) is pleased with how Boots is being received so far. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey which was originally released 27 years ago (and back again because of the long ago Sopranos finale?) is charting ahead of them. And can it be perceived as good that they're a few spots ahead of Survivor's Eye of the Tiger? Wow. You can't even make that kind of stuff up. Imagine delivering that news to Larry Mullen, Jr.. And they all would be very aware of this. I can imagine that there are some interesting conversations going on at the moment.
They have been away for a long time so who knows how the general public will receive them and what overall sales numbers will be. It doesn't matter to me but they haven't been prolific the past decade. To put it into context, in the time it has taken for U2 to release their last 3 albums (ATYCLB, HTBAAB, NLOTH) - the Beatles had had their entire album recording careers and John, Paul, George and Ringo had already put out 8 solo records - at age 30. Different times but it could be relevant in whether or not U2 is able to come back at this stage in their lives (approaching 50) and be current and as successful as they were previously in today's market and with today's audience. Then again, Bob Dylan has continued to be successful and he's approaching 70. The difference is U2 seems to strive for and loves to be BIG and wildly successful.
I would say the promotional campaign has been lacking. Maybe when they step it up there will be more of a buzz but so far I don't feel it and maybe it's something that shouldn't be expected. It could be intentional to come quietly out of the gate before the blitz of p.r. arrives.
I'm thrilled we're getting a new album. It's great that they all get along after decades together, have put out as many records as they have and still want to put out new music. I'll take that.
I want to believe that the album will sound amazing. Not to the mass public or anyone else but to me. I hope that it takes me to new places as their other records have always done. I could care less if it's a commercial success and I wonder if at this point in their careers if they care.
Boots is good but I don't find it great. And it is not Vertigo or Beautiful Day - which were both anthem/NBA/NFL type commercial songs. I can't believe they expected Boots to be that type of hit. I wouldn't say Boots is uplifting as those two other two singles were. There are parts that I do like. I find Boots to be all over the place. It seems too thought out and too many things in U2's desire to be original...which could or could not be part of the problem commercially. I don't want to listen to it constantly - which I usually do when I get new U2. Just my take. One song doesn't make an album.
The band has given us a tremendous amount over a long and unprecedented career. I continue to be along for the ride. I accept that there will be hits and misses along the way. I'm sure they'll deliver a few songs that will keep me interested. And they've earned the right to do it any way they want and put out as much or as little as they want.
It'll be interesting how it all transpires this year.
