...will it be a hit?
There are many things to like about "Vertigo", the main one that all of the band sound great. Bono's vocals are top-notch. Edge's guitar is ripping. The rhythm section, as usual, is fantastic. The song rocks - which is key as it separates it from the more "soft rock" aspect of ATYCLB. However, as a first single, I just don't see this song being a hit.
"Beautiful Day" became a hit because of its message. It was a catchy song but was also applicable to everyday life, whether good or bad. Additionally, the song fit on rock stations, soft rock stations, Adult Top 40 stations, and Hot 100 stations. It met all formats. In contrast, I see "Vertigo" enjoying some time on the various rock stations, but that's it. I think, at best, this song will be another "Electrical Storm". That is, pent-up demand will cause the song to make an appearance in the Hot 100 on U.S. charts and make some rock charts (maybe cracking the top 10 there), but that's it.
In other countries, where U2 has often enjoyed more popularity (and where CD singles sell better), I can see the song doing well - but again, nowhere near that of "Beautiful Day". The single, depending on the competition, will most likely debut in the top 3 on the U.K. charts. This will be mostly due to, again, pent-up demand for new U2. But I don't see the song lingering near the top of the charts for long.
This is no "Discotheque". I don't see fans running from the album or U2 because of the song. However, I just don't see this song being the "big first single" U2 needs to ensure a "big hit album" (assuming that's their goal). That is, I just don't think this song is radio-friendly enough to be a hit.
Comments?
There are many things to like about "Vertigo", the main one that all of the band sound great. Bono's vocals are top-notch. Edge's guitar is ripping. The rhythm section, as usual, is fantastic. The song rocks - which is key as it separates it from the more "soft rock" aspect of ATYCLB. However, as a first single, I just don't see this song being a hit.
"Beautiful Day" became a hit because of its message. It was a catchy song but was also applicable to everyday life, whether good or bad. Additionally, the song fit on rock stations, soft rock stations, Adult Top 40 stations, and Hot 100 stations. It met all formats. In contrast, I see "Vertigo" enjoying some time on the various rock stations, but that's it. I think, at best, this song will be another "Electrical Storm". That is, pent-up demand will cause the song to make an appearance in the Hot 100 on U.S. charts and make some rock charts (maybe cracking the top 10 there), but that's it.
In other countries, where U2 has often enjoyed more popularity (and where CD singles sell better), I can see the song doing well - but again, nowhere near that of "Beautiful Day". The single, depending on the competition, will most likely debut in the top 3 on the U.K. charts. This will be mostly due to, again, pent-up demand for new U2. But I don't see the song lingering near the top of the charts for long.
This is no "Discotheque". I don't see fans running from the album or U2 because of the song. However, I just don't see this song being the "big first single" U2 needs to ensure a "big hit album" (assuming that's their goal). That is, I just don't think this song is radio-friendly enough to be a hit.
Comments?