Achtung Baby first listen.
What do these silly previews mean?
Zoo Station
Opens with an insistent distorted line, before a fuzzed out Bono breaks in. The industrial elements are similar to The Fly, though this is much more of a pop song. And it happily opens the album with lines like, “I’m ready for what’s next.”
Even Better Than the Real Thing
Edge discovers the groove...until the song actually starts when a jilting rhythm guitar takes over. A very sexual song, that never really solidifies into a memorable tune. At one point its simplistic chorus dissolves into a pleasant slide guitar solo. It does seem a bit over-produced.
One
A ballad, with a subdued blues riff from the Edge. Larry and Adam exercise adequate restraint, while Bono rasps about the need for unity in the face of division. Quite an emotional affair, though lacking in the breathtaking widescreen element found on songs like With or Without You. The lighters will be out on tour for this one.
Until the End of the World.
Ushered in by a strange howling noise, this is the one of the albums more dramatic moments. The alternatively rhythmic and soaring base lets Bono growl through the verses. Where’s the chorus? Maybe we’ll find out...at the end of the world.
Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
Once again we find strange noises and distorted guitars, but this is the album’s big pop tune. A lovesick Bono contemplates, “Well, you left my heart empty as a vacant lot/ for any spirit to haunt.” A classic U2 chorus, and, near the end, a surprising dip into a minor key. Radio will love this one.
So Cruel
One of the albums weaker moments. A clumsy beat backs some rudimentary piano playing. It has a tortured lyric which seems at odds with what is essentially a simple happy song. It does get better as it goes on though.
The Fly
You’ve all heard this one by now: U2 do postmodern-dirtbag funk with sinister vocals and a falsetto chorus. Surprisingly, the Edge does on an extended solo. They certainly seem to be enjoying themselves, letting fans struggle with whether this is really what U2 does best. A stellar song, though.
Mysterious Ways
U2 keep the funk up, this time mimicking the style of the Madchester scene. The Edge adds spartan touches of a fuzzy funk while Larry and Adam provide a pounding groove on which Bono delivers his wailing.
Tryin’ to Throw Your Arms Around the World
After the scope of the album thus far, this song feels a little out of place. Probably could have been a b-side.
Ultraviolet
An epic start which has Bono declaring that he ‘wants to get it wrong,’ before a jangly riff comes in. A decent song, that saves itself just before it loses you.
Acrobat
One of the most confessional songs on the album with lines like, “And I must be an acrobat/ to talk like this and act like that.” Edge delivers some dark, chiming guitar lines and Bono tells us not to let the bastards drag us down.
Love is Blindness
An organ plays a slow arpeggio, before a clinking groove starts. A melancholy finish, but one that seems a little unfinished.
Disclaimer: I’m just imagining what a review
What do these silly previews mean?
Zoo Station
Opens with an insistent distorted line, before a fuzzed out Bono breaks in. The industrial elements are similar to The Fly, though this is much more of a pop song. And it happily opens the album with lines like, “I’m ready for what’s next.”
Even Better Than the Real Thing
Edge discovers the groove...until the song actually starts when a jilting rhythm guitar takes over. A very sexual song, that never really solidifies into a memorable tune. At one point its simplistic chorus dissolves into a pleasant slide guitar solo. It does seem a bit over-produced.
One
A ballad, with a subdued blues riff from the Edge. Larry and Adam exercise adequate restraint, while Bono rasps about the need for unity in the face of division. Quite an emotional affair, though lacking in the breathtaking widescreen element found on songs like With or Without You. The lighters will be out on tour for this one.
Until the End of the World.
Ushered in by a strange howling noise, this is the one of the albums more dramatic moments. The alternatively rhythmic and soaring base lets Bono growl through the verses. Where’s the chorus? Maybe we’ll find out...at the end of the world.
Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
Once again we find strange noises and distorted guitars, but this is the album’s big pop tune. A lovesick Bono contemplates, “Well, you left my heart empty as a vacant lot/ for any spirit to haunt.” A classic U2 chorus, and, near the end, a surprising dip into a minor key. Radio will love this one.
So Cruel
One of the albums weaker moments. A clumsy beat backs some rudimentary piano playing. It has a tortured lyric which seems at odds with what is essentially a simple happy song. It does get better as it goes on though.
The Fly
You’ve all heard this one by now: U2 do postmodern-dirtbag funk with sinister vocals and a falsetto chorus. Surprisingly, the Edge does on an extended solo. They certainly seem to be enjoying themselves, letting fans struggle with whether this is really what U2 does best. A stellar song, though.
Mysterious Ways
U2 keep the funk up, this time mimicking the style of the Madchester scene. The Edge adds spartan touches of a fuzzy funk while Larry and Adam provide a pounding groove on which Bono delivers his wailing.
Tryin’ to Throw Your Arms Around the World
After the scope of the album thus far, this song feels a little out of place. Probably could have been a b-side.
Ultraviolet
An epic start which has Bono declaring that he ‘wants to get it wrong,’ before a jangly riff comes in. A decent song, that saves itself just before it loses you.
Acrobat
One of the most confessional songs on the album with lines like, “And I must be an acrobat/ to talk like this and act like that.” Edge delivers some dark, chiming guitar lines and Bono tells us not to let the bastards drag us down.
Love is Blindness
An organ plays a slow arpeggio, before a clinking groove starts. A melancholy finish, but one that seems a little unfinished.
Disclaimer: I’m just imagining what a review
LOL, i think not.
you've made your point very well... I think people have been trying to say these 1st listen previews are useless and you've finally succeeded...
