Yeah I honestly do believe that there ain't a lot between the two albums, and they are very similar. As for Crumbs, its just another take on Walk On but where as Walk On I think is a great song Crumbs just doesn't happen. Crumbs solo is crap (he just repeats the same thing) and the ending doesn't sound right, it sounds forced and also sounds like the Electrical Storm ending. Crumbs has excellent lyrics though, the one saving grace of an otherwise poor song, they said this is the only song they wrote when pissed, well you can damn well tell. And as I am talking about Walk On, now that has a great ending and the solo in the middle is great as well, I love the way this song seems to change direction in the middle (when the home is where the hurt is line is) and then plays out in a different kinda way.
I think there is quite a bit of difference between the two albums, HTDAAB and ATYCLB. I can discern the feels of each album very distinctly. If you simply concentrate on the fact that simply there is an absence DJ's and Dance Machines on both these albums, Then sure they do sound similar - but electronica versus 'rock' instrumentation isn't the only distinguishment, and loudness of distortion is the not the only design for 'rock and roll music'. Talented rock and roll needs heart and soul, authenticity, purpose and substance, drums - bass - guitar - and a great coherent Singer of versatility (A charismatic frontman that can effortlessly deliver incredible vocal inflections; sexy-deep-growl and soulful falsetto capabilities - an ability to cross language and cultural boundaries due to a legendary familiar voice... Yes, Bono fills that spot nicely), and you need distinctive qualities and originality, and although certain people will argue whether or not if U2 is pushing the limits sonically, the most they can possibly be guilty of is sounding like themselves! U2! So, by default, U2 are original and distinctive. At any rate, that is my opening foundation, and now I will lend some examples of why I think HTDAAB is wholly separate and unique from its predecessor, ATYCLB.
1. The first lead singles Beautiful Day and Vertigo are self-explanatorily different - day and night here.
2. The closing track on each album is very different - perhaps the theme shares some divinity, but the songs themselves - Yahweh versus Grace - are not the same. Yahweh is a great song, relatively upbeat and strong - which would probably even do well as a single if not for the tricky title and chorus. Grace is a very limpid experimental track with no depth behind it, the lyrics are kind of throwaway and the music is totally missing out on what Yahweh has, the unity of the band playing all their instruments with purpose.
3. When approaching the end of ATYCLB, the wonderful first section of the album diminishes into some poor songs - namely 'Wild Honey', 'WILATW', and 'Grace', whereas HTDAAB remains awesome with great songs such as 'Crumbs' (probably one of the most solid rock songs U2 have created since 'Acrobat'), the classic 'Original of the Species', the sexy groovy 'AMAAW', a song that sounds like it could have been the next logical progressive innovative sound following 'Pop', and last but not least, 'Yahweh', one of their best closing tracks ever.
4. 'Love and Peace or Else', 'Vertigo' (another 'Pop'-ish sounding track) and 'All Because of You' are three songs that was missing in between the melodies of ATYCLB - the fun, rocky 'edgy' elements sprinkled in just the right amount on HTDAAB.
5. 'City of Blinding Lights', one the most epic and classic U2 songs in a similar anthemic build-up and explosive chorus found in 'Where the Streets Have No Name'. With all the 'Wooo Wooos' and 'Oh You Look So Beautifuls' placed so deftly - this tour will have a song that'll get adrenaline pumping sing-along response as if it were a classic U2 song already.
6. 'Original of the Species', another U2 classic as far as I'm concerned, a song with so many memorable sections, another tour booster.
7. Ballads - okay, we have 'Stuck in a Moment' versus 'Sometimes you can't make it on your own' - both incredible songs, but both are different - 'Stuck' has that radio friendly balance of sound from start to finish, but Sometimes, fuelled by a very personal subject matter, is one of the most emotionally charged, beautifully full song that U2 has done since 'One'. It has one of the greatest crescendos in U2's history, and some of the most subtly clever guitar work by the edge - and the point where the band comes together to bust the song open with the memorable breakdown, as Bono let's his voice to the sky - it is definitely a favourite moment on the album, and seals its fate as a U2 masterpiece.
I could go on, of course, but I am very tired and must sleep... the ideas I brought up are subjective much of the time, but also, I tried to illustrate why it is so easy for me to recognize and respect that ATYCLB and HTDAAB cannot just be lumped into one 'sound', and discarded as a retreat to safety - it is the present feelings and inspiration of U2. I for one can feel U2's authenticity, and am completely enjoying this album - the best U2 album since 'Pop', one of U2's greatest albums ever.
- Nicholas
zoou2@hotmail.com
