NLOTH Album Reviews Pt 3

The friendliest place on the web for anyone that follows U2.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
See posts with no answers
U2 No Line On The Horizon, A First Impression | undercover.com.au, Music, News, Entertainment

Review from Australia, by Paul Cashmere:

U2 No Line On The Horizon, A First Impression
by Paul Cashmere - February 11 2009


Undercover was privy to a private listening session for the U2 album today and it is damn good. Although it is not “the next big step for U2”, it is very much the sound of U2 you love.


That is thanks mostly to the joint production resource of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois and additional production by Steve Lillywhite. All three had similar duties on 1984’s ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ and the sound I am hearing from ‘No Line On The Horizon’ is very much sourced from that work.

The album will conjure up the past when you hear it, mainly because they production team individually have worked on many of the U2 albums since ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ and they each bring their own sound to U2.

While I’ve only had one listen to the album from beginning to end, my first impression is that this album won’t rock the boat with U2 fans. If you loved the old stuff, you will like the new.

Track by track:

No Line On The Horizon – This one is techno, thump. In sound it sits somewhere between 1993’s ‘Zooropa’ and 1994’s ‘Pop’.

Magnificent – And The Edge show up for work! This is one of the few songs on the album that sounds like any of their recent work. This one wouldn’t be out of place on 2000’s ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’.

Moment Of Surrender –This is the album’s epic. It is one of those slow, building tracks and fits with ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ in sound.

Unknown Caller – Another slow one, I was thinking ‘The Joshua Tree’ as a first impression. While ‘The Joshua Tree’ came initially to mind, there is something strangely “Broadway show” about this in parts.

I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight – damn, Bono beat some old country guy to the title. It sounds like it should be a country and western song but isn’t. In fact, it is one of the rockier songs on the album. Think, ‘Rattle and Hum’ album for a fit.

Get Your Boots On – Well, you already know this one. 60’s meets the Escape Club. (Go on, admit it, you thought of ‘Wild Wild West’ when you heard it the first time as well).

Stand Up Comedy – Funky. It would sound good on ‘Rattle and Hum’.

FEZ – Being Born – This is the most different song on the album from anything else they have done. In fact, the production technique is more in line of some of the experimentations George Martin did on later Beatles. It starts out atmospheric (Eno) but gets a bit of grunt happening.

White As Snow – Another slow one. ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ for fit. There are some nice Irish influences in the song structure as well. I can’t say Irish trad music has been very prevelant in the U2 sound before like it is here.

Breathe – An uptempo, rock song. A good one for ‘Achtung Baby’.

Cedars Of Lebanon – Bono really sings on this ballad. Its dreamy and laidback, a mellow end to the album. It is again very ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ in sound.

‘No Line On The Horizon’ was recorded at U2 HQ Dublin, Raid El Yacout in Fez, Platinum Sound Recordings Studios in New York and Olympic Studios in London
Click to expand...
 
Now I will start off by saying I haven't read every review, in fact I've only scanned a few and read maybe one or two in it's entirety. I often find if you've read two, you've read them all...:wink:

But I scanned the one above and I have to say it's very strange... He mentioned "it would fit on R&H at least twice. Nothing I've heard so far would fit on R&H:huh:

It just goes to show you folks...it's all subjective, and honestly some people's opinions just don't mean shit.:wink:
 
The R&H comparison is no more wacky than all the people saying every song sounds like "Achtung Baby 2!!!" I definitely get an 80's/00's mixture vibe going on in the clips more than a rebirth of the 90's sound.
 
Yep that is a retarded review, I guess it must be hard with only one listen but it seems like this person wasn't concentrating very hard and/or was just lazy. For instance when they said "Cedars of Lebanon - Bono really sings on this ballad"...from what I can tell it's more spoken then it is sung.
 
I think if Pop had been released in 1994 we'd all be a lot kinder to it now!
 
vvswhits79 said:
Yep that is a retarded review, I guess it must be hard with only one listen but it seems like this person wasn't concentrating very hard and/or was just lazy. For instance when they said "Cedars of Lebanon - Bono really sings on this ballad"...from what I can tell it's more spoken then it is sung.
Click to expand...

Well, I wouldn't call it "spoken", it's somewhere in the middle. I like Bono's voice there a lot :up:

And the review isn't "bad", it's just not very informative. We get some facts, no real insight, and it's pretty objective, that's fine with me.
 
BonoVoxSupastar said:
But I scanned the one above and I have to say it's very strange... He mentioned "it would fit on R&H at least twice. Nothing I've heard so far would fit on R&H:huh:

It just goes to show you folks...it's all subjective, and honestly some people's opinions just don't mean shit.:wink:
Click to expand...

I agree, though I guess we can't really judge very well since we haven't actually heard the songs.

lol at "Bono really sings on this ballad" - how informative, does The Edge really play guitar too? :wink:

still, at least they seemed to like it a lot. Based on all the reviews it sounds like Fez and Winter are going to be the most "different" tracks for U2.
 
Has this been posted already?

From the Herald Sun:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...1-2902,00.html

U2 takes a few risks
Article from: Herald Sun

Cameron Adams

February 12, 2009 12:00am

WHEN you're the biggest band in the world, you're entitled to take a few risks.

No Line on the Horizon is U2's experimental album. The songs are long, moody and not exactly radio-friendly.

Which means it's precisely the kind of album U2 needed after 2004's water-treading but stadium-filling How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

Hearing the album in full, the divisive Get On Your Boots was an ideal first single - the kind of song that wouldn't last 10 seconds on commercial radio stations if it weren't the new U2 song.

Despite the musical diversions, the Edge's trademark guitar work injects the U2 DNA throughout.

The fantastic title track has a wall of distorted guitar that recalls a previous envelope-pushing moment, The Fly.

There's a brief flashback to the feel of The Unforgettable Fire on Fez - Being Born and Magnificent sounds like a single (once it has had a radio edit) with that signature Where the Streets Have No Name chugging guitar and drum momentum.

Producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois leave their fingerprints all over the atmospheric Moment of Surrender - cathedral organs and a heavy bass groove spoiled only by Bono mentioning an ATM.

In an age of short attention spans, U2 have put together an old-fashioned album, not just a bunch of singles.

This album is likely to lose the casual U2 fan, but will reconnect with the faithful.

No Line on the Horizon is released on February 27
 
last unicorn said:
Has this been posted already?

From the Herald Sun:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...1-2902,00.html

U2 takes a few risks
Article from: Herald Sun

Cameron Adams

February 12, 2009 12:00am

WHEN you're the biggest band in the world, you're entitled to take a few risks.

No Line on the Horizon is U2's experimental album. The songs are long, moody and not exactly radio-friendly.

Which means it's precisely the kind of album U2 needed after 2004's water-treading but stadium-filling How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

Hearing the album in full, the divisive Get On Your Boots was an ideal first single - the kind of song that wouldn't last 10 seconds on commercial radio stations if it weren't the new U2 song.

Despite the musical diversions, the Edge's trademark guitar work injects the U2 DNA throughout.

The fantastic title track has a wall of distorted guitar that recalls a previous envelope-pushing moment, The Fly.

There's a brief flashback to the feel of The Unforgettable Fire on Fez - Being Born and Magnificent sounds like a single (once it has had a radio edit) with that signature Where the Streets Have No Name chugging guitar and drum momentum.

Producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois leave their fingerprints all over the atmospheric Moment of Surrender - cathedral organs and a heavy bass groove spoiled only by Bono mentioning an ATM.

In an age of short attention spans, U2 have put together an old-fashioned album, not just a bunch of singles.

This album is likely to lose the casual U2 fan, but will reconnect with the faithful.

No Line on the Horizon is released on February 27
Click to expand...

well. that is good news! :up:

he is right about boots and the 10 seconds also
 
last unicorn said:
Has this been posted already?

From the Herald Sun:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...1-2902,00.html

U2 takes a few risks
Article from: Herald Sun

Cameron Adams

February 12, 2009 12:00am

WHEN you're the biggest band in the world, you're entitled to take a few risks.

No Line on the Horizon is U2's experimental album. The songs are long, moody and not exactly radio-friendly.

Which means it's precisely the kind of album U2 needed after 2004's water-treading but stadium-filling How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.

Hearing the album in full, the divisive Get On Your Boots was an ideal first single - the kind of song that wouldn't last 10 seconds on commercial radio stations if it weren't the new U2 song.

Despite the musical diversions, the Edge's trademark guitar work injects the U2 DNA throughout.

The fantastic title track has a wall of distorted guitar that recalls a previous envelope-pushing moment, The Fly.

There's a brief flashback to the feel of The Unforgettable Fire on Fez - Being Born and Magnificent sounds like a single (once it has had a radio edit) with that signature Where the Streets Have No Name chugging guitar and drum momentum.

Producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois leave their fingerprints all over the atmospheric Moment of Surrender - cathedral organs and a heavy bass groove spoiled only by Bono mentioning an ATM.

In an age of short attention spans, U2 have put together an old-fashioned album, not just a bunch of singles.

This album is likely to lose the casual U2 fan, but will reconnect with the faithful.

No Line on the Horizon is released on February 27
Click to expand...

:drool::drool:
 
last unicorn said:
In an age of short attention spans, U2 have put together an old-fashioned album, not just a bunch of singles.

This album is likely to lose the casual U2 fan, but will reconnect with the faithful.
Click to expand...

I like that comment :applaud:
 
Someone over on u2.com (Zootopia), got an invite to go and listen to the album (she has pics to prove it), her review is below :drool: :

I was able to hear the album twice and I will try and tell you what I can - but Im no music journo and this is one album that is very complex. Songs start in one direction and then bolt in another!

But it is totally different from the last 2 albums and will take many listens to fully take in what's going on....which I love!!!!!!!! Im sure I'll think of many points to add after writing all this........I'll update as I remember :)

1 - no line on the horizon

A few seconds of slow and then a huge slap in the face and off it goes!!!!!!!! Instantly I burst into a huge smile and thought WOW!!!!!!! Brilliant choice for opening track......Bono's vocals are pretty varied...singing, a bit of shouting....I just loved this song instantly.......I was very overwhelmed and had to take a minute to calm down and pay attention! Would be a great single!

"every night I have the same dream ....scheming some scheme"

2 - Magnificent

And it is......a bit of an electronic sound and then Larry launches into it.......such a killer drumming track!!!!!! And few bits reminded me of Streets and I think t will get a similar reaction live.......Bono's voice is incredible and I felt this track was a bit of a tribute to their wives......fast paced track and I loved it instantly...will be a u2 classic!!!!! And, could be (and should be) a single.

"only love can leave such a mark" ..."i was born to sing for you and sing whatever you wanted me too"

3 - Moment of surrender

I'd heard alot about this track - album highlight etc - and even at over 7 minutes, it is!!!!!!

the start reminded me of "your blue room".....much slower tempo after the first 2 tracks.....kind of hymn/gospel like. Lots of bass and Edge has an awesome solo in the middle of the song.....need to hear this track alot more because there is so much in it.....beautiful.......

"At the moment of surrender, Ive fallen to my knees - I didnt notice the passers by and they didnt notice me"....."Playing with the fire til the fires playing with me"

4 - Unknown Caller

Im having a bit of trouble recalling this after Moment...lol...... Starts off quietly ...."sunshine, sunshine"...the vocals were quite jolted / almost chanting and Edge (and maybe Eno/Lanois) on backing vocals....reminded me of The Unforgettable era........although parts of Edge's guitar reminded me of Joshua Tree

"shout for joy if you get the chance"....."speed dialling with no signal at all"

5 - I'll go crazy if I dont go crazy tonight"

Another more fast paced track - maybe a future single....lots of drums and heavy bass and has a classic Ooohh Ohhh we can all sing along to on tour!!!!!! Almost shouts the chorus. I felt like Bono was singing to his wife in a few parts..... "every beauty needs to go out with an idiot" lol......" the right to be ridiculous is something I hold dear"...."It's not a hill, its a mountain - as you start out the climb"

6 - get on your boots

Well, this fits so perfectly right here and when you hear it you will know exactly what I mean!!!!! I looked at a few familiar faces in the room and we all were beaming and frankly I wanted to jump on the table and dance!!!!! Perfect perfect placement and the fast tempo is just what's needed at that point.

7 - Stand Up Comedy

You can hear the Led Zeppelin influence and it rocks!!!!!!!!! Drums are standout and Edge with a really heavy riff....LOVED this track!!!!!! Very rock and will be another classic live.....

"stand up for hope, faith, love"..."stand up to my ego but my ego its not really my enemy"...."be careful of small men with big ideas".....lol.....time to get past the height thing Bono - we all love you!!!!!!!

8 - Fez/ Being Born

Slow paced track - Fez is beautiful...only goes for maybe 1 minute....very experimental Eno.....lots of background sounds and Bono's "let me in the sound" quietly playing over....has a quirky circus sounding riff....and then BANG....into Being Born.....huge bass on this track....not alot of vocals.......very Eno

9 - White as snow

Gorgeous slower track....quite traditional Irish sounding and Bono is remembering many years ago.......time spent with his brother and travelling around the home land......"as boys we would go hunting in the woods"..."and the water was icy as it washed over me"...."if only a heart could be white as snow"......beautiful song!

10 - Breathe

Very fast paced song...Piano to start.... awesome drumming...big Larry track!!!!.not as quick as REM's "end of the world" vocally but Bono is speaking/ singing very quickly......this song is very dense...so much going on and will take quite a few listens to grasp...this has the cockatoo reference ...lol.....talking about being a travelling salesman....then there is a gorgeous cello/violin section toward the end, then lots of Edge to finish.....I liked it but need to hear it more....
" got a love you cant defeat"

11- Cedars of lebanon

Medium paced - Bono is speaking through most of this...like One Step Closer....sounds amazing...deep vocals....story of a soldier...backing vocal is very choral, probably eno/lanois and Larry's drumming is very military.....again, I need more listens but I liked it alot - quite an abrupt end to" the album...." this shitty world sometimes produces a rose"......."choose you enemies carefully coz they will define you"

Over all, absolutely LOVED it....lots of classic U2 sounds and moments but not like anything else they've done....theyve blended so many new sounds and when you think you know where a track is going, it turns! Bono's vocals are outstanding - as great as ever and they vary so much....some shouting style, classic singing, speaking, whispering, and a little falsetto!

Stand outs for me are No line on the horizon, magnificent, Moment of surrender, GOYB, Stand up Comedy & Cedars.......

2 listens and I need another 100!!!!!! Paulie, Mac, Rich, Gibbo....you're going to LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!! And to hear it loud.....get ready for those stadiums!!!!!!!!

The next singles have not been decided yet, as previously reported.
There is so much more I wish I could express but I am exhausted from all the excitement.....and as a fan of 24 years, I am so excited to get my copy and immerse myself in it........will be one of their best albums....2009 IS U2's year................

And finally, as it turns out, 2 other Aussies made it in to hear the album as well ;) Leonie and Nik.....so we have been 3 very lucky Aussies and you couldnt have seen 3 happier people!!!!!!!!!!

We couldnt help but take a few pics afterwards...the grins say it all!!!!!!!

Also for the Aussies, album will now be out feb 27th - say day as Ireland....woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!

Me and Leonie
 
It really is a good review Chris, and the girl even had pics to prove she was there etc (not like some people on this board who claim they know people but never have anything to back it up!).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

dan_smee
I listened to No Line on the Horizon right through tonight for the first time in about 10 years…
2 3
Replies
83
Views
2K
lazarus
lazarus
Reggie Thee Dog
Are we NOT discussing the Dolby Atmos Mix of Achtung Baby?
Replies
13
Views
1K
count rushmore
count rushmore
H
Hello
Replies
1
Views
204
Headache in a Suitcase
Headache in a Suitcase
dont_turn_around
Hello everyone!
Replies
1
Views
130
Headache in a Suitcase
Headache in a Suitcase
O
Better late than never “they” say…
Replies
1
Views
290
Headache in a Suitcase
Headache in a Suitcase

Latest posts

Back
Top Bottom