I'm sorry, but this is the best TIME could do?
This person seems to only have a very casual acquaintance with U2.
I think the only valid point that is made is in regard to Bono's awkward lyrics. While there are some truly transcendent lyrical moments on NLOTH, there are also an equal amount of cringe-worthy moments; and unfortunately, great albums sould make you cringe in embarrassment for the lyricist exactly ZERO times. So NLOTH has that against it, especially in IGCIIDGCT (a cringe-worthy title to go with a cringe-worthy lyric) and SUC. These songs are packed to the gills with what Bono assumes are cute little slogans and proverbs, but they all clunk together artlessly and forget to create any sense of atmosphere. So I'll go with that.
But....tuneless? That's ridiculous. And to say that Unknown Caller is a "ham-fisted attempt at life-coaching" just shows this reviewer has no clue on what the song is about.
I would say that, despite the imperfections, NLOTH is full of pulsating LIFE; overflowing with new dimensions and unexpected harmonies. I don't think it's their best ever, because of those glaring cringe-inducing imperfections, but after this decade of U2 mediocrity, it's a welcome convergence of many of U2's best moments...