Okay so I've listened to it about 6 or 7 times now, and this is the first time I've delved back into the land of the blue crack since getting it! I didn't want my opinion of it to be tainted by shameless and over excited first reveiws.
So here I go: Overall I think it's a lot more mature and comfortable than Bomb. All four of them are playing at an extraordinarily well crafted and focused level. Its like they've taken all the best of their back catalgue and played around with it for 11 songs. The most noticable references are UF and AB/Zooropa. Edge is a given - he's always at his best. Adam has been great in the last decade, but this album he really stands out. However the stars of this album, IMO are Larry, who's drumming is the best its been since AB or even War, and Bono who's lyrics are possibly the best he's written in 15 years.
No Line on the Horizon: I love. Fantastic opener. Its warm, soaring, epic, and sonically beautiful. It grows on me each time I listen to it. Classic U2, will be amazing live.
Magnificent: nuff said.
Moment of Surrender: Very powerful and emotionally mature. Gives us an opening trilogy, not necessarily to rival the holy JT trilogy, but certainly reminiscent of it.
Unknown Caller: This song has a killer melody. But I find the lyrics awkward and the whole song kind of bordering on uninteresting. A significant step down from the first three, IMO.
I'll Go Crazy: surprisingly, I really like this song. It has a kind of irrestibale charm, like Wild Honey. I'm sure I won't like this song in four years time, and it has the major drawback of Bono hitting a note that he really should never attempt to hit, but I think lyrically, and melodically, it is a great song.
Boots: Works really well in the context of the album.
Stand Up: I love. Its like U2 finally got kick ass right. This one is a big success in my books. Once again, I love the lyrics.
FEZ: good ... ish, but I find it bordering on pretentious. I think I need to give it more time. I feel like it should be great, and it certainly captures that AB/Zooropa darkness that gives the album some intersting depth, but I really can't help hating the "let me in the sound part" and I find it gets kind of boring half way through.
White as Snow: Both lyrics and melody are cliched. This is already a track that I'm inclined to skip.
Breathe: Possibly my favourite track on the album. So far, there is nothing about this song that I don't love.
Cedars of Lebanon: Great closing track. U2 has a knack for choosing great closers. Almost every album they have ever made has, IMO a great choice of closer that leaves you feeling the exact sentiment of the album. This is no exception. Its dark and challenging and works well. Especially the last line. Its chilling!
I can't say yet where it stands in relation to the rest of the 2000s, but I think it's probably better than anything they've done since Pop. In a few months it could be the best thing since Zooropa ... who knows. Retrospect is the best judge.