U2's First Album In Five Years: Different But Not Scary or Revolutionary
First Published February 2009 on ToastedRav.com.
Bono took a vacation from saving the world to record an album, and thus we have No Line On the Horizon. The first studio release from the Irish pop-core band in nearly five years takes a few listens to appreciate, but it eventually grows on you in the same way you get used to diet soda after drinking regular for a years.
U2 is constantly tweaking their sound with each new release. No Line has a solid U2 backbone, but with a few twists when they push the funky guitars and glowing organs farther than before tracks like "Stand Up Comedy" and "Moment of Surrender." While these songs are a slightly different sound for the band, it isn't anything that will revolutionize music in general, and it isn't a severe or alienating departure from their discography.
U2's loyal legions of fans will enjoy curling up with a slightly familiar sound and a new disc to add to their collections. The songs, "Magnificent" and "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" have a very solid, classic U2 sound, and if you close your eyes and listen you would almost swear you heard them play those tracks at their last concert. And, like a lot of U2 songs, those tracks will truly shine when you hear them live.
Familiar doesn't mean a complete rehashing though. The band teamed back up with producer Brian Eno for No Line. The boys have worked with Eno on a number of albums in the past, including Zooropa and The Joshua Tree. While the U2/Eno collaborative blend shines in a number tracks, like "Unknown Caller," and "Moment of Surrender," there are some unexpected, ambient zigs and zags. There are more tracks on this release with a very strong Eno influence than seen in U2's past, and that influence is perhaps most apparent on "Fez - Being Born." Eno is noted for having worked with David Bowie and Depeche Mode in the past, and Nine Inch Nails' sound has often been likened to Eno's; you can really see his distinct mark on all of his work, and especially in this U2 release.
Overall the album was decent; I would give it four abstract painting things out of five. I was expecting something completely different when I heard "Get on Your Boots," but was pleasantly surprised. My only gripe? I paid $16 more for than a bunch of other people for the release because I got suckered into a pre-order on iTunes, while the more patient, savvy folks out there had a chance to buy it on Amazon.com for only $4 through a special deal of the day. I will be sure to ask Bono for the difference next time I see him, if you could keep your eye out for me, too...