Seb's Web

Here’s a sometimes controversial statement: I like U2.
Bono can be a twat, “The Edge” is an overrated guitarist, their political shtick falls flat sometimes… But their music is good. And I like their later stuff more than their earlier albums. Probably because I started listening to them mid 2000s and their style hasn’t been consistent – which is admirable for a band to do.

In 2015, when I was supposed to see them live, some nut brought a pistol in the arena so the show had to be postponed. But I saw them two days later and, even from my nosebleed seats they put on a fantastic show.

I’m not going to do a Ted Talk here, I can hardly bust my ass to write more than a paragraph for most album reviews and this time won’t be any different. But in my 1001 queue came a 2000’s U2 album and I thought I should quickly go through the previous ones in a couple posts.

Boy (1980 – Good heavens, really? Bono’s the same age as my parents?)

A fantastic start for the band. It’s rooted in the New Wave and Post Punk genres but… there are glimpses of modern sounds there. Maybe it’s the guitar effects (sorry I doubted you, Edge), maybe it’s Bono’s timbre, maybe it’s the lyrics, or it’s just the whole package that’s contrasting beautifully between a youthful optimism and a modern and rebellious feel. Good stuff. 7⭐

War (1983)

Ah, here it is, the politics comes in. And you know what, there’s nothing wrong with that. Politics covers everything in our lives in one way or another, and art especially has always been political. “War” does it right. Songs are powerful and still catchy, the post-punk is in full swing here and there is a war-drum rhythm in every song that drives them forward and also stays in theme with the album. Absolutely fabulous. 8⭐

The Unforgettable Fire (1984)

This one’s different. I guess one critic put it well when he said it’s the other side of “War”, because I can’t find a better description for it. It’s textured and warm, it’s the small and the humble that the wars are fought for. It’s also a bit bland and faraway. There’s still U2’s usual political and social messaging in there but this one’s perhaps for the diehard fans. I’m a fan, but I’m a “Giving this only 6⭐fan”.

The Joshua Tree (1987)

Brian Eno coming in full force on this album with his ambiental sounds and effects. The Joshua Tree is warm still, relaxed, welcoming, but still driven. It’s the sleeper train that takes you far, it’s not the steam locomotive of “Boy” or the diesel powered “War”. It’s melancholic and deep and full of classic U2 songs. Easy 9⭐.

****

Don’t @ me, I know the photos are in the wrong order and that I skipped “October”.