By Toto N
Prior to U2's 2009 'No Line on the Horizon' album release, many U2 fans and music critics felt that the band needed a more experimental album. U2's two previous albums, 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' and 2000's 'All that You can't Leave Behind' were solid modern rock albums that were heavily influenced by U2's 'The Joshua Tree' and 'The Unforgettable Fire' eras. Many critics felt that the band were playing it safe and didn't experiment enough. 'No Line on the Horizon' is a much different album to the previous two in that it dares to experiment.
There is no doubt 'No Line on the Horizon' is a rock album. However, U2 manages to improvise with both musically and stylistically. For the first time ever we hear Bono rap in the song 'Breathe'. The song 'Fez: Being Born' is no doubt influenced by electronic and Techno, similar to how many songs on U2's 'Zooropa' album were. Ironically though, the best track is the most conservative one- the song 'Magnificent'. 'Magnificent' is full U2's trademark anthemic lyrics and 'ringing' guitar sounds. 'Magnificent' is indeed, magnificent.
The album's other highlights include the beautiful and eloquent, 'Moment of Surrender' and 'Unknown Caller', which has become a classic U2 track. Despite all of this, 'No Line on the Horizon' has its weaknesses. The album fades quite badly towards the end, mainly due to tracks that drag on longer than they should, and ballads that aren't particularly interesting. These include the bland, 'Cedars of Lebanon' and the equally uninteresting, 'White as Snow'.
In evaluating 'No Line on the Horizon's' merits we should give U2 marks for attempting to be creative and making a more experimental album. There is no doubt that musically this is a good U2 album. All four band members play admirably and sound as good as they ever have. So you may ask the question: Is this a great U2 album? In my opinion 'No Line on the Horizon' falls short of that status, but only by a small margin. The reason for this is that, while this album sounds great and manages to offer something different, it isn't an inspiring album. Ultimately, 'No Line on the horizon' sounds very much forced, rather than inspired. U2 have tried to force creatively rather than let it come naturally, but of course for a band like U2 who have been around for over 20 years, this is a very difficult ask.
There is no doubt 'No Line on the Horizon' is a rock album. However, U2 manages to improvise with both musically and stylistically. For the first time ever we hear Bono rap in the song 'Breathe'. The song 'Fez: Being Born' is no doubt influenced by electronic and Techno, similar to how many songs on U2's 'Zooropa' album were. Ironically though, the best track is the most conservative one- the song 'Magnificent'. 'Magnificent' is full U2's trademark anthemic lyrics and 'ringing' guitar sounds. 'Magnificent' is indeed, magnificent.
The album's other highlights include the beautiful and eloquent, 'Moment of Surrender' and 'Unknown Caller', which has become a classic U2 track. Despite all of this, 'No Line on the Horizon' has its weaknesses. The album fades quite badly towards the end, mainly due to tracks that drag on longer than they should, and ballads that aren't particularly interesting. These include the bland, 'Cedars of Lebanon' and the equally uninteresting, 'White as Snow'.
In evaluating 'No Line on the Horizon's' merits we should give U2 marks for attempting to be creative and making a more experimental album. There is no doubt that musically this is a good U2 album. All four band members play admirably and sound as good as they ever have. So you may ask the question: Is this a great U2 album? In my opinion 'No Line on the Horizon' falls short of that status, but only by a small margin. The reason for this is that, while this album sounds great and manages to offer something different, it isn't an inspiring album. Ultimately, 'No Line on the horizon' sounds very much forced, rather than inspired. U2 have tried to force creatively rather than let it come naturally, but of course for a band like U2 who have been around for over 20 years, this is a very difficult ask.
Visit our site to read a song by song review of No Line on the Horizon. Visit our U2 album reviews website.
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