Robert's Kinsler's Reviews U2's No Line On The Horizon
Artist: U2
Album: "No Line On The Horizon"
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" and "Achtung Baby."
Tell Me More: For the U2 faithful who had long hoped for a return of the experimental quest that characterized the band in the early 1990s (think "Achtung Baby" and "Zooropa"), "No Line On The Horizon" marks somewhat of a return to that musical mindset.
Indeed, the hard-rocking muscular approach taken on "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (notably "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation") and, in part, on "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" (that album's first single, "Vertigo," comes to mind) is mostly absent across the more experimental "No Line On The Horizon." Even the initial single, "Get On Your Boots," challenges the listener with its mix of distorted guitar and bass, The Edge's inventive and minimalist lead guitar solo, and edgy overdubs.
Infectious riffs on the 60s-minded "Stand Up Comedy" and "Breathe" provide some rock 'n' roll red meat for fans, but on tracks such as the cascading "Fez: Being Born" and the sparse "White As Snow" it is the singular style and sound of Ireland's best and best-known musical export that will please fans for the first couple of listens until they are familiar enough with the songs to call them their own.
However, for lovers of U2's first couple of '00s albums, the beautiful gem "Magnificent" boasts the intoxicating mix of Bono's emotive vocals and The Edge's shimmering guitar layered against the in-the-pocket bass playing of Adam Clayton and drumming of Larry Mullen Jr.
There is no question that U2 remains the rare veteran rock act that challenges listeners with every new record. "No Line On The Horizon" is an album that will provide new secrets for discerning listeners in the days - and years - ahead.
What about the packaging? "No Line On The Horizon" has been released in a standard format with a 24-page booklet and in digipak format. The digipak includes an extended booklet and the album's companion film "Linear" by Anton Corbijn (As a digital download). I have the standard format and this will please most fans, with the digipak recommended for those who want to get their hands on more.
What if I am not ready to download the whole album? "Magnificent
Moment of Surrender
or White As SnowListen to samples and buy No Line On The Horizon in MP3 Format
Standard Jewell Case CD Edition
Limited Edition Digi-pack Edition (Includes CD / Booklet / Fold out Poster / and Film download
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