U2

All That You Can't Leave Behind

Four and 1/2 Stars.

Review Score:

(8/10)
Four and 1/2 starts for U2, 5 comparatively to any other music being produced in the 2003/2004 year.

First I would like to express my disgruntled nature evoked from the elitism of the spotlight review. Labeling a CD where one admits that there are four solid anthems as "pedestrian rock," is not only ludicrous but also self-revealing. 98% of rock/pop cd's have two great songs, at most. The rest of the songs may strike a sentimental or nostalgic chord with the listener; regardless they are labeled irrevocably as fillers.

Perhaps the CD is not on the caliber of Achtung Baby, but no self-respecting critic will pit anything short of the White Album up against the prophetic brilliance of AB.

I fully believe that we are in a modern pop music crisis (outside of the realm of jazz.) U2's songs are not decadently and stupidly post-modern or pseudo-intellectual; they are not pathetically depressing and aesthetically high school mentality/ college introspection driven. U2's lyrics are both simple and profound, their melodies both moving, yet not mellow-dramatic. If you want music to think deeply to listen to Rachmaninoff's 7th, or a Thelonius Monk live set. If you want excellent modern music that wipes itself with Nickleback, Puddle of Mudd, or any other popular trash, this album will bake your noodle.

This CD is the single most energy-filled, summer complimentary album. Every song has uplifting and redemptive chords, as are used by functional, mature musicians who don't have to fall upon chordal morbidity to gain depth.

This CD is sweet and potent, filled with the bands subtle maturity and compassion towards their friends and families.

This is among U2's top 5 albums, and perhaps their most listenable.

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