U2

All That You Can't Leave Behind

Brilliant album

Review Score:

(10/10)
This is a definite 5-star album dating from October 2000, and became an award-winner as well as a popular triumph for U2. I love this record, and recommend it to anyone who hasn't heard it yet. It has the strongest collection of new songs U2 had done since 1991's Achtung Baby, and nearly every song could have been a choice for a commercial single.

Lead track Beautiful Day was one of 2000's great hits, with traditional U2 guitar sounds merging with thunderous choruses and a memorable airport video. It was a UK and Australian #1 hit. Second single Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of was a wonderful song with soulful vocals, while third hit Elevation was a rocking song which featured in 2001's Tomb Raider movie and also was the name of the band's triumphant 2001 stadium tour.

The key song on the album is Walk On. This is an inspired track with lyrics by U2 frontman Bono addressed to courageous detained Burmese resistance leader Aung Sang Suu Kyi that touch on the song's message of hope and freedom from past burdens. Kite is a soaring number that works well in concert. In A Little While is catchy and cheerful, and Wild Honey is also upbeat and has a happy-sounding , playful vibe. Peace On Earth is more sombre, but still manages some beautiful lines of hope , while recalling the Omagh bombing victims by name in its final coda. When I Look At The World is a good song and has the only down message - it's about fundamental incompatibility. I really like the way U2 do their penultimate song New York here -it has a slow, moody intro, building verses and then an explosion of heavy guitar on the impassioned choruses on this tale of big-city disillusionment. I adore the closing track Grace. It is simply beautiful, peaceful and healing. One of my all-time favourites from this amazingly-talented band.

As you can tell, I really like this music, and I hope you will too. Unlike most fleeting pop and rock stars, U2 is one band that you can't leave behind!!

5 stars

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