U2

Pop

One of U2's most daring albums...

Review Score:

(8/10)
In 1995, U2 took time off from their 93' Zooropa World Tour, to create a soundtrack, with Brian Eno called 'Passengers' this would feature the bells and whistles of Achtung Baby and Zooropa, combined with atmospheric, electronica bits included. The cd didn't do so well, but it set U2 up for creating another cd. In 1997, U2 wanted to experiment with dance music. It was a current trend that was upcoming and U2 wanted to get on the wave and ride it high, they saw this as another chance to reinvent themselves. Pop was through studies of dance club music and the mind and wonder of Brian Eno. U2 released Pop with 'Discotheque' and 'Staring At The Sun' both singles that did well on the charts. The album also belted out other numbers such as 'Gone' and 'Please' the album contains some of Bono and Edge's most heartful, dark and spiritual lyrics that the band has written to date. You will also find that the band comes together as a whole on this record, there are no loose ends or one member contributing to the record.

U2 on this record, is both serious and humorous on this album. Poking fun at the wonders of what it takes to get through in this society and how to get into where to be (The Playboy Mansion, Miami) the album does contain a weirdness about it at times, songs like 'If You Wear That Velvet Dress' fail to bring us on a journey or tell us a story. Especially after hearing the powerful songs such as, "Gone", "Please", "Wake Up Deadman" and "Last Night On Earth."

What most people won't understand about this album, is the fact U2 wanted to experiment again, reinvent themselves and look for a new musical direction. Most people will only know 'Staring At The Sun' and overlook bittersweet songs such as 'If God Will Send His Angels.' This is not a bad U2 album, but rather, released in a bad time. Techno/Dance/Electronica music was just making it's way to mainstream. Most people who picked up the record were expecting to hear another 'One' or 'Mysterious Ways' but in the end, were almost horrified by this new direction. Pop, now, is looked back on as a interesting musical piece, and one that helped U2 musically, and socially. Because just riding the wave of Achtung, Baby -- you can only go so far before you start resembling Rattle and Hum. Anyone who has enjoyed Achtung Baby and Zooropa, will definitely feel at home with this record.

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