U2

Pop

Unusual U2 album mixes slow stuff with techno

Review Score:

(8/10)
This album was released in March 1997 and marked the four-yearly re-emergence of U2, who are undoubtedly still one of the leading rock bands in the world. Pop continued the group's 90's excursions into the glittery world of urban techno music, but still retained some of their trademark spine-tingling emotional highs. Critics at the time were unconvinced of its merits when comparing it with earlier, classic U2 albums, but I feel it is a strong album worthy of its place in the U2 back catalogue. Despite the muted tones of several tracks such as the despairing Wake Up Dead Man, the quiet If You Wear That Velvet Dress and the languid The Playboy Mansion, this album is best remembered for the ironic disco pastiche of Discotheque - a cheeky drug reference or two spiced up this track, which also exists in the standard array of remix and single-edit versions.
Bono imbues the brooding tune Please with escalating urgency as he addresses the prevaricating politicians stalling on the crucial Northern Ireland peace talks - it's as relevant now in 2004 as it was 7 years ago. Gone has a similar slow intro and escalating dramatic tension as it rises to a memorable chorus, while Miami is a cut-up urban groove that is reminiscent of the Zooropa album's Daddy's Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car. On a lighter note, there is the innocuous seasonal sentiment of If God Will Send His Angels, which doubled as a Christmas-themed CD single in December 1997, and the catchy shuffle of Do You Feel Loved, which is about the nearest thing to "pop" on this interesting record. The other singles were Staring At The Sun, a great tune that has a memorable chorus, and the dark, murky-sounding vibe of Last Night On Earth. I liked all these songs back in 1997, but the one truly fantastic, indispensible track is Mofo, which I listen to regularly to this day. This is an awesome recording, with one of the best killer riffs you will ever hear, a clattering techno beat, and and achingly-real sentiments from Bono as he sings of the never-ending pain of losing his mother to illness at an early age: "Trying to fill that God-shaped hole..." Buy Pop for this track alone and you won't be disappointed, and for any rock fans who don't already know this record, I suggest grab a copy and enjoy!

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