U2

Pop

To say "Pop" grows on you is a HUGE under-statement...

Review Score:

(8/10)
I have a question: Are there any U2 fans out there besides me that loved EVERY album the group ever released? I find it remarkable how these Irish boys change their style on basically every album, and they have stayed at the top for 20 years, a stretch longer than ANY other group in Rock n' Roll history, even the Beatles. When they came onto the scene with "Boy" and their punk-rock style, the politically driven "War", the spiritual perfection of "The Joshua Tree," the search for American music roots in "Rattle and Hum," the original, incredible sound of "Achtung Baby," and then the new, stripped-down rock classic "All That You Can't Leave Behind." And ofcourse, the brilliant experimentation behind "Zooropa" and "Pop." For U2, one of the best bands in the world, to drop what had made them millions and make an album to quench their musical thirst and intrigue is incredible...

"Pop" is a great rock album. However, for U2 standards, it is a good album. I say this because the CD seems to littered with a lot of great songs, then some that are really good but...not quite classics, then a couple that should have been b-sides. Of course, there's an explanation for this.

The great tracks start with "Discotheque," a very catchy track which gets the listener started "a-la-Zoo Station." "Staring at the Sun" and "Gone" are incredibly made songs in which the Edge's guitar stands out. I don't know why these two didn't get more radio time when the album was released. My favorite song, however, is "If God Will Send his Angels," a mellow, depressing song brilliantly written and delivered by Bono.

Now, why do I think this album, although very good, could have been so much better? Example: "Please." A little dull. But tell you what...if you buy this CD, skip this track and go buy the single for "Please" and hear that re-done version. AMAZING! I feel the same about "Wake up Dead Man" and "Could You be Loved," both good songs that could have been better.

Other very good songs on this album include "Mofo," "Last Night on Earth," and "If You Wear that Velvet Dress." And about my title for this review, a perfect example is "The Playboy Mansion." This CD grew on me more than any other I've ever heard. At first, you might think a song like "Playboy" isn't your taste, but keep listening to it. Bono's clever lyrics will change your opinion, trust me.

The fact is U2 finished 2-3 tracks on the day the album was being mastered!! So the result is a song like "Miami," which should be thrown off the list and put on the b-side of the "Staring at the Sun" single.

Overall, this is a very good CD. I feel it's unfair to judge it next to "Joshua Tree" and "Achtung Baby", which are amazing classics. As for "Pop." I feel it's material and just the guts of U2 releasing this kind of album should merit 4 1/2-5 Stars, but I'm very strict when it comes to my music opinion so I'll stick with 4 stars. And U2 fans that love "Pop" and don't enjoy "ATYCLB", give it another chance and appreciate great rock music. And for those who put "Joshua Tree" on a pedistal, put "Achtung Baby" in your CD changer and put it on repeat 20X, its one of the best rock albums of all time. Pick up every U2 CD, they all give a different edge and are incredible in their own way.

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