U2

Pop

Old and New

Review Score:

(8/10)
This is a rougher U2, some of their edgiest stuff since Boy and October. It has the slam of R&B", but the loudness of Punk (U2 was originally a punk band), but has the deep production techniques of Techno. We are almost seeing an old and new U2.

U2 is always the political band, which merely means they are sublimating their passions. "Discothèque" is both a tip of the hat and a shaking of the fist to the current nightlife in Europe. Trust me, I lived in Portugal for two years.

"Do You Feel Loved," and "Mofo" are really musical pieces first, and substance second. You get caught up in in the edginess of Edges craftsmanship. I think Bono sdaid that Edge fell in love with his guitar again on this album.

"If God Will send His Angels" reminds us that U2 is a Christian band, and that they have a soul. This song is one long indictment of the problems of the world.

"Staring at the Sun" is conceptually the clone of Zooropa's "Numb," how we prefer doing anything and everything expect looking at the truth. I wonder is there is a pun played here, with "Sun" meaning "Son." SO this song would then be an indictment of religious marshmallows who prefer looking at Christ rather than following Christ.

"Last night on Earth" taps the apocalyptic fervor of the pre-Y2K days. After all, the world can't keep up with the way things are going, so something is about to snap.

"Gone" is a pure lounge lizard piece.

"Miami" is a tribute tone poem to a rather fun city. Watch out for the reference to "petrol," which is British for gas.

"The Playboy Mansion" is another lyric-heavy, almost rap, indictment of religion again set over a quasi-disco-R&B three-chord pattern. As to the religious indictment, if the shoe fits, wear it.

"If you Wear That Velvet Dress" sports a husky voiced Bono calling out to a woman who has already gone. For some reason, this song sounds deep blue, and conjures up images of night in my mind.

"Please" is a somewhat forgettable song that was made a single.

"Wake Up Dead Man" has replace "40" as the outro in U2 Concerts. After having criticized everyone, Bono finally criticizes Jesus the dead man. True this is blasphemy, bout you do get a sense of Bono's passion melting into frustration. To their credit, U2 is an activist and charity band, so their hands a quite dirty and calloused in serving other people. Moreover they are aware of the conditions and causes of poverty and how so many people have it in their power to change things, but who don't. Therefore, this song would be better called "Wake up Dead Men," since "God is not dead, nor does he sleep."

Some people have not forgiven U2 for this foray, which is really just the outworkings of the "Actung, Baby!" and "Zooropa" albums. They have abandoned this deer-trtail, and have retuned to successful ground with "All That You Can't Leave Behind." But, as always, the pleasure is in the journey taken.

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