U2

Pop

Very Underrated--Give this a chance

Review Score:

(8/10)
When this album was released, the public opinion was polarized. Critics were basically split between loving it and hating it. Many longtime U2 fans were scared off by the "techno" label and had given up hope for U2. Well let me give my honest opinion and set a few things straight.

First off, Pop is definitely not techno. It may have some electronic dance elements thrown in, but it is not very danceable. The only track that comes close to full-blown techno is "MOFO". This is a rock and roll record with real songs--I wouldn't buy it if it wasn't. I admit I was hesitant to buy Pop because I heard all the hype about U2-goes-techno, but I got it and was pleasantly surprised. Pop is not a "pop" album; it is a rock record that is difficult to understand, but very rewarding if you do.

There are plenty of good songs. The tripped-out rocker "Discotheque" leads the way, with a deadly catchy guitar riff played by U2's resident genius, The Edge. "Do You Feel Loved" is another good tune with great guitar and bass playing. "MOFO" is one of the most startling tracks U2 ever recorded, because it is rampaging and quite disturbing at times. That song is followed by the lovely "If God Would Send His Angels," a plaintive plea to God with some of Bono's best singing on the album. It is the first in a handfull of EXCELLENT songs--"Staring at the Sun," "Last Night On Earth," and "Gone" are all fantastic songs with clever lyrics and catchy-but-not-corny melodies. The next two songs, "Miami" and "The Playboy Mansion," are the only songs on Pop I don't like; they cost an otherwise outstanding album a fifth star. However, U2 justify themselves on the chills-up-your-spine "If You Wear That Velvet Dress," the melancholy "Please," and the pleading "Wake Up Dead Man".

Overall, this a solid album from a band with very high standards. The only drawbacks are the one or two sub-par songs and the occasionally poor production. However, if you don't close your ears before listening, you might be surprised how much you like it. It is not a bad album at all!

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