U2 – No Line on the Horizon

Genre – Rock
Label – Interscope
Quick Take: Another great reimaging of the Irish rockers.
Get it if: You like any other U2 album.
Don’t get it if: You’ve had enough Brian Eno produced mega-pop.

Whenever U2 comes out with a new album, you’re never sure what you’re going to get, as the band has virtually reinvented itself so many times over the years. This tends to be the biggest sticking point for U2 fans, or U2 haters. Some say they sold their souls in 1987 with The Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum, and others may say they didn’t hit their stride until 1991 with Achtung Baby. The latter marks the first collaboration with producers Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno. Even the most casual rock-radio listeners should recognize this time as when the band’s sound went from a more straight ahead rock vibe to more complex sounds, including loops, synths and about a million dollars worth of guitar effects for The Edge. Where does No Line on the Horizon fall on this spectrum? Well, I’m happy to report that the band, although sticking with their familiar production team, is still able to come up with some new, interesting stuff while not having to take such a radical shift, you wouldn’t recognize the material as U2.

Wow, that first paragraph was a doozie, but when reviewing an album from a band with such an eclectic legacy, a little context is necessary. As for the album itself, the first thing I picked up on was the general maturity of the band. Their performances are extremely tight, with Larry Mullen Jr.’s drumming often times leaving no clue as to whether it is he who is drumming or an oft used loop. The Edge’s guitar work is fantastic, relying more on his unique style and phrasing than electronic trickery.

It’s actually difficult to review this album without comparing it to other U2 offerings. On its own, it’s a very solid rock album, complete with all the great elements a rock album should have. When thinking about it among the U2 discography, the band took a slightly more experimental route. That’s not to say it’s an art-rock album, rather it’s a departure from radio-friendly singles. Some might call this “filler”, however I still think there are still plenty of tunes to choose from that will wind up in your playlist.<–>