U2
No Line On The Horizon

THE REVIEW

Upon the release of every new U2 album, it is hard not to get overwhelmed by the media noise that arises among television, radio, the web, and so on.

Let's add the fact that the time lapse between this "No Line On The Horizon" and the previous (barely sufficient) "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" has been the longest in the almost thirty-year career of the Dublin group, and there you have it. The single chosen for the launch, "Get On Your Boots," is a sort of "Vertigo" part two and has not been favorably received by fans, despite much of the critics deeming it the most valid of those proposed by the band in the last nine years. In short, much at stake and eyes fixed on Bono and company.

But the album? Let’s say right away that we are probably faced with the best studio material from the band since "Pop"; within the sound fabric of the music proposed by the four Irishmen, you can perceive a tension and expressive depth that seemed irreparably compromised.

The opening with the title track, between guitars and synthesizers, a Bono in stellar vocal form (it's worth noting that old Paul is heading towards 49 years), and the unmistakable touch of Brian Eno, is as good as one could expect, and the subsequent "Magnificent" (second single) will most likely be added to the band's repertoire of classics. "Moment Of Surrender" and "Unknown Caller" form a pair characterized by groove and atmosphere (the latter being more compelling, one of the best episodes of the album). "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight," another potential smash hit, boasts an unusual (for U2) collaboration, that of Will. I. Am. from the Black Eyed Peas, who operates the controls along with the usual Steve Lillywhite and co-produces the piece with the least possible interference, making it sound like a classic U2 song. A fly in the ointment, so to speak. "Stand Up Comedy," on the other hand, is perhaps the least valid track of the album, and it refers too much to the atmospheres of the previous studio release.

A special mention is deserved by a gem like "Fez - Being Born": a perfectly crafted sound and melody wisely shaped around Bono's voice, who is, of course, no longer in his twenties. The track was recorded during the Moroccan sessions, and you can tell. "White As Snow" and the splendid closure "Cedars Of Lebanon" lower the tone to make it whispered, while in the middle, there's a "Breathe" that instead raises the volume and rhythm.

A comeback of quality, "No Line On The Horizon," which many did not expect. And the "boys" from Dublin have already announced their new studio work, "Songs Of Ascent," and the related (probable) lead single, "Every Breaking Wave." All expected by the end of this year.

From one album every five years to two in twelve months: has the artistic rebirth just begun for Bono and company?

The challenging judgment is yours...

Key tracks: "Magnificent," "Unknown Caller," "Fez - Being Born," "Cedars Of Lebanon"