Finally, after much anticipation, we have the new album from Bono and the gang. The last albums were certainly not masterpieces, and the magnificent four once again relied on the skillful hands of Eno and Lanois, people who have produced many masterpieces. Let's get to the CD.
This "No Line On The Horizon," let's say right away, is a great CD, a welcome return to the past that will particularly please long-time fans. The CD immediately opens with the title track, one of the most beautiful tunes the Irish group has ever written, and then magnificently continues, it's really the case to say, with "Magnificent", a track of great beauty adorned by the sumptuous guitar of The Edge. Then we have an engaging gospel "Moment Of Surrender" and on the fourth track, we find the beautiful "Unknown Caller" with its crystalline melody enhanced by a beautiful solo. These songs represent the central core of the album, a dive into the past where we also rediscover Bono's voice, which had somewhat gotten lost over the years.
It continues with a song "in the norm" like "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight", the strange single "Get On Your Boots", and the zeppelin-esque "Stand Up Comedy", songs produced solely by U2. Lanois and Eno return and gift us with gems such as the ethnic "Fez-Being Born", the intense "White As Snow" and "Breathe", and the final gem "Cedars Of Lebanon", where a gentle melody merges with the beautiful lyrics, in which Bono impersonates a war reporter.
In conclusion, "No Line On The Horizon" is an excellent CD, certainly not comparable to the masterpieces of the '80s, but nevertheless splendid. We hope this album represents a starting point for U2, who will certainly continue to produce excellent works.
A well-produced album that manages to overshadow (not that it took much) U2’s previous releases.
Despite some songs smelling of old U2 and others having a Coldplay-like aura, the album deserves a passing grade.
The unforgettable fire hasn’t extinguished... it has returned to burn majestically like it hadn’t for years.
They decided to release as the first single a track that is not only the worst of the album but that is not even worthy of being part of it... Mystery of faith!
An album of Great Craftsmanship and licking of sounds but... seems to really copy soundscapes and attitudes, things already heard here and there.
An album neither shameful nor praiseworthy, at times even pleasant, but lacking those particular peaks of genius or energy.
We are probably faced with the best studio material from the band since 'Pop.'
'Fez - Being Born' is a perfectly crafted sound and melody wisely shaped around Bono's voice.
U2's music is now classical music.
This album gives something and takes nothing away, indeed, one could afford some generosity even more.