U2, No Line On The Horizon

U2 return with their new album almost 5 years after the release of 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.'

As a huge fan of the band, I have been waiting for this album for a long time, and was so annoyed when it didnt get its November '08 release as previously planned. So on the day of the release I couldn't wait to get to hear it.

Many people have been hailing the album as U2's third masterpiece, alongside 'The Joshua Tree' and 'Achtung Baby', but I disagree. Dont get me wrong, this is a very high standard piece of work, but not the best album Bono and the boys have ever made.

'Get on Your Boots', the lead single from the album, is quite a catchy song that had to grow on me as I wasnt too impressed on first listen, now I love it. It's Vertigo and Discotheque thrown together, with more than a hint of Queens of the Stone Age influence.

For those that hate that song, dont be put off, there are some excellent songs throughout the album.

'No Line on the Horizon' is a great tune that will in most likelyhood sound great live.

'Magnificent', which would have been my choice as the first single, has Bono proclaiming 'I was born to sing for you, I didnt have a choice.' The song is a very good one with that Edge sound that you recognise instantly.

'Breathe', 'Stand Up Comedy', and the uplifting 'I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight' are other stand out tracks.

But for me, the best part of the album is 'Moment of Surrender', a seven minute epic that is a glorious love song.

'No Line on the Horizon' shows that U2 are in no mood to leave us just yet, thankfully, and after a near 30 years in the business, the fact that they can still produce good records and still be relevant is remarkable indeed.

as usual with a U2 album, I bought No Line On The Horizon and rushed home to hear some classic tunes and after 10 minutes thought we had another classic on our hands but things quickly fall apart after the one/two of "no lines on the horizon" and "magnificent".In my opinion, third song in,"moment of surrender" is where things start going wrong. U2 have apparently hailed this as the new "one". but I think all it is,is a song that has no hooks,no catchy melody and goes on about 3-4 minutes too long.I find the rest of the album fairs no better,apart from a few choice songs,with the emphasis being on trippy string arrangements,but not the good ones we saw on "unforgettable fire",these are much the same as "moment of surrender",they just seem to hang around like background music,instead of grabbing you by the throat.as i've said,there a few other songs worth a listen."i'll go crazy" is typical U2,with a good strong chorus and both "FEZ" and "white as snow" show that U2 are still capable of fine songwriting.but sadly I think there is just too much filler for me for the album to take any real effect.there's talk of them releasing an album before the new year containing songs that didn't make the final cut in these sessions,i just hope it's not a case of it just being more of the same but a little bit weaker.so,all in all,definitely not what i was hoping for,but there are a few reminders that when on form,nobody does it better than the boys from dublin.

Brilliant album best since Achtung Baby. Experimental, pop, rock, alternative its all here. Bono has changed his voice somehow???sounds awesome. Don't be put off by Get on your boots Great fun in places. U2 not taking themselves too seriously ....most of the time.Maybe such a range of genre and unique songs gives a slightly dis-jointed album.