Back in the day when U2 to me was completely unknown, I heard some stuff of their 'All that you can't leave behind' album and with my birthday coming up asked some friends to get me that. They must have been U2 rookies too and instead got me 'Pop', thinking that was U2's latest release. After being slightly disappointed I gave the album a good listening and must admit not being too impressed at first.

But time saw me coming back to this album, even if it was just for the few melodies that started to haunt me in my head. True to themselves, U2 deliver nothing but great melodies on this album. The musical settings and instruments used and the main part: the programming might be a bit of a strange taste at first, but you can start to appreciate this and perhaps it's only good and commendable that they took a fresh stance and a new approach. In their attempt they definitely did a great job!

So on to the tracks: 'Discotheque' is fun and busy and not the best track on the album, but Bono's voice is still nicely present and the song takes great proportions after the intro. The second track 'Do you feel loved' however, is much better. Great lyrics and the different atmospheres the music takes you into is great.

I must say I hate programming most of the time and only like it when used intelligently to actually complement the music and melodies. I feel U2 does that perfectly on this album, the tracks take you on a journey and although very programmed, you can't forget the fact that most stuff in still done on guitar by The Edge, perhaps proof that this guy is a (guitar) genius.

Track 3 bears the great title of 'Mofo' and in time I've started to enjoy this somewhat 'crazy' track with all its different sound effects and Bono's great voice. Number 4 'What if God will send his Angels' is a lot quieter and is a beautifully modelled, yet differently sounding ballad almost. Once the track picks up momentum this is another great track on this album.

Other tracks that are very worthwhile are pretty much most tracks, but I love 'If you wear that Velvet Dress'. The instruments are used in such beautiful fashion and the bass just makes you want chill out, not to forget Bono singing: great song, absolutely beautiful!

So I think 'Pop' is a greatly undervalued U2 album. With its beautiful melodies and intelligent use of such a wide variety of different sounds that complement a another set of great lyrics that just confront you as a listener and make you think. One of the great things about U2 is the adult lyrics (it's not just about girls, drugs and rock and roll), making their work appealing to much more than just your ears. But on 'Pop' luckily your ears will be satisfied too!

Recommended!