Review: U2 – No Line On the Horizon
U2 – No Line On the Horizon (2009) [Mercury] // Grade: F
The argument could be made that this is one of U2′s better albums since the mid 90′s, but doing so only masks the fact that this is still a terrible album. I’m not certain why the band felt the need to shelve their Rick Rubin sessions and bring in Brian Eno. Did they think he still had it in him to deliver another Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby, when the last things he left the band with were the messy Zooropa and the bland All That You Can’t Leave Behind?
Maybe they felt he could give them a Viva La Vida! and gain some ground back on Coldplay’s move to replace them as the “I like to think I’m a thinking man’s” band of choice. But all the blame can’t be placed on Eno for helping craft a terribly boring album, because I’m sure there isn’t much more Eno could have done with the band. Carrying the mantle of “rock star” has always been a delicate balancing act between ego and talent. U2′s ego long eclipsed their talent, en route to being the biggest douches in rock. All of this is paraded haplessly on No Line On the Horizon, where the band’s arrogance has them believing they’re being creative, when in fact all they are is dull.
The album starts out on a very Eno yet adult contemporary soundscape that, while boring, is entirely inoffensive and listenable. However, that doesn’t really last long, and it becomes overwhelmed by U2 being U2. Sure enough, the band’s sense of grandeur takes control and things quickly degenerate into U2 taking a few stabs at its signature sound, the uplifting rock anthem. Too bad they haven’t had much luck writing one of these in quite some time. The Edge seems to have trouble conjuring up anything past mundane on his guitar, while Bono’s lyrics and crooning sound so hopelessly hokey that you can’t help but chuckle at not only the level they’ve sunk, but at the fact that they’re gleefully oblivious to it. All of this is exasperated by the fact that the rest of this album is so pedestrian that it’s hard to remember anything else.
- My Pal the Crook
March 2nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I really enjoy reading these music reviews. Any chance of you reviewing either of the 2 news KMFDM albums, Skold vs KMFDM or Blitz?
March 2nd, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I have “Blitz” and was planning on reviewing it, but I haven’t really given it a through listen yet.
March 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I can’t believe you dedicated three paragraphs to this.
Basically, a verbose way of saying: Sucks shit.
June 8th, 2009 at 12:35 am
this is an outstanding album for anyone that truly appreciates quality music. you are trying way too hard to be ‘indie’ cool and basically an ‘alt’ snob with your head buried up your arse. you and your fake trendy culture..everything you like is disposable…ultimately you are disposable.
U2 has been at the top of their game for over 30 years. they’ve outlasted trendy pricks like you time and time again. go back to giving handjobs on Bedford avenue.
June 8th, 2009 at 1:42 am
I’m really sorry your favorite band made yet another shitty album. U2 hasn’t been on top of their game since Achtung Baby and there’s is nothing outstanding or quality about No Line On the Horizon unless you’re either a) devoid of an imagination or b) or just clueless about music in general fro the past 15 or so years. Move on dude, U2 was great way back when but that doesn’t give them a pass for anything they ever record.
P.S. Bone is still and always will be a tool.
P.P.S. I’m sorry I’m cooler than you, try reading the blog and maybe it’ll rub off.
P.P.P.S. I can’t be indie and Alt, pick one damnit!!!