U2: No Line On The Horizon

U2
No Line On The Horizon
Interscope Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: Most challenging record to listen to in years.

Album Review:
No Line On The Horizon is U2's 12th studio album and once again calls on long-time collaborators Brian Eno and Danny Lanois, to produce with some help from Steve Lillywhite. They actually started with producing guru Rick Rubin but later decided to go in a different direction. The end product turned out much safer and this is a record that I am sure will be loved by some, hated by others and for most it will land them in the middle. First thing I must say is that I have a hard time tolerating the first single "Get On Your Boots". It seems below U2 in every way - lyrics, music and message. Now that it is off my chest about the sexy boots song the rest of the album is a much better representation of where U2 is now. It is more of a low key and mature record that is highlighted by the anthem building "Breathe", which is U2 at its finest while the fun lovin' pop of "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" shows off why the public has always loved Bono. Some tracks meander too long, like the over seven minute "Moment Of Surrender" followed by the six minute "Unknown Caller". Not awful songs but better if they were contained to four minutes. This is the reason No Line On The Horizon will leave some cold because it is a more challenging record, both good and bad, that over time will get better in parts and stay forgettable in others. The bottom line is if you like U2 check it out and figure out which group you fall into because this is still U2 - if you didn't like them already or are unsure - this is not the place to start.

Key Tracks: "Magnificent", "Breathe", "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Who
R.E.M.
Bruce Springsteen

U2: Under A Blood Red Sky [Deluxe Edition] [Fire Drills Review 10/2/08]

Official U2 Website
U2 MySpace
U2 Info [Allmusic]
Interscope Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta