So ever since the release of 'Pop' back in 1997, I've noticed a gradual down turn for U2. All of U2's material prior to 'Pop' is always the most rocking, and honest sounding of the group. However once the discotheque, trance techno, and crazy studio production kick in, something seems to get lost. Between Bono pretending he is the devil, and giant lemons falling from the sky... Pop wasn't a great album - but it wasn't a bad album either -- it just marked a significant change in artistic direction for U2.The next couple of albums seem to follow the same trend, even though the band states that they are trying to make a 'return to their original sound.' With 'All that you Can't Leave Behind', and 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' - the band continued to enthrall millions with their sound, and gain a new following, however seemed to lose some of their loyal fans as well, as they traversed new sounds... and became a HUGE global franchise.
The thing that is difficult for me with Pop, All that you Can't Leave Behind and How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb is that it is U2 trying to stay on top, and not show their age. With all these albums they are experimenting with new sounds, sonic ideas, directions, and production styles --- in order to stay current, and sell albums. However with all of them, they just seem to steadily lose the essence which made the band a knock out band. With the countless re-issues of old remastered albums and Live DVD performances... which continually show Bono and the group's age... I was beginning to lose hope that the group would ever be able to create honest rock music ever again.
I had high hopes for 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb' - but I was strangely disappointed. Like a fine wine, you'd expect bands to mature with age, however the slick production of 'Atomic Bomb' and the overall presentation of the album just made it like fine lacing wrapped around rusted bolts. The sounds were not fresh or new -- all the new material seemed like rip off's of better older songs- almost like U2 had become a cover band for their own older stuff.
Ok, well it may seem like I hate U2- but I'm a huge fan, and because of that I have huge expectations for them- and it seems like a long time waiting for the next Joshua Tree from this band. Well, here comes U2's newest cut from their upcoming album 'No Line On the Horizon', 'Get On Your Boots' and its the first time that I haven't been disappointed in a while. It sounds like a cross between Vertigo, Discotheque, 'Big Girl's are Best' and Elvis Costello's 'Pump it Up' - and is hard-edged, and up tempoed. The Chorus' have a definite tinge of Brian Eno with its meandering melody line over Bono singing 'You Don't know how Beautiful you are.' All in all it makes the band sound like they are not old and outdated - but are able to put out a contemporary sound which is raw and fresh, and not just a franchise stunt.
I'm hoping that the album has more tracks like this on it, since they are well overdue for another f%&%ing rocking album. Definitely helps having the group release this single tidbit right before Barack Obama's Inauguration - a fitting homage to a new year, a new presidency, and a new era in U2's sound possibly.
Check out the new track streaming LIVE at:
http://goyb.u2.com/
~Andrew D.B. Joslyn
