My last post was sent out in haste, as I wanted to spread the news about Château Saint-Roch Côtes du Roussillon Chimères (LCBO # 119354). I also mentioned that I owed you a music review and pairing to this delicious wine. Here it goes…
Because this wine was so smooth, I had to go with U2’s new album, No Line on the Horizon.
Now before I begin, I have to divulge some important information. I am a very big U2 fan. So big, I even found a lot of good in Zooropa.
U2 – No Line on the Horizon
4.3 out of 5
U2, in their 12th studio album, have once again raised the bar of modern/classic rock symbiosis. As U2 gets older, their music adapts, but in No Line on the Horizon there is a lot of new sounds firmly anchored by classic melodies. I am talking about the Edge’s unique guitar, Adam’s airy bass, Larry’s mesmerizing drums and Bono’s cries.
The album begins with a great drumbeat and just the right amount of The Edge. Then comes Bono, a bit shaky at first then right back where he left off 10 years ago. No Line on the Horizon(click song to listen), the title track is a great start to what seems to be the U2 we all know and love.
The next track is called Magnificent(click song to listen), one of my favorite tracks on this album. It encompasses everything that I love about U2. Great vocals, amazing guitar, classic Adam bass and catchy drum rifts.
Skipping ahead, the album mellows out and we get a chance to listen to Bono’s tales. Unknown Caller(click song to listen) is another heavy hitter with great lyrics and some amazing guitar solos near the end. Take note if you are a fan of The Edge.
Get On Your Boots(click song to listen) was the first single to be released and does not really fit on No Line on the Horizon. To me, it was produced to replicate other U2 singles that would capture some of the unconverted. It was a bit of a let down and would not have been my pick for the first release.
The album once again shifts to more of a mellow mood with the final song being a bit of a play on the end of Zooropa. It reminded me of Johnny Cash singing The Wanderer. Cedars of Lebanon Listen
is very similar but in this track Bono is the lead vocals singing about war through the eyes of a reporter. It is a perfect ending to the album. Listen to the lyrics and you will see why.
After listening to this album a few times, it became apparent to me that U2 is a band made up of 4 members that are irreplaceable. All four members are required to make this recipe for success. Take one out of the mix and it will sound horrible. This is not the Bono show it used to be. This is U2. United, strong and in perfect sync. If you are a U2 fan, you will love this album. If you are not sold, listen to it a few times paying attention to the lyrics and Edge’s guitar. U2 has done it again.
Listen with a glass of Château Saint-Roch Côtes du Roussillon Chimères and you will slip away into a wonderful place.
No comments:
Post a Comment