U2-SONGS OF INNOCENCE
Review by Adam Mast
I know, I know…This isn’t a movie related piece but given that one of the world’s biggest rock bands did something crazy cool this week, I thought I’d put a review together. Of course, crazy cool in this instance is a matter of opinion. Being that I’m a fan, I thought it was crazy cool.
There are three kinds of people in this world: Those who love U2, those who hate U2, and those who could care less either way. Count me among the faithful. In other words, you may find my take on “Songs of Innocence” slightly biased.
It’s been five years since U2’s last release, the under-performing “No Line on the Horizon,” making this the longest wait between records in the band’s illustrious career. In that time, there have been reports that U2 might throw in the towel. Such talk is nothing new for the 38-year-old rock outfit. Dublin’s finest came close to calling it quits before the release of “Achtung Baby” back in 1991. Imagine U2’s résumé minus that stunning masterwork.
Of course, that was a long time ago. These days, frontman and humanitarian Bono has been quite vocal about his desire to stay relevant in the current musical climate, and the pressure that comes with meeting such hefty fan expectations is something a lot of other bands couldn’t possibly comprehend.
Earlier this year, the band was poised to make a comeback, and in typical U2 style, it looked like they were going to do it in grand fashion. But then, something strange happened. Following a rousing rendition of “Invisible” on Jimmy Fallon’s Late-Night show and a heartfelt, stripped-down version of “Ordinary Love” at the Oscars, U2 just sort of disappeared for a few months. Word quickly surfaced that their much-anticipated 13th album might be bumped to 2015, and once again, news began to spread that the band might be close to throwing in the towel.
These rumors were promptly squashed on Tuesday, when U2 did something fairly unprecedented, particularly for a band of their status. At an Apple event in the Bay Area, U2 and iTunes announced that they’d offer up the new LP, “Songs of Innocence,” for free! Of course, nothing is really free, and word is, Apple paid the band an obscene amount of money to make this happen. Still, for U2 fans, getting the new record for nothing, was quite a welcome surprise. Will this set a negative precedent in the music industry? I can’t tell you that. What I can tell you is that I plan on buying the CD when it becomes commercially available (what can I say, I’m a liner notes guy) so take that as you will.
In the days since “Songs of Innocence” was released, reviews have been decidedly mixed, and some of the more volatile, knee-jerk reactions coming from some fans are similar to thoughts I had after listening to “Pop” for the first time. Aesthetically, “Songs of Innocence” and “Pop” couldn’t be any more different, but what is the same is the level of expectation that came with both records. Clearly, everyone has a right to their own opinion, but I would encourage those who download this album to not dismiss it after a single listen. “Songs of Innocence” isn’t so much a bid for a return to superstardom as it is a reflective record, born out of self-doubt.
As usual, Bono wears his heart on his sleeve. The opening anthem, “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)” is a loving homage to The Ramones, even going so far as to feature Joey’s name right there in the title. It’s a catchy tune, and a far more memorable single than “No Line on the Horizon’s” underwhelming “Get On Your Boots.”
What follows is a pleasing collection of Danger Mouse, Flood, Paul Epworth, and Ryan Tedder-produced tracks that scream, “play me live!” Highlights include “Iris (Hold Me Close),” a heartfelt sonnet Bono put together as a tribute to his mother, “Volcano,” an Adam Clayton bass-heavy rocker, “Raised by Wolves,” a catchy, melodic throwback inspired by a 1974 car bombing in Dublin, and “The Troubles,” a haunting closer accentuated by Lykke Li’s distinctive backup vocals.
Musically, guitarist the Edge, percussionist Larry Mullen, Jr., and bassist Adam Clayton have never sounded better. The same could also be said of Bono. While not quite the vocalist he once was, the passion is still there and he can still hit that trademark falsetto. Quite often, Bono has been ridiculed for a lack of subtlety both in terms of his lyrics and vocal work, but quite frankly, I think that there’s something to be said for the weathered nature of his voice on later U2 records. As for the lyrics, once again , the man wears his heart on his sleeve, and that’s one of the undeniable charms of this iconic band.
“Songs of Innocence” is hardly a masterwork. There are certainly missteps. “Sleep Like a Baby Tonight” is an electronica-tinged lullaby featuring Bono’s aforementioned falsetto, but a strong falsetto does not a great song make. It isn’t a complete throwaway, but it feels more like a B-side. Perhaps the biggest disappointment on the record is “Cedarwood Road.” The opening Edge guitar hook suggests an all-out rocker, but then the tune quickly slips into the confines of an average power ballad. It’s the one moment on “Songs of Innocence” when I wished the band would have thrown caution to the wind and rocked out. Beyond that, some fans may also be disappointed to learn that “Invisible” and “Ordinary Love” aren’t part of this collection.
Missteps aside, “Songs of Innocence” is a solid effort from one of the world’s most dependable bands. It may lack the punk rock nature, experimentation, re-invention, and hunger of earlier U2 efforts, but it’s clear that this album represents a band that still recognizes the sheer power of a catchy melody.
My fear is that this might be the end. Bono has hinted that there’s more material to come, but I question the truth behind that statement. I get the distinct impression that putting this record together took a lot out of the band, and that they might finally go their separate ways after all these years. I hope this isn’t the case, because the thought of a musical landscape without U2 is incredibly depressing to me. One thing is certain though; U2’s upcoming tour is not to missed. They are a fantastic studio band but their live performances are the stuff of legend. In other words, even if you don’t fancy “Songs of Innocence”, trust me when I tell you, it will take on a whole new life in a live setting. For the record, I dig the new LP so I’ll be happy either way.
“Songs of Innocence” is available as a free iTunes download through Oct. 13. The album will hit retail stores on Oct. 14, and word is that the CD will include bonus tracks. Download “Songs of Innocence” at:
