U2 “No Line On The Horizon” (Interscope)
U2 is back with their twelfth studio album — certainly an accomplishment that every band aspires to but few reach.
“No Line on the Horizon” signifies everything the band has come to known — making rock music for die hard fans while touching the lives of new ones every day. The record is still filled with the same song structures and similar musical styles that most U2 fans know and love. It is a little synth-happy in some spots, but the pop still really resonates as each track progresses.
Lead singer Bono belts out with his notorious voice, immediately at the start of the record on “No Line on the Horizon,” the title track, and on several other tracks, with a simple “Ohhh.” The reputable rhythm section plays through a very similar sound that is certainly reminiscent of past records. “Unknown Caller” has a little bit of everything, including a brass section, leading directly into the wonderful guitar solo of lead-guitarist Edge, that always seems to please the ear.
The lyrics, though, are much more complex than they seem. A talented lyricist, Bono creates deep meaning behind whatever topic he wishes to speak, or rather sing. Whether it’s about a relationship, or various world issues (a common theme for him), he sings and belts some of his best words over the music. And in one case, “FEZ – Being Born” has some of the most direct lyrics about childbirth. But in a way, it works, because the verses are so drawn out, it hides what the song is really about.
The record, however, isn’t as much experimental as it has been rumored to be but is still quite diverse in its tracks. From ballads, to dance, to radio singles, the songs jump all over the place — in no linear fashion, either. It isn’t really a difference from their last couple records, but who said change was good? It’s more like, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And for U2, it’s just fine the way it is.