As crazy as it sounds, I didn't want to love this album. Sounds crazy, I know. But, for reasons laid out in part 1(see what I did there? Now, you new visitors just HAVE to check out that one as well), I entered into this particular listening experience with cold feet and a jaded heart. I knew that I'd like it. It's U freaking 2. The wind in my sails, the spring that feeds my soul. But, I was determined to most certainly, NOT love it. I expected a few catchy tunes mixed in with some other non-descript ones and that over time, ala No line on the horizon, I'd find the connection. I'd latch onto some certain aspect and much like a foster parent, slowly adopt the child into my world. I had read the reviews. I tip-toed through the multitude of "kool-aid drinking" U2 fans proclaiming this to be the bands modern day equivalent to Achtung Baby. I heard the tunes that had been sampled or leaked prior to release. I did not go out of my way to find a stream of the whole thing. And, then late on that Friday, I pressed play. My very first thought. My very first and embarrassing thought was, "This album doesn't even begin until track 6." That was a bad first thought. Because, then I listened again. And again, and again. Like Kurt Russell in the miracle, playing the late and great Herb Brooks, who kept uttering the same word over and over....again. Again. Not that it took all those listens, mind you. Absolutely not. I just have a policy of listening more than a few times before making rash statements. And I felt and still feel that its a bit knee-jerk to listen, and then run to twitter proclaiming that this is the best since this or that. Folks, this is a masterpiece. A true religious experience. Let me tell you what else this is. SOE is better than SOI. I will never force my opinions on you or say that I'm right and you are wrong, but, in this case, I just might. SOI is WAY more intimate and personal, but this is the sermon. This is the fiery explosion that happens on the horizon after SOI lights the fuse. Better than Achtung? No. Cant and wont go there. Best since? Yes. SOE, like the meteoric star that it is, rocketed right by No Line, ATYCLB, SOI, Zooropa, Pop, and yes, even Atomic Bomb, which I have higher on my list than most.
The first track, Love is all we have left. Wow. That first listen? Throw away track. Why is it not longer? Now, this thing gives me chills. It's tear inducing. Simply gorgeous. Bono is like a sage. His crystal clear and pure vocals wash over you like a warm and enchanting fall breeze. You have just dug out the sweatshirts and go outside for the first time, and the warmth of the day has given way to evenings chill... this song is that feeling. I cant tell you how "In love" I am with the lyrics. I feel like I could easily go get a tattoo tonight of just about any of them. "I wanted the world, but you knew better." "Nothing to stop this from being the best day ever" Wow, wow, wow. "All we have is immortality" In this fucked up world folks, Love is all we have left. This may not be my fave track on the release, but it gets me every time. Goosebumps. "This is no time not to be alive" Aint that the fucking truth. We are all alive to hear this masterpiece.
Track 2. Lights of Home. Catchy little ditty that makes you tap your toes and nod the head up and down. Should be a live crowd favorite. Probably in my lower half if I were to rank the songs 1-13. But still love it. Adam's bass is so funky in the back and the Edge is well, the Edge. When his solo comes, you just sort of melt. It's not in your face heavy, but it's almost hypnotic. You were already swaying back and forth, singing the lyrics and then that solo comes on and before you know it, you're on a couch and a shiny gold pendulum on a necklace is swinging in front of you, and you're in another time, another place.
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