Originally posted by NeonTiger64:Listening to the album on random, I think I like it better that way because my early favorites were all at the start so as soon as I got past Iris I went back to the start. Now I have to listen to all of them and they are sure growing on me fast. A lot of those songs that at first were kinda bleh and average and quickly becoming songs I enjoy, mostly Volcano and This Is Where why do U2 give songs such long names sometimes... I think I'll have to revisit the ranking of the albums sometime next week after I listen to them all again.
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yassss I was listening to Pop today and wishing so much that Please was the single version. I think the remix or IGWSHA wasn't as good as the album version along with SATS.
I have a CD in the car with my preferred order;Originally posted by fastcars:Stop The Fight…A New U2 Champion Has Been Declared!
BY JOEPIT · SEPTEMBER 21, 2014
U2 traditionalists, you may want to sit down and hide any sharp objects that may be close at hand. It probably would be best if you had a nice relaxing glass of red or white before continuing to read. Deep breath…exhale. Ready? Here it goes…Songs of Innocence is U2’s greatest piece of work…EVER! Right now, I envision people spitting coffee out of their mouths, even if they’re not drinking any. Some even wondering aloud if I was drunk while writing this post. (I am, but truth be told, I am drunk when I write all my posts) Also, I know some of you are thinking; “You’re basing this opinion on listening to this CD for less than two weeks?” Or “You can’t possibly feel that, you haven’t had enough time to process or soak it all in.” I love these people. Did I have to wait a minute, day, week, month or year after my son was born to know how great he was? I never got the time parameter thing. Can someone please point out to me where it is written that one can not objectively believe a CD is exceptional until after a certain amount of time has passed? Child, please!
First, some context. I bought U2’s Boy on an 8-track and began listening to U2 in Boston back in 1980, where U2 was first played on the radio in the United States. I bring this to your attention not to gloat, but to inform you that I, like most of you, have had a long lasting relationship with U2 to base my opinion on – I’m not some punk blogger trying to stir the pot. (Usually I am, but not today)
Truth be told, I am an Achtung Baby through and through, and I never thought that anything would ever remotely come close again. I was wrong! September 9th, 2014 changed all that for this lifelong U2 fan. Songs of Innocence took the mold and not only broke it, but curb-stomped it down Achtung Baby’s throat! Now, don’t get me wrong, The Fly is still my favorite U2 song and AB is still brilliant, but there’s a new sheriff in town and its name is Songs of Innocence. I remember feeling the exact way about two weeks into Achtung Baby. Prior to Joshua Tree, I thought nothing would ever surpass Joshua Tree. I was wrong then and I gladly admit that I was wrong again. Songs of Innocence is a MASTERPIECE!
So, how did I come to this controversial decision in U2 world? The explanation is multi-pronged, so settle in. First, the use of multiple producers was brilliant! I thought this would have proven to be a major cluster f*ck, but I was wrong. The different producers threw together a truly eclectic masterpiece that still maintains that classic U2 sound and feel. This CD has everything – good old fashioned rock & roll, love songs, and songs that feel like someone stepped into your soul and threw your Troubles into a choke-hold which gets tighter with each listen. Edge’s riffs are back and we haven’t heard Adam’s bass like on Volcano since New Year’s Day. Also, I wouldn’t know a One Republic tune if it bit be on the ass, but Ryan Tedder’s help on Song for Someone needs to be applauded. An instant classic! Lyrically, Bono is at the top of his game. Eno & Lanois were great, but welcome to the NEW AGE of producing!
Secondly, my decision to rank SOI número uno has to do with psychology. Put yourself back in the late 80’s and early 90’s and try to recall the mindset of the typical U2 fan. We were just coming off the “dream it all up again” speech, the “four men chopping down the Joshua Tree” speech, the lukewarm reception to what some would classify as the self righteous Rattle & Hum that followed on from the straightforward mega bomb of Joshua Tree, and then BAM…Achtung Baby was born. U2’s first reinvention. You always remember your first, don’t you? Your first kiss, partner, child ( what is his name?). This is the exact reason why some are so reluctant to take away AB (or whatever other CD is their favorite)’ first place trophy. The music is brilliant, but there is an emotional connection to a particular CD making it difficult for some to change their minds. Change is hard for most. There’s also an ownership piece to this puzzle. You own your favorite CD, meaning you put a lot of blood, sweat and tears, not to mention time, listening to your songs. To some, giving up their favorite would be in some way admitting a mistake. B*llsh*t! As Bono says…”Surrender.” Furthermore, AB gave us Bono’s alter ego “The Fly”, which was totally brand new to all of us. A total 180 degrees decades before U2 went full circle on the world with the 360 tour. AB was so different, so raw, so fresh that no new U2 CD could compete…until now.
Finally, the swagger is back! “The Miracle”, “Volcano”, “Raised by Wolves” and “Cedarwood Road” are just kick your teeth in rock & roll that we haven’t heard since AB, while “California” challenges you not to dance then laughs right in your face knowing that you can’t resist. The swagger that was totally missing from No Line On The Horizon and only partially there with How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is back in full force on Songs of Innocence. The other songs are simply brilliant and I will not bore you with a review. Lyrically, the best CD collectively since AB. There is not one track I have skipped on Songs of Innocence…NOT ONE! The last time that happened was Achtung Baby.
So there you have it. It took 23 years, but Achtung Baby has been dethroned as number one for this U2 fan. The baton has been passed on to the new heavyweight champion of the U2 world…Songs of Innocence.
Traditionalists, when you regain consciousness, feel free to comment.
http://u2radio.com/live/2014/09/21/new-u2-champion-declared/
Originally posted by fastcars:Did anyone hear in the interview today that "Invisible" will be on the bonus material release on Oct 14th! Did I hear that right??
Originally posted by hkle77:How many times did anyone listen to U2's new Album Song of Innocence.
I read 38 million people listened to it. Is that allright or does Apple count every time one person is listening to it. Personally I listened about 50 times since release.
Does this count for 50 or for one listener?
Originally posted by hkle77:How many times did anyone listen to U2's new Album Song of Innocence.
I read 38 million people listened to it. Is that allright or does Apple count every time one person is listening to it. Personally I listened about 50 times since release.
Does this count for 50 or for one listener?