I've listened four times now, and I think the album is absolutely fabulous. It rocks, plain and simple. The Edge is on fire, Bono is in great voice, his lyrics are strong, and Clayton and Mullen are as solid as ever. (This, of course, is based on the crappy iTunes sound; I'll buy the vinyl next month when it is released.)
From the first, U2 always reached high, aiming for the stars. Even when the band was new and was playing little clubs, it was striving for something extraordinary. Over the years, it sometimes achieved its goals -- "The Joshua Tree," "Achtung Baby"; on other occasions --- "Rattle and Hum" -- not so much. But U2, unlike so many other bands, never settled, never stayed still.
I won't know -- none of us will -- how this new record will hold up until some more time has passed, but I'm excited to see the biggest band in the world continuing to strive for greatness. It's even possible that they've again hit the mark.
I'd suggest that even those who might be otherwise disposed give it a listen. You've got nothing to lose but your cynicism.
-- Howard
