HTDAAB--U2 Returns to The Formula That Works

Okay, so some may argue that the new U2 is "uninspired, rehashed garbage", but any true U2 fan knows that isn't how it is. Although not anywhere near as experimental as Zooropa or Pop, and not as bland as All That You Can't Leave Behind, this album finds itself as a solid offering, as opposed to a throwaway junk album. As I review the album track by track and provide an overview of the DVD, keep an open mind about the new direction the band is taking. All ratings are on a scale of 1-10. (i.e. 6/10)


1. Vertigo
2. Miracle Drug
3. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
4. Love And Peace Or Else
5. City Of Blinding Lights
6. All Because Of You
7. A Man And A Woman
8. Crumbs From Your Table
9. One Step Closer
10. Original Of The Species
11. Yaweh

VERTIGO
Although people may criticize it for not being the usual introspective genius of U2, this song rocks, plain and simple. I'll admit, the lyrics are a little weak, but you should appreciate the song for what it is: a hard driving rock song. 8/10.

MIRACLE DRUG
If you were let down by Vertigo's lyrics, prepare to be pleased with the next track on the album. This song shows that these guys haven't lost it, providing a great track that ranks as one of the best on the album. 9/10.

SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN
When I first heard this on Saturday Night Live, I commented that this was an average song that didn't really strike me as too decent. The album improved it a little bit, but not all that much. The first line, "you think you've got the stuff" is a little cliched for these guys. More than average, but not as strikingly good as Miracle Drug. 7/10.

LOVE AND PEACE OR ELSE
Wonderful lyrics, and a strong call to put down your arms, but seems to be lacking something, an element I can't put my finger on yet. The absence of this unknown element brings it's score down a little bit, but still a track you won't want to skip. 7/10.

CITY OF BLINDING LIGHTS
A good song, especially when you reach the line "oh you look so beautiful tonight". Reminiscent of the one line punch delivered by Last Night On Earth from Pop ("you've gotta give it away"). This song is definitely one of the strongest on the album. 9/10.

ALL BECAUSE OF YOU
Mediocre lyrics cannot detract from this absolutely rocking and awesome song. Lyrics be damned, this song is the single best on the album. Make sure this is one of the first you listen to. 10/10.

A MAN AND A WOMAN
One of the few throwaway tracks on the album, this song just sounds...annoying. The lyrics are okay, though and they seem to be the songs only redeeming value. 4/10.

CRUMBS FROM YOUR TABLE
Crappy on first listen, but the more you hear it the better it gets. Still a weak track however, and it seems as though the DVD wants you to like it (a video of the song being performed is included on it). Bono says it's the only song he's written when he was drinking. You can tell. 5/10.

ONE STEP CLOSER
I don't even remember anything about this track other than the fact it isn't that great. Skip it. 2/10.

ORIGINAL OF THE SPECIES
Lyrics that make you go "huh?" make this song not even worth your while. Another one to skip. 2/10.

YAHWEH
A song that has gotten a bad rap from other reviews, this song delves into a spiritual side of Bono he hasn't written about so openly since the likes of October and War. Great lyrics when put in context, it shows how strongly Bono believes in the Lord (Yahweh is Hebrew for "Lord") and is a great way to close the album. 8/10.


DVD
The DVD isn't that great, and just provides a few standard studio videos, save the awesome version of Vertigo on the banjo. Here is a track by track analysis.

DOCUMENTARY--U2 & 3 SONGS
The documentary leaves a lot to be desired, but provides minimal insight (which is better than nothing) into the three songs (Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own, Crumbs From Your Table, Vertigo). If you want to watch a real U2 documentary, watch A Story of One from the Best of 1990-2000 DVD. 4/10.

SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN [STUDIO]
Just the band playing the song in the studio. Not much can be said about it. The grade is based on the video, not the song, which is just...yeah. 2/10.

CRUMBS FROM YOUR TABLE [VIDEO]
Once again, just the band performing the song in the studio, but made better by the fact that it sheds a small amount of light on how a song is spontaneously 'built' in the studio. 4/10.

VERTIGO [TEMPLE BAR MIX]
Vertigo on a banjo? Who knew? True U2 fans will think this absolutely is the coolest thing ever, but casual listeners may be turned off. Casual Listener- 2/10. U2 Fan- 9/10.

SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN [ACOUSTIC]
This is a so called mix that isn't all that cool like the Vertigo Temple Bar Mix, and the video is once again, just a studio archival video, nothing more. 3/10.

VERTIGO [VIDEO]
Uninspired video of Vertigo. Watch the desert one for WAAAY more fun. The best part is when Larry enters the studio and puts on his sunglasses, it adds a sense of cool to the song. Other than that, it's the song with a studio video. 3/10.

I hope this review has been very helpful to you!