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U2 — Walk On
Album: All That You Can't Leave Behind
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 982









Released: 2000
Length: 4:46
Plays (last 30 days): 0
And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage that you can bring
Love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind...

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack,
For a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Oh, oh
Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't steal it
No, they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed, to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly, for freedom

Oh, oh
Walk on, walk on
What you got, you can't deny it
Can't sell it, or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
If your heart breaks
It can only take so much

Walk on
Walk on

Home...
Hard to know what it is, if you never had one
Home...
I can't say where it is, but I know I'm going
Home...
That's where the heart is

And I know it aches
And your heart, it breaks
It can only take so much

Walk on

(Hoooo...)
Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind

All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can't leave behind
All that you reason (It's only time)
(And i'll never fill up all my mind)

All that you sense
All that you scheme
All that you dress-up
All that you've seen
All you create
All that you wreck
All that you hate
Comments (141)add comment
Way back in the late 80’s, I was given a ticket to see U2 with BB King. What a great show. I’ll never forget how intense all of the members were. And…BB King!
wow,  who is this band.. they sound pretty slick
This is definitely one of their better post-80's releases. I give it a 9.

 bergjr wrote:

well, they are a great band, but I always thought this song was weak, and after having it follow such a great song as Chain of Fools , I totally agree with myself.


As there is 1, I'm guessing you up-vote with yourself too.
I just love that cover photo of the band in Paris DeGaulle Airport, (but it still hurts to see the silhouetted figure of the woman with child walking away at the right of the frame) and how, at about the time this was released, that's also where I was, forced to try to leave a large and significant chunk of my whole life behind... But, of course, it doesn't really work; the planet, the solar system, and even the galaxy itself hurtles on through Time, and only Gravity seems to prevail.
Live in Boston DVD from 2001 ending with this one- memorable.  
I wonder if Bono regrets this song, now that the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has revoked Aung San Suu Kyi's commendation.
love Bono hope he has another good album left in his lifetime bag of tricks
Check out the New HBO Live show from Paris - It's Amazing
 coloradojohn wrote:
I recall how well this got me through tough times of personal loss when it came out...and Life never lets up, so it's good to hear it again!

 
I was just thinking the same thing....this song also got me through a very difficult time!!
I recall how well this got me through tough times of personal loss when it came out...and Life never lets up, so it's good to hear it again!
 Jelani wrote:
Yeah, but this song sounds like crap. So what are you getting at?

 
Do you actually hear your crap talking to you?  If so, I'd get that checked out by a mental health professional.
 Bert7 wrote:
All you U2 haters, find the meaning in the music. Popularity and style are second...

  Yeah, but this song sounds like crap. So what are you getting at?


All you U2 haters, find the meaning in the music. Popularity and style are second...
 sirdroseph wrote:

Yes, they are not bad, they are good and boring. Once you have been around for sooooooo long, you can only do so many things and the self professed and ambitioned "Best band in the world" does not have a lot of wiggle room for creativity and experimentation to appease the masses and make millions which seems to be their only musical goal. Well, at least they aren't horrible like a lot of other aging artists who just keep going and going and going and going...........
 
Ageism alive and well on the RP boards.  It never occurs to some folks that, if bands don't evolve and experiment in a way that they prefer, they feel that those bands are by definition old, tired, and in it for the money.  That tired trope is thrown around on these boards ad-nauseam.

Perhaps U2 is producing the music that they want to produce for reasons that only they need to believe in. 

BTW: Their new CD is excellent (queue the crybabies complaining about the iTunes release).
Way over-rated. 
 
...and meanwhile, swimming in a sea of retarded development...
 Yes, I do too.

DrLex wrote:

Yes.

 


 lixy wrote:
After reading his op-ed, I officially hate Bono.

 
"THERE are probably more annoying things than being hectored about African development by a wealthy Irish rock star in a cowboy hat, but I can't think of one at the moment."  - Paul Theroux, 2005

All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can't leave behind
All that you reason (It's only time)
(And i'll never fill up all my mind)
All that you sense
All that you scheme
All that you dress-up
All that you've seen
All you create
All that you wreck
All that you hate

.... everything under the sun is in tune,
but the sun is eclipsed by the moon.
I needed this today.
 
 

{#Moon} PSD time I thinks

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
 
U2 voted listeners favourites along with coldplay and dido by Radio 2 audience recently. Says it all....
 Poacher wrote:

How lovely the peace and quiet of a former member. . . no incessant green childlike spewing. .  no repeating the same post over and over and over and over and over again. . . . 

Oh wait. No! Its only risen again from the fucking dead!

Bollocks. 
 

I have been saved!  Please forgive me if I ever bothered you by pointing out how you call yourself a common poacher thief...  I want you to know on a personal level that I do not hold your lack of self-respect against you at all...  sweet dreams...

love this song...
 
 (former member) wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
 
How lovely the peace and quiet of a former member. . . no incessant green childlike spewing. .  no repeating the same post over and over and over and over and over again. . . . 

Oh wait. No! Its only risen again from the fucking dead!

Bollocks. 
 Nurse_Jenks wrote:
Anybody else hear the Pixies singing  "Outside there's a boxcar waiting . . ." ?
 
Yes.
 lemmoth wrote:


Of the hits, I really like Stuck in a Moment - and in the right context - say a party or a U2 concert - Elevation and Beautiful Day can be fun.

Of the others I agree this one is outstanding, and I really like Kite.
 
agree on Kite, great song.
 ckcotton wrote:
One of the few good songs on a pretty weak album.....

 
 

Of the hits, I really like Stuck in a Moment - and in the right context - say a party or a U2 concert - Elevation and Beautiful Day can be fun.

Of the others I agree this one is outstanding, and I really like Kite.
I like U2, but this is sub-par for them.
 Photo-John wrote:
U2 after Joshua Tree bores me to death.
 
Thats too bad... you missed Achtung Baby, Zooropa, and Pop.....

Some of their BEST work. 
 Sasha2001 wrote:


I've posted on this before and probably shouldn't care as much as I do but... Ireland decided to change their tax code and begin taxing artists for the first time a couple of years ago as a way of offsetting deficits and austerity measures do to bad governance and poor revenue management blah, blah, blah.

Bono and the boys DO pay a portion of their income in Irish taxes and have said repeatedly that they have sheltered much of their earnings out of a direct protest to the aforementioned change in the Irish tax code. If you're a cynic and prone to dislike U2 you're not going to buy this argument anyway. But if you take them at their word then you have to accept that their is a principle other then greed embedded in their efforts. Also, don't overlook the hundreds (thousands?) of Irish employees of U2's mammoth live business that loyally pay taxes to their government. You can argue against U2's sheltering of their income but you can't argue against the huge net positive effect they have had on the Irish economy over the years.

Are they hypocrite? I don't think so.
 
Ignore him. I am a strong believer in not feeding the Fred.

One of the few good songs on a pretty weak album.....

 
Anybody else hear the Pixies singing  "Outside there's a boxcar waiting . . ." ?
 fredriley wrote:

Yeah? I'd like my filthy rich superstars to pay their taxes instead of 'offshoring' their tax liabilities and depriving the countries which nurtured them of much-needed income. A particularly grievous wrong given St Bonio's high moral principles and public moralising on rich countries stealing from the poor. Hey,Bonio - can you say 'double standards'?


 



I've posted on this before and probably shouldn't care as much as I do but... Ireland decided to change their tax code and begin taxing artists for the first time a couple of years ago as a way of offsetting deficits and austerity measures do to bad governance and poor revenue management blah, blah, blah.

Bono and the boys DO pay a portion of their income in Irish taxes and have said repeatedly that they have sheltered much of their earnings out of a direct protest to the aforementioned change in the Irish tax code. If you're a cynic and prone to dislike U2 you're not going to buy this argument anyway. But if you take them at their word then you have to accept that their is a principle other then greed embedded in their efforts. Also, don't overlook the hundreds (thousands?) of Irish employees of U2's mammoth live business that loyally pay taxes to their government. You can argue against U2's sheltering of their income but you can't argue against the huge net positive effect they have had on the Irish economy over the years.

Are they hypocrite? I don't think so.
on it ALL. I'll not let my tastes influence anyone here(hmmm...), ya'll just keep doing what yer doin'! GREAT-thank you, from Paonia Colorado!
Slick fuggin' segue!
 sirdroseph wrote:

Yes, they are not bad, they are good and boring. Once you have been around for sooooooo long, you can only do so many things and the self professed and ambitioned "Best band in the world" does not have a lot of wiggle room for creativity and experimentation to appease the masses and make millions which seems to be their only musical goal. Well, at least they aren't horrible like a lot of other aging artists who just keep going and going and going and going...........

 



I actually find this album to be quite unique, relative to their catalog...and the last compelling project.
 Darkmatter wrote:

Oh yeah? Well, I for one would like my filthy rich superstars with big egos actually use their money and influence to make the world a better place, than just being filthy rich with big egos like 99% of the rest.

 
Yeah? I'd like my filthy rich superstars to pay their taxes instead of 'offshoring' their tax liabilities and depriving the countries which nurtured them of much-needed income. A particularly grievous wrong given St Bonio's high moral principles and public moralising on rich countries stealing from the poor. Hey,Bonio - can you say 'double standards'?


 t00lur wrote:
u2 of 2000s is so boring
 
Yes, they are not bad, they are good and boring. Once you have been around for sooooooo long, you can only do so many things and the self professed and ambitioned "Best band in the world" does not have a lot of wiggle room for creativity and experimentation to appease the masses and make millions which seems to be their only musical goal. Well, at least they aren't horrible like a lot of other aging artists who just keep going and going and going and going...........

Incredible that this was ELEVEN years ago. Seems so recent...

edit: You should play Fez again, Bill.



I heard this fresh tonight and could have sworn I was listening to Travis.  Quite remarkable. 
u2 of 2000s is so boring
 Stefen wrote:
We're going to have to add Bono to our list of successful singers who can't sing.  I should have gone into the biz.
 
Yep, that's it Stefen. I'm guessing you have, maybe, 1/100 the talent of Bono, so go ahead and spew your jealousy.  {#No}
 jonahboo wrote:
Rattle and Ho-Hum
 

{#Bounce}
Rattle and Ho-Hum
We're going to have to add Bono to our list of successful singers who can't sing.  I should have gone into the biz.
 lixy wrote:
After reading his op-ed, I officially hate Bono.
 
Oh yeah? Well, I for one would like my filthy rich superstars with big egos actually use their money and influence to make the world a better place, than just being filthy rich with big egos like 99% of the rest.

 Jeff09 wrote:
Great song...Great album.
 
I always thought this was one of their weaker albums, although it's hard not to like "Beautiful Day".


After reading his op-ed, I officially hate Bono.
I was there!

 
plaice3 wrote:
Going to see U2 Monday night in Boston (Foxborough) —  Whoo Hoo!!!!
 


Great song...Great album.
beatiful song.  AMAZING emotion live.
Always liked this one.
 plaice3 wrote:
Going to see U2 Monday night in Boston (Foxborough) —  Whoo Hoo!!!!
 
So then you will see or better hear, that they need more than 30 Big Trucks to transport their gear. Very ecological!


Going to see U2 Monday night in Boston (Foxborough) —  Whoo Hoo!!!!
 d00kie wrote:
Is there any "modern day" U2 song that can even come close to comparison with the first few albums? this stuff is so frickin Vanilla...uggh
 
Fez from the new album perhaps?

Is there any "modern day" U2 song that can even come close to comparison with the first few albums? this stuff is so frickin Vanilla...uggh
U2 after Joshua Tree bores me to death.
 rickhoran wrote:


got old, got rich, got full of themselves. this shouldn't surpise anyone. it happens in every facet of life.
  Got mature, got deeper about real human emotions - got tighter as a band, got better and grew with their audience - except for some little boys and girls who refuse to grow with them.

they are an amazing phenomenon and one of the greatest examples of a true rock band that will ever be.


AMEN! "Hard to know what it is if you never had one..."

I was going through a major break-up when this came out (as was The Edge, I believe), and am going through some heavy grief now, and I just freak at how it really hits home and connects all the dots that make up a life, and yeah, say what you will about Bono, but they continue to astound me with the depth and breadth of their sentiments — totally fearless to put their lives out there for all to feel — like almost no other group — and I can't wait to hear their upcoming release!

krisilizie wrote:
it is a great song to listen to if you are going through a rough patch in life. bono or not...


mandolin wrote:
-sighs- ...what happened to u2?..
got old, got rich, got full of themselves. this shouldn't surpise anyone. it happens in every facet of life.
DD closemindedmoron wrote:
Bono should stick to living in 3rd world countries
I thought he already did. ;)
-sighs- ...what happened to u2?..
Hello, You NEED to go see the "U2 3D" IMAX movie at a theater near you! I took my kids (7 and 10) to see it, and they both are now bigger fans of U2. My daughter, Emma, wants to go back and see it again! The concert was in Buenos Aires, Argentina -- the music is great, and the 3D-ness of the movie only adds to the experience. Don't miss it! Sincerely, Neil
The Joshua Tree was one of the best albums ever made...what the fuck happened to U2 ?
krisilizie wrote:
it is a great song to listen to if you are going through a rough patch in life. bono or not...
Thank you for saying EXACTLY what I was feeling as soon as I heard the first few notes of this song. This song, it's message, it's tone, it's feeling and it's heart helped me keep from staring at the ground at the lowest point in my life. There are times in life when you truely need a life-affirming message. I'm glad this song and album came out when they did. Thanks U2.
it is a great song to listen to if you are going through a rough patch in life. bono or not...
Way too much U2 hate going on here, folks :P This song reminds me of my senior year of high school...This song and album have practically shaped what I do for a living. Very deep meaning to me personally.
DD closemindedmoron wrote:
I hate everything and I mean everything from this band. Bono should stick to living in 3rd world countries, but he shouldn't report back. He should stay there and starve!
Physicsgenius, is that you? I was wondering what happened to you.
MinMan wrote:
Hmmm. U2 tune following Aimee Mann's "Going Through The Motions"... Is RP sending us a message? U2 music not entirely authentic? posers? naw... just thinking.... maybe, could it be?
Love conspiracy theories....
A Rock solid 3
Both of you have my sympathy... raga wrote:
Oh my god! I'm not the only one! Ok! Your're right!
nev23 wrote:
U2 haven't been any good since thier first album, and even that wasn't that good.
Oh my god! I'm not the only one! Ok! Your're right!
OMG, this is nothing but boring....
Hmmm. U2 tune following Aimee Mann's "Going Through The Motions"... Is RP sending us a message? U2 music not entirely authentic? posers? naw... just thinking.... maybe, could it be?
U2 haven't been any good since thier first album, and even that wasn't that good.
closemindedmoron wrote:
I hate everything and I mean everything from this band. Bono should stick to living in 3rd world countries, but he shouldn't report back. He should stay there and starve!
Huh,thats funny. Usually his posts are sarcastic,it's rare for him to be serious like this.
You know, I always really liked this song. But hearing it after Aretha, it just completely pales (no pun intended) in comparison. Wonder if that was RP's aim?
Rickvee wrote:
Just a beautiful song - the best from All That you Can't Leave behind.
Agreed!
closemindedmoron wrote:
I am allowed to express my opinions.
IF you don't like whats played here, why bother? 99% of your song comments have been totally negative.
well, they are a great band, but I always thought this song was weak, and after having it follow such a great song as Chain of Fools , I totally agree with myself.
It's amazing like some listeners just like to draw attention to themselves by making "moronic" comments about this and other bands.
closemindedmoron wrote:
I hate everything and I mean everything from this band. Bono should stick to living in 3rd world countries, but he shouldn't report back. He should stay there and starve!
Go away, please.
wally42 wrote:
I've been watching your posts,....what DO you like?
Looking at his posts, nothing thats played here.
closemindedmoron wrote:
I hate everything and I mean everything from this band. Bono should stick to living in 3rd world countries, but he shouldn't report back. He should stay there and starve!
I've been watching your posts,....what DO you like?
closemindedmoron wrote:
I hate everything and I mean everything from this band. Bono should stick to living in 3rd world countries, but he shouldn't report back. He should stay there and starve!
Hah! Closemindedmoron, are you planning to troll on every song? :oD
closemindedmoron wrote:
I hate everything and I mean everything from this band. Bono should stick to living in 3rd world countries, but he shouldn't report back. He should stay there and starve!
Hmmm. I guess you really don't like them, do you!
rzamith wrote:
I love U2 and all songs, but this is radioparadise, a radio wich I think should pass only alternative music, not popular music... some hits from the past from time to time it's ok, but this music is too recent to be "allowed" to pass here. I rate it 1, not for the music in it self, but because I think this song shouldn't be there! in 2020 year .. maybe I'll rate it with an 7... ;) RZ.out
This coming from a person who said this about John Lennon's Imagine ... bla bla bla he got too much drugs in his brains! As such, opinion discounted.
Just a beautiful song - the best from All That you Can't Leave behind.
DrLex wrote:
A rather generic U2 song.
I didn't hear the version played, but the single version of this song has more life to it than the album version due to some slight rearranging and a better anthem appropriate ending. It's still one of the better songs on ATYCLB compared to anemic entries like "Grace" and "When I Look at the World".
A rather generic U2 song.
My favorite "modern" U2 song. Awesome.
I love U2 as much as the next guy, but this is just sappy and overblown. It's a U2 "mode" I can do without.
U2 are prone to anthemic material, but they are the best at it for my generation. At the same time grandiose and personal, this song still has the ability to send shivers up my spine. Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that I don't watch MTV or listen to commercial radio, so I haven't heard the song a million times.
I get so tired of the petty b-s that folks spew about these guys....listen....chuch...IRish soul...gospel...."good news"...who else is doing stuff with their celebrity as meaningful.....if you don't like this ...or this band...WALK ON... peace be w/u
boy, this is one of my all time favorites of U2. sad and uplifting at the same time ... did you know it's dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition leader who is under house arrest since several years? maybe the group is not breaking new musical ground in the last 5-10 years, maybe they are not really alternative anymore ... but I admire them for their ability to reach broad strata of society (the "alternatives" as well as the "pop mainstream") and to actually convey a political message. as such, they do have a very important role ... being the only "superstar" which still has a message and does not just reduce itself to "the quality of my music and lyrics".kmh wrote:
I AGREE 150%
so do I
rzamith wrote:
I love U2 and all songs, but this is radioparadise, a radio wich I think should pass only alternative music, not popular music... some hits from the past from time to time it's ok, but this music is too recent to be "allowed" to pass here. I rate it 1, not for the music in it self, but because I think this song shouldn't be there! in 2020 year .. maybe I'll rate it with an 7... ;) RZ.out
You proceed from a false assumption.
By far the best song from that album... probably one of the best songs they've released in the past ten years.
I love U2 and all songs, but this is radioparadise, a radio wich I think should pass only alternative music, not popular music... some hits from the past from time to time it's ok, but this music is too recent to be "allowed" to pass here. I rate it 1, not for the music in it self, but because I think this song shouldn't be there! in 2020 year .. maybe I'll rate it with an 7... ;) RZ.out
winter wrote:
I get a bit teary thinking about it, every time I hear this song.
Phew. I'm not the only one. This song, ever since hearing it playing in the background whilst showing firefighters walking amidst the rubble of the World Trade Center, always brings a tear to my eye.
borderlessworld wrote:
boy, this is one of my all time favorites of U2. sad and uplifting at the same time ... did you know it's dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition leader who is under house arrest since several years? maybe the group is not breaking new musical ground in the last 5-10 years, maybe they are not really alternative anymore ... but I admire them for their ability to reach broad strata of society (the "alternatives" as well as the "pop mainstream") and to actually convey a political message. as such, they do have a very important role ... being the only "superstar" which still has a message and does not just reduce itself to "the quality of my music and lyrics".
I AGREE 150%
I'm not a big U2 fan but this tune is not bad,it actually has some guitar in it!!! I give it an 8!!!
boy, this is one of my all time favorites of U2. sad and uplifting at the same time ... did you know it's dedicated to Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition leader who is under house arrest since several years? maybe the group is not breaking new musical ground in the last 5-10 years, maybe they are not really alternative anymore ... but I admire them for their ability to reach broad strata of society (the "alternatives" as well as the "pop mainstream") and to actually convey a political message. as such, they do have a very important role ... being the only "superstar" which still has a message and does not just reduce itself to "the quality of my music and lyrics".
there's something in their music what makes them the most influential band of 80's.
Solid song from yet another excellent album by U2.
I'm happy for what U2 did in the past and that's the only reason I still listen their music. Once POP'ed, they died. Yet, respect.
OH, HERE WE GO WITH THE U2 ARGUEMENTS... U2 ISN'T BORING.. THE DEBATES ARE...
You with your big words and...and...your small, difficult words! (Family Guy Reference) Sheesh! This argument brings to mind one of my all-time favorite quotes (modified for relevancy). "Arguing about U2 on the internet is like competing in the special olympics. Even if you win, you're still retarded!" It's so much easier to just say "I don't like U2. You do. I'm fine with that." Regardless of how much hot air you expel, it's not going to change anybody's mind. Personally I could take or leave U2. Mostly leave them though. mperry wrote:
I think you have it completely backwards. It is NOT easy to have "hits" with lyric depth and musical virtuosity - a combination of high-minded "complexity" exceptionally rare today. Thank all that is good that U2 has the skill and desire - heart - to keep working to craft such elevated music. In your judgement, because they are who they are, because they utilize their life and music experience in service of the production of cd's and songs that reflect that experience to say what they want to say - and with a desire to share that music with as many people willing to get on board - you call them, basically, a "sell-out". For what?? They have all the money and accolades they need. I call them highly successful - in every "good" sense of that word. This is the kind of "pop" that we are so lucky to have a band like U2 attempting to "swing for the fences". To be fair, how do you feel about their '90's output? They experimented like crazy. That experience now serves whatever else they do. What is "unsafe" music anyway? Should they make a "Metal Machine Music"? Polka? Rap? My BS detector is wailing. When facile, flip comments like that are made, I just can't nod my head. No, those comments - more power to you if that is your full thinking on this subject - betray an less than rigorous reasoning that seem disingenuous - not really having as much to do with music as your purport or maybe even believe. If you ever liked the band, then the reasoning for disliking their latest album does not seem to make sense. Your review hardly seems about music and more about other issues, more of just a cynical and somewhat angry and frustrated posturing. (Hey, I have done plenty of that myself over the years, and it bankrupts the soul.) The skill and platform on which U2 present that skill helps expand "pop", making it easier and more likely that additional "cool" music can find an open seat at the "pop" table. That has to be a GOOD thing, right? Of course this is just my opinion, I could be wrong. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming... By the way, happy 29th birthday! ;)
miamizsun wrote:
the live version on the fundraiser for the 9/11 survivors was a special moment in history. get it if you can.
I get a bit teary thinking about it, every time I hear this song.
This really works for me. Puts me right back into what was going on in my life at the time it came out, which seems like another lifetime or two ago now.
When this song starts, I can't help but hearing some similarity to the start of "Here Comes Your Man" by the Pixies.
Too bad the chorus sucks... The rest is quite nice...
check out U2 on the DVD Old Grey Whistle Test from around 1982. Bono had/has such an immense confidence, though that 1982 performance was quite self conscious...still, the magic was there even then.
RP is becoming like church because of mperry, PREACH ON!! WE SHALL ALL FOLLOW!!!!
Originally Posted by mperry: I think you have it completely backwards. It is NOT easy to have "hits" with lyric depth and musical virtuosity - a combination of high-minded "complexity" exceptionally rare today. Thank all that is good that U2 has the skill and desire - heart - to keep working to craft such elevated music. In your judgement, because they are who they are, because they utilize their life and music experience in service of the production of cd's and songs that reflect that experience to say what they want to say - and with a desire to share that music with as many people willing to get on board - you call them, basically, a "sell-out". For what?? They have all the money and accolades they need. I call them highly successful - in every "good" sense of that word. This is the kind of "pop" that we are so lucky to have a band like U2 attempting to "swing for the fences". To be fair, how do you feel about their '90's output? They experimented like crazy. That experience now serves whatever else they do. What is "unsafe" music anyway? Should they make a "Metal Machine Music"? Polka? Rap? My BS detector is wailing. When facile, flip comments like that are made, I just can't nod my head. No, those comments - more power to you if that is your full thinking on this subject - betray an less than rigorous reasoning that seem disingenuous - not really having as much to do with music as your purport or maybe even believe. If you ever liked the band, then the reasoning for disliking their latest album does not seem to make sense. Your review hardly seems about music and more about other issues, more of just a cynical and somewhat angry and frustrated posturing. (Hey, I have done plenty of that myself over the years, and it bankrupts the soul.) The skill and platform on which U2 present that skill helps expand "pop", making it easier and more likely that additional "cool" music can find an open seat at the "pop" table. That has to be a GOOD thing, right? Of course this is just my opinion, I could be wrong. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming... By the way, happy 29th birthday! ;)
the live version on the fundraiser for the 9/11 survivors was a special moment in history. get it if you can.
Originally Posted by mperry: I think you have it completely backwards. It is NOT easy to have "hits" with lyric depth and musical virtuosity - a combination of high-minded "complexity" exceptionally rare today. Thank all that is good that U2 has the skill and desire - heart - to keep working to craft such elevated music. In your judgement, because they are who they are, because they utilize their life and music experience in service of the production of cd's and songs that reflect that experience to say what they want to say - and with a desire to share that music with as many people willing to get on board - you call them, basically, a "sell-out". For what?? They have all the money and accolades they need. I call them highly successful - in every "good" sense of that word. This is the kind of "pop" that we are so lucky to have a band like U2 attempting to "swing for the fences". To be fair, how do you feel about their '90's output? They experimented like crazy. That experience now serves whatever else they do. What is "unsafe" music anyway? Should they make a "Metal Machine Music"? Polka? Rap? My BS detector is wailing. When facile, flip comments like that are made, I just can't nod my head. No, those comments - more power to you if that is your full thinking on this subject - betray an less than rigorous reasoning that seem disingenuous - not really having as much to do with music as your purport or maybe even believe. If you ever liked the band, then the reasoning for disliking their latest album does not seem to make sense. Your review hardly seems about music and more about other issues, more of just a cynical and somewhat angry and frustrated posturing. (Hey, I have done plenty of that myself over the years, and it bankrupts the soul.) The skill and platform on which U2 present that skill helps expand "pop", making it easier and more likely that additional "cool" music can find an open seat at the "pop" table. That has to be a GOOD thing, right? Of course this is just my opinion, I could be wrong. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming... By the way, happy 29th birthday! ;)
Whew! I'm almost tired after reading that tome. I had no idea my "facile" and "flip" comments (ahem) would inspire such a long-winded response. Lucky for you, I came back to take a gander. Seems as if I struck a nerve. I'm almost inclined to think that you agree with my comments or else you wouldn't have been so set off by them. My opinion is unchanged, however. U2's newer material just doesn't cut it anymore (my only real metric, and purely my opinion). I think this happens with almost all bands/artists, it's just a matter of when. No, I don't expect U2 to test out polka, nor should they try. However, They might consider mailing it in as their output seems to have become a bit redundant. I think it was all downhill after Joshua Tree, but in their defense, that was one of the finest rock albums of all time.. maybe even the finest. There is nowhere to go but down. Hey, I'm a big fan, no question.. but they seem to do anything they can to stay in the limelight. On the face of it you might think they have "all the money and accolades they need," but never underestimate the lure of a even more money and fame. People like Bono seem to thrive on it and probably, at this point, know nothing else. Their 90s material wasn't so hot in my mind. Achtung, Baby was great, but anything after that left me a little cold. Give me their 82-88 body of work and I'm more than content. You might want to turn your BS meter down a couple of notches. I'm not here to pick a fight or placate anyone. Just an opinion.. and I happen to think I'm not nearly alone. Oh, and you misspelled "judgment."
Originally Posted by fluorophore: U2 has reached that point in their musical careers where all new material is just a composite of their previous work. There's really nothing new here. They've become way too "safe" for my taste. Their transformation into a mainstream pop band is complete. I guess that happens when hundreds of millions of dollars are on the line.
I think you have it completely backwards. It is NOT easy to have "hits" with lyric depth and musical virtuosity - a combination of high-minded "complexity" exceptionally rare today. Thank all that is good that U2 has the skill and desire - heart - to keep working to craft such elevated music. In your judgement, because they are who they are, because they utilize their life and music experience in service of the production of cd's and songs that reflect that experience to say what they want to say - and with a desire to share that music with as many people willing to get on board - you call them, basically, a "sell-out". For what?? They have all the money and accolades they need. I call them highly successful - in every "good" sense of that word. This is the kind of "pop" that we are so lucky to have a band like U2 attempting to "swing for the fences". To be fair, how do you feel about their '90's output? They experimented like crazy. That experience now serves whatever else they do. What is "unsafe" music anyway? Should they make a "Metal Machine Music"? Polka? Rap? My BS detector is wailing. When facile, flip comments like that are made, I just can't nod my head. No, those comments - more power to you if that is your full thinking on this subject - betray an less than rigorous reasoning that seem disingenuous - not really having as much to do with music as your purport or maybe even believe. If you ever liked the band, then the reasoning for disliking their latest album does not seem to make sense. Your review hardly seems about music and more about other issues, more of just a cynical and somewhat angry and frustrated posturing. (Hey, I have done plenty of that myself over the years, and it bankrupts the soul.) The skill and platform on which U2 present that skill helps expand "pop", making it easier and more likely that additional "cool" music can find an open seat at the "pop" table. That has to be a GOOD thing, right? Of course this is just my opinion, I could be wrong. We now return to our regularly scheduled programming... By the way, happy 29th birthday! ;)
U2 has reached that point in their musical careers where all new material is just a composite of their previous work. There\'s really nothing new here. They\'ve become way too \"safe\" for my taste. Their transformation into a mainstream pop band is complete. I guess that happens when hundreds of millions of dollars are on the line.