Rating:  -
U2 are one of those bands who seem to know exactly when they've gone too far down a particular path, and when to change direction. They did it in the early 90's after the misguided 'Rattle And Hum', and they do it here after their experimental phase petered out on 'Pop'.
While billed as a back-to-basics album and a return to their classic sound, that's not quite true. Certainly, the album is much more reminiscent of their 80's work than anything they've done for a decade, as the band returns to its anthemic, guitar-driven rock sound. But the dance and electronic elements and production effects are still present, they're just not as upfront. In addition, the album as a whole feels a little more optimistic and relaxed compared to the earnestness of their 80's work.
`Elevation', `New York' and the brilliant anthem `Beautiful Day' are the songs most reminiscent of U2's 90's albums. Elsewhere, the material is more `Joshua Tree' than `Zooropa', although even on the most old-school sounding tracks such as the gospel-tinged `Stuck In A Moment..' or `Walk On' there are buried samples, drum beats, and synth effects. There are also a few new directions such as the mandolin-driven pop of `Wild Honey' and the subdued `Grace'. And despite this being one of U2's more positive albums, `Peace On Earth' and `When I Look At The World' have a surprisingly resigned and world-weary feel, as if the battles are not worth fighting anymore.
Like all of U2's best albums, ATYCLB's strength is its consistency; there are some standout singles, but nearly every song on the album is strong and memorable. And the band sound in great form, with none of the self-conscious stiffness of `Pop'. Probably just pales slightly in comparison with `The Joshua Tree' and `Achtung Baby', but it ranks up there with those two classics, making it their third masterpiece.
Five stars.
Rating:  -
Although there are a handful of catchy U2 classics, the last 4 tracks are quite weak. Recommended: Beautiful Day, Stuck in a Moment, Walk On, Wild Honey. Overall a solid album.
Rating: -
2000s All That You Can't Leave Behind, scored 5 grammys, including best rock album, song of the year (Beautiful Day) and 2 of them for record of the year (Walk On & Beautiful Day). I has also sold platinum X4 to date. I rank U2s albums to date as follows:
Achtung Baby
All That You Can't Leave Behind
No Line On The Horizon
How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb
Pop
The Joshua Tree
War
The Unforgettable Fire
This one is highly recommended for anyone that likes art-rock with soul and a variety of styles used for effect.
Rating: -
With "All That You Can't Leave Behind," U2 set out to conquer the world once again. So they did. Sports Illustrated.com ranked their Superbowl halftime show following the Elevation tour and 9/11 as the "best superbowl halftime show ever." If you are somehow still somewhat unfamiliar with U2's music, this is the album to start with. All of their different kinds of musical attempts from their first two decades are well represented here. If you prefer the 80's U2, this is the closest thing to that era's sound since Joshua Tree. If you prefer 90's U2, not to worry, they're still into some techno sounds and phat beats. Most of all, the love on this album is so palpable it radiates through each song. Listening to this album is like having an hour long hug from your best friend. No wonder U2 toured with a heart-shaped walkway to support this album. Beautiful Day, Stuck in a Moment, Elevation, Walk-On, Kite, In a Little While, Wild Honey are seven consecutive awesome heart-melters. All of which are now U2 classics. The album admittedly does slow down a bit at the end, except for When I look at the world, another classic. With ATYCLB following POP, U2 set out to make an album where any of the tracks could be singles. With the exception of MAYBE peace on earth and grace, they succeeded admirably, however those tracks are by no means bad songs, just not strong enough to sustain weeks or months of radio play. This is far and away the warmest, most easily accesable U2 album, and it really carried a lot of us in the weeks and months following 9/11. It was a metaphorical shoulder for all of us to cry on, and in the concerts following 9/11 the band literally DID cry along with the audience because the material just happened to be so real, so emotional, and down to earth that there was no denying that connection. If you don't already own it, do yourself a favor and go out and pick up one of the best albums EVER. Rock, Soul, or otherwise. I can't really put a label on this album other than CLASSIC and INCREDIBLY REMARKABLE.
Rating:  -
When I first heard this album on my car's MP3 player, I immediately fell in love with the album. However after listening to the entire CD on my high-end sound system, I feel much like Alex from "A Clockwork Orange" - revolted and nauseated with the music I love.
This seems to be the first U2 album to be subject to the destroyer of sound fidelity: The loudness filter. Forget about appreciating the guitar work, drums and bass. All those sounds have been mushed together into a giant wall of static. This album is impossible to listen to from beginning to end without getting motion sickness.
And record labels keep wondering why CD sales are plummeting. I would love to send this CD back asking for a refund due to lack-of-fidelity. Save your money and just download the MP3s.
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