Obviously this isn't literally a prototype of Joshua Tree but at times it feels like it in a good way. I don't think it is as great as Joshua Tree but it is definitely a great album in their catalog. The Eno production is great as always and I feel like even though War is a great album and I like it a little more, their sound really started to develop much more
What I feel is for the most part forgotten in U2's discography, "The Unforgettable Fire" is U2 trying approach personal issues with open arms and touching base with social issues like they did prior on "War". With Bono's introspective lyricism and the bands more toned down performances, U2 birth one of their finest accomplishments and their most overlooked.
Less 'classic material' here than on 'The Joshua Tree' it could be argued, but overall I prefer it a shade.
Eno's influence is more perceivable through the production (parts of 'Indian Summer Sky' and particularly 'Wire' remind me of his Talking Heads sound) and whereas sometimes the lesser tracks on 'Joshua' just sounded like filler for the sake of filler, here the 'also-rans' still serve the album and feel like they're adding to the 'bigger picture'.
Sure, for some the album will end on a ... read more
Joshua Tree had more stand-out highlights, but also more filler, this has a more consistent tracklist, but no tracks that really blew me away or went into my playlist. A lot of the songs were just decent. There's no With Or Without You Here, it's just a collection of some good U2 songs, but nothing super crazy.
It's a cool listen though, to put it on in the background and enjoy it. Just wish there were more songs that would get in my rotation.
FAV TRACKS: Wire
LEAST FAV TRACKS: Elvis Presley ... read more
1 | A Sort of Homecoming 5:28 | 89 |
2 | Pride (In the Name of Love) 3:50 | 94 |
3 | Wire 4:19 | 88 |
4 | The Unforgettable Fire 4:55 | 94 |
5 | Promenade 2:35 | 71 |
6 | 4th of July 2:16 | 66 |
7 | Bad 6:08 | 95 |
8 | Indian Summer Sky 4:19 | 76 |
9 | Elvis Presley and America 6:23 | 65 |
10 | MLK 2:33 | 68 |