FamilyFans Music

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NO LINE ON THE HORIZON

U2 / Universal Music Group

Fan Appeal: College to Adult

Genre: Rock

Like any U2 album, No Line on the Horizon is a good one...but doesn’t quite live up to the hype—or to some of their prior works.

One thing that is noteworthy about this CD is that there are definitely some underlying faith qualities interspersed throughout it. The title song, “No Line On The Horizon,” is a highlight, and a great beginning to the CD as a whole This song is very straightforward, a driving rock song that seems to open up the album and say “come on in and enjoy.” Another song worth a listen is “Stand Up Comedy.” The very “pop” nature and upbeat rhythm of it makes it catchy.

Unfortunately, not all is wonderful on here--and you expect consistent "wonderful-ness" from U2. The song “Moment of Surrender” is overly long and really seems disjointed, with a delivery that just comes across as unnatural. Also the song “Cedars of Lebanon” is just strange. The lyrical style is mostly spoken and very disjointed. It just doesn’t go together that well.

And actually, a lot of this album seems sort of forced, like the band has passed their songwriting prime, but wanted to make a new album because they “should.” Still, overall, it’s a fine CD and most U2 fans will be pleased. But, to me it feels like something thrown together by a band that is capable of so much more.

FAMILYFANS RATING: C+

If members of your family like this CD, then you may want to try…

-The Joshua Tree or How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, U2, Rock. These wonderful albums paint a picture with some great music from a timeless band.

--TN

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