Nov 2002

U2 by Surya Saraff

U2's latest album "All That You Can't Leave Behind," (ATYUCLB) has been rated by many rock fans as one of the best albums of U2. Many rate it as high as "Joshua Tree" and "Achtung Baby." U2 fans who have been following them since the early 80's highly criticized their cynical attitude and sound-dominated music in their last 2 albums Ð "Zooropa" and "Pop." But, ATYUCLB satiates U2 fans, and rock fans in general. The album with its mesmerizing and mellow music entails love, energy, beauty, grace, peace, politics and the world. The lyrics are simple, yet powerful and the sweet melody makes one want hear the album again and again. U2 has won 14 Grammy Awards, most by any single band, including 3 for their latest album.

The album kicks off with the energetic song "Beautiful Day" where Bono glorifies the world's beauty, but yet hints to be cautious by singing the words, "don't let it get away." Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, veteran producers of U2, don't fail to prove their quality production of the album from the very first song. The Edge's resonating guitar with backing vocals and Brian Eno's keyboard textures create an uplifting spirit, similar to "Where The Streets Have No Name." "Stuck In A Moment" is a motivating song where Bono wants to help a person who is in a shell and can't get out. Bono's message is that nothing lasts forever and we should fight every moment. In this song, Bono has been true to himself: he has been helping the nations of Africa to relieve its debt and has helped provide them with adequate resources necessary for human life. "Peace On Earth" appeals to humanity - the necessity to living together without war. No wonder he has been nominated for the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize.

If anyone believes that love elevates human spirit, "Elevation" does justice to that belief. "Walk On" admires Aung San Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Prize for her brave struggle against the repressive Burmese government. Once again, U2 doesn't fail to deliver political messages and an awareness of freedom. The chemistry of Edge's guitar, Adam's bass with Larry Mullen Jr. on the drums is just about perfect. I really like how U2 ends the song with the rhythmic verse "All that you fashion, All that you make .." "Kite" is the song that has grown the most on me. At times life, just like a kite takes different directions depending on the wind. It makes one realize the importance of not getting attached to anything too strongly. "Kite" along with "Walk On" form the theme of the album. "In a little While" and "Wild Honey" offer a soothing and relaxing aura. "Wild Honey" before the release of the album was a very hyped up song. Though it didn't become a smash hit, Edge's glistening guitar line drives the song with Bono's heavenly voice to back him up. In "New York," U2 praises the world's heart-throb city. "Grace" as the name suggests is simply graceful. The sweet intoxicating melody reminds me of how U2 composed "Running to Stand Still" in "Joshua Tree."

"All That You Can't Leave Behind" is rock solid and justifies it as one of U2's best albums with powerful lyrics. It never loses composure and it's one of the few albums one can put on repeat mode without thinking twice. The warm and inviting music fits U2's image in the music industry and as the leaders of spreading peace. Edge clearly defines his band when he said "When you're writing a song you sort of, as John Lennon put it, you sit down with your guitar and open a vein, and whatever comes out comes out"