U2 - "Songs of Innocence" Album Review

For a band like U2, it's hard to grab the attention of the world. That attention that you once had, with fans on the edge (pun intended) of their seats waiting for a new record. What better a way to reinvigorate the music scene than by giving it away for free to over half a BILLION people, without them having to do anything other than check their iTunes account? Whether you want to hear about it or not, this album is drawing insanely large amounts of attention after being unveiled at Apple's press conference where they revealed several new Apple products, along with this new U2 album Songs of Innocence. 

I can't say that I've ever referred to myself as a U2 fan, but I've discovered some of their albums from Joshua Tree all the way to No Line on the Horizon. I really appreciate how earnest Bono's vocals can come across, and The Edge is an extremely talented guitarist that often gets overlooked, even though the band have achieved such an unfathomable amount of success. For some reason, I was excited for this record and I didn't even know why! It was like an early and unexpected Christmas present from Tim Cook and the rest of the Apple crew, albeit one I hadn't asked for it. 

This "surprise" album actually, well, surprised me. In a good way! I can't say that I was impressed at all (I was actually terrible bored) by their last effort, so jumping into Songs of Innocence was a breath of fresh air for me. The stadium rock antics that have plagued their recent records have been scaled back for this release, and we really get to focus on a more personal side of the band. There's some synths scattered in the mix that sound great with the guitars and bass work, and the production, while not perfect by any means, is very neat thanks largely in part to Mr. Brian Burton (Danger Mouse). It's not always obvious that he's at the helm on most of these tracks, but it's undeniable on jams like "This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now" (yeah, we hear sliding in those Broken Bells esque synths).

There are definitely some stale pieces to this puzzle though, where the band falls back into the routine of making poorly written concert ready rock ballads, point in case "Iris" (Hold Me Close). It's really not so much that I hate ballads at all, it's simply the fact that the band have failed to make one in recent times that didn't sound like washed up and recycled garbage, held together by a light guitar and a less than engaging vocal performance.  I could say similar things about "Sleep Like a Baby Tonight", but I don't think I will.

The album offers standout songs like "The Miracle" (Of Joey Ramone), "Cedarwood Road", and "Raised By Wolves" that cause me to believe that there ARE still creative sparks flying around in this band. "The Miracle" is aided by its catchy melody, and a nice set of lyrics to match. It's interesting that U2 would make a song in reference to Joey Ramone, since it's rumored that he was listening to one of the band's songs when he died back in 2001. 

I don't doubt that "Cedarwood Road" and "Every Breaking Wave" will please those fans that have been around since the 1980's, with enough spirit and nostalgia to push their way into the hearts of many listeners. "Cedarwood" feels like a classic waiting to happen, but I can't say that "Wave" makes me feel much of anything personally, but it's a pretty decent tune.

However, "California" (There Is No End To Love) is a totally different story. It's a personal favorite of mine on the album, full of well structured instruments, and most importantly to this track's vitality, an infectious vocal performance from Bono. As catchy as it is smart, this track could easily end up on my year end list. The Edge even throws in a nice little guitar solo on this one, what's not to love? 

There's already plenty of hyperbolic comments flying around the interwebs, accusing the band of once again sounding bloated and overproduced, by I also find after some digging (most of the time) that these are the same "fans" that haven't liked a U2 record since War or The Unforgettable Fire. 

The album's closing track "The Troubles" is also worth noting, as it features guest vocals from the artist Lykke Li. It sports a darker sound, which includes a beautiful string section and some chilling vocal harmonies from Bono and Li. To say that their voices mesh well is an extreme understatement, and Li did an amazing job handling the heart of the song, as she sings "somebody stepped inside your soul" before coming back to the harmony. It's close to taking the cake for me, and easily on my list of favorites from the band, period.

If you're looking to hear the styling of bassist Adam Clayton on display, I would recommend "Volcano".  Sure, things can get a bit silly when in the lyrical department, but the intricate guitar pattern and the opening bass notes make this thing such a worthwhile part of the album. I also can't deny that the chorus is compelling, one of the more explosive ones on here to be honest.

The final track that I feel is worth mentioning in a positive light is the airy but powerful "Raised by Wolves". Driven by some of the most creative guitars on the album, this cut is proof that the band can still churn out a gripping hook without having to sacrifice all of their lyrical dignity.

Big fan or not, I can appreciate this album for what it is. I can't speak of its longevity yet, but that's the case with anything I review. Whose to say that this will or won't be a classic down the road? For now, I'm taking it for what it is, and that's a solid rock record that blends classic and contemporary elements to its advantage. 

4/5

-Jon (ARTV)

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Alt-J "An Awesome Wave" Album Review

Alt-J have made a name for themselves for daring to be different. Symbolism plays a big part in this band's image. They may be too dense or 'artsy' for some, but I find their broad range to be be incredibly enticing. There are two things that make Alt-J click for me. 


The first of those obviously being the music that surrounds this piece of art, full of rich but light flourishes of off-kilter of guitar work, skillful and precise drum patterns,  and vocals from frontman Joe Newman that are noticeably different than anyone else in the music scene right now. 


The other key attribute that makes this band resonate with me is their lyrical content. In a world that is so convoluted with cliches and set patterns, these men are making masterpieces that actually make the listener THINK. Each song has a deeper meaning, or potential interpretation, that what initially meets the eye. 

Prime example. "Tessellate" could be explained in many different ways. The song is so brooding and dark musically, led by a beautifully played piano part that mixes in with a sinking feeling of sexual desire and lust. To me, this song is all about that passion, and a potential love triangle. Newman sings "Triangles are my favorite shape, three points where two lines meet", possibly referring to how all parties involved are joined together by the mutual connection, but choose to put that aside, even if just for one passionate night. 

I can't stress to you enough the importance of dissecting the lyrical messages hidden in some of these songs, just because of the fact that it WILL change the way you look at these tracks, which are doused in sarcasm, lust, and even greed. I'm not saying that a casual listener can't just throw on tracks like "Bloodflood" or even "Fitzpleasure" and not enjoy them, since they most likely will. But mainly for the music, and I can't say I would blame you if you want to go that route since the sounds are so pleasant.

I was hooked on this record's unique sonic style immediately after hearing the opening track, properly titled "Intro". You might be thinking, so many band's do short little instrumental intros Jon, how could this one be any different? LISTEN FOR YOURSELF! This track is absolutely beautiful. It's impossible for me not to love everything about this. The way it presents itself is so damn captivating, featuring a broad spectrum of instrumentation and unique and skillful playing. The brief vocal part we get on the track takes a stab at modern concert and festival attenders, before launching back into a guitar and synth driven angst that makes this truly one of the best songs on the album.

One thing I didn't know and fully understand right off the bat though was the shocking single "Fitzpleasure", which believe it or not tells the story of brutal and violent gang rape. The story's character, Tralala, is lifted from the book "Last Exit To Brooklyn". As much as I love the driving bass line and airy effects and vocals that make this song so memorable, I can't praise the lyrics on this one. At what point do they condemn these actions? When were they planning to step in and intervene, or even paint rape in a bad light? It doesn't happen, and it's a shame. I understand that this is an artistic piece and a supposed representation of one just standing at the window, looking in on what's happening, but still. Not cool Alt-J.

"Dissolve Me" is a distinct song in it's musical nature, pushing forward with a synth line that supplements it's almost bright guitar and keyboards. It's interesting since this song is open to different meaning lyrically. The most common interpretation, which is what I personally believe, is that this track is about a troubled couple who rely on sex and drugs to get them through their sleep deprived and stressful life. 

"Breezeblocks" was another instant favorite for me, speaking of a doomed relationship that has taken a final dive off of a cliff, so to speak. It's bass line was the first thing I noticed, pummeling this track and really just dominating the spirit of the song! It's lyrics, much like most of the record, will not make sense to you at first and might come off ridiculous and outlandish. Just really sit down and think about it, and the song will start to make sense to you, I promise. 

There are more straightforward tracks on the record, telling of relationships struggles and personal dilemmas on cuts like "Matilda" and "Something Good". "Matilda" in particular has one of the more vibrant choruses that tends to come to mind when I think of An Awesome Wave. The light strums of the guitar sound so delicately crafted, and develop into something quite intricate as it intertwines with a distant piano melody during the chorus of the song. 

"Something Good" is probably my least favorite cut, alongside the guitar and piano interludes. Not to downplay these tracks necessarily, but I feel like there's an edge lacking to these three in particular. The rest of the record has something unique to offer with each song, these just don't.

There are tingly moments scattered throughout, sending chills up and down my spine as the instrumentals send me into another realm as I listen. "MS" in particular satisfies in this regard, striking me as one of the more elegant and chilling pieces on the LP. 

There's a decent amount of gospel styled vocal patterns that trickle their way in throughout the record, sending a message of cynicism to the listener, as this normally calming aspect in music is almost intentionally placed there to contrast the dark lyrical themes. I'm not saying this was the band's intention, but it's how I interpret it and I think it's a very nice touch. 

The final track I want to mention are "Taro", which includes the hidden bonus track "Hand-Made" which appeared on their debut EP.   "Taro" is by far one of the most intriguing cuts the band have released to date, making use of not only their standard instruments such as guitars and a string section, but a galloping cello and violin that add so much texture to this track, which is technically the proper closing track for An Awesome Wave. 

I can't say that there are many records like this one out there. It's always nice to have a breath of fresh air in a music scene that is more often than not simply passable, and nothing more. This album offers up more than the status quo, and even it's weaker tracks come off more intelligent and pleasant than say what the current market is offering us. If you like experimental music, unique vocals, and lyrics that will challenge your mind, then you need to hear this record, and check out Alt-J. Perfect score for me. 

I hope you guys enjoyed this review, sorry it took so long for me to get it out there, but this summertime slowness in the new album release calendar has made it possible for me to go back and listen to some albums I've been meaning to discuss. Thanks for reading, and check out my YouTube channel to see the video version of this review, along with 100's of other reviews.


5/5

-Jon, ARTV