It's a Beautiful Day! (I'm hilarious, and if you don't know why yet, maybe you'll know by the end of this post) I've made it past the first 10 albums! It's insane to think that I'm only at 139, because I have been writing about an album every week for a while now. But I guess that's 10 weeks, isn't it? (Yes, it is). Okay then.
This next album is very familiar to me. U2's All That You Can't Leave Behind is an album that distinctly reminds me of September 11, 2001, and I think it always will. The album was released in its entirety on October 30, 2000 and several singles were released (and re-released) during the following year. I remember especially that 'Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of' was re-released with overlays of emergency tapes and news reports after the attacks on the Twin Towers. That's the first thing I think of when I hear that song. And the entire CD just sounds familiar since they were only released ten years ago.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="All That You Can't Leave Behind (October 30, 2000)"]
[/caption]
Track Listing
[/caption]
Track Listing
- Beautiful Day
- Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out of
- Elevation
- Walk On
- Kite
- In A Little While
- Wild Honey
- Peace On Earth
- When I Look At The World
- New York
- Grace
From my own research, its been widely quoted that U2 publicly said the release of this album was them re-applying for the job of best band in the world. This album has got powerful lyrics mixed into well-coordinated rock album. I haven't heard much U2 from the 90's, but apparently All That You Can't Leave Behind was preceded by a lot of experimental albums, including some dance tracks. This album has a mix of elements from the bands past including an electric drum track on 'Beautiful Day' and also heavy use of synths as well (that are seamlessly integrated with the typical resonating, echoing, atmospheric U2-sounding guitars). I love the diversity of this album as well. I mean, I have to say that U2 has a very distinct sound - Bono's vocal style is practically recognizable if you haven't even heard U2. I know, impossible, but you get the idea. But overall, there is a great change of pace and stylistic elements from 'Beautiful Day', to 'Elevation' to 'In A Little While'. It's refreshing and keeps you engaged as you continue to listen to the album. Of course, we all know Bono now as one of the most publicized celebrity-philanthropists and political activists. Some of those themes can be seen on this album ('Walk On' and 'Peace on Earth' are great examples of this).
I love the feeling of nostalgia when I listen to this album. What about you? Does this bring back memories for you?
Comments (0)
Back to RS150