The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Sports

NO LINE ON THE HORIZON [Click to enlarge]

U2 released its 12th album on Tuesday called "No Line on the Horizon."

The release comes five years after their last album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," and 33 years after the band originally formed. Though it may come as a shock, U2 has reinvented itself yet again in "No Line."

Don't get too excited. U2 still sounds like U2; Bono still sounds like Bono. The group's most recent overhaul is more of a side-step than a jump. But there are a few surprises that make this new album quite a bit different from the band's previous work and keep things interesting - if not astonishing.

U2's Web site says the members spent some time in Morocco writing and performing, gathering musical influences to incorporate into the 11 tracks on "No Line."

From the album's sound, it would seem Moroccan music experiments with multiple rhythms, changes of key and various instruments. Every song incorporates each of these departures from U2's previous incarnations.

The track listing pattern on the album evolves from simpler rhythms to upbeat anthems to softer, more emotional hymn-style songs by tracks 10 and 11.

Bono said on the band's Web site this pattern is intentional. The song order is meant to reflect a pilgrimage.

Sound changes pervade every song on the album. In "Unknown Caller," Bono raps, which he does often on "No Line," and then a Queen-style chorus pipes up.

Unlike some other tracks, "Stand Up Comedy" sounds completely unique. In the song, Bono raps (again) "come on you people! Stand up for your love!" The line is followed closely by an intense, Jimmy Page-inspired guitar riff overlaid with echoing vocals that halfheartedly imitate Led Zeppelin's "Dazed and Confused."

"Breathe," the album's 10th track, features an electric guitar competing with a strong keyboard - and winning. But relentless to the end, the keyboard keeps frantically popping up, sounding ridiculously out of place.

U2's 12th album does depart from the group recent rocker style, but it is not shameful to the band's legendary reputation, either. The sound is still distinctly U2. The group simply incorporated a little Moroccan style to mix things up. The album is definitely worth a listen, but not a buy.

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