874 U2 - Rattle and Hum (1988)

 874 U2 - Rattle and Hum (1988)

Hybrid Album - Rock



About the Act:

U2 are a huge Rock band from Ireland. They were formed in 1977 and have been active ever since. They are Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton. They are mega-famous wold conquerors.


About the Album:

This is a hybrid live/studio album, a double album which went to no 1 worldwide, but received some criticism. It also includes at least one spoken word bit. It comes shortly before U2 reinvented themselves as an alternative rock band rather than a rock band.


My History with this Album:

None, really, although I know a good number of the songs.


Review:

This album is a mess, as an album. It is a mish-mash of live and studio tracks. From what I can gather, the studio tracks are new and the live tracks are mostly from earlier. It feels slapped together with little thought for flow or rhythm. 

However, a lot of the tracks, taken individually, are good, some are excellent. There is no doubt that they are consummate rockers. Bono's voice is huge. I mean, that's obvious from the hits, but it's in the live tracks that his versatility comes to light. It's a strong, rich and full voice and he knows how to use it. The live tracks also strongly bring the Edge's guitar to the fore, and he is very good at what he does. The familiarity of those songs make them a good listen, and I particularly like the rendition of "I still haven't found what I'm looking for." 

Of the studio tracks, most of them work fine. The collaboration with BB King works, the collaboration with Bob Dylan works. I'm not that much of a fan of "Desire", but it was apparently their first UK no. 1. I think I just heard it too often at the time. 

So, take it apart and listen to the tracks separately. Mix it in with other stuff for a rotational playlist. Just don't think of it as an album.


6.5/10


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7hIoJcH4ObWasDFq78u1x9

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBnJv6rImVe8L5oh-WPBWuJNPDXiRN_rh

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattle_and_Hum



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