Every time I give up on these Irish rockers, they come back with something special.
Their second album, 1981’s “October,” was a bit weak in the songwriting department, but their third, “War” (1983) was terrific. 1997’s “Pop” and 2000’s “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” left me cold, but the band returned to form with 2004’s “How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.”
Which brings us up to date with 2009’s “No Line on the Horizon.” After having had more than a year to absorb it, I consider it one of the best albums of U2’s career.
It’s up to snuff lyrically, and the range of themes and moods is a nice touch. Serious works such as “White As Snow” and “Cedars of Lebanon” work very well (in both songs, the persona struggles with cynicism or at least feels world-weary). They’re set off against lighter touches such as “Get On Your Boots,” which is nothing more (and nothing less!) than glam-rock tomfoolery.
Musically, this disc is outstanding. “Magnificent” is a gorgeous love song, and “Moment of Surrender” a searching confessional with a bright melody. The album’s masterpiece is “Unknown Caller,” on which the Edge unleashes what might be the most exciting guitar solo in the band’s history.
Also worth noting: The rock-solid bass playing of Mr. Adam Clayton, whose musicianship has matured with every single U2 release.