ok, let me begin by stating that U2 is the greatest band of all time. No other lead singer in history has laid down every track with such bleeding passion as Bono does. They have the roaring fan base of the Beatles, but arguably have much more passion, soul, and emotion put forth through their art. I mean, when did you ever see John Lennon weep onstage? When did you see his bare stripped soul crying out through a song? My point is that whatever U2 does with the next album, they will do a spectacular job. My dad and I are such hardcore fans that we have been to every tour they have ever done (well I have been to every one since I have been born), even when my family has been flat broke we have gone 2-3,000 dollars in debt to watch these wonders perform. My dad is 38 and I am 14. U2 is not only for the parents but for every generation. I am so excited for their new album, and I really hope they break off from their previous albums and do something totally new, just put one more genre on the table.
GOOD LUCK U2!!!

Relax, everybody, and love the band. 27 years and counting, with music that still matters. They are both original and an homage to all that is great about rock. This person likes one album, this person doesn’t, or likes this album better. It’s a continuum, and for 27 years they have stayed together, evolved, had hits and misses, but never lost the passion. Don’t any of you fans lose the passion either.

U2 have survived for so long, adapting to all the changes in music since the 80s. What we’ve got now is a collection of genres by U2. Many don’t like some of their adventurous stuff like Zooropa, personally, I love it, especially “Zooropa” and “Lemon”. You can now practically pick a type of U2 you want to listen to because of their diverse evolution.

I’m sure we’ll get something once again that we have not heard before, and some of us might even say “what one earth is this” but find ourselves addicted to it.

I have all the U2 albums, and I have to say that the songs I listen to the most are from Joshua Tree (amazing quality on new re-release) and Achtung baby. Brian and Daniel produced both these albums, and I’d love to see some new work with them.

However Rick Rubin has produced some pretty interesting stuff with Red Hot Chili Peppers & Linkin Park (MAJOR CHANGE!) recently, and I have enjoyed it. I’d be interested to hear some work with U2, but you still can’t beat the stuff U2 did with Eno and Lanois.

As for the last two albums, I liked HTDAAB better than ATYCLB. ( BTW, what’s with the long names? what happened to “Boy” “Pop” “War”)

I really liked “electrical storm” and “window in the skies”, which both have been recently released,
as well as their collaboration with greenday and cover of instant karma. Make an album of songs like that, and I’m sold. U2 Rocks - can’t wait!

Interesting…

it’s really hard to argue what is better–early u2 (boy, oct, war, u.f.) or middle (joshua tree, pop, zooropa). The last 2 albums aren’t bad, but with the exception of a few songs (vertigo) it’s kind of a playin’ it safe mode. But hey–this is the most significant band since the beatles. How many bands still matter after 25 years? Anyone remember the last 5 or 6 rolling stone albums?

i believe personally,and it is one of my favourite u2 songs,that miracle drug from htdaab is not just one of the greatist u2 songs that shud have been a single but also the best recorded and one of there best ever creations lyrically.the new album will probable be differant to htdaab due to new ideas and lyrics brought by the emotion of africa.is htdaab better than joshua tree,no,they are just different.

While the Unforgettable Fire and War are my favorite U2 albums, the Joshua Tree is easily their most brilliant album. Only Dylan’s Highway 61 is comparable in depth of music.

How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb had some deeply emotional tracks: “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” was a raw goodbye to Bono’s father… “Original of the Species” is as impactful anything on the Joshua Tree album. Is HTDAAB as good as Achtung Baby? No, it’s just very different… Personally, there are days “So Cruel” hits the right spot; some days the original punk version of “Out of Control” creates the mood I want; and sometimes Miss Sarajevo does the trick… The bottom line is, anyone expecting U2 to recreate old magic are asking for something that can’t ever happen… but new magic is right around the corner… I’m confident their next new album will again define their emotional experiences and supply us with new places to take our imaginations!

I have been a fan for a long time. Since the mid-eighties. I really enjoy the ambiance of the Unforgetable Fire, the surrealness of The Joshua Tree, and the loved excitement of Achtung Baby. The greatest thing about U2 is not which ablum is better than the other but the diverse flavors that are created in their kitchen. But what do I know I am just a lonely soul.

Joshua Tree was amazing for the 80’s but it doesn’t even compare to the mastery that is HTDAAB… pure genius… any true musician will agree.. Joshua Tree had some great singles but could never even compare to the mood and ambiance of Achtung or even Unforgetable Fire for that matter… Joshua Tree doesn’t even rank on my top 5 U2 albums of all time…. people who keep naming it as their favorites should maybe actually listen to the other albums before giving their 2 cents. Original of the Species might be their best song ever… and as far as letting larry of his leash… wtf? Last time I checked he, (yes even more than bono)has the biggest say (due to editing)of anybody else in the band.. if you don’t believe me.. read a book.. I suggest U2:At the end of the world by Bill Flanagan.

Joshua Tree was amazing for the 80’s but it doesn’t even compare to the mastery that is HTDAAB… pure genius… any true musician will agree.. Joshua Tree had some great singles but could never even compare to the mood and ambiance of Achtung or even Unforgetable Fire for that matter… Joshua Tree doesn’t even rank on my top 5 U2 albums of all time…. people who keep naming it as their favorites should maybe actually listen to the other albums before giving their 2 cents. Original of the Species might be their best song ever… and as far as letting larry of his leash… wtf? Last time I checked he, (yes even more than bono)has the biggest say (due to editing)of anybody else in the band.. if you don’t believe me.. read a book.. I suggest U2:At the end of the world by Bill Flanagan.

All the albums give a different emotion and feeling for the band at that period.
to me now they are wise, experienced and most of all amazing at what they do.
i hope that there are more albums to come.
WHO AGREES?
MAJOR.

I read some of your posts and all you seem to talk about is which of the last 3 albums is best. Do any of you remember the raw emotion and groundbreaking effects on Boy, October, and War?

U2 Rocks
all the albus are great but my favourite album is the Joshua Tree
its the best album ever

this new album sounds cool I love u2, always will-greatest band in the world.

this new album sounds cool I love u2, always will-greatest band in the world.

I think u2 follow a evolution maybe is a older band, the new albums are good but all fans want album like to achtung baby taht is the better

I hope they have the good sense to let the edge of his leash and produce some guitar work that we ve not heard since achtung. Think the last two albums have not been anywhere near as good as they should be. U2 take their influences from the music scene around them at that time so perhaps its indicative of that.

noboddy ever gets younger, we get older and some get wiser… U2 just gets it right as time goes on… some need to learn to enjoy fine wine and NOT whine

Okay, my fave album ever is Achtung Baby. However, so many people are saying they want another album just like it. Why? If U2 always did the same thing all the time we wouldn’t be having this little discussion would we? We would have forgotten them and moved on. But considering the fact that U2 is the GREATEST band in the known world,TRUE fans will understand that U2 has a right to not stay the same.

I hope they don`t produce the songs to hard becuse U2 is best live and I would like to have an album who almost sounds like it is live like it sounds sometimes from achtung baby. But i like the tunes from the new album like city of blinding light, and miracle drug they are realy great songs that maybe will bee voted like one of top 10 of U2 songs.

To Mattias.V—-How are you using the KeyPad wearing that STRAIGHTJACKET?

Spider-Man musical? WTF?!?! Joey, Johnny & Dee Dee Ramone are rising from the grave.

I have some wishes to the new album. I really would like them produce Bonos voice like it was on Josua three, rattle and hum or achtung baby.Its a clear and powerful voice coming from behind but it catch up with the music. bono sing as well as he ever has exept the fallseto lines like he did before but that part takes the edge today so you dont miss it. Would like to have the heavy gitars from Josua, achtung and how to dismantle and the felling it had in the tunes. But I would like a stript off song like kite with beutiful tunes and great singing. I think they are capable to do their best album. Bono said in he´s bok that they haven´t did their best song yet. So go for it U2, Eno ánd Lanois.

I just hope they don’t further explore the “adult contemporary” vein which seems like they’ve been going to. Achtung Baby, Zooropa, Passengers, and Pop were some adventurous albums. Prior to 2000, U2 had always been about pushing the envelope with every album, and to quote Bono, “fucking up the mainstream.” The last two albums have been more about rehashing the past. Here’s hoping that their in Morocco to “fuck up the mainstream.”

I hope they don’t

killingfloor u are exactly right. I give my right ball for another Mofo. Dont get me wrong, I dug the last two albums but I wish they would go back to the ambition of the Pop recordings. It may not be their best album, but i was by far the most ambitious.
Please lads, give us something good!

I can’t see u2 being a band just riding on past glories.They are extremely talented, and agreed, they do seem to come up with the goods more so when Eno and Lanois are on the boat. But i think after reading about each song and what it’s saying, makes me appreciate every song and the sound of that song.I’m sure they won’t let down their true fans.

U2 was great in the 80s . joshua tree was legendary . cant say the same about htdaab. i hope the new album wud be based on the lines of their 80s work….and not a continuation of htdab or atuclb(which was a great collection of songs…but as a package ,fell short of being a classic rock album)
i think the band is becoming 2 commercial nd less interested in their musical legacy….which is the saddest thing in the world. we miss “where the streets have no name” and “with or without u ” era ….can u please give us smthing like dat again …..nyway luv u , U2

U2 never ceases to amaze! They put on the best live performances. I can’t wait!

ive seen u2 26 times live and have all their material(exept U23)If you listen to all the albums you will hear the changes they have made as time goes by. WAR was alate 70 early eigties mood U fire was mid eighteis mood POP was defo a 90’s mood and htdaab is upto date right now capturing both sights and sounds of what is fresh but still classic U2. I EARGALY AWAIT THE NEW ALBUM AND I AM SURE (No possitive) it will be superb so all the REAL u2 fans out there come on guys this band have been part of our lives for ever and will continue to be ROCK AND ROLL ON U2 YOU ARE THE BEST dean

There are a couple of egregious statements that need to be addressed on here:

1- Bono’s voice is not what it used to be

That is just a terrible statement. I saw them on the last tour when he took on Pavarotti’s part in Miss Sarajevo. I didn’t think he had a chance- and he knocked it out of the park. Last time I checked, Luciano’s got some decent pipes.

2- HTDAAB is a weak rock album

Look at the following songs:
Vertigo
Love And Peace Or Else
All Because Of You

All of these songs are as rock as rock gets! They are not a metal band, they should never be expected to be as heavy as say… Tool. Love and Peace alone has some of the coolest guitar work this side of Achtung Baby.

I love Pop and Zooropa, and I would like to see the “moods” of those albums expressed more on the next record. Acoustic guitars and synths are welcome.

U2 always releases a statement saying they`re “hard at work” recording a new CD,trying to convince people a new release will be out soon.But ever since 1993`s Zooropa, U2 only releases a new CD once every 4 years.So you can expect this new CD in Nov. 2008 , with a tour starting in spring `09, by then the band members will be almost 50.

U2 HAVE EARNED THE RSPECT OF THEIR PEERS OVER A NEAR 25 YEARS OF RECORDING AND TOURING.ALL ARTISTS PEAK WITH ONE ALBUM, U2 WAS THE JT. THEY HAVE DIVERSIFIED IN THEIR OUPUT, AND STILL MADE FANTASTIC RECORDS. OASIS,RADIOHEAD,COLDPLAY-ALL PRETENDERS-LONG LIVE THE KINGS OF R & R U2!!

U2 HAVE EARNED THE RSPECT OF THEIR PEERS OVER A NEAR 25 YEARS OF RECORDING AND TOURING.ALL ARTISTS PEAK WITH ONE ALBUM, U2 WAS THE JT. THEY HAVE DIVERSIFIED IN THEIR OUPUT, AND STILL MADE FANTASTIC RECORDS. OASIS,RADIOHEAD,COLDPLAY-ALL PRETENDERS-LONG LIVE THE KINGS OF R & R U2!!

U2 is by far the best live band I have ever seen. War tour was great. Achtung’s a great album. But so was U. Fire, War, Boy… Just hope they recap that energetic magic of those masterpieces. Did someone write that Bono can’t sing anymore? Get your ears checked!

It’s great to see them reunited with Eno and Lanois, but SPIDERMAN?
what the hell are they doing? they do know they’re U2,right?

I’m glad that they’re getting back with Eno and Lanois - they’ve done their best work together. Also, I think Rick Rubin is overrated. He used to be great (especially with Hip-Hop and Metal) twenty years ago, but besides Johnny Cash’s stuff, what good production work has he done lately? Have you seen recent footage of him in the studio? These days, he just lies on the couch, potato chip crumbs in his beard, occasionally mumbling something to an assistant or giving a thumbs up. He’s been coasting for years.

I am excited about a new U2 album. of course, I was excited about Atomic Bomb, too.I think I only gave it a couple of listens. I think U2 does better when they are under stress.. emotional, physical, etc. Could age, money and the good life have finally sapped their energy?

u2 is my absolute favorite band of all time, hands down … but i do agree with many of these posts that a new sound would be most welcome. i really like atyclb and htdaab, but they’re like 2 sides of the same coin. and although my favorite rock album ever is achtung baby, they made that angry album when they were 30 and 31; they pushing 50 now, and i don’t know if a rip-rocking album would reflect the band as it is. i’d really like to hear a deep, dark acoustic album, ala u2 unplugged, followed up by a more rocking (but not aerosmith embarrassing rocking) album.

I didn’t think the last two U2 albums were that bad, but they could definitely use this boost.
Also, who on Earth decided it would be a good idea to put Spiderman on Broadway? That idea sounds worse than the Passengers project.

Im an American who lives in FES.Like to find the rec.studio and spark up a HASH loaded SIBSI with these guys.Great Band.

U2… I’m luvin’ them
U2… Are they in you?
U2… Tastes great, all filling
U2… Have them your way
U2… Nothing runs like an Edge
U2… Thank you for shopping WalMart

Any rumours about a release date?

Late this year?

All That You Can’t…is half of a good album. Atomic Bomb is just that, a bomb.
Lets home Lanois can bring back that Achtung Baby creativity.

god, these guys are overrated these days. bono hasn’t been able to sing well since 1991, and the guys playing behind him haven’t done anything interesting musically since Pop.

I don’t understand why so many people love their last two albums. The songs on them are C+ versions of everything that was on The Joshua Tree.

Danny and Brian plus U2 make by far their best music. Let’s be honest, since Achtung, they have gone steadily downward-and I’m a HUGE fan! Let’s get some darkness back-and Rock again!

agree wholeheartedly w/ killing floor. i used to adore u2, but I think I’m about the only one who thought Atomic Bomb was a huge disappoitnment and Zooropa, on some days, is their best. I really liked All That You Can’t, but Bomb made me like it less, acutally, because it seemed like a retread of what they’d already done. I’m hopeful for the Eno/Lanois reunion. Eno’s legendary.

I agree a lot with the above.
But Rick is the best producer the last decade, so that would really be a thrill. Although i wasent that exited about the last 2 singles …
Well, just bring it on…
U2, THE BEST BAND IN THE WORLD.. Ever.
Tim Lykkehus

I hope they rock a little more on the new material. I’m sick of all the adult contemporary/light rock/pop songs that have made up the bulk of their last couple of albums. Craft the songs with Lanois and Eno, and then record them with Rubin and make them rock!

YES BRIAN AND DANIEL ARE BACK!!! YAAYY!! Not that I don’t like Rick, it’s just that Brian and Daniel are better with a band like U2!

YES BRIAN AND DANIEL ARE BACK!!! YAAYY!! Not that I don’t like Rick, it’s just that Brian and Daniel are better with a band like U2!

YES BRIAN AND DANIEL ARE BACK!!! YAAYY!! Not that I don’t like Rick, it’s just that Brian and Daniel are better with a band like U2!

They are great, I must admit.

Spider-Man on Broadway? Theatre is dead.

I guess we can expect the same. Pop friendly top 10 hit, song about a dead relative, song about a location, song with a really long title, few grammy nods, four star RS review. I would like to see something completley different but U2 at this stage are stagnant and don’t want to upset anyone

I hope they aren’t doing more of the same……..c’mon guys, let’s have something different for once…where’s the creativity gone? Radio hits aren’t where it’s at….where’s the ‘Exit’/'Bullet the../Babyface type of songs?

U2 + Eno and Lanois = The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can’t Leave Behind and The Unforgettable Fire. Wow…can you say, “Legendary Albums.”

The new one should be good.

All that you can’t leave behind a classic????

After the terrible How to Dismantle an Atomic bomb I am not that excited about U2’s new album. They have just become a big commercial package who live on past glories & haven’t done anything note worthy since 1991!!!