Released: 2014

Genres: Pop Rock

The Musiquarium’s No Line on the Horizon Album Score: 3/5

Working with frequent collaborators Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois and Steve Lillywhite, and inspired by recording in Morocco, No Line on the Horizon should sound more exotic and exciting than it actually is, especially since the band had originally intended to make something experimental.

The album starts out somewhat strong with the title track and its Achtung Baby-like production. Moment of Surrender is seven and a half minutes-long, with a prominent Adam Clayton bassline that’s reminiscent of the under-appreciated Zooropa track, Some Days Are Better Than Others. The Edge gets a lot of guitar licks in on Unknown Caller. Lead single Get On Your Boots is one of U2’s more polarizing singles and though it has some groovy bass guitar and a catchy bridge, it’s held back by a supremely lame chorus (“get on your boots, sexy boots”) and some terrible lyrics like, “I got a submarine, you’ve got gasoline”.

FEZ – Being Born is one of the slightly more experimental tracks here, with its title referencing the city in Morocco where album sessions took place. Bono’s vocals are a bit obnoxious on Stand Up Comedy, but fortunately, The Edge’s guitar work balances it out. White as Snow is based on a traditional Irish song and is one of the more poignant tracks, with lyrics from the perspective of a dying soldier. Cedars of Lebanon is a somber closer.

The production on No Line on the Horizon is an improvement from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, though I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a better record than its predecessor was, as it’s still quite safe and rather forgettable.

For credit breakdowns and historic release details, view U2 on Discogs.

Back to the 2009 Album Guide or the U2 Album page

Written by Brett Nippard