All That You Can't Leave Behind
by U2
  • Record Label: PolyGram
  • Release Date: Oct 31, 2000
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 161 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 134 out of 161
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 161
  3. Negative: 14 out of 161

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  1. Zaynhewsonjavad
    Apr 2, 2016
    10
    .................................................................................................Deserves from critics a +81% 'Universal Acclaim" Holy **** 79% is Bull ****
  2. SuchiB14
    Mar 7, 2019
    10
    After Pop (which f.y.i. was pretty trash) this album was just what U2 needed. The hits were extraordinary and the album as a whole was just amazing. This is the real U2. How can critics only come up with 7.9? Jeepers.
  3. le_one
    Jun 7, 2013
    10
    This is music. One of the best albums in history. Once you press the play button, you will not be able to stop it. If you have good taste, that is. It unleashes with breakthrough hit "Beautiful Day", a strong super-inspired track. A song that makes you feel. A song that touches. Just like "Walk On", the most deep song on the album. "Stuck In a Moment You Can't Get Out" and "Wild Honey"This is music. One of the best albums in history. Once you press the play button, you will not be able to stop it. If you have good taste, that is. It unleashes with breakthrough hit "Beautiful Day", a strong super-inspired track. A song that makes you feel. A song that touches. Just like "Walk On", the most deep song on the album. "Stuck In a Moment You Can't Get Out" and "Wild Honey" mark U2's best pop moment, with their "sweetness at all". "Elevation" is rock song of the album. It's moving and shaking. It's strong. "Kite" is just as deep and beautiful as "Beautiful Day" and "Walk On". "A Little While", a pretty romantic song. A song that only U2 could make. Actually, this album is an album that only U2 could make.

    The album moves into a dark zone. A "night zone", if you will. "Peace On Earth" and "When I Look At the World" have some of Bono's best lyrics, together with "New York", that strong track at the end of the album. So it all ends with quiet and calm "Grace", a beautiful meltdown. A beautiful closure to a beautiful album. And that feeling of willing for more. Willing to replay the entire album.

    This is U2's finest work. Their greatest moment musically. No one ever got close to music perfection as they did here.    … Expand
  4. House0fWolves_
    Dec 16, 2011
    10
    I grew up listening to this album. I cannot remember life before listening to any of these songs, and wish not to either. To those whom rate this with a zero, you have lost all respect from me.
  5. dharma
    Sep 28, 2012
    9
    One song encapsulates this album in my opinion, the single 'Walk On', one of their greatest song, albeit a bit under appreciated. Great album, a bit unbalanced (the first 4 songs were some of their best works, the rest not so..). Not in the same level as 'Joshua Tree' or 'Achtung Baby' but still a classic rock album.
  6. Avaliante
    May 30, 2013
    10
    Excelente Disco A 3 Obra Prima,Depois De The Joshua Tree E Achtung Baby.
    Top All That You Can't Leave Behind.
    1-Walk On
    2-Beautiful Day
    3-Kite
    4-Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
    5-When I Look At The World
  7. ZackA
    Apr 2, 2005
    10
    I thought it was timely and great!
  8. WilliamS
    Sep 21, 2004
    7
    Where is there diversity,this Album sounds and feels one-dimensional. beautiful Day may be their best song ever...
  9. JulianA
    Jul 28, 2006
    10
    After a decade of performing for crowds of nearly one-hundred thousand people, U2 released "All That You Can't leave Behind" taking off the layers guitar and effects, and going back to their roots in the 1980's. The effect is a straightforward, graceful, and compelling album. Every song stands out, and the band has never played better.
  10. AngelaJ.
    Sep 10, 2001
    10
    I absolutely love this cd! I like the fact that U2 has gone back to their basics. This album is chock full of strong and soulful songs that remind me of their beginnings in the 80's. Simple, yet strong lyrics and U2 is the best band ever!
  11. DavidM.
    Jul 5, 2002
    10
    Why pick at a really good album. Look at what's out there and then look at this album. In a time where back street and britney are #1 on the billboard, how can you say one bad thing about this album.
  12. JohnB
    Jun 4, 2005
    8
    A good album, if not anywhere near as good as their best. Beautiful Day is one of their best songs, and there are many strong tracks here. it's just.... not as cohesive or strong as a full album as Achtung Baby, The Joshua Tree, or The Unforgettable Fire. Anyway, anyone else find it a bit weird that there was a slew of 0 grades (0, really?) all proclaiming U2 to be sellouts? Whether A good album, if not anywhere near as good as their best. Beautiful Day is one of their best songs, and there are many strong tracks here. it's just.... not as cohesive or strong as a full album as Achtung Baby, The Joshua Tree, or The Unforgettable Fire. Anyway, anyone else find it a bit weird that there was a slew of 0 grades (0, really?) all proclaiming U2 to be sellouts? Whether they're sellouts is debatable, I just find it suspect that so many 0 grades were handed out in a row, all using the same predictable complaint, and the typical "what I say is final, period" type of reasoning.… Collapse
  13. SmokefreeRodriguez
    Jan 7, 2007
    9
    Some of the best songs of the last 10 years are on this CD--U2's best album since Joshua.
  14. Baconboy
    Jun 14, 2004
    10
    Through all the good and bad comments about U2, I have weathered them all and still come to the conclusion that you won't find as much substance in a so-called "Pop band" as you will in U2. Who else can conceive of such ambiguous lyrics that are so wordly, but yet hit home in your heart if you let them in? They are the most uncovered band in the world for a reason, they are so unique Through all the good and bad comments about U2, I have weathered them all and still come to the conclusion that you won't find as much substance in a so-called "Pop band" as you will in U2. Who else can conceive of such ambiguous lyrics that are so wordly, but yet hit home in your heart if you let them in? They are the most uncovered band in the world for a reason, they are so unique it hurts.… Expand
  15. MaryP.
    Jun 5, 2004
    7
    I've been a huge U2 fan since the '80s, and I don't understand all this "U2 going back to their roots" hype with ATYCLB. Sure, it's a solid album with some nice melodies, but I've come to expect just a little more than that from U2. Even the most emotional moments, such as "Kite," don't get under my skin the way songs from War, The Unforgettable Fire, The I've been a huge U2 fan since the '80s, and I don't understand all this "U2 going back to their roots" hype with ATYCLB. Sure, it's a solid album with some nice melodies, but I've come to expect just a little more than that from U2. Even the most emotional moments, such as "Kite," don't get under my skin the way songs from War, The Unforgettable Fire, The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby do. And the lyrics, for the most part, simply don't measure up to Bono's previous work. They almost ruin the otherwise fantastic "Elevation." My favorite tune here is probably "In A Little While." I have the feeling Bono always wanted to be a soul singer like Marvin Gaye or Otis Redding, and I'll be darned if he doesn't nearly pull it off on this track. Well, at any rate I'm glad the album was such a huge commercial success if for no other reason than it might get some younger people interested in U2 and hopefully inspire them to check out some of their earlier work. … Expand
  16. [Anonymous]
    Apr 26, 2005
    7
    The first half of this album would score a perfect 10 but once just past the halfway mark, it sounds more like U2 b-sides rather than album-quality material. Still, U2's b-sides are better than most bands' a-sides.
  17. AlbertoM
    Aug 16, 2005
    10
    By returning to their roots without loosing edge, they've crafted their best album since "Achtung Baby".
  18. MC
    Dec 30, 2006
    10
    for those who voted this badly- inexplicable how you could vote this zero, i can only imagine its for a bit of worthless attention because even a deaf rabbit could understand this is not as bad as you struggle to make out. Admittedly not their greatest, but even their average is fantastic and this isn't average. catchy, inspirational, excellently written, well produced and bloody for those who voted this badly- inexplicable how you could vote this zero, i can only imagine its for a bit of worthless attention because even a deaf rabbit could understand this is not as bad as you struggle to make out. Admittedly not their greatest, but even their average is fantastic and this isn't average. catchy, inspirational, excellently written, well produced and bloody enjoyable. If you have ever heard some of these songs live you will understand their brilliance, u2 continue to produce great records.… Expand
  19. KevF.
    May 22, 2007
    9
    This album has on it 2 tracks that for me mark highlights of U2's uniquely spiritual/soulful/philosophical take on the world they inhabit with the rest of us. Beautiful Day is song of soaring hope, faith, and reaching for something better. 'Take me that other place', a refrain which gives guttural voice to the experience of longing and hoping that expresses our humanity. This album has on it 2 tracks that for me mark highlights of U2's uniquely spiritual/soulful/philosophical take on the world they inhabit with the rest of us. Beautiful Day is song of soaring hope, faith, and reaching for something better. 'Take me that other place', a refrain which gives guttural voice to the experience of longing and hoping that expresses our humanity. That other place means many things to many people, but the needing to get there is the same for us all. Kite is an opus of loss and departure. Edge incredibly captures and expresses the deepest of all human emotion in this song, the why, the oh no, the heartbreak and the dignity of our fragile existence. Just listen to what he plays throughout the track. It's as moving as anything I have ever heard. Especially when you consider the lyric, and the background to the track, uncertainty, fragility, and the loss of Bono's father. This for me is why U2 are universally appealing. In a belting stadium sounding way, they are able to uniquely in my opinion, capture, experience and reflect human emotion. All of their albums contain much of the above, but this album, next to How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, represents this special band perfectly.… Expand
  20. PaulT
    Jan 25, 2010
    10
    A gorgeous, deeply inspiring collection of heartfelt music. U2 not only made a comeback with this album, they created a masterpiece that will lift your soul and break your heart. Bravo!
  21. Valentina
    Dec 5, 2001
    10
    I haven't to say many words, only: it's MAGIC MUSIC
  22. BB
    Nov 7, 2003
    9
    U2 is quite simply the best rock and roll band of all time. The rolling stones? Give me a beak. Maybe someday U2 will get the media attention they deserve. I am sick of hearing so much hype about the beatles and the rolling stones. U2, with there explosive popularity and awesome music making over the last 20 years, now deserves to be in the same class as those other bands. However, you U2 is quite simply the best rock and roll band of all time. The rolling stones? Give me a beak. Maybe someday U2 will get the media attention they deserve. I am sick of hearing so much hype about the beatles and the rolling stones. U2, with there explosive popularity and awesome music making over the last 20 years, now deserves to be in the same class as those other bands. However, you hardly here about them in the popular news media. The media must be run by 60 year old men.… Expand
  23. mickeyP
    Dec 5, 2003
    10
    U2 are STILL one of the greatest rock bands to ever emerge. This CD, as with all their others has the power to move it listeners. There are some uneducated people who will can only appreciate blunt music which pierces the eardrums. However U2 will continue to be one of the greatest bands this world has ever seen.
  24. mickeyP
    Dec 5, 2003
    10
    U2 are STILL one of the greatest rock bands to ever emerge. This CD, as with all their others has the power to move it listeners. There are some uneducated people who will can only appreciate blunt music which pierces the eardrums. However U2 will continue to be one of the greatest bands this world has ever seen.
  25. DaveM
    Mar 11, 2005
    10
    an absolute classic!!
  26. RH
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    U2 stripped to the essentials. Not what everyone was expecting, but one of the most moving albums I've ever heard. In fact, it's still the best of the current decade.
  27. anthonya
    Mar 29, 2006
    7
    a very solid collection of tunes in a simple back to basic style. Seems to be like an apology after years of wild experimentation. songs such as walk on and beautiful day, Kite, when i look at the world and in a little while are definite classics in their song book but awful lyrics in Peace on earth (where i grew up there weren't many trees, where was we tore them down to use them on a very solid collection of tunes in a simple back to basic style. Seems to be like an apology after years of wild experimentation. songs such as walk on and beautiful day, Kite, when i look at the world and in a little while are definite classics in their song book but awful lyrics in Peace on earth (where i grew up there weren't many trees, where was we tore them down to use them on our enemies) amongst other songs prevent this from being a great album. too many high and low.… Expand
  28. scottw.
    Aug 19, 2007
    10
    Every song on this album is fresh, vibrant and fool of life, and is done U2 style. One of U2s best and one of the best albums ever made. Its truly a pop rock album with lots of hits. Bono and the Edge show that they were fare from finished, in this big come back album for the band.
  29. j30
    Jan 30, 2012
    7
    All That You Can't Leave Behind is a timely album and important one. However it's hard to look away from the records short comings as a whole. Elevation and Wild Honey keeps the LP grounded from great status.
  30. clinteastwoo
    May 11, 2016
    10
    ................................................................................................................................................................U2 AT HIS Best
  31. Ricko
    Sep 13, 2017
    9
    After a decade of experimentation and the poor reception received by their last record "Pop", there was definite pressure on U2 to make an impression with this record. It sounds like they thrived on it. The opening sequence of tracks 1-4 is, along with The Joshua Tree, as strong as you'll ever find anywhere. "Walk On" the song from where the album gets its title, is up with their absoluteAfter a decade of experimentation and the poor reception received by their last record "Pop", there was definite pressure on U2 to make an impression with this record. It sounds like they thrived on it. The opening sequence of tracks 1-4 is, along with The Joshua Tree, as strong as you'll ever find anywhere. "Walk On" the song from where the album gets its title, is up with their absolute best work. The album maintains the quality for the most part with absolutely gems like "In a Little While" and "Wild Honey". "Peace on Earth" is a bit syrupy and struggles to achieve a sincere feel. It's not U2's most interesting or challenging albums but it's one of their best balls out rock records which at the time of release brought them back to centre stage and returned to them the status of biggest band in the world. Arguably the last great album they produced.… Expand
  32. AnalyDewa
    Mar 3, 2016
    7
    Fazendo alusão ao passeio que U2 teve no que vinha a anteceder o “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”, a banda irlandesa assume no título do seu novo trabalho que não deveria jamais abandonar o seu estilo presente em obras grandiosas como “Achtung Baby”, “The Unforgettable Fire” e “The Joshua Tree”. Aqui o rock característico da banda aparece de forma predominante, mas sem grandes novidadesFazendo alusão ao passeio que U2 teve no que vinha a anteceder o “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”, a banda irlandesa assume no título do seu novo trabalho que não deveria jamais abandonar o seu estilo presente em obras grandiosas como “Achtung Baby”, “The Unforgettable Fire” e “The Joshua Tree”. Aqui o rock característico da banda aparece de forma predominante, mas sem grandes novidades ou inovações. Os vestígios de música pop e eletrônica dos seus últimos discos “Zooropa” e “Pop” aparecem presentes em faixas como “Elevation”. O disco é bem politizado e chega a soar genérico (rimas de fly com sky) e talvez a melhor surpresa do álbum fica por conta da ótima “In A Little While”.… Expand
  33. brockcheese
    Oct 11, 2019
    8
    U2 definitely made this album a bit too poppy with a theme that seems to be mid life crisis. That being said all of the songs are bops and they find a way to imbue the music with so much energy.
  34. LoRevisor
    Dec 25, 2014
    10
    Excelente Disco A 3 Obra Prima,Depois De The Joshua Tree E Achtung Baby.
    Top All That You Can't Leave Behind.
    1-Walk On
    2-Beautiful Day
    3-Kite
    4-Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
    5-When I Look At The World
  35. Zanessa250QI
    Jul 6, 2015
    10
    100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000...................................................excelentissimo
  36. raciocinio
    Oct 21, 2015
    10
    ATYCLB 7.8 NLOTH 8.1 No.... No Line On The Horizon isn't better than this and isn't better than HTDAAB too... this album marks the return of sucess of U2.. An Amazing album with light songs....
  37. sicrano
    Apr 26, 2020
    10
    O Melhor álbum que o U2 Lançou depois do Achtung Baby (1991) e já estamos em 2020, 20 anos depois desse álbum, e o U2 não lançou nenhum álbum que conseguiu superar esse.

    Nem o excelente "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" (2004) conseguiu ser melhor que essa Obra-Prima de 2000. nem os ótimos "No Line On The Horizon" (2009) & "Songs of Innocence" (2014) conseguiram esse feito também.    O Melhor álbum que o U2 Lançou depois do Achtung Baby (1991) e já estamos em 2020, 20 anos depois desse álbum, e o U2 não lançou nenhum álbum que conseguiu superar esse.

    Nem o excelente "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" (2004) conseguiu ser melhor que essa Obra-Prima de 2000. nem os ótimos "No Line On The Horizon" (2009) & "Songs of Innocence" (2014) conseguiram esse feito também.

    All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000) é certamente o 3° melhor álbum da carreira extraordinária da banda U2, Só perde para o The Joshua Tree (1987) e Achtung Baby (1991).    … Expand
  38. Thenewone
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    These 14 negative reviews are irrelevant and fool Metacritic delete them...........................................................................................
  39. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    An incredibly life-affirming, refreshing listening experience that takes me back to the early 2000s in an instant, while also containing some of the band's greatest melodies.
  40. ASingh
    Sep 30, 2016
    9
    The end of a long line of U2 classics. As U2 releases disappointing albums now like No Line on the Horizon and How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb, it's nice to revisit an album full of expertly crafted pop rock.
  41. gigizayn
    Dec 22, 2016
    10
    All That You Can't Leave Behind Is the best U2 Album since Achtung Baby (1991)!!!!

    Great melodies & lyrics it's beautiful album, and a Beautiful achieviment to U2,
    It's a Beautiful Day for the History of U2!!!! Back at his best!!!!
  42. supertechne
    May 4, 2017
    8
    Very good album. Perhaps their 3rd best album behind Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby. Simpler sound that mimics their 80s sound, adds sincerity and emotional power. Most songs have memorable melodies and Bono's phrasing varies much more than Songs of Innocence.
  43. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 7, 2020
    8
    All That You Can’t Leave Behind by U2: 7.85

    Beautiful Day: 1 :) Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of: 1 Elevation: 1 :) Walk On: 1 :) Kite: 1 In A Little While: 0.75 Wild Honey: 1 Peace On Earth: 1 When I Look At The World: 1 :) New York: 0.75 Grace: 0.25 9.75/11 ~ .886 -> 7.85 With All That You Can’t Leave Behind, U2 has created another outstanding album. Almost all    All That You Can’t Leave Behind by U2: 7.85

    Beautiful Day: 1 :)
    Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of: 1
    Elevation: 1 :)
    Walk On: 1 :)
    Kite: 1
    In A Little While: 0.75
    Wild Honey: 1
    Peace On Earth: 1
    When I Look At The World: 1 :)
    New York: 0.75
    Grace: 0.25

    9.75/11 ~ .886 -> 7.85

    With All That You Can’t Leave Behind, U2 has created another outstanding album. Almost all of these songs were really good, but there are some standouts in this collection. Beautiful Day, Walk On, and Elevation are three of my absolute favorite songs, and I also really enjoyed Kite, which I had not heard in a long time. The only song I wasn’t crazy about was Grace. I liked its message, but the song never picked up musically, when I wish it would’ve. Besides that, I really liked what I heard. This is a splendid album, and all U2 fans should listen to it. Highlights: Beautiful Day, Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of, Elevation, Walk On, Kite, Wild Honey, Peace On Earth, and When I Look At The World.    … Expand
  44. Austerlitz
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    Dernier chef d'oeuvre de U2 à ce jour. Un disque d'une grande beauté. Quatre grands singles dont Beautiful Day, une des plus grandes chansons du groupe désormais.
  45. Dalmx
    Mar 23, 2021
    8
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  46. Cyb0rg
    Jun 16, 2023
    8
    "All That You Can't Leave Behind," marks a significant turning point in the band's discography. Departing from their experimental sound of the '90s, U2 takes a step back towards their signature rock anthems with a touch of modernity. The album blends emotional depth, introspective lyrics, and a polished production that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

    One of the    "All That You Can't Leave Behind," marks a significant turning point in the band's discography. Departing from their experimental sound of the '90s, U2 takes a step back towards their signature rock anthems with a touch of modernity. The album blends emotional depth, introspective lyrics, and a polished production that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

    One of the standout tracks on this album is the iconic hit single, "Beautiful Day." It's an uplifting and catchy anthem that encapsulates the album's overall theme of hope and resilience. The energy in this song is infectious, with Bono's soaring vocals and The Edge's melodic guitar hooks taking center stage. It's no wonder that "Beautiful Day" remains a staple in U2's live performances.

    "All That You Can't Leave Behind" showcases U2's ability to craft memorable hooks and choruses. Songs like "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" and "Elevation" have an irresistible quality, with their infectious melodies lingering in your mind long after the album ends. The band strikes a perfect balance between pop sensibilities and their trademark rock sound, resulting in tracks that are both radio-friendly and artistically satisfying.

    Lyrically, Bono delves into themes of personal introspection, love, and the struggles of the human condition. Tracks like "Walk On" and "Kite" exhibit a vulnerability rarely seen in U2's previous albums, showcasing the band's growth and maturity. The introspective lyrics combined with Bono's heartfelt delivery create a raw and emotional experience for the listener.

    While the album maintains a strong momentum throughout, there are a few moments where it falls slightly short. Some tracks, such as "Wild Honey" and "New York," lack the same level of impact and originality as the rest of the album. However, these minor shortcomings do not overshadow the overall strength and quality of the record.

    "All That You Can't Leave Behind" serves as a reminder of U2's ability to create timeless and anthemic music. It harkens back to their '80s glory days while incorporating a contemporary sound. The album strikes a delicate balance between familiarity and evolution, making it accessible to both die-hard fans and casual listeners.

    In conclusion, "All That You Can't Leave Behind" is a must-listen for any U2 enthusiast or rock music lover. It captures the essence of U2's signature sound while offering a glimpse into their introspective side. Despite a few minor missteps, the album remains a testament to the band's enduring talent and musical prowess. So, put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and embark on a nostalgic journey with U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind."    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best Album of 2000
6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2000
22
#22 Most Shared Album of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Q Magazine
    80
    Stepping outside of their natural environment ensured their longevity in the '90s, stepping back in seems to have given them a fresh boost. For all Zooropa and Pop's pushing of the envelope, limiting themselves to rock's core ingredients has given the band a new challenge. Certainly, not since The Joshua Tree have U2 sounded so like U2 but, with songs of this startling calibre, right now being U2 is no bad thing.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    80
    All That You Can't Leave Behind is a rock record from a band that absorbed all the elastic experimentation, studio trickery, dance flirtations, and genre bending of Achtung, Zooropa, and Pop -- all they've shed is the irony. U2 also chooses not to delve as darkly personal as they did on Achtung or Zooropa, yet they also avoid the alienating archness of Pop, choosing to return to the generous spirit that flowed through their best '80s records.
    Read full review
  3. Dot Music
    60
    Despite the almost universal hyperbole that has greeted 'All That You Can't Leave Behind', this is no masterpiece. Certainly not by U2's stratospheric standards.
    Read full review
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