No Line On The Horizon
by U2
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 409 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 324 out of 409
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 409
  3. Negative: 43 out of 409

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  1. JalexD
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    This is, in my opinion, U2's second best album, the best album I've heard in at least half a decade, and one of the greatest records ever.
  2. SebH
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    It worries me that this is missing several major publications - Blender and Q gave it 5 stars, Mojo, Uncut gave it 4. I reckon this is their best since Achtung Baby, seriously, because it pushes sonically, has some killer tunes and features the band not taking themselves seriously for the first time since Pop. The title track, Magnificent, Moment Of Surrender, Crazy Tonight, FEZ, Breathe It worries me that this is missing several major publications - Blender and Q gave it 5 stars, Mojo, Uncut gave it 4. I reckon this is their best since Achtung Baby, seriously, because it pushes sonically, has some killer tunes and features the band not taking themselves seriously for the first time since Pop. The title track, Magnificent, Moment Of Surrender, Crazy Tonight, FEZ, Breathe and Cedars Of Lebanon all stand out but everything here is top notch quality. The only slight misfire is the midlife-crisis level Get On Your Boots, but it's at least a killer tune, and everything else is head-and-shoulders above. Excellent album, I love it as much as U2's other best.… Expand
  3. GautamM
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Joshua Tree is the best album ever made.Period.But inspite of this..i cant give this anything less than a 10.I wouldn't say this is a absolutely new and redefined U2...but lets face it..we never wanted or expected that.This is U2's soaring music at its best.Bono's ever briliiant lyrics(although a lot cryptic this time around),Edge's reinvented guitar melodies(referring Joshua Tree is the best album ever made.Period.But inspite of this..i cant give this anything less than a 10.I wouldn't say this is a absolutely new and redefined U2...but lets face it..we never wanted or expected that.This is U2's soaring music at its best.Bono's ever briliiant lyrics(although a lot cryptic this time around),Edge's reinvented guitar melodies(referring to Get on Your Boots,Magnificent,Breathe and unknown caller),larry mullen's up front drumming,and adam clayton's ever present,every important bass lines really make this a joy to listen to.except 'get on your boots'(which isnt really a bad track..but definitely not a great one)...the rest of the tracks are absolutely MIND BLOWING...classic U2 with a twist..but unchanged to a large extent.A must hear... P.S...recommended tracks...'magnificent','unknown caller','breathe','white as snow'.… Expand
  4. MihaiV
    May 24, 2009
    10
    A masterpiece.
  5. TS
    Aug 6, 2009
    10
    It comes down to patience, and, yes, overlooking the fact that the only forgettable song was their lead single (as so many have said before). Give it a few listens and this album will seriously grow on you. Get into Breathe, and Go Crazy.
  6. AdeelT
    Mar 24, 2009
    10
    without doubt U2's least immediate album, and also one of the best! i think the lack of immediacy is the only reason for some of the lukewarm reviews of this album. if ppl hav more patience with it, they'd realize wat a masterpiece this is!
  7. MarkW
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    A genuine and trenchant reflection on uncertain times; fascinating from start to finish. Rarely does an album unabashedly express the confidence of its artist while simultaneously exhibiting their humble vulnerability. U2's best since "Achtung Baby."
  8. ChrisJ
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    No Line On The Horizon is a fantastic return from U2. It's a perfect mixture of classic sounds and U2 experimenting into uncharted territory.
  9. DonalM
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    Best U2 album in 10 years. They might not be experimenting as much as we would like them too, but try "Breathe", "Unknown Caller" and "No Line On The Horizon" and you have 3 tracks which venture into sonic terrotories not explored before. This is way better than their last 2 albums which were "safe" to a large extent. Standout tracks are "Unknown Caller", "Breathe" and "Magnificent".
  10. MattB
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    I was hoping U2 would make a turn like this after Atomic Bomb. This album isn't going to get a lot of air play or win many grammys, but this one is more balanced and musically, more amazing, than their last two. This doesn't play on your emotions as much as those. It just rocks! More like Achtung, Baby.
  11. JamesA
    Mar 6, 2009
    10
    Not sure if its their best, but its one of their best in my opinion. People who listen casually will miss a lot - nuances like the outro to Unknown Caller that references Ennio Morricone's theme to the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, which sets up the proto-western intro to White As Snow. Or the vocal device of using choral backing parts (e.g., the high Oh, Oh, Ohs) to tie together Not sure if its their best, but its one of their best in my opinion. People who listen casually will miss a lot - nuances like the outro to Unknown Caller that references Ennio Morricone's theme to the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, which sets up the proto-western intro to White As Snow. Or the vocal device of using choral backing parts (e.g., the high Oh, Oh, Ohs) to tie together Moment of Surrender, Unknown Caller and White as Snow. In many ways, the album employees musical motifs to tie the songs together in the same way a movie editor will use visuals/audio cues to tie scenes together. This album deserves your undivided attention when you listen to - it has an emotional arc, and in that way is very cinematic. F'n brilliant!… Expand
  12. DavidM
    Mar 9, 2009
    10
    Long time U2 fan, not very happy with the last U2 albums found a little boring. But this has not left my CD player since I got. I find a little bit from there magnificient 30 year career on this album. By the way who WTF is the Austin Chronicle or Now Magazine or LA Times or The Guardian got ot do with music reviews - should this page only be from music magazines/paers - by the way the Long time U2 fan, not very happy with the last U2 albums found a little boring. But this has not left my CD player since I got. I find a little bit from there magnificient 30 year career on this album. By the way who WTF is the Austin Chronicle or Now Magazine or LA Times or The Guardian got ot do with music reviews - should this page only be from music magazines/paers - by the way the Sunday Mail in Adelaide (Austin sister city) gave it 4/5 if you want to add that yo your list of insignificant newspaper reviews.… Expand
  13. MattK
    Apr 11, 2009
    10
    A great album from U2. I don't understand the U2 haters or why some people have been so down on this album. A band that wants to push themselves artistically and still reach a large audience with their music earns the wrath of both ends of the music spectrum I guess. "Moment of Surrender" "Unknown Caller" "Magnificent" and "No Line on the Horizon" are all great songs and the standout A great album from U2. I don't understand the U2 haters or why some people have been so down on this album. A band that wants to push themselves artistically and still reach a large audience with their music earns the wrath of both ends of the music spectrum I guess. "Moment of Surrender" "Unknown Caller" "Magnificent" and "No Line on the Horizon" are all great songs and the standout tracks on this album. "Breathe" "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" and "Fez-Being Born" are also very solid tracks that are welcome additions to U2's already impressive catalog. An album well-worth owning.… Expand
  14. GavinD.
    Apr 3, 2009
    10
    Fantastic album! Their best yet.
  15. CalebS
    May 4, 2009
    10
    I found this review in the RS readers' reviews and felt like I couldn't say it any better: Well, I see U2 still inspire as much diversity of opinion as when "BOY" debuted nearly 30 years ago. I recall an old pal of mine bursting into my apartment spurting something about "The greatest thing he'd ever heard..." Immediately skeptical, I gave it a whirl and realized he'd I found this review in the RS readers' reviews and felt like I couldn't say it any better: Well, I see U2 still inspire as much diversity of opinion as when "BOY" debuted nearly 30 years ago. I recall an old pal of mine bursting into my apartment spurting something about "The greatest thing he'd ever heard..." Immediately skeptical, I gave it a whirl and realized he'd probably been given to understatement.... After listening to "No LIne On The Horizon" repeatedly in my car, IPOD, indeed anywhere I can, let me tell you: it's not only the greatest work I've ever heard from them; it's also the greatest, most mature work of art I've heard from since REVOLVER. Look, as Mr. Fricke (doubtless) understands, it takes a certain degree of musical (and life) experience, maturity and sophistication as a LISTENER to "get" this wonderful work. If you possess those qualities, then, for you (and me) at least, you'll "feel" this long-awaited masterpiece truly is Magnificent.… Expand
  16. MariaC
    May 7, 2009
    10
    Just a great band can creat a great CD!!!! the best ever.
  17. DaveM
    Oct 7, 2009
    10
    This is an AWESOME album. Without a doubt the album of the year. I cant think of any other band that can put out an album such as this.
  18. BH
    Mar 10, 2009
    10
    Masterpiece. Getting better and better with every listen... Some of the the included reviews on Metacritic are laughably pathetic particularly those of Pitchfork and Now magazine. It's a shame to see such drivel dragging down the overall rating. this album should be placed at least in the 80's But hey, who cares what those hipsters think when the actual experience of listening Masterpiece. Getting better and better with every listen... Some of the the included reviews on Metacritic are laughably pathetic particularly those of Pitchfork and Now magazine. It's a shame to see such drivel dragging down the overall rating. this album should be placed at least in the 80's But hey, who cares what those hipsters think when the actual experience of listening to this record is so mindblowing, uplifting, emotional and addictive... it's their loss...… Expand
  19. MihaiV
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    A masterpiece.
  20. ColeT
    Mar 14, 2009
    10
    Absolutely shockingly good album! I haven't heard an album this great in it's grip and amazing production in ages! Definitely the best album of 2009 thus far.
  21. MarsB
    Mar 26, 2009
    10
    Great Album!
  22. DarenW
    Mar 26, 2009
    10
    Nick S, I'm right there with you, I've been a fan since War, early 80's, my college days... I wasn't expecting a whole complete album where every song is great, I was expecting a few, like their most recent. The first listen, hum, no bad... But after 10 listens, I can't get enough, it definitely grows on you, those are the best kind... Each song is unique... Nick S, I'm right there with you, I've been a fan since War, early 80's, my college days... I wasn't expecting a whole complete album where every song is great, I was expecting a few, like their most recent. The first listen, hum, no bad... But after 10 listens, I can't get enough, it definitely grows on you, those are the best kind... Each song is unique... It's the best since Joshua Tree, but I'm now lending "that it's their best"! I bought the CD now I'm buying the Vinyl! U2 is back, never gone away just back to the top of my list... I'm excited to hear the next album is already done!!… Expand
  23. ChrisW
    Mar 3, 2009
    10
    This album sits nicely in between Achtung Baby and Zooropa and is successful on what Pop had aspired to be. This is not ATYCLB or HTDAAB for sure but it's still VERY U2. Personally, three tracks have me shrugging my shoulders, but otherwise, 8 songs knock it out of the park. Why a 10 then, because they knock those 8 songs waaayy out of the park.
  24. BrianT
    Apr 25, 2009
    10
    I've been listening to this album for a month--and I still love it!
  25. andream
    Jun 21, 2009
    10
    U2 want to move along again. This is the end of another trilogy of albums that come from the same inspirational and tactical vein. It is very clear that being one of the biggest band out there requires a lot of planning, and that was evident in the last album. For this new effort, U2 do not play it safe, they are willing to risk. Will the risk pay off? I think so.
  26. TiagoA.
    Sep 13, 2009
    10
    Beautiful record.
  27. GeorgeM
    Dec 26, 2009
    10
    Takes a few listens, but worth it. Maybe not their best, but above average and better than most other 2009 recordings.
  28. CesarE
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    Awesome album, the best since Achtung Baby... You need listen it, ten or twenty times to dig in, then SHWOOOSH !!, You will be blown away.
  29. RyanS
    Mar 11, 2009
    10
    No Line On The Horizon is amazing album. U2 can make great music after 30 years. Great album from great band. Inteligent and mature rock and roll! Best songs in my opinion: I´ll go crazy..., Stand Up, Breathe, Moment of Surrender, No Line On The Horizon and beautiful Unknown Caller and White as Snow.
  30. SteveA
    Mar 17, 2009
    10
    NLotH is U2's best release yet. Better than Achtung Baby. Better than Joshua Tree. Seriously. This album is on constant rotation and I can't get enough of it. Lyrically and musically this is a defining moment for U2. 'Fez- Being Born'? More like U2- Being reborn.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2009
60
#60 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. Los Angeles Times
    75
    No Line on the Horizon partakes of that romance by trying to expose its inner workings. It's risky to expose those delineations; as the band said long ago, it's like trying to throw your arms around the world. But the effort has its payoffs.
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  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    As far as exploration goes, U2 seem to have finally found what they were looking for.
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  3. AllMusic
    60
    Upon first listen, No Line on the Horizon seems as if it would be a classic grower, an album that makes sense with repeated spins, but that repetition only makes the album more elusive, revealing not that U2 went into the studio with a dense, complicated blueprint, but rather, they had no plan at all.
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