Truly, I went in using my U2 measuring tool to see how good, excuse me, great this album is. It served to no purpose. This album is honestly difficult to compare to U2's other *cough* master *cough* works. Reviewers might declare this is U2's most disappointing album ever. It isn't. It might not be a classic U2 album. However, if this album was U2's debut album it would be declared as extremely genius and, may I be bold, the best album of 2009. But it's U2, and everybody, well almost, knows them and they expect them to push the envelope even further. U2 on Mars! But seriously, this is a great album. Give it a chance. They'll eventually make it up to you, if you are truly disappointed (ugh!). What makes me rest easy is that for them, there's no line on the horizon (yes pun intended!)… Expand

This record is absolute rubbish! When I compare it to the landmark and groundbreaking records: Unforgettable Fire, October, War, Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby or Zooropa and even Pop... However, compared to ATYCLB and HTDAAB it looks relatively favourable - but then that's not really saying much is it now??? The vocal yelps and squelches that pass for melodies on the vast majority of the tracks are absolutely horrific! "I'll go crazy if I don't go *CRAZY* tonight"??? "I was punching in the numbers.. at the ATM machine..." ??? What is this drivel??? Ouch... it makes me whince when I listen to this stuff. I had to put on Promenade, Indian Summer Sky, etc... on directly after hearing this record to clean my poor ears out and also to remind me of Bono's once (and still) undeniable power, agility and sensitivity (towards a song) as the worlds leading stadium rock vocalist. The vocals are bad yes, but what is worse are his cheap and corny lyrics!!! Which at best are passe and insincere and at worst totally cliche and utterly bland, meaningless and mind numbingly stupid/downright silly! The guitar work too leaves a lot to be desired... The once sonourous Edge finds himself reaching hamfistedly into his ol' "bag of tricks" and rehashing the once instantly recognisable Edge riffs and sounding like a very very tired and "edgeless" copy of the U2 of the past. They have failed to impress completely on this record. Even more so than the previous 2 abortions of records.. They get a 1 simply for being U2.… Expand

Best album since Achtung Baby, I almost feel embarrased for liking the last two albums, this is so far beyond musically, conceptually and vocally.

I have been following U2 closely since "Under A Blood Red Sky". I've soared through the highs of "Joshua", "Achtung", and "ATYCLB" and been disillusioned by "Zooropa" and "Pop". This is, without question, the group's most impressive release. They have never sounded so focused and cohesive from start to finish; there's not a weak song in the bunch! I'd list the standout songs, but I couldn't leave anything off. Even their best works have not been so consistently good as "No Line on the Horizon". For those put off by "Get On Your Boots" (admittedly, it took a few listens for it to really grow on me), try "Magnificent", "I'll Go Crazy", and "Breathe" for the U2 you know and love. This is a satisfying blend of all their post "Rattle and Hum" styles.… Expand

Great album. just because it isn't as good as achtung baby doesn't mean it's a bad album. catchy songs and very well written lyrics.

Takes a few listens at first I was disappointed but that's expected as it''s really hard to judge the best band on the planet from one session. And they did not disappoint. All songs may become classics in the U2 fan base and even the "get on your boots" sounds better than before. I think that's what happens when expectations are so high. I believe their best since Achtung. And Achtung is masterpiece. I'm not sure if it will reach that high. Only time will tell. In my opinion Joshua was the album of the 80's , Achtung the 90's ( best ever period!!) and now possibly this decades best album!. Its been a long 18 years. Welcome back guys! I give it 9.5 now but too early to tell.… Expand

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.

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

Their best since Achtung Baby! Throughout, it poses this counterfactual question: what would U2 have sounded like had they explored more fully the sounds of Zooropa and Passengers, rather than going on to record Pop, ATYCLB, and HTDAAB? No Line on the Horizon answers with a strong atmospheric collection of songs that is less melodic than their last two works, but also more melodically complex and lyrically interesting. Make no mistake, this album hardly deserves to be described as "experimental" pace some early press musings, especially compared with their 90s output, to say nothing of Brian Eno's solo work. But No Line on the Horizon is nevertheless clearly the product of a restless band that takes its art (if not always themselves) very very seriously. The album is in roughly three sections: a heavy, ambient-driven opening of four tracks, a more accessible "pop" core of three songs, and a mostly meditative four track finale. The first and last parts are what make the album extraordinary. "Magnificent" and "Breathe" are U2 par-excellence and bound straight for the live set. "Moment of Surrender," "White as Snow," and "Cedars of Lebanon" are slower, more deliberate, and -- especially the last two -- among the most intimate songs U2 have ever recorded, a rare trifecta of growers from a band that seemed to prefer pop craftsmanship this decade. "Unknown Caller" and "FEZ - Being Born" are more heavily influenced by producer Brian Eno and are indispensable to the atmospherics of the album, even if you'll never hear them as radio singles. The weakest section is the middle, which contains the first single, "Get On Your Boots," either an odd or brilliant choice, given that it's utterly unrepresentative of the album. Still, it's a swinging, buzzing, raucous anti-political anthem, if a bit meandering in its imagery. Not quite as successful is "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight," with its catchy will.i.am production and soaring chorus, but verses that leaves you with a feeling of having read a thousand Hallmark cards. And finally, the album's only real dud, "Stand Up Comedy," which admirably tries to be self-deprecating but does so with such gauche phrasings and platitudes that you can't help but hate Bono for ruining a perfectly good Led Zeppelinesque guitar hook. If anything, though, these reservations only put the brilliant bits in greater contrast, and remind the listener that No Line on the Horizon, while not at all perfect, is a remarkable work in its own right, let alone when you consider that it's coming from a band that formed 33 years ago.… Expand

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

U2 refurnished itself with all u can leave behind, Now the cracks are showing, ehey tried to get back to their earlier work but they realy lost the way, how could they produce something like this? also Brian Eno i dont understand, with his status produce a patchwork of what? the only goold thing that 2 songs remind of the unforgetable fire, but u can't go back in time, eventhough yr name is U2 and Bono they should not let him write lirics any more, maybe he can better write part 3 of the bible?… Expand

Boring, Embarrasing, Pedestrian etc. After all these years, these guys should have more to say than this. This record begs to end up in the $1.99 bin. It's so bland and directionless that it wouldn't even work as interesting background music. U2 has truly are the biggest band in the world, and with that, are guilty of all the trappings that come with global success, primarily laziness.

Just Great!!, except for a couple songs at the end of the album.

A masterpiece.

The worst u2 album....Dissappointing!...Yet they will get th Grammy bcoz its U2!!....!

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.

The fact that they still possess the ability to make great, original music as they approach their 50s is an achievement in itself, and No Line On The Horizon shows that producing a "new" album of regurgitated 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)'s, 'One's and 'Beautiful Day's is most certainly not on their agenda.

Perhaps not for the faint of mind (or those lacking in patience), but this album rewards repeated listening, and what Robert Fripp called "active listening" (a kind of participation on the part of the listener). The album has an overall mood, but many sub-moods throughout, and so many gorgeous moments. It also boasts one of U2's greatest recorded performances ever, "Moment of Surrender," which is an incredible post-post-modern gospel burner. There are no obvious hits (still not sure if "Get on Your Boots" belongs here), and this album (and it truly is that, a cohesive, long-player as opposed to a collection of singles) is most definitely hampered by the lack of context (liner notes, cover art) that comes with music downloading. This is a work that was meant to be heard in its entirety. It is a challenging work that rewards engagement. If nothing else, find a way to get "Moment of Surrender" into your heart. As U2, like all of us, struggles to come to grips with the disintegration of the music industry, live performance (not just concerts, but live contexts -- a mash-up of opera and dramatic presentation, along with streaming media etc) may be the way to go. The next album may be the rocker they started with Rick Rubin, but I for one am interested in the atmospherics promised by the rumored "Songs of Ascent" that, supposedly, would be culled from the "No Line" sessions. I envy U2 -- they have the freedom to do what they want artistically --they are the world's biggest and greatest independent band.… Expand

All the reviews seem to have a common argument: that this album needs time and repeated listening, and I couldn't agree more. A longtime U2, I was put off at first, but have come to believe Magnificent, Breathe, Boots and Cedars are some of their finest work. There will be haters, and I get the reasons why, but fans owe it to themselves to get friendly with this album.

Like every other U2 album worth listening to--indeed, like every album destined to last beyond the end of this year's season of American Idol--it must be savored to be enjoyed. Listen to it 5 times through before making a decision. And then you won't have to.

NLOTH is a Eno-Lanois-U2 band trying to do the things the right way...sometimes they miss the target, but still there are some classics!

Rolling stone said this was their best album since Achtung Baby. It’s not. It’s not better than All That You Can’t Leave Behind (a career low for them) or How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. It’s as good as, which is to say not very by U2’s own standards. The problem the band have is that everything from Unforgettable Fire through to Zooropa set the bar so high, even they can’t reach it now. Let’s face it, there’ll never be another Achtung Baby. And if you want experimentalism, go for the aforementioned Unforgettable Fire or Zooropa. On those two discs they really did try new things, but on Horizon it’s just U2 by numbers.… Expand

First off, I must admit that I am a U2 fanatic. They have touched me deeply for 26 years (a fan since the "War" album) and have proven time and again that they aspire to the creation of art. This is the rarest of aspirations in popular music and must be commended. That being said, I don't know if I'm capable of judging their music on an impartial basis. Being a fan for so long, I take personal pride in their accomplishments. I feel especially proud to see them, after 30 years, still challenging themselves to create vital, relevant music. They feel the need to prove themselves worthy of the mantle "Biggest Band In The World" every time they record a new album, and it is us, the listeners, who benefit from their drive. 30 years on, and we have never been given a half-assed going-thru-the-motions album. This fact alone is unprecedented in the history of popular music. No other band or artist has been as consistently on the top of their game for as long without releasing the occasional "stinker". OK, so I've said what I wanted to say - now, is the album any good? YES! From the first moments of the track "No Line On The Horizon", you realize that this group of songs (and their performances) are a notch above the last 2 albums. There is an energy and a freshness of musicians half their age. The music sounds truly thrilling for the first time since "Zooropa". "Magnificent" is obviously another song about Bono's deceased mother, and I'm truly surprised that no one has picked up on this yet. He's been writing hymns to her since "Out Of Control" and "I Will Follow", and this is just the latest installment. "Moment Of Surrender" is next, and props must be given to Mr. Adam Clayton. When the bass-line kicks in, this piece of music is instantly given focus and becomes a song. Also, the best chorus they've written in years. "Unknown Caller" is, in my opinion, their greatest moment on record since "Ultraviolet". The strains of "Sunshine, Sunshine" in the intro feels like something off "The Unforgettable Fire", and you instantly are reminded that there is no other band better at creating and sustaining a mood. It then drops to a minor key and we are in the middle of the narrator's crisis. The best moment of this song, however, is still 3 minutes away. The monotone chorus gives way to a pipe organ, which then gives way to french horns, which then gives way to an ecstatic guitar solo. This is songwriting of the highest level, and the argument for their continued existence as a relevant band is complete. Anyone making music of this calibre must continue to make music. I don't want to discuss every track, but there are a couple more that need mentioning. "Breathe" is thrilling and sounds like nothing they have ever done. This will surely be a live favorite. Oh yeah, and if you listen closely there are those french horns again. And the closing track, "Cedars Of Lebanon", is another masterpiece of mood. Again, the desperate narrator lets us inside his head, and the results are chilling. Word is that the next album is already done (having recorded so many songs over the last two years) and will be called "Songs Of Ascent". I can't wait. May they continue to write and record for years to come. This album just bought them 10 more years.… Expand

It's a grower, the first single misrepresents the album in that most singles have to create immediate impact but it's the wrong impression I think. The rest of the album, apart from magnificent, all take time to create an impression. From what I've read, the album spent a huge amount of time being produced. This tells and as you listen to the album more, you get to appreciate the nuances of the blends and suddenly you're hearing brilliance where you hadn't previously heard it. It's an album that stands up as a motley crue of brilliant tracks.… Expand

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!

I listened to this and was initially unsure, but the more I have listened the more hooked I have become. NLOTH is a great great album. If you dont like it you probably dont like U2 anyway.

U2 has sculpted a sound, a sound that lays the foundation of their best albums. It's big while being intimate, ethereal while being straightforward. It goes with their ever teetering on the line between spiritual searching and political questioning with hedonism and rock star trappings. It's all here on this album. Moments of familiar brilliance coupled with Eno's sonic searching. I like it, I may be sycophantic about this band, but I'm willing to call a Pop a Pop. Listen number four here I come.… Expand

Far far better than Atomic Bomb, however unfortunately the metascore doesn't really reflect that. The first single, Boots, is atrocious, however every other song on the album is a slice of heaven.

The best album since 1993 Zooropa. U2 in No line on the horizon sounds 100% sincerely like 1991 Achtung Baby. The album propose a particular & personal view of diferents themes: love, society, pain, life memoirs, globalization, etc... the album it's not pretentious it's a personal view. It's a sincere all band album.

There are only three songs,ruining this great record!Moment of Surrender,I'll go crazy and Stand Up Comedy do not match the aesthetics of this album that's too close to a masterpiece!

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."

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.

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".

I have been a big U2 fan since Achtung Baby. There was no doubt I would buy this album, got it as soon as it came out and played it while having visitors all night long in the background. Nothing stuck... nothing jumped out... nothing even reminded any of us we were listening to music. We the all draw the same conclusion: hotel lobby music.

I did something yesterday that I hadn't done with any U2 album since 'Achtung Baby' -- listened to it non-stop for the better part of a day. No, it is not a classic, and I would not put this on par with 'Joshua Tree' or 'Achtung Baby', but it is very, very good, and I think it surpasses the previous two records by a mile. This time around, I get why we fuss over U2. If it weren't for a couple of skip worthy tracks toward the end, it would be a classic.… Expand

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.

Overproduced, mediocre generi-pop. sounds like they took ever U2 album since Joshua Tree, threw in a blender, and what poured out was this acoustical pap. Sad to believe this is the same band that gave us the albums War and Joshua Tree. Now they're just a completely over-comericialized sellout band today.

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

This album is a masterpiece! It takes lot of courage to explore new things when millions of people expect nothing but the best from them and they have delivered it. Songs like 'cedars of lebanon' & 'white as now' are melodic tracks that will grow on you with each listen & so does 'Unknown caller'. But i happen to be amazed by the songs 'Magnificent','Breathe' & 'Stand up comedy'. Edge is incredible with the riffs in these songs & Bono has never sounded better before. But yes the first time i heard '...Boots' i was baffled by its mediocrity & after the release & listening to 'Magnificent' i'm even more baffled as to why did'nt they use 'magnificent instead of boots as the pre-release single. Neverthless overall the album delivers & i can't wait to hear the songs when they sing them live in concert.… Expand

Hatred for U2 keeps escalating. Our culture dislikes anyone who stays in the limelight too long. We consider it to be obnoxious. As he is well aware, Bono can be overbearing, but, unlike some other bands and celebrities, U2 and Bono are still worth the attention. The group does have a vision on NLOTH. Beginning their recording in Fez, Morocco and layering the U2 sound with African rhythms, Bono and company create an energy for the new global consciousness being born at the tip of Africa. Bono wails throughout the album like a triumphant new born, and the band provides a majestic platform for Bono's voice to be heard. The album is a compelling vision of resignation of power and assertion. It is a call for Americans to think of their role as a nation to be more like that of Obi-wan than Luke. That is certainly a new way of thinking. U2 has been around for 33 years. The group knows what the band is about and the sound they wish to produce. So, of course, NLOTH is reminiscent of past albums, but it comprises of fresh new sounds and some of their most stirring songs in years that reveal secrets over time. The best of them are the title track, "Magnificent," "Unknown Caller," "Fez-being born," and "Cedars of Lebonon." Bono's velvet and soulful voice is the best it has been in years. It comes close but never comes off as showy. Still, the album could have been even better if his band mates joined him more often in the chorus. That might have helped the overall collection of songs come together as a unified whole. A masterpiece demands and sustains attention. NLOTH achieves the first but not quite the second. Not many other bands are coming anywhere to this. I guess that's cause for envy.… Expand

Apart from a couple songs (the first two), this is a pretty boring album, which is sad considering their last one was insipid as well. At least they are trying to mix things up a little with their sound. But the hooks and songs just aren't here. Too bad.

Of albums past by U2, Horizon reminds me most of Achtung in that it features the "ultra-layered-ness" and darkness (on some tracks). It's hard to tell what this album will sound like in the future after years of listening. For now, It feels like a cross between ATYCLB and Achtung Baby, which is fine with me. As a long-time U2 fan, Unknown Caller and Fez alone are worth the price of admission.… Expand

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

A pretty boring album overall. Great concept of experimentation, very poor songwriting. Maybe they'll do better next time, however this album makes me want to fall asleep, and not in the nice peaceful way a classical piano can, but in the bored way sitting in a lecture hall with a monotone professor can.

On a whole I'm giving it an 8. . . yesterday it was a 7 and the day before it was a 6. It's certainly growing on me the more I listen to it, but I was slightly disappointed (which given my high hopes is probably not unexpected) In reverse order: 11 - Cedars of Lebanon Oh my -- this is incredibly addictive and I am having trouble listening to the rest of the tracks (repeat, repeat, repeat) For me so far, this is the gem of the disc. I'm always amazed when the song is over since I feel like I need more. 10 - Breathe This has a this cadence that seems to drag me along the journey quite well, and the vocals are not nearly as screaming/jarring as some of the rest of the songs 9 - White as Snow This is forgettable and sometimes painful. The intro is far too long and doesn't get me into it. 8 - FEZ - Being Born There's something about this one that keeps me coming back. Strange but enticing. 7 - Stand Up Comedy Probably would have been my first choice for the first release (except maybe the title track) -- upbeat, catchy with a decent riff, and short enough for our declining attention span. Not my favorite, but fits the commercial bill. 6 - Get On Your Boots Confused about this one, even more so that they chose to release this one first. Seems misplaced and incomplete. I'm trying not to be annoyed by this one, but I'm not there yet. 5 - I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight This on has definitely grown on me. Still Bono is screaming more than singing here. 4 - Unknown Caller Long Intro again, and the vocals are monochromatic and almost chanting at times, not sure I'm understanding, but this one may have potential. 3 - Moment Of Surrender The lyrics are kinda working for me, and even the tune -- but Bono is just screaming it. Not sure I'm going to get past that for me on this one. I have found myself skipping this song more often than not. 2 - Magnificent I had assumed this was going to grab me with some pure raw upbeat emotion like Ultraviolet or Beautiful Day or Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own -- but for "magnificent" there's a sort of dreariness that drags this down, yet it is still somehow working for me. 1 - No Line On The Horizon I think this is a pretty strong opening tract and is somewhat catchy. The guitar riff is reminiscent of Achtung Baby. The chorus has stuck in my head and I find myself humming it occasionally.… Expand

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

Fantastic album! Their best yet.

Overall Great Album! Best song: Unkown caller "Wow" (I like the CD more every time I play it)

Synthetic U2, have some moments, what remind what u2 used to be, but lacking soul. Achtung Baby meets How To..., and the last one wins. U2, was it for love or $$$?

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

Just a great band can creat a great CD!!!! the best ever.

The album opens pretty strongly, in fact I really like five of the first six tracks. Unfortunately, there are three songs where they put their instruments on "bland" mode, a.k.a. Atomic Bomb settings - Crazy Tonight, Stand Up Comedy and Breathe. In these tracks Bono tries to overcompensate for the blandness by belting out the non-memorable lyrics, which doesn't help. Like the wretched Walk On, these safe songs sound like they were intended the make the album a catch-all for the casual fans, and really undermine U2's true spirit. Next album, I hope they leave the little piano sprinkles on the mixing room floor and focus on giving us something we haven't heard a million times before in a bar while shooting pool.… Expand

Very good, but takes a while to get used to. Kinda like POP in its level of inaccessibility. Definitely artier and more experimental than Atomic Bomb, but not as obscure and abstract as Passengers. I good, solid album that gets better with each listen.

This record is absolute rubbish! When I compare it to the landmark and groundbreaking records: Unforgettable Fire, October, War, Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby or Zooropa and even Pop... However, compared to ATYCLB and HTDAAB it looks relatively favourable - but then that's not really saying much is it now??? The vocal yelps and squelches that pass for melodies on the vast majority of the tracks are absolutely horrific! "I'll go crazy if I don't go *CRAZY* tonight"??? "I was punching in the numbers.. at the ATM machine..." ??? What is this drivel??? Ouch... it makes me whince when I listen to this stuff. I had to put on Promenade, Indian Summer Sky, etc... on directly after hearing this record to clean my poor ears out and also to remind me of Bono's once (and still) undeniable power, agility and sensitivity (towards a song) as the worlds leading stadium rock vocalist. The vocals are bad yes, but what is worse are his cheap and corny lyrics!!! Which at best are passe and insincere and at worst totally cliche and utterly bland, meaningless and mind numbingly stupid/downright silly! The guitar work too leaves a lot to be desired... The once sonourous Edge finds himself reaching hamfistedly into his ol' "bag of tricks" and rehashing the once instantly recognisable Edge riffs and sounding like a very very tired and "edgeless" copy of the U2 of the past. They have failed to impress completely on this record. Even more so than the previous 2 abortions of records.. They get a 1 simply for being U2.… Expand

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.

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

U2 is the MOST OVERRATED band EVER! They suck PERIOD. When I hear the words "Lame", "Bland", "Basic", i think of bands like U2 and Nickelback. Its such a shame to see these ultra crappy bands gain so much popularity when they come out with such filth. Thanks America for making people with sub-par musical filthy rich while all the true artist suffer. One of the many problems with this country. Like Ford cars.… Expand

Hated this album the first time i listened to it (felt like a 3) because I wanted more War or Joshua Tree, but let the album find its place....Get On Your Boots was annoying the first 10 listens or so....it does have some nice timing in the drum and bass sequences....what makes me like this album is the lyrics -- they grew on me after a while, if you can get past Bono's wailing....but listening to the instrumentals and not getting caught up in the hype of U2 and imagining that these songs are made to be played live too -- I can't help but get pumped-up....any other band can't do this, this is considered a great album by all if some no-name band writes it -- listen to the album a few times and don't force it....try to think of what you go through when you are going into your fifties and both of your parents are gone....the sound and the lyrics will come sooner or later!… Expand

Magnificent is a classic only U2 are capable of writing, while Breathe has the potential to be an all-time live favourite. Unknown Caller is the most adventurous track, a stunning arrangement that breaks new ground for U2, while Cedars of Lebanon is a shamelessly beautiful and intriguing closer.

A masterpiece.

Very good album. It reminds me when I listened Unforgettable Fire for the first time. Bad critics can't escape U2 hugeness when they review any of their albums. Always waiting to drag them down. You just have to sit down a list the music, although well produced it is direct and simple . Personally don’t care if U2 is greatest band ever or the biggest commercial success, I just love their music. Moment of Surrender is great. After 10 listening, this record is still growing in me.… Expand

At first listen, I liked most of the songs, but still wouldn't have rated it more than a 6. By my third listen, I was really into it. The musicianship of this band is amazing; as are the lyrics. It sounds like their last two albums but with alot of experimentation thrown in. Alot of reviews have said it didn't grab them on first listen. I agree. But it doesn't take long to suck you in either.… Expand

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.

U2 hasn't released a good album in 10 years. Their last 3 albums have all been complete garbage, yet people still fawn over them like they're producing stuff like Achtung Baby, Boy and the Joshua tree. I'll give it a 1 for the 2nd track alone, otherwise it's another complete waste of time. I haven't purchased a U2 album since All That You Can't Leave Behind and that one has sinced been thrown into the trash. A roomful of monkeys could have written better lyrics than the abortion that is Beautiful Day.… Expand

This is pure garbage for me, i miss The Joshua Tree, Rolling Stone, what happened to us?, 5 stars for this trash, I can't believe it.

Great Album! Best momments: No Line on The Horizon, Magnificent, Moment Of Surrender and Stand Up Comedy.

Great Album!

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�39;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

This album has surpassed my former fav album (The Unforgettable Fire) from U2. I have been with this band since Boy. Was not a big fan of the last two albums, though they were serviceable. This album is for men (or women)...not the hipsters at Pitchfork who cling to the "obscure = hip = talented = cool" equation. NLOTH delves into universal themes in a way that hits on a personal level. Aside from all the big themes, each song is full of amazing melodies, hooks and memorable musical lines. Each band member is in top form. And this album is an album...not a collection of singles or one-offs. It makes me want to listen to it from beginning to end, in its existing sequence. Well done.… Expand

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.

The opening 4 songs showcase U2's strength and at the same time, their desire to change their sound; Unknown Callers's weird lyric structure and delivery; No Line On the Horizon's atmospheric but dense guitars; the mournful Moment of Surrender; and Magnificent is, (wait for it) magnificent. The rest of the album is strong - the weird but haunting Fez - Being Born and the powerful crunch that is Breathe are already up there with U2 classics. To be short and sweet, it is an album that requires time to be loved. The album format as we know it is dead, but U2 revives this concept - creating the first true album in years.… Expand

I'm really digging this album!. The title track is great, but Magnificent is an instant classic. In total there are 8 amazing to really good tracks and only three throw aways. I'm not really taken with Unknown Caller, White As Snow or Cedars of Lebanon. I think NLOTH, Magnificent, I'll Go Crazy and Breathe all have single potential. And I really like the groove in Stand Up Comedy. Only time will tell how this will stack up against U2's other amazing offerings.… Expand

Fantastic album, but most definitely a grower. While some may dismiss this as more of the same, or as sounding "too U2", there is a depth and edginess here that was almost certainly missing on any album since Zooropa. The true strength in this work lies in the two-sided collaborations with both Eno/Lanois and Steve Lillywhite, giving this two distinct textures that blend together almost perfectly. While it can be tough to warm up to each jab these songs provide (and there is the occasional bit of tack, but then again it's Bono), this is easily one of the best albums I've heard all year, and most definitely one that is firmly muscling its way between "Achtung Baby" and "Joshua Tree" in the U2 pantheon. Watch this space.… Expand

This album takes a couple of listens for the most part. Magificent the 2nd song I had great expectations from on the first few notes. Great sound that gets better and better. Moment of Surrender nearly equal. The single Get On Your Boots did not overly impress me. I do find the album as a whole is a bit more produced than many. No sing along songs are included. This album calls out to be listened to loud with what some call U2-isms. Nonetheless it is almost as good as I hoped it would be.… Expand

More nauseatingly self-obsessd, boring drivel from rock's most overrated band (you're off the hook for now, Coldplay). At least the last two albums had one or two classic songs to guarantee at least partial redemption (Beautiful Day, City of Blinding Lights), this is just another failed attempt to make a 'modern' album (didn't they learn anything from "Pop"?), whith Bono becoming a more toe-curling lyricist by the song ("Playing with the fire/till the fire played with me"????)… Expand

U2 are the only band in the world that could have made this album, they are the only band in mainstream rock with bIg enough balls to do it. To unabashedly wear their religion on their sleeves and scream out loud about it. I’m by not any means a religious person. I rarely go to church, I don’t pray often, and I take the Lord’s name in vain more than I should. But I feel a very strong sense of church when I’m listening to this CD.… Expand

Puppet Show and U2. 2 out of 10 for two good songs, rest is either dull or both dull and lacking any tonality. After the last three albums, it is clear there is no way the boys will ascend again to an 'Achtung Baby' level. At least there will always be that.

Who could put all of those B-sided songs into an album? Energy level is no more than hum. Must be last album...songs are lame, music lame....I own almost all of their albums...this one...the should pay me to listen to. Seriously, do not waste your time or money.

Amazing Album!!

I've been listening to this album for a month--and I still love it!

An exciting diverse album with wonderful sound texture and an unexpected but perfect final song.

I love U2, but their latest offering is a bit of a let down. Far from a disaster, but a definite disappointment. Worth a listen, but don't expect to be blown away. Magnificent is brilliant however.

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.

The album sounds simultaneously overproduced and unfinished. It sounds fussed over and doesn't really come to life. The lyrics are really uninspiring. I love U2, but this one stinks.

Great Album diverse mixture of tracks, magnificent and fez clear highlights.

A couple of decent songs but far too many embarrassing, dull, or directionless moments for this to be considered a good album. It seems they are spending too much time trying to figure out where they can fit into the market and not enough time coming up with some worthwhile ideas.

Beautiful record.

Return to form after 10 years of safe filler.

There is enough brilliant tracks here to make this a must for U2 fans and a good bet for all others.

Takes a few listens, but worth it. Maybe not their best, but above average and better than most other 2009 recordings.

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.

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.

The harder they come, the harder they fall, one and all! It's Tir Na Nog for Ul2. Get your boots on but don't let them touch the ground when you come down.

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.

The worst album from U2, this album hurts me.

If you like U2 get it, it's a no brainer. If you are getting into U2 start with their older stuff (read comments below). If you don't like U2 stay away from it. I like U2 and they didn't blow it, therefore the cd is playing a lot in my house.

Their best album, in my opinion.

This is absolutely proof positive that the band believes it's own press. For a bit too long the band seems to have been under the impression that they can merely thump their chests and spew absurdities like Crazy Tonight and fans'll eat it up. Put this album up against a classic like All You Can't Leave Behind and it pales glaringly. It has it's moments but they are too few and too far between to save it from sheer mediocrity.… Expand