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

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. Dalmx
    Mar 23, 2021
    8
    qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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!!!!
  12. 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.
  13. clinteastwoo
    May 11, 2016
    10
    ................................................................................................................................................................U2 AT HIS Best
  14. Zaynhewsonjavad
    Apr 2, 2016
    10
    .................................................................................................Deserves from critics a +81% 'Universal Acclaim" Holy **** 79% is Bull ****
  15. 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
  16. Thenewone
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    These 14 negative reviews are irrelevant and fool Metacritic delete them...........................................................................................
  17. 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....
  18. Zanessa250QI
    Jul 6, 2015
    10
    100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000...................................................excelentissimo
  19. 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
  20. alecvl08
    Nov 9, 2014
    4
    This album begins with an instant classic in Beautiful Day, but it's all downhill from there. It seems U2 starts out will some ideas for the first half of the album, then completely forgets what they were writing about by the second half. The first few tracks are the best, but each song gets more boring until you get to Wild Honey and Peace on Earth, in which you're practically justThis album begins with an instant classic in Beautiful Day, but it's all downhill from there. It seems U2 starts out will some ideas for the first half of the album, then completely forgets what they were writing about by the second half. The first few tracks are the best, but each song gets more boring until you get to Wild Honey and Peace on Earth, in which you're practically just asleep. New York almost picks up the momentum again, but it takes too long to develop and suffers from its length. U2 just lost touch with what made them great on this album.… Expand
  21. jpotz
    Nov 5, 2013
    5
    This is a vastly overrated comeback. The album has momentum with the first three tracks, then goes down from there. A main problem is the production, which makes these songs sound bland and sparse. The main reason that this effort is commendable is because it's sweet and sugary, never trying to be something that it's not. Basically a caricature of a U2 album, ATYCLB is the sound of a bandThis is a vastly overrated comeback. The album has momentum with the first three tracks, then goes down from there. A main problem is the production, which makes these songs sound bland and sparse. The main reason that this effort is commendable is because it's sweet and sugary, never trying to be something that it's not. Basically a caricature of a U2 album, ATYCLB is the sound of a band becoming elder statesmen, and that's almost always depressing.… Expand
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. 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!
  28. nickn
    Mar 12, 2009
    6
    The worst album in u2's career happens to be the best reviewed; then again magazines need to advertise big stories--if they don't kiss a little ass then what happens...? magazines and critics have been castrated by the advertisers and multi-billion dollar corporates.
  29. AristonB
    Oct 14, 2008
    6
    It is better than the stuff what follows but worse than anything U2 did before. Never again Achtung Baby or The Joshua Tree. U2 should retire or eventually try one more time, but I think they are finished, especially Bono. Money ruins everything.
  30. 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.
prev
Page:

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
See all critic reviews »