Reviews (page 5 of 12)
9 year old me loved this album. Still holds up.
In my mind U2 is polarizing like Dave Mathews. Not sure if that’s true but feels like you either love them or dislike them. I fall more on the latter end of the spectrum. That said, there’s enough here to justify rounding up. It’s a weak 4 but a 4 nonetheless. 3.75/5
Best from U2, One, just a vibe
Great band, great album, great music. Have placed themselves as one of the best bands.
This guy I liked in middle school was a big U2 fan so 8th grade me listened to the Joshua tree and was like 😱😱 wow I love UK rock but actually in my heart I liked silly little American emo bands. Now I actually love UK rock & rock adjacent I but don’t listen to a ton of U2. Anyways this was decent.
Achtung Baby is definitely a grower. The first time I listened to it I thought it was good but maybe overproduced and a bit boring. But then each time I listen to it I like it more. Obviously One is probably one of the best pop rock songs of all time but there are other gems here and overall they manage to keep the quality high throughout the entire duration of the album. It’s a 3.5 from me, up to 4 because of One with a caveat that I like it less than War.
Excellent album but not their best in my opinion. Still, I like it.
A band that in the main i've loved and hated over the years since purchasing the 'Under a Blood Red Sky' Album as a teenager. The band have had their highs and lows but quite possibly this is their finest and most diverse Album. I purchased this and 'The Fly' when they were released. In fact All of the singles are fantastic, and there's very little filler here at all. It's not in my list of top 50 Albums of all time but it rates as a very high 4/5.
I love this album, not one of my top albums but an easy 4/5
It could be said that U2 had long ago overstayed their welcome. Over-hyped, over-exposed, over-done ... over. Listening to U2 today, and their more recent albums in particular, I would have to agree with the criticism - I'm just plain tired of them. But Achtung Baby came out at a time when U2 were still relevant, even vital. It was done at a time when Bono was ... well ... not so "Bono". And it's probably their best album.
i heart ireland.
Great music, feels fresh still after all these years, good engineering, good
Top notch album! I own, I like. Not quite a 5, but oooooooh so close.
I have all U2 albums including this one but this was definitely the last of the great U2. One is a beautiful song and the rest are ok but after this album it went downhill for them. Bono became too big for his boots .
I dont even like U2 very much, but I can see why people do. Juat an all around good album, not great, but thats personal bias. pretty good entry.
It’s the real thing! In fact… it’s even better than the real thing! Lots of great tracks on here and the whole band sounds good. I’m not a huge U2 fan but I definitely see why they are as popular as they are
I like the album in spite of it being by U2. To me it's and Eno/Lanois album; they're playing U2 and the studio, so I like it.
A great U2 album, one of the best. 4.5*
Joshua Tree？ good expand
This is, at least from what I'm aware of, U2s most interesting album for my tastes. It has 1 of 2 songs that I enjoy of theirs (Mysterious Ways)(the other being Hold Me, Thrill Me) and the soundscape is varied and pulled me in.
Pretty good bono, pretty good
It’s U2 at the peak of their powers doing what they do well: making inoffensive pop-rock. Not bad at all, just not great.
Just another great album from a great band that reinvents itself and keeps their unique sound somehow.
These days I don't really believe in "irony." To paraphrase Todd In The Shadows, hitting your hand with a hammer still hurts. Maybe back in the day I subscribed to it, 'coz I felt like I hadda justify watching things that were widely disliked. But these days, if I like something... Heck, maybe I just do. I bring that up because that's what U2 was doing here: ironic rock n' roll. After the public declared the band firmly up their own asses following the mess that was RATTLE AND HUM, the band figured the best way to get their cred back was to drop all sincerity. No more of that JOSHUA TREE Americana, no. We got twelve slices of Eno-produced irony rock for the 90's. Which ended up helping them in the long run, of course. That's what allowed U2 to survive the arrival of Nirvana and grunge that killed so many other bands--the idea that they weren't really serious about any of this. That this is all some satire of the culture, expanded especially in the accompanying tour and the album they recorded during it, ZOOROPA. However, I'm writing this review 33 years later. Irony may be coming back in vogue in some small way, but I like to think in general people're allowing themselves to be more sincere about things. So, let me be sincere about this: this is my second favorite U2 album. I mean, let's not act like the appeal of this thing was entirely just the irony. This is U2, not too long after THE JOSHUA TREE and a long ways off from ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND. The Edge plays a great guitar. I like the way Bono's voice moves. Eno can produce like a muh-fuh. This thing's got great singles, and it's got great hooks from all of them. "Even Better Than The Real Thing", "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses", "One", "Mysterious Ways"--oh, goodness, "Mysterious Ways". I suppose the only thing it's really missing for me, and why it's second behind THE JOSHUA TREE, is that anthemic quality. "Where The Streets Have No Name", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"--I just need to bring up those two and you get what I mean. It's just something they had to give up when they traded their sincerity for cred via irony. And I can't say it was a bad move. Again, irony is what helped them survive the 90's, and what allowed them to eventually crawl up their own asses again with stuff like SONGS OF SURRENDER. Besides, even if their attitudes gave the idea they weren't taking any of this rock star posturing seriously, it's very clear that they were still 100% serious about the music. They put a lot of work into these songs, and it paid off in dividends. Enough so, even, that they were able to have a residency at the stupid Las Vegas Sphere that ended just last March where they played the whole thing, front to back. If that's not some indication of this thing's legacy... Either way, I really love this album, completely and sincerely, and that's enough. Don'cha think?
The sound on this album is damn good, thanks to the production from Brian Eno, and I could say the same for the actual tracks. 4.5 bumped down to 4.
An overall enjoyable listen, but I kept finding myself waiting for a "wow" moment that never really came. Good enough and catchy songs, but honestly a little derivative and formulaic as an early 90s alt rock album. Not bad by any means, but definitely missing a signature moment to put this over the top for me. Top tracks: One, The Fly, Mysterious Ways
I actually like some U2. This is one of their better albums. Not quite Joshua Tree but still solid. Despite their reputation, Bono is a great singer and I like Edge’s playing.
A higher rate of good songs than I expected even outside the hits. If I remove Bono's self love from my perception, this is a 4
i uhhh i don't really want to have an opinion on this record/band man it's a bit of a mystery to me how an alternative band like this became this popular, even their biggest hits aren't THAT poppy imo and maybe a lot of hate towards Bono and The Edge for being what they are is a bit undeserved; they have their moments for sure but what can you do they're world famous men, it's not even like Bono is irish Morrissey or something the album is good though, it just doesn't cause that strong of a response in me than it does for some other people well maybe except for that line where he was drowning his sorrows but the sorrows learned to swim, that one was funny oh and of course the "a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle" one; i get that it's a version of an actual quote but coming out of a massively popular rock singer man's mouth it's SO funny i like the guitar in The Fly though and wasn't Mysterious Ways in some video game? honestly the record is pretty bottom loaded, the best songs (Ultra Violet and Acrobat in particular and Love is Blindness too) are on the second half of the album it makes a lot of sense to me that members of Kings of Leon like this band
A younger me loved this album. An older me tends to appreciate early 80’s U2 more than their later catalog. Still, I do think this is a great album, even if they lost a bit of their edge.
Good music that drags on a few too many songs to get regular attention from me.
It’s hard to listen to this and not hear the work that comes after. Judging it in its time and place is difficult. It’s great music and classic U2 at this point. It just doesn’t have the punch listening back as it did at the time.
On sent les idées de grandeur qui commencent, mais il y a encore une énergie et un plaisir qui circulent
Overall I probably enjoyed this album as a whole more than The Joshua Tree, but none of the individual songs reached the same level as the opening 3 songs from that album. Going back and listening to the whole albums it is easy to see how U2 became the force in music they are known to be. One is a beautiful song and is easily one of their best written songs. This is an album I could see myself coming back to but there are definitely songs from it that I will continue listening to.
Good album, not their best
Uno de los buenos discos de U2 y uno al que nunca le había prestado atención antes.
Despite U2's dramatic fall in popularity over recent years, they still hold a special place for me and I really like their music from this particular era. The Fly was possibly my favourite song for a period in the early-90s. I REALLY like the good songs from this album and there are a number of them; however, there are a few more boring tracks which unfortunately meant it couldn't be a 5 for me. Fave Track: The Fly Rating: 4
It's the sound of a new band, and yet still uniquely U2. Bono is still and will always be a prat, but this is a great album.
U2 do get quite a ribbing and are a bit of a joke nowadays, but they used to write good albums. This has a lot of good soft rock songs like One, Mysterious Ways and Even Better Than The Real Thing. Worth a revisit 4/5
Good ol’ Achtung Baby.
It's trendy to bash U2 and some of that is relevant. Bono is a bit of a wanker. But they have produced some quality music and this album is in the upper echelon of U2 albums. It's dripping with irony to the point of overload but this was an album they had to make in order to not be part of an 80s retro act that so many bands fell into. It would get worse from here but this is still palatable.
U2 doesn't grease my wheels and the album title is . . . I don't get it. Some solid tracks on this one though.
This album was on heavy rotation in the shared living situation I had at the time. I got tired of it, but that said, I appreciated then, and still appreciate now, the willingness to experiment. Certain tunes definitely have an industrial edge to them, and your typical mass market listener at the time had zero exposure to that style of music. It was great for this record to come out and have some impact in terms of a few tracks that were more adventurous. I'm generally a fan of the band, though I didn't like Joshua Tree, too polished, and preferred Boy to all the other records, with Unforgettable Fire probably being second (mostly due to the great production). This record restored some of my faith in the band not being washed up.
It's U2. I like it just fine but it doesn't move mountains for me
A little on the generic side, but it has some good moments. 3.5
I do t normally like U2, but this was a pretty good album.
Goeie titel! Dat is ook wat waard. Het geluid van deze plaat is wat gruizig, soms zelfs rommelig. Daardoor mist het een beetje de wow-factor die War wel had. De ballad One is eigenlijk de vreemde eend in de bijt. Maar een solide vier kun je dit album met een gerust hart geven.
I saw U2 in concert - a whole stadium singing One together is just goosebump city. That song alone is worth a whole star. For whatever reason, I don't love the last 2 or 3 songs. It's like it loses steam toward the end and could have been shortened up a bit. But overall, great album.
Nicht das beste Album von U2, aber durchaus hörenswert
Great album, would listen to again, good flow through the songs.
Absolute banger album - except for Love is Blindness - which sucks.
Favourite U2 album so far
Loved the riffs on "THE FLY". Will come back to this album.
More consistent than Joshua Tree, but not as many highs
I really do like this album 4 stars!
If my band does an album like joshua's tree, I swear, we're gonna dissapear from earth and be legends forever. But U2 did not. Achtung Baby proves that they never were lazy. They're always trying to bring something new and fresh. Inovating their music. This is not one of my favorite U2 albuns, but certainly is a classic!
When I met U2 again I did make a point of asking Bono why he wore sunglasses indoors. He winked (I think) and said ‘Achtung, Baby’ so he may not have known what that actually means. He kept talking about ‘Edge’ and I said ‘Don’t you mean THE Edge?’ and he just sort of chuckled and didn’t say anything. Adam Clayton was writhing around - turns out he doesn’t just do that on stage - and it was all a bit fucking weird to be honest. Good album though.
It's cool to compare this to The Joshua Tree. This seems a lot more carefree, wild, and filled with humour. The Baby takes itself less seriously than the Tree, and I can respect that. This difference is similar to the difference between Radiohead's OK Computer and In Rainbows. Alas, the album isn't perfect. For some reason, Bono's voice is a lot less friendly to my ear than it was on the previous album. It's less melodic, less lilting, less powerful, and more... sporadic? Could just be the choices of melody, which are on the whole less catchy and memorable than in The Joshua Tree. And judging by Spotify listens, it seems most modern-day listeners agree with me. The instrumentation is pretty darn powerful, though. The anthemic guitars and percussion make their triumphant return, while also showcasing a lighter, more upbeat texture that begins to display signs of 90s music. Key tracks: Even Better Than The Real Thing, One, Mysterious Ways
"Achtung Baby" is the seventh studio album by Irish rock band U2. Mostly alternative rock, this album plays with distortion, electric and industrial sounds. This album is regarded as one of the band's better works with hits including "One," "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses," and "Mysterious Ways."
U2: 2. Almost a second act of sorts for the 80’s band. A major inflection point for their style. This is their best album. Full stop.
Pretty mellow, easy to listen to. Few songs that stand out.
I hate to sound like a broken record (hah) but I am not the world's largest U2 fan. Thinking back on it, back when they were the biggest band in the world I wasn't into them, I was more into blues and R&B, and the stuff I had to learn. I had a few U2 albums along the way. My trial partner in law school was into them and tried to get me more interested, and one album he made me listen to was "Joshua Tree" which had just been released and remained and remains my personal favorite of theirs. I think I was later turned off with Bono and his egomaniac self designation as the Messiah or something. Some people were acting like Edge was some guitar phenom back then, which led me to laughter. All that said, I rather like this album. I'm pretty sure I've got it on cd around here somewhere unless it got donated to the library or borrowed by the kids. It keeps popping up with familiar tunes from back in the day, and I'm enjoying it. I'm going to give it 4 stars since I understand it's significance and it's status as an international monster.
As someone who generally favors the 80s U2 albums, I actually really enjoyed this listen. Pretty impressive that they undertook such a shift from their previous sound and still managed to produce some absolute classics like "One" and "Mysterious Ways".
Very very good
Classic U2.
7.5/10
Definitely one of U2’s better albums. Not my favorite of theirs, but it’s not bad. “So Cruel,” “The Fly,” and “Ultra Violet (Light My Way)” are probably my favorite songs aside from their two major hits from this. Solid 4.
It's a good album with drawbacks. Feels self-absorbed (Bono's at times overly-breathy singing is annoying) but getting past that it's well-produced and an enjoyable listen. Standout is "Mysterious Ways".
Tras su primera crisis de identidad U2 se reinventan en este disco de 1991 cambiando sonido y estilo, algo que ya se puede apreciar desde las guitarras distorsionadas del primer tema "Zoo Station". De alguna forma dejan a un lado la admiración por los sonidos americanos de Rattle and Hum y apuestan por una música más europea y posmoderna, con influencias desde el Bowie berlinés hasta las rave neopsicodélicas de los 90. Ritmos de baile y guitarras muy producidas dan grandes canciones como "Even Better Than The Real Thing". Los contenidos son más íntimos y personales, como en la explendida "One", uno de mis temas favoritos de los irlandeses. Todo el álbum es extraordinario, pero destacaría también "Until the End od the World", la extraña "The Fly", la psicodélica "Mysterious Ways" y el último e intimista tema "Love Is Blindness".
This album is weird for me because it has never been my absolute favorite U2 album, but I've always loved certain tracks of this album, only those tracks keep changing as I mature and age through life. Having tracks that appeal to me at different stages of life has been a fairly rare in my extensive listening experience. It was and always has been a personally challenging record to listen to in the best of ways. Hard to overstate level of post Cold War optimism that this album was recorded under in 1990-1991. This is also one of those albums that coaxed me into entering the catalogs of whole scenes and bands that I'd never considered before. It was also one of the first albums that I really paid attention to who engineered and produced the album, which has made finding albums I might enjoy much easier over the years. I learned a ton about Krautrock, the Berlin dance scene, industrial music, etc. which led to a deep dive in the Wax Trax! Records dive on the American side of the pond as well. This album also made it clear to me how and why a band might want to change their sound, and what that might mean, which was also a revelation as a musician. This is part of a run of truly remarkable records that Flood produced in a 7 year period that might be hard for any producer to challenge short of Sir George Martin with The Beatles. A run that would include U2's The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, Zooropa, Nine Inch Nails' - Pretty Hate Machine, Broken EP, and The Downward Spiral, and Depeche Mode's Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion. Perhaps 8 of the greatest albums ever recorded that defined the sound of late eighties and all of the nineties.
My favorite U2 album.
4.2/5 Best Track: Mysterious Ways
I really like this a lot more than I feel like I should. It’s good. Actually good. That surprised me for some reason. I’m not a big U2 fan, but I’d listen to one of these bad boys if the mood struck. Nicely done boyos. 4/5
I think U2 it's one of the best bands i've listen and also Bono's voice is really iconic and unique. I like that this album was different from the sound they used in the 80's, the energy of pop but still having the essence of rock, a great start for 90's rock. Even tho is a bit experimental (i think) is really cool, i like it pretty much.
A few bangers and the rest is pretty good. 3.6
Nothing will ever beat 'The Joshua Tree' but this one is a nice effort.
Not my favorite U2 album, but it is undeniably great music… The quality of musicianship, vocals and lyrics are Impossible To deny.
- Love U2!!!
It's really too bad U2 committed social suicide, because they're not a bad band.
As an old U2 fan, I didn’t love this album when it came out, but I typically think higher of albums as time goes on. Takes me a bit to adjust
This is probably the most I'll like U2.4.
Great album.
Loved this album when it came out!
I was one of the very lucky few who got to see this album played in full as part of the introduction to the engineering marvel, the Las Vegas Sphere, and I’m eternally grateful for that experience. But that also makes it very difficult for me to rate this album on its own. First off, this album serves as a great departure from U2’s previous entries that brought them to mainstream audiences. It’s toned down while still managing to be anthemic in almost every track. The opening run from Zoo Station to Until The End of The World is among the band’s best series of songs. You’ve also got Edge doing probably his best guitar work across the entire discography here, paired with sharp commentary in the lyrics, which at this point is nothing new for the group. There are some moments where the album feels a little one-note with repetitive tracks that don’t pay off the way you’d hope. I’d drop 10 minutes somewhere to streamline it just a bit.
My initial reaction to being served up Achtung Baby (my first U2 album as part of this listening project) was "oh...yeah, I guess I'll need to start getting U2 albums out of the way." Lucky for me, my time with this album was mostly enjoyable to me. I do not dislike most reverb-drenched guitar work, so even though I'm not the biggest fan of U2 I actually enjoyed quite a bit of Achtung Baby as it represents a darker tone and side of the group. Aside from the monster hits like One and Mysterious Ways, songs like Until the End of the World caught my ear and held my attention for being a "harder" U2 sound than many (most?) of their later 00s era-and-on poppy records. "The Fly" has a driving, sexy beat and a fantastic wah-wah guitar hook that The Edge delivers perfectly. I was also reminded how much I love this lyric and Bono's delivery in Mysterious Ways: "If you wanna kiss the sky, you better learn how to kneel. On your knees, boy!" Interesting Wikipedia Factoids: *Achtung Baby spawned five singles: The Fly, Mysterious Ways, One, Even Better Than the Real Thing, and Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses. *As is often the case on U2 albums, Bono is credited as the sole lyricist. In contrast to U2's previous records, whose lyrics were politically and socially charged, Achtung Baby is more personal and introspective, examining love, sexuality, spirituality, faith, and betrayal. The lyrics are darker in tone, describing troubled personal relationships and exuding feelings of confusion, loneliness, and inadequacy. *Of the album's personal nature, Bono said that there were a lot of "blood and guts" in it. His lyrics to the ballad "One" were inspired by the band members' interpersonal struggles and the German reunification. *Several photographs were considered as candidates for a single cover image, including shots of: a cow on an Irish farm in County Kildare; the nude (bassist, Adam) Clayton; and the band driving a Trabant. Ultimately, a multiple image scheme was used, as U2, Corbijn, Averill, and the producers thought that "the sense of flux expressed by both the music and the band's playing with alter egos was best articulated by the lack of a single viewpoint." *Whereas the group were known for their earnest live act in the 1980s, their Zoo TV performances were intentionally ironic and self-deprecating; on stage, Bono portrayed several characters he conceived, including "The Fly", "Mirror Ball Man", and "MacPhisto". The majority of the album's songs were played at each show, and the set lists began with up to eight consecutive Achtung Baby songs as a further sign that they were no longer the U2 of the 1980s. *During the writing of "The Fly," Bono created a persona based on an oversized pair of black sunglasses that he wore to lighten the mood in the studio. The character, which he also named "The Fly," evolved into a leather-clad egomaniac meant to parody rock stardom. Bono assumed this alter ego for the band's subsequent public appearances and live performances on the Zoo TV Tour. *From September 2023 to March 2024, U2 inaugurated the Sphere in the Las Vegas Valley with a 40-concert residency called U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere. The shows were focused on Achtung Baby and leveraged the venue's immersive video and sound capabilities. (Drummer Larry) Mullen, however, did not participate in the concerts due to a planned surgery and period of recuperation, marking the first time since 1978 that U2 performed without him; Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg from the band Krezip filled in. Standouts: Even Better Than the Real Thing, One, Until the End of the World, Mysterious Ways, Acrobat
Not my favourite U2 album but still good. Mysterious Ways - great song.
Some classic U2 songs on here.
Achtung Baby is my 3rd favorite U2 album and a great departure from their previous work.
•Not owned: Streaming •Recorded at a time when rock music was undergoing major changes, U2 pulled from numerous genres—electronica, hip hop, funk—employed them in subtle ways, and found their own sound. The result is Achtung Baby, a bright album of a dozen well-executed tracks, rich with textures. •4/5
This was a good album. It all kind of bled together for me, but I understand the cultural significance of them recreating their sound and stuff.
Good but long. Not my favori to e u2
There's some classics on here. It's a solid album overall. Orchestral at times.
I've given one of the U2 albums so far a Five star and the other a One star rating and I'm ambivalent about this one. I like the music but not convinced by their integrity by this point in their career. I think the music wins- the music on this is anthemic and because of Brian and Daniel (Eno and Lanois) it's good to listen to.
I've listened to this album many times, it's got some great songs and a cool vibe but some of the songs are slow and bring the good energy down.
listened 3x 3.7/5
Two U2 albums back to back, and, coming 8 years later, this one is much better. The product is significantly smoother and the vocals ride it perfectly.
U2s sound is always evolving and this is one of the U2 albums I remember hearing growing up before I had an appreciation of their music. The album is full of great songs and shows that U2 have changed with the times, gonna knock a star off for the whole iTunes album tho
4/5
4.4 + U2's descent from relevance has been cataclysmic so it's easy to forget their amazing output in the late-80s and early-90s. While I still prefer "Where the Streets Have No Name", this record is full of spectacular moments that explore new sonic realms. "The Fly" and "Mysterious Ways" are two of the strongest back-to-back middle tracks of any album. The gnarly vocal effects on "Zoo Station" still sound as grimy now as they did when I first heard it as a kid. And I hadn't listened to "Love is Blindness" in years - what an amazing song! I love the pulsing bass combined with the Edge quietly hammering on reverb-heavy guitar. My only critique is with the sad-sap melodrama on "So Cruel" and "Acrobat."
Other than the hits, I’m not a traditional U2 listener. Nothing against them, but I stopped ‘following’ bands years ago. So I’d never heard most of these songs. Really enjoyed them. This is the first album that’s been sent my way I’d listen to more than once.
Familiar album to me. I always enjoy it.
I prefer their earlier work, which is more edgy, this is a pop album and quite a good one.
no songs stood out for me but it was a very good listen overall
Some great songs, and some mediocre ones too.
There a sway to Achtung Baby - almost an arrogant sway. But it's not full on U2 in cock rock action. But yeah, there is a bounce that carries the album from start to finish. It sounds like a jigsaw was tossed in the air for different sources and inspiration. It always was - and still remains - highly unfashionable. That's why I like it. One shows some great songwriting. The riffs on The Fly and Mysterious Ways are meaty. U2 at their best.
I was never a particular fan of U2, but I could see the attraction alright. Even better than the real thing - captures that pure unique U2 sound. Overall a 4, but I can understand others giving it a 5
Hey alright I liked this, and mostly didn't know the songs before. I might have been done a disservice with the order I heard the U2 entries in. Apparently this one was pitched as a major reinvention of their sound, which might have made "All That You Can't Leave Behind" make more sense if I'd listened that one after this? maybe unlikely, and I'm definitely not going to listen to that one a second time to find out
I liked most songs very much, some were just ok.
Nice guitars! I think my favourites were Zoo Station and Love is Blindness. The Mysterious Ways Tabla Motown remix was pretty good too imo! You might catch me coming back to this album again
Probably the last U2 album I ever listened to. Lots of great songs on here. Was great to revisit.
This is bizarre because I just dreamt last night that the generator gave me this album. So weird! In my dream, it sounded nothing like U2. I listened to this a couple times through since I always need time to absorb U2. I like this and while there are some outstanding tracks here, there are some duds for me too. I think a 4 is fair.
4.5
In my heart forever, sorry not sorry. Mysterious Ways will remain one of my favourite songs of the 90s.
a classic. love me some U2
Classic rock is classic (ack!). This is likely my 3rd favourite U2, behind War and The Joshua Tree. It’s good and the bangers really bang. The fillers detract. While most described this as a new direction for the band, it just seems like U2 in retrospect, like they were inventing their own genre or something. Still, it’s worth inclusion in this list and likely the top 100 albums of this list at that.
4.5 even if Bono is a narcissist.
Listened to this while playing Imperium: Classics. I haaaaaate Bono. There is something about him that just makes me want to punch him...and I am totally nonviolent. That being said...I enjoyed this much more than I was honestly expecting to. Some pretty great jams, and I was able to forget that Bono is Bono for quite a while.
U2 changed direction a bit after rattle and hum. Some very nice tracks on this album. What I remember most about the release is all the media interaction rubbish that went with it.
U2 <3 <3 <3 This is an album where I need those Genelecs or Perlistens
Really not in the mood for it at the moment
This is a good album -- I liked what I heard. To me, I don't think this one is going to be memorable overall, but I definitely did not have an unpleasant experience listening to it and would be pleased to hear it again if someone turned it on. It's easy listening music, pleasant, nothing exceptional. I'm happy to have experienced it though.
After you get past the first two songs, the rest of the album is pure vibes. Stand-out: Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
I was a massive fan of early U2 but slowly drifted away as the sound became more bombastic. So curiously it's the first time I've ever listened to this album in full. It is a really good, but not a really great album. Some songs that really endure and I might give it a bit more space now I'm older and not hardline in my tastes in music.
4. It is quite a beautiful album. The way they have experimented from their last album was the right move
this somehow has seeped into my DNA, i knew every word of every song even though i havent listened to the album for 20 years was a big u2 fan like most back in the 90's
It's only say there are a couple sings that are great but the album is so strong it's a 4/5
Pretty Good.
One for my youth.
I don’t think I had quite recovered from the whole U2 forcing their album onto everyone’s i-devices back in the 2010s so I was a little hesitant to listen. However I was blown away. Can absolutely see why they became so successful. Now pay your taxes, you naughty boys.
Some nice lyrics, not mind blowing but bono deserves at least 4
This is a fine album, only suffering from not being The Joshua Tree. I am not quite as attached to these songs, wonderful as they are. As I never did really listen to this album as such (knowing just the four singles) I think I need to spend more time with it.
There is something soothing about the sound of U2 for me. As for this album, it's not one that I have listened to all that often, but I enjoyed it today.
OK. I love U2. And I get why this album is here as it marks a shift in content and process for the band. But I find most of the songs on this album very very meh. I do love Mysterious Ways, though. On your knees, boy!
Going to see U2 play this album during their Vegas residency so this was pretty timely. It's a top-to-bottom solid album that fits neatly in their transition to being a fully euro-pop megaband. The Brian Eno production is really strongly felt here, and the electronic/ambient bent to many of the tunes feels like a mild departure from Joshua Tree and Rattle & Hum. You could see Zooropa on the horizon.
Some 90’s hits that I’d forgotten about! Probably the peak of U2, don’t really know any albums after this
Excellent. Have been a fan and revisiting this album solidifies it. The drums alone make this GREAT! Until the end of the World has been one of my favorite U2 songs .
Some really great tracks on this one. It's not my fave U2 album
Listening for the first time in years, it's clear that one's memory has smeared this record by association with the execrable contributions that were coming next – Zooropa and Pop. The distance of years makes clear that one was both spot-on and slightly-off target. On one level, it's a great record, extraordinarily well executed with a multitude of winning cuts – "The Real Thing" and "One" and "Until the End of the World" especially. On the other hand, it's overlong and there's a real downgrade in the lyrical quality ("A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle" was a tired line a full decade before this was released). But the biggest issue is the obviousness of the career move. Yes, it's an impressive and mostly successful refresh of the sound, but a blatant brand repositioning of such a magnitude equates to cynicism and contrivance and, worse yet, outright commercialism, none of which attracted first-gen fans (oneself included); indeed, to those who had Boy on cassette U2 was anything but a brand. They played songs of political commitment, songs they seemed uniquely compelled to play, and didn't worry about dance numbers or what was happening in clubs. And in the long run this redirection did damage; they lost their way to near disastrous effect and this is the context in which Achtung Baby is rightly judged. Specifically, they began trying to sound like the times, rather than defining what the times should sound like. With AB, they caught the Zeitgeist in ways that didn't utterly ruin their legacy at that moment, but AB pointed them in a direction that very well might have ruined it if not for the rapid (and nearly as cynical) course correction after they become objects of ridicule. Their entry into this wilderness of relevance seeking and trend chasing is manifested most obviously by the gimmicky club-centric efforts that folllowed immediatly, but also in the rather sterile and synthetic "rock" records that came later, relieving many fans, but which sound clearly engineered for legacy protection or mid-market acceptance. A bedgrudging respect is what one feels mostly toward this record now, which, upon reflection is what one felt upon release; it was hard to like unreservedly for those astonished by the development from War to Unforgettable Fire. Longtime fans were right to have a sense of foreboding. One is even inclined to make the case that after AB, U2 ceased being U2; they came to exist on a plane more suited to global corporate brands rather than simple rock n' roll bands. Indeed, if Coldplay didn't exist to make them look good by comparison, U2 might have become the most cliched and laughable band on the planet. They aren't far from it in any case. NOTE: Editors' claim that less sophisticated fans were put off by this record is ludicrous; one's presence at the creation doesn't automatically cause one's ears to lose their callibrations over time, but rather to gain sensitivity toward gratuitous slippages in authenticity, at least relative to original visions.
3.5
Pretty good
I think both this and The Joshua Tree are probably my favorites, even though the "hit" songs are definitely overplayed. Having said that, I am not a fan of U2 at all. Someone once said the Clash was "the band that U2 wanted to be," which always made me smile. Having said that, you can't deny how the songs on this album work and fit together, even if the bandmates didn't feel it. Edge's guitar work... depending on the song, it works, like in "Acrobat" and "Mysterious Ways". Sometime it's just too janga janga janga like in "Ultraviolet". "Zoo Station" for some reason reminds me of Bowie's "Speed of Life" off of his "Low" album. I don't know if it was something they were going for or not, but it just has a similar feel for me. It's not necessarily a bad thing. I remember when they were doing the whole ZooTV tour, it seemed overblown to me, much like some of this album feels. But how else would you follow up The Joshua Tree? Hard to do, right? Still, a solid album.
I found I liked this album better than the Joshua Tree. I read they were trying to do something different and experiment with an industrial sound and I think the opener Zoo Station nailed it - I hadn't heard it before but I dig it. And to be honest, right through to Mysterious Ways is a pretty damn good 8-song sequence. I think One and Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses are two of their best penned, best performed songs in their catalog - really beautifully done, lyrics and vocal and musicianship. The other hits are almost as good (Mysterious Ways, The Fly, Even Better than the Real Thing) and the non-hits are also solid (Until the End of the World being my favorite non-hit - real solid). Like the Joshua Tree it runs out of steam a little bit at the end, but we're only talking the last four songs. I feel like it's close to a 4.5 but I don't think I'm ready to round up. But I must've listened to the album 10-20 times to see if I could get there.
Paul’s second favorite U2 album
I’ve slept on U2 my whole life. Every song I heard from them was over played on the radio. Taking the time to explore this album enlightened me to the great musicianship and production that they have. The track “acrobat” really woke me up.
U2 have 3 good albums. And this is one of em. In a lot of ways this album set the tone for the stadium concert experience of the 90s
U2's body of music is really hard to grasp sometimes. Half of their body of music is from my lifetime and half before. Their sound changes by decades, but always holds the same stadium appeal. I've heard a good amount of the songs from this album prior but listening this intently makes me appreciate their significance much more. This album feels more complete than All That You Can't Leave Behind and the songs I didn't know stood out more.
I don’t love it like I did when I was in college, but still enjoyable.
This is one of my favorite U2 albums. It has a lot to offer. Love Mysterious ways. I'm not really a huge U2 fan, but this one I like.
Listened to on 3/21/23 4/5 Favorite song: one I really enjoyed this album - it was easy to listen to but had interesting instrumentals.
One and Ultraviolet Light are my favorites. U2 did a good job.
Had a few songs I recognize that I haven’t heard in a long time. Overall was a good listen, might want to listen again sometime
I’m hearing there’s some anti-U2 rhetoric going on in here. Stop it. They’re good. A dull opening but songs 2-5 are classics. This is a very cool, edgy sounding (no pun intended) album for 1991. Probably a bit of a jolt to fans after Joshua Tree but think they hit on this. Say what you want about The Edge, he managed to find a unique style that doesn’t get old. Seeing them live in 2011 at Canad Inns Stadium was a highlight. After seeing so many losing performances in that building, it was nice to finally be in attendance for a winner. As the great Bono says “you better learn how to kneel” and give U2 the respect they deserve. On your knees Hargrave.
For a guy with a massive ego, Bono’s voice isn’t what makes U2 good. The band talent is greater than the sum of its parts. This album accentuates that fact. The third record in a row with killer bass. This album is perfect when making a new pasta sauce recipe. It delivers a primer for focus and creativity, with a lively backdrop. For some reason, I wanted to give it a 3 very badly, I’m not sure why. But I couldn’t be So Cruel. It’s far better than that. Lastly, One is a masterpiece. A timeless classic that builds beautifully to a satisfying climax. But as I was up in the clouds, I found my favourite track of the album - The Fly. A hidden gem which I’ll be listening to until the end of the world.
A couple absolute classics but overall still not a huge U2 guy.
Favorites: -Mysterious Ways -Ultraviolet (Light My Way) -Acrobat
Nice
Great album
Just a very decent album with some nice highlights
Not my favorite U2 album but I still enjoy these tunes. I remeber getting this album on cassette when it came out. It has some good vibe attached to it. My band from the mid 2000s covered "One" and I still like how we interpreted that tune. I haven't listened to this album recently (I don't have a cassette player in my car anymore) but I remember all these songs. Bono's vocals can be annoying but it's fun to sing along and annoy those around me. I can say this band is awesome but they are consistent and found a sound that is all their own and easily identifiable. The production on their earlier albums was rough (which I liked) but I think this album was well produced and fit the era very well... maybe a bit overproduced and commercial but I still enjoy this album.
The only criticism I have is that most of the songs go on a little too long.
I was never much of a U2 fan, mostly because I always thought Bono was a twat. But when this album came out, it blew me away. The sound seemed at once timeless and revolutionary, turning even slight songs into majestic beauties. The production is just so rich and juicy and deep. Even today I was hearing things I'd never heard before. So, sound-wise, this is a 5/5 for me. Songwriting-wise, though, it's less stellar (3/5), which might be why, after obsessing over this album for several months after I got it, it fell out of favor with me, and, except for hearing its hits in the wild, I haven't listened to it since 1991. Beautiful sounds, though. And that simple, swooping bass line in Mysterious Ways is one of my favorite musical things ever. I think this album informed my musical tastes more than almost any other album of that time (except for maybe Loveless), so, Imma have to give it at least a 4.
Forgot how much I LOVE this album and U2. Always loved Bono's vox and The Edge is just the coolest with his wild reverbs and chiming timbres. This listen took me right back to starting life on my own in Philadelphia. Achtung Baby was the soundtrack to that time and place.
I had no idea I was going to know pretty much every song on this album. Not sure if this means my dad was a surprisingly big U2 fan while I was growing up or just how ubiquitous they were. At this point, U2 is essentially a meme so I wasn’t expecting greatness. But it was good - definitely not as derivative as you’d expect from online chatter. Would probably even listen again!
Its a good album, its not u2s best
Niet de grootste fan van U2, maar dit album is wel goed! Het kalme van One met de dansbaarheid van 'the real thing'
Un album de bonne qualité, même si la déception est palpable eu égard à l'absence totale d'allemand sur toute la durée du disque. Quel dommage de ne pas avoir rendu hommage à la langue de Nietzsche et autres Mario Götze. U2 aurait bien été inspiré de suivre l'exemple de Laibach, qui nous avait offert il y a de cela quelques mois une composition parfaite dans un germain des plus impressionnants.
An extremely enjoyable album
U2 enters the 90s with a darker sound, becoming more critical of modern society and amping up the attitude. And yet for all that, the remarkable tenderness of “One” might be the album’s highlight.
Not my fave, but appreciate the time that it was made and the influence they have had on music
CD
Kelpo vitonen...Noh…, subjektiivista tällä kertaa… lyriikoista en tiedö….
listened to again i don't really like U2 but i love listening to the guitar FX revolution that is the Edge
There was a time when I would've given this album a 5, but listening to it now, it sounds a bit overproduced. Still, the power of their songwriting shines through, especially on anthems like "One." Perhaps their last truly great album.
Objectively it's iconic and a "good album" but I just personally can't get into it much, mostly due to Bono and his vocal style. Best parts are the interesting guitar stuff, personally.
Me gustan las guitarras con sonido seco, metálico, mezcladas con las acústicas y las cuerdas, las influencias industriales y Electrónicas
Really enjoyed the way this album came together. Definitely some hits
U2s last good album and following Joshua Tree, this was not a good album. 4.5/5.
Pretty much what I expected from them at this point in their career - safe, over-produced, more effects than guitar playing, but still very enjoyable. "...wild horses" and "the fly" probably my favourite tracks, but so many of them are classic rock staples already.
It’s very good. Several good songs with no filler.
Strong album. First 4 tracks all good. Don't need who's gonna ride your wild horses. The fly rules.
Excellent.
On paper, this should be a 5/5 for me. I mean 'The Fly', 'Mysterious Ways', 'Ultra Violet (Light My Way)', and 'Acrobat' are all great. And this is without even mentioning 'One', the most out of place wedding song since 'Every Breath You Take'. But I have always felt that there is something missing on Achtung Baby. Just that special feeling that is present on The Joshua Tree, but I cannot find here. Maybe it's the vast emptiness that Eno and Lanois managed to capture on the previous record which just suits Bono's vocals and The Edge's sound so well. Oh well, still a great one!
Yet another great U2 album - a perfect transition to the 90’s. Some of the tracks are among the greatest ever written by the band; “One”, “Mysterious Ways”, “Ultra Violet (Light My Way)”.. What a collection of songs. The leaning into more industrial territory, especially on the drums, doesn’t sit that well with me though. I’ve always felt rather alienated by “Zoo Station” for example. That being said, I don’t hate it. It just doesn’t hit me in the same way as the sound on The Joshua Tree does it - even though Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois once again did an awesome job producing this.
I went into this thinking I would only know the big singles, but the whole thing is very familiar to me. I must have absorbed it as a child. Really enjoyed it, it’s a different direction after their first few albums and it sounds fun.
Well before Coldplay, there was U2 to fill the airwaves and the stadia... and they also are masterful pop songwriters - anthems that transcend even decades after they were released. I'm not too happy about it - but I cannot deny great craftmanship when it comes along. When they are great they are great, when they are middling, they are awful - but this album balances it well - peppering the hits strategically and sounding gorgeous. Didn't know Eno produced this, so I guess it adds to the pedigree.
its a good one 4
3.8
Comes out of the gate with a lot of great stuff. Just went a bit too long and less than stellar toward the finish.
Quite pleasant rock album - easier to listen to than some of U2's other offerings
4/5. As much as I respect this album, it’s not something I would listen to on repeat. Great songs, but the general vibe is not for me.
👏👏👏
Mouse again, slow at work, dragged out of the house, but decent? Kinda tired/overwhelmed
No estoy seguro
Not a big U2 fan, but this is a great album
Rock alternativo, pop. Varios megahits. Pero no me llama tanto como para vinilo. Un 4.
Got some great blood pumping songs as well as mellow ones.
Great album, good riffs, lyrics and singing by Bono
Prefs: Zoo Station, Even Better Than the Real Thing, One, Until the End of the World, Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, So Cruel, The Fly, Mysterious Ways, Ultraviolet (Light My Way), Acrobat Moins pref: Love Is Blindness
Cool, toen U2 nog echt te gek was!
Rock alternativo, pop. Varios megahits. Pero no me llama tanto como para vinilo. Un 4.
4/5 U2 ist halt einfach strong
I'll always appreciate U2 because regardless of how divisive the opinions on them are, you can't deny that they have a unique sound to them, and it is fully on display in this album. Overall, I really enjoyed it a lot. Favorite tracks: Even Better Than The Real Thing and Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
Great
Not a big U2 fan. this is a very good Rock album though
By far my favourite U2 album of all time. I know folks argue the band's deviation from the sound that identified them to that point was some form of heresy, but I actually liked it a lot (and lamented them going back to their "normal" sound 3 albums later). People tend to forget this album is a bit of a moment in history, at least as far as the European Union is concerned. These influences are all over the place, in the album's name, cover, or a song that was used for the soundtrack of a Wim Wenders film. I consider Achtung Baby a very accurate snapshot of what Europe felt like at the time. The songs themselves are either a hit or a miss. I always liked The Fly a lot, and One received tons of accolades. But other songs (e.g., Even Better Than the Real Thing) sound and feel like fillers. Regardless, I spent many a fond hour with this album over the years, and I fully expect many more to come.
I like "One", and I like Edge's guitar
Actually really good album, favs: Zoo Station, One, The Fly, Acrobat, Love is Blindness
这张专辑以前听过，蛮对我胃口的，虽然U2的歌一直挺迷的。
An incredible follow-up to one of the seminal albums of the 1980's. Completely different, but without a doubt, quintessential U2.
Is it getting better or do you feel the same
Pas mal !
I imagined myself a 20-year-old in 1991 (when in fact I was a newborn baby!) and I could see how this album was rocking.
7/12/2022 - ALBUM #166 Today's Album: "Achtung Baby" by U2 - After a while of not reviewing albums, this album marks a serious turning point for the way that I consume music. On the first listen, not even looking at the release date of the album, I thought U2’s Achtung Baby sounded like generic, popular 90s alt-rock and none of the songs really capturing my attention. However, after a few months of continuing to digest music from the generator without reviewing, I realized on revisiting this album just how influential it is in creating the sounds of one of my favorite musical genres. This album offers a ton in terms of hit potential, with each song having a pretty straightforward verse-chorus structure. However in this case, that doesn’t really strike me as a negative because it draws my attention towards the sonic and instrumental experimentation, as well as the solid vocal performances on display throughout this project. The song Zoo Station shows this perfectly within the first 5 minutes of the album, with fairly heavy sonic experimentation and some really interesting percussion. Each proceeding song somehow feels like it is both an extension of the song before it, but still stands as a unique sonic venture within the album. Probably the most experimental track on the album is The Fly, which offers probably the hardest-hitting song on this album. I think it perfectly balances it’s harsh guitar effects with a catchy chorus sung in dreamy falsetto vocals. The track One is also a beautiful and heartbreaking track that is emblematic of what I consider to be U2’s central sound, which expresses this mixed feeling of inspiration and sorrow that somehow rocks super hard. Mysterious Ways is probably the most popular track from this album and for such an accessible and straightforward track, I think U2 does a great way of giving the track a ton of flare both sonically and through Bono’s vocal performance. What I enjoyed about this project was that there were a few songs that followed that U2 cookie-cutter template, but there were also a variety of tracks that took a more subtle approach to the songwriting. There also weren’t many moments where I was super turned off by the sound of this album. There are definitely some moments that aren’t as sonically engaging as I would have liked given this is an alt-rock album, but considering this was released almost a decade before many of my favorite albums from the genre, I have to cut this album some slack and just enjoy the innovation that this album was for it’s time. Overall, this is a great album that offers more highlights than not and could probably serve as some excellent road-trip music. The way this album juggles relaxing, rocking, tear-jerking, and inspiring moods (sometimes simultaneously!) is simply impressive. Give this one a listen if you can go without more elaborate song-structure in favor of some relaxing, yet engaging alternative rock. Highlights: Zoo Station, Even Better Than The Real Thing, One, Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, So Cruel, The Fly, Mysterious Ways, Love is Blindness Score: 8/10 Foundational alt-rock album with many great songs
Some of this is truly great (One) others less good but overall very good
Hard to review U2 in 2022 without removing 6*s for Bono. I remember how big this was back in the day. Still mostly holds up.
Nice
Molto belle le prime due, ma One è su un altro livello.
I sort of lost touch with U2 after the Joshua Tree, but this is an album that bears repeated listening. I should give it more time.
This is the most U2 I've heard at a time, and I quite enjoyed the meal. The quieter ballads were totally average, but the rest of the tracklist had me eager to return. From a distinctly Berlin sound, the blueprint for the indie rock which defined my earliest music taste. I hear this album's echo in Gang of Youths now, with no reduction in my esteem of either.
Zooropa is my most listened to as it's the one in my wife's CD collection. I had a friend who was a big U2 fan so I never really felt a need to dig too deep. All that to say this was ok, sounds like U2, some good moments, some meh moments. Fave: The Fly
I really liked this album. The only thing is that is dragged on a bit too long for me, especially with the final few tracks. Favourite track is Mysterious Ways.
The upbeat songs with the industrial feel and loud guitar stand out. Despite wanting to not sound like 80s U2 other songs definitely do sound like U2, which isn't so bad for songs like One or Acrobat (a particularly strong song towards the end). Zoo Station, Even Better..., The Fly, Mysterious Ways are fun, but they're fairly throwaway as intended by Bono and The Edge. It's a thoroughly important LP for U2's transition into the 90s supergroup, but fortunately also an enjoyable album even if it contrasts with the American influenced Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree and Rattle & Hum.
Oh man, I wore this CD out. I think this was just past their peak of popularity and I am not sure they ever thought of anything interesting to do after this.
ACHTUNG BABY! Alles Lookenspeepers Das Albummaschine ist nicht fuer gefingerpoken und mittengrabben, its feur gute listenphonen. Bono croonerferken, das easy lovenmaking mit offensbergers. Nine! Carefulen, das accidenten schnappen der springewerk, blowenfusen, und poppencorcken mit spitzensparken. Ist night fuer gewerken by das dummkopfen. Das rubbernecken sightseeren keepen hands in das pockets--relaxen und hearingphonen whilen watch das blinkenlights. Vergessen Sie nicht, Schutz zu verwenden.
I wonder how many pairs of the Fly sunglasses Bono had. Dude wore them non-stop rain or shine for a couple years, it seems. And I think that was my real first exposure to Bono and U2. I may have heard some "Joshua Tree" on the radio, but I was too young to appreciate it. The Fly Bono was U2 to me for a while. Looking back now, I can see why they wanted to reinvent themselves, and respect artists who work hard to not just pump out the same record over and over. But "the sound of four men chopping down The Joshua Tree," as Bono called "The Fly," is kind of sad. Listening back to "Achtung Baby" now though, it seems less of a departure than it probably felt like in 1991. I listen to it now knowing the full scope of U2's career, and the progression of alternative rock and stadium rock in the three decades since. And it's pretty decent. It's not my favorite U2, but it's also not my least favorite - I like most of it (especially "Mysterious Ways"). Despite not liking Bono as The Fly. Or liking any other incarnation of Bono really. Quite unusual how their music somehow transcends their gregarious and oxygen-sucking lead singer for the most part in my mind.
Good but not their best.
Great rock album. "One" is a classic that I still enjoy. "The Fly" has a really cool harder vibe with some fiery attitude on the guitar and "Mysterious Ways" carries the vibe further. Production is rock solid.
Pretty cool! A very interesting art rock album.
Such a great album. Different beast to Joshua Tree, but brilliant in its own creative way.
7/10. Pretty good.
Honestly enjoyed it more than I expected. Might be because I was listening to it in the car. 7/10
8/10 Best Song - One
Drummer Larry Mullen Jr agreed with lead vocalist Bono that U2 was musically unprepared for the enormous success of 1987’s The Joshua Tree. ‘We were the biggest, but weren’t the best.’ So, they took the course suggested by the French author and Nobel Prize winner Andre Gide that ‘One cannot discover new oceans unless one has the courage to lose sight of the shore’ and bravely set sail on this creative, entertaining, and enlightening LP, 'Achtung Baby.' The listener is immediately confronted on the opening track with a more industrial sound than the U2 of past LPs, including heavy effects on Bono’s vocals. ‘I’m ready for what’s next,’ announces Bono, forcing us to decide whether we are too. It’s hard to imagine the courage it took for them to do this, rather than live out the rest of their career rehashing the old hits and repeating the same formula that brought them past success. Allow me a little license here, but this seems to be their version of The Beatles’ 'Rubber Soul' and 'Revolver'- still The Beatles we know and love, yet not exactly; growing like a child in the midst of puberty to emerge into something new. Larry Mullen Jr, and bassist Adam Clayton don’t appear to have changed all that much on this LP, but they were never really the primary creative drive of U2 anyway, no disrespect intended. To further the comparison of The Beatles, like Ringo, they are fine players, and provide the necessary stability for Bono and the Edge and all this new, carefully managed industrial sound to roam high and low, far and wide. And both, lead guitarist and vocalist, surely do stretch their legs on 'Achtung Baby.' I think this might be the Edge’s finest guitar work, at least as good as his playing on 'The Joshua Tree.' His guitar solos on ‘Until the End of the World,’ and ‘Love Is Blindness’ are just perfect. He gets a little edgier on ‘Acrobat,’ with its creative interplay against the drum’s cadence. And, the gorgeous mellowness he achieves on ‘One,’ is like melted chocolate cascading down one of those desert fountains. Bono’s vocals, of course, are heartfelt, filled with authenticity and integrity. There’s no doubt he lives, or at least sincerely tries to practice what he preaches. Of course he’s human (what else could he be, a fly?), subject to err as we all are, but he’s certainly no hypocrite. He’s one of Jesus’ forgiven sinners partying in paradise with the rest of the happy thieves, rather than remaining outside in righteous indignation. And sweet Lord above, Bono can compose not only a great tune but also lyrics that draw near to the 20th century’s greatest lyricist, Bob Dylan. ‘And I’d join the movement if there was one I could believe in. Yeah, I’d break bread and wine if there were a church I could receive in; ‘cause I need it now (‘Acrobat’).’ Or- and I promise to stop, because nearly every song contains quotable lines and I’ll end up occupying way more space on this review than I already am- ‘You say love is a temple, love a higher law… You ask me to enter but then you make me crawl. And I can’t be holdin’ on to what you got when all you got is hurt (‘One’).’ One final thought: it’s easy to perceive many of these songs as Bono working through a personal relationship that once worked, but does no longer, and now its time for something to change. (As the mystery writer Rita Mae Brown famously suggested in her 1983 book, 'Sudden Death,' ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.’) But might 'Achtung Baby' also be heard as U2 working through its relationship with each other as a band, as well as the one they share with their adoring fans who at times worship them as deities? Again, a very Dylan-esque (and Neil Young-ish, too) move- brave, risky, and ultimately liberating. And there are consequences to this kind of growth, some costly. But the gift they offer to us is priceless. I didn’t care much for this LP when it was released, but I was wrong, and short sighted. Blind, but now I see. (4/5, only because tracks nine and ten were not quite on par with the rest of the LP. If we were allowed decimals, and my math is correct, I’d call it a 4.8)
Es U2. No me ha gustado tanto como otros, pero es U2
pretty good, honestly better than I thought it was gonna be at least - 8/10
I really liked U2 in their early days, in fact I bought and played The Unforgettable Fire nonstop for weeks, and I still love that album. For some reason, I lost interest in them after that. I think that if a band became really popular it used to turn me off, like they were sellouts. Kind of a dumb attitude I admit, but I was young! Anyway, I've obviously heard a lot of this album before just given the popularity of several of the songs, but listening to it with fresh ears and an open mind, this is an outstanding album. 4 stars.
Before they became completely irrelevant U2 did this. And we all saw that it was good. And on the 7th Day Bono rested and decided to become a cunt. 4/5
Remember when itunes gave us all that free U2 album no one wanted... Too bad it wasn't this one
First listen: This is good, I just have no strong feelings about U2 either way. Second listen, high: Is this the best album ever? Y/Y? 3.5
u 2 again
Production sounds great, songs sound like they were written for arenas but not strong enough to warrant 5 stars.
-Totally cool bassline and jam in "Until The End Of The World" -"Zoo Station," "Even Better Than The Real Thing," "Until The End Of The World," and "The Fly" are nice heavier, hard-rock, kinda-Muse-esque songs -"Ultra Violet (Light My Way)" is the first song that was a bit boring. Just a little slow and not as intense as the others
A U2 album I don't actually hate. While I didn't mind a few singles this was never a band I got I to as a teenager, they were just never as interesting as they wanted to be. Maybe that was part of their appeal and what hated then and still to this day. This album grew on me. It took hearing One as a single to finally hook me. I had avoided it at first, not by choice but it being late `91 as music lover I was spoilt for choice. Achtung Baby and it's follow up Zooropa we're a welcome relief after Rattle and Hum and Joshua Tree. This was Bono and the gang at their most adventurous and most fun. All the posturing of the previous albums was replaced with... Well more posturing, but of a different kind Give me MacPhisto any day over a low-rent Southern Preacher wannabe. And the music is good. It is a really nice distillation of alternative music at the time. I can hear Young Goods, Pixies, MBV and many others buried in the sound of this album. While Achtung Baby never converted me to a fan it is still 30 years on an enjoyable listen
Great!
Pretty good. I had gone off U2 but this album reminded me of why I liked them before.
Is it OK to like the music of U2 if you don't like U2? I hate that this is so slick and well produced and genuinely good...
Great album!
Great tracks on this album
Good stuff.
You know, it'll be really good to give The Joshua Tree this treatment. Oh, Zooropa is better. Don't care what anyone says. But this is good
first time listening to a u2 album front to back. probably wouldn't have done it unprompted. no rough edges here. clean as hell. i love the incorporation of electronic music. powerful and funky. i learned to appreciate u2 today.
Liked this more than I expected. A bit rougher than I thought from only knowing One - still not at the over-polished soulless place they'd reached by the end of the 90s. Fav new track: Mysterious Ways
Toda una revolución de un gran grupo. Guitarras con mucha melodía y una gran voz. Algunas canciones, realmente buenas.
Bello mi è piaciuto fes
It’s easy to forget how good U2 actually were at one point
A pretty good album. 2 RS
I don't like Bono. Anyway, having said that, this is a pretty good album. As much as I hate to admit it, this is one of U2's better offerings. I thoroughly enjoy most of the songs but this is not at 5-star status.
There’s a lot to this album and I definitely need to listen to it again. Some of the lyrics are a bit on the nose, but the music itself is very interesting. It is darker and more filled out than U2’s previous work.
great album great songs, overal amazing u2 sound
I can't stand U2 normally. Stadium rock posturing. However... this album definitely has something about it that I kind of like. Best Tracks: Zoo Station; Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses; The Fly
This is brilliant. It loses a star for being made by U2.
Surprised me how much I liked this. Brilliantly produced, with some classics
The best U2 album by some distance. It contains elements of all the band's eras from their guitar effects-driven sound of the 80s, through to arty electronic and industrial influence of 90s, and 00s anthemic stadium rock. The main focus, however, is their emerging 90s style (Actung Baby to Pop), which is my favourite U2 era. A fair few stone cold classics on here: One, Even Better, End of the World, Wild Horses, The Fly, Mysterious Ways, Ultra Violet. 4/5.
Didnt think I'd like as much ...after not listening for a while. Some top tracks ...obviously 'one's.. light my way..zoo station..the fly ...mysterious..wild horses ..and more
easily a 4. Actually gets better after one. and the middle section is underrated genius. Big part of growing up too.
I know U2 get meme'd a little bit, but this album is unironically great. Cohesive sound and great writing. I also love the cover. I can see how this is a highlight for them.
Just a shame Bono is the way he is
Pretty together.
Good solid album with some standout hits
really good album. already heard. 4.5 because it isn't new but definitely worth revisiting every once in a while
Mostly enjoyable to be honest. Standout tracks being one and ultraviolet
What more can be said about U2. Its a good album.
I liked this album. U2 is a great group.
I've had an odd interested-not interested connection with U2 since I first heard them in the early 80s. I'm back to appreciating them again, especially the Edge's innovative guitar work that does not get the respect he deserves. He's an incredible musician who knows how to pull in one's ears. This is a solid album.
Great stuff!
After the WAR LP I lost interest in U2 so was one of the few who had no time for Joshua Tree. I thought they had started to simply repeat previous formulas. Actung Baby is a welcome step away from their past. And the hits are quite good. eg the rhythm guitar on One is mind blowing.
Es un buen disco de la banda con unos cuantos hits. Han envejecido mal, pero la banda tiene muy buenos discos
Quite good, some songs I knew already
a little long but still good
I have an aversion to HUGE stadium rock groups that take themselves too seriously and songs that are overplayed so I have to check my bias when rating this album and pretend that I'm listening to it for the first time instead of the kazillionth. So on that basis I must acknowledge that there a quite a few good songs on this album. The Edge's guitar on Zoo Station and Until the end of the world are notable and I grudgingly acknowledge that One is a pretty good song.
my favorite U2 album, after this one all went downhill
My #3 favorite U2 album
It goes from great to annoying and back again.
I like a lot of it, I like a lot of the instrumentals, there’s some really sick guitar parts from The Edge, but Idk I just feel like it’s missing something. The vocals are good but I feel like some of the passion from their earlier stuff isn’t always there
You failed me, Dimery. All you had to do was make me like U2 but none of the albums on the list contain my favorite U2 song: Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me. Shame. The fact that Nirvana's Nevermind came out a few weeks before this is cuckoo bananas to me & that I was 11. I didn't care about either. Funny, how time changes things. Talented musicians I just don't care for. They have a few songs: One & Mysterious Ways. The rest: I can take or leave. 3
Had another U2 album suggested a couple of months ago and I wrote something like it was OK but would never convert me to being a U2 superfan. I could just have copy/pasted that but it's not really in the spirit. I will say I approached it with an open mind and liked it a lot more than I was expecting, especially 'One' which is a brilliant song. That makes the playlist but while I genuinely liked most of the rest, I didn't like it enough to return to often (ever?)
The only U2 album I’ve listened to before this was Joshua Tree. Achtung Baby was much better. The melodies are pleasant, the lyrics aren’t repetitive and some of it is singable.
I mean, it's U2. I don't rate them at the best of times, but I didn't hate this album. Aside from the big hitters, this one passed me by.
There's a bit of fun noise on here - nothing to write home about.
This music makes me feel nothing, but at least it was recorded and produced to a competent standard.
aight
Good album with some really good songs. Great sounding guitar and brilliant voice. Interesting to listen to this album as an inhaler fan - their voices sound very similar at times and you can definitely hear the inspirations for inhalers albums. Overall a great listen, but didn’t stand out too much so I can’t rate any more than a 3. It cery much sounds like old school indie music. My favourite song was probably ‘Who’s gonna ride your wild horses’.
I was never a big U2 fan in the 80’s/90’s when they were huge, but nostalgia has a way of casting a positive light on old music. I enjoyed the listen.
It’s a decent album but I wouldn’t say it’s anything special. A couple of good songs
I enjoyed this album in its hey day…but that was it
Just ok
not that this is relevant to this album at all but I really wish I was alive and sentient in the 90s. I really think i woulda thrived. I also know that this is like at this point 10% of my reviews but I woulda been reallllllllly good at being alive in the 90s. just sayin
I'm honestly not entirely sure why U2 is so popular, at least based on this album. Everything feels... safe. Like they weren't trying to do anything cool or groundbreaking or even emotional. It's just basic, blasé pop rock. Totally middle of the road. I could listen to it again. I could also shelve it and never play it again. My life would not be any different with any choice. It's just meh.
Probably like a 3.5. Not the worst U2. Its creative and self indulgent in good ways, I just prefer the earlier stuff more.
Meh. Me gusta U2 pero en vdd este como que ni fu ni fa. Siento que tienen mejores temas y como que me daría lo mismo escucharlo o no escucharlo de nuevo. De hecho no lo terminé de escuchar xq me aburrí.