It's easy to get why this album was so influencial with its samples, loops and collages. I can't imagine how it sounded when it was released; nowadays it's probably much easier to listen to such a record, since many other artists built their sound from it. It may be experimental, but it's pretty easy to listen to because there is always a strong structure and melodies (OK, more or less) present to not lose you.
This album pioneered sampling techniques, making found sounds like radio announcers and ranting preachers the lead vocal on top of a mix of Afrobeats and Middle Eastern rhythms. Eno and Byrne did take the time to clear the samples that were used, although a recording of part of the Qu’ran on the original release was removed from later pressings on grounds of religious sensitivity. This still sounds startlingly contemporary, despite coming out 40+ years ago