The bit of me that wants to have cool opinions wants to mark this right down for Bono's later ego/tax offences. But this album is just too big a part of my upbringing, and there are just too many hooks (of both types) buried in my brain for me not to admit a resentment-filled love for about six tracks on this album. Which seems apt given all the divorce-themed lyrics. My resistance is useless. "On your knees, boy"

A couple of daytime radio classics, but does it really move you? Not quite poignent enough to avoid the feeling that it's just a great, beautifully executed example of light music of the time. But doesn't stir the hardened 21st century soul.

For a transgressive, genre pushing work it's just rather boring.

It's hard not to hear this through the lens of film and TV of a vaguely spacey/SciFi flavour, almost more like a soundtrack to an idea than an album. I am conflicted really. I like this that are languid, spacey, meditative. But the melodies just don't snag me, and it's like the band is alergic to hooks, except for the chorus of 'shine on'. Did they ever snag anyone who wasn't also listening under the influence of something?

A big childhood one for me here. Big, warm, beautifully produced. A couple of big zingy hits (Sledgehammer/Big Time) but the ones that really last more are probably slightly quieter - like In Your Eyes. Plus a Kate Bush cameo. If there was a 4.5 star button I'd push it.

"Bow to the bland", they sing. "I'd rather not", say I.

Bless, what an innocent band.

Here are just some of the things that, on their own, would make this album worth 5 stars: - The piano glissando between the end of God is Love and Mercy Mercy Me. - The successful deployment of the word 'inflation' in a song lyric. - The right kind of unironicness. - The fact he can make you cry by simply asking "Tell me friend, how in the world have you been?" - The menace. - The prescience. - The love.

Well this one's jolly peculiar isn't it? From 1984 but without a synthesiser in sight, some of it could be on a jazz album, some sounds a bit like the Jam, there's even a completely implausisble rap track in there. And a decently charting single, too, "You're the Best Thing". Three stars for trying absolutely everything, but not more because it's not clear how much actually works.

Has a warmer album ever been recorded? So many memorable tunes. Such aching.

Harmless ditties.

What an incredible first three minutes. Bit mixed thereafter, but still worth the four stars.