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Fulfilling the promise that Boy and October had only hinted at, War is where U2 started to prove that they were something special. Less centered on Christian themes and introducing a passionate mix of love and politics, this is U2’s hardest rocking collection, and it's still one of their best. The militant “Sunday Bloody Sunday” starts things off with a powerful anti-violence diatribe whose intense, questioning lyrics (“how long must we sing this song?”) are helped along by the band’s big, roaring attack and the inventive flourish of an electric violin. “Seconds” is an overlooked gem of a song sung by the Edge (sounding uncannily like Bono!) warning against nuclear warfare, while “New Years Day” (the band’s biggest hit to date) features a gorgeous piano melody, a great guitar solo from the Edge, and an inspired vocal by Bono. In short, it all came together on this song, which remains one of the bands best, unlike “Like A Song…,” whose driving drum beats and ringing riffs fail to find a memorable melody, though it’s still impressively intense. By contrast, the sparse, dramatic “Drowning Man” is very memorable, in part because of the atmospheric, echoed production, but also because of Bono’s great vocal. The martial rhythms and fist pumping chants of “Refugee” makes for another idiosyncratic winner, while the hard charging “Two Hearts Beat As One” rushes along on the Edge’s edgy (sorry, but there really is no better word) guitar playing, the band’s propulsive rhythm section, and Bono’s vocals, which gasp excitedly as the song surges forward to its fantastic finish. “Red Light” is a minor but enjoyable album track due to its melodic vocal lines (with prominent backing vocals) and wailing trumpet interjections, while “Surrender” is a relaxed, atmospheric also ran that’s also still quite ear pleasing (again in part due to its tasty backing vocals). A more significant effort then commences with “40” (named after Psalm 40), a simple, soulful sing along ballad that went on to close every U2 concert throughout the rest of the ‘80s. Likewise, this elegiac hymn closes out this album in fine fashion, as it foreshadows the mellower, more reflective tone that the band’s next two studio releases would concentrate on. To summarize, War, the last album of the Steve Lillywhite era (this would be his last full production for the band, though he would participate on later albums in a reduced role), was a big step up in class for the band. Bono in particular demands notice as a premiere rock voice on this fiery epic, which still stands as one of U2’s most heartfelt and passionate triumphs.Read full review
What can be said here ?? U2 is one of the best groups ever ! Some great songs here ! Track listing 1. Sunday Bloody Sunday 2. Seconds 3. New Year's Day 4. Like A Song 5. Drowning Man 6. Refugee, The 7. Two Hearts Beat As One 8. Red Light 9. Surrender 10. 40
Did not get a War CD by U2, I got a CD by the band War, not bad music but not what I ordered. I'm willing to keep the CD but still would like the one I ordered.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This CD has alot of the groups old stuff and many of the songs were hits.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I really like this album and decided to buy it, really good item for the price.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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