U2 - October

Long a favorite of U2's original core following, October not only avoids the sophomore slump, but adds an edgy, emotional resonance to the buoyant self-confidence they showed on their debut, Boy. Though producer Steve Lillywhite deserves mention for helping effectively frame the material with production that manages to be both stark and atmospherically murky, this is the music where Bono, Edge, and company first show the potential that would make them superstars. Lacking the sometimes ham-fisted polemics that would mar War, The Joshua Tree, and later works, October has an oft-tortured sense of emotional and philosophical ambivalence that only underscores concerns that range from the crypto-spiritualist yearnings of "Gloria" and "Rejoice" to more anxious moments like "I Fall Down," "I Threw a Brick Through a Window," and "Fire." In retrospect, they may have peaked early. --Jerry McCulley Amazon.com

Religious references, but still old U2

From what I'd heard in their "Joshua Tree" days, I thought U2's "October" album would sound the same. But although this album has numerous religious references, the band still sounds like the old U2.

That's not to say that this is a bad album, because the old U2 songs sound really great. However, if anyone really loved U2's spiritual songs, such as "With or Without You," that person may be somewhat disappointed with the October song "Gloria," which sounds more like a religious version of "New Year's Day."

However, there are times in which religious sensibilities take U2 to a whole new level. The song "Tomorrow" really brings many religious lyrics to the forefront. Bono sings about "open up/to the lamb of God/to the love of he who made/the light to see you." He even sings that Jesus is coming.

At the same time, this is still a young U2 band, so their sound doesn't change too much. Despite the addition of a soft piano song and moments of high volume contrast, the Edge plays his guitar in the same fashion as in the album "Boy." In other words, he plays good old punk chords with the occasional high-pitched solo. This is definitely not a sophomore slump album--this still features fast-paced rock.

I didn't get a complete spiritual awakening with this album, because this still sounds like the same old U2 from their early days. However, I did like this album, because it what a consistently excellent band U2 is. July 8, 2008

A great add to your CD collection, even if you arent a huge U2 fan

I am not a die hard U2 fan. I enjoy "Boy" and "War" albums, think the "Unforgettable Fire" was above average, and once they released the "Joshua Tree" they pretty much lost me, even though I give a thumbs up to the outstanding "Pop" which had them resort back to a more alt rock style with some electronica thrown in. "October," the bands second album, is my favorite U2 album and I feel it is their best. I feel that is just so different, that any fan of rock music would appricate the album as it pretty introduced us to alternitive rock. Sure "Boy" had some decent songs,and most think "The Joshua Tree" was their groundbreaking album but I believe "October" was really what introduced us to U2's "different and alt sound". Take it for what it is worth, there is a certain edge here (no pun intended) that other U2 albums seem to lack, and the musicanship here is top notch. Since Bono's ego has grown to the size of a US State, you can see why the band lacks the charisma and charm they used to have, as his he stupidly said something along the lines that they were lucky to have not been dropped from the record company after releasing "October" and he seems to hate it. I highly doubt he and the band thought that way when they recorded it in 1981, as I highly doubt it was as rushed into production, as they made it seem, after releasing the debut in 1980. Maybe since he thinks the bands older masterpieces stink, is why they released the stinkbomb and clearly their worse album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" or should have been labeled "How to Dismantle your fanbase of old with a bunch of Middle Aged Egomanics" Even if you feel like I do about the band, please dont hesitate to add this to your collection. U2 was once a good band, and this release shows why. ENJOY June 26, 2008

Great straightforward rock marred by experimental crap

Half this record sounds like good outtakes from Boy; half of it is overambitious. The experimental tracks like "Fire"; "I Threw a Brick Through a Window"; "Tomorrow"; "Stranger in a Strange Land"; and "Scarlet" would've sounded great on The Unforgettable Fire or The Joshua Tree or even War, but here it seems they're just trying to impress you by hitting you with as many studio effects as they can, whether or not they actually fit with the song. "Scarlet" in particular sounds like it would've benefited from the Eno treatment, because it's ambient and all, but without Eno it's just a vapid mess. The best songs are the more straightforward rock tracks - the best is, of course, the anthemic religious rocker "Gloria", with a soaring refrain; songs like the echoey "I Fall Down", the exciting rockers "Rejoice" and "With a Shout" and the sketchy, haunting, piano-and-vocals title track go over quite well also. There's plenty of strong material on October, but so much weak crap that it's advisable you don't get it until after you have the surrounding '80s albums. November 3, 2007

sounds great in October

U2's early albums help you forget all about the average, disappointing sound and style U2 is famous for today. It takes you back to a time in the early 80's when mainstream rock was really something special and the quality of the songwriting and the amount of talented musicians was overwhelming. October is a great rock album from beginning to end. I think "Rejoice" is a brilliant song lyrically and musically. "Gloria" is as well. U2 was a really talented band back in the 80's with their own sound and style. I remember those days, having grown up during that time. I remember that version of U2 as the ultimate, memorable one. No offense to the new U2 sound, but it's not the same thing. I like the old days. October 21, 2007

Enjoyable But Not Memorable

This is the forgotten U2 album and there is a reason why. It isn't as easily accessible or memory readible as their others. The only misstep in an amazing career, October will be seen as the non travesty it is only years to come. Were the people expecting too much? That's too hard to tell. But it isn't as bad as they would make it out to be.

It's actaully quite enjoyable, Gloria, Fire, Scarlet, October, Tomorrow. All fine songs. It's at least worth a listen then make up your mind.

Recommended. October 8, 2007

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