U2

U2's debut is remarkable in both its scope and its success in achieving that scope. Anthemic from the moment they're let out of the gates, all members seem possessed by the hope and fury of being young. Yet, innocence and wonder can still be found in "Electric Co." and "Out Of Control." The balance between youth and ambition make this record so great.

"I Will Follow," the kickoff cut from the debut album by Irish whiz kids U2, is a beguiling,
challenging, perfect single. With its racing-pulse beat, tinkling percussion and
mantra-simple chorus of dogged affection ("If you walkaway, walkaway/I walkaway,
walkaway–I will follow"), it's already a dance-floor favorite. Unfortunately, much of the
rest of Boy doesn't quite equal that first vital piece of precocity. U2 plays smart,... More >

Their youth, their serious air, and their guitar sound are setting a small world on fire, and I fear the worst. No matter where they're starting off--not as big as Zep, maybe, but not exactly on the grunge circuit either--their echoey vocals already teeter on the edge (in-joke) of grandiosity, so how are they going to sound by the time they reach the Garden? What kind of Christian idealists lift their best riff from PIL (or from anywhere at all)? As bubble-headed as the teen-telos lyrics at best. As dumb as Uriah Heep at worst. (Grade - C+)