It was not too long ago that U2 flooded radio stations and heated the summer with its incredible smash "Achtung Baby" and outdoor concert phenomena "Zoo TV Tour." In an amazingly short time, the Irish band has created a new and different album, just in time for another summer.
The new album, which keeps with the "zoo" theme in its title "Zooropa," is definitely not old-style U2. After "Achtung Baby" was released, some complained that the group's newest venture just didn't match up to the style everyone has come to identify with Bono and the rest of the band.
Though it is a question of personal preference, there is no doubt that U2 has turned from its "old" style and moved on to newer, more electric and somewhat techno-sounding songs.
The new release features10 songs on a funky purple and lavender polka dotted disc, with the words to the songs printed over colorful, bizarre images taken from the Zooropa '93 video footage.
While there are remnants of the style used on "Achtung Baby," there are also some songs that appear to incorporate an entirely new side of U2. Besides featuring music that is more mellow and less "catchy" than that on "Achtung Baby," the album relies on the use of electronic-sounding background noises and computerized voices, which combine to form a completely techno style that almost drowns out the groups musical talent.
The new album is not something that you will necessarily hear on the dance floor at a fraternity party -- the danceable rhythm of songs like "Mysterious Ways" and "The Fly" just aren't repeated on "Zooropa."
Nor is this music exactly radio material. Though it is techno, which would seem to be more pop or radio style, something about it doesn't seem like pop music.
"Numb" features a very monotonous Bono that, although fitting the song title, does not hit home as being one of his masterpieces.
The title track, "Zooropa," resembles some of the songs found on Achtung Baby, and is perhaps one of the album's best. Other song titles include "Babyface," "Lemon," "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)," "Daddy's Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car" and "Some Days Are Better Than Others," another of the album's best.
The album is entirely different; however, different is sometimes good. If you're not a fan of high-tech musical mixing, this one probably isn't going to be for you. If you're an ardent "Joshua Tree" enthusiast, you should also think again. But it is U2, and some of the old style shows through when you least expect it. It's worth the venture if you don't mind a change.
