Sophisticated sonics
Although the disc could have ended a little more triumphantly (even though the Cash song has only grown in stature), Zooropa still comes loaded with interesting production and sleek, easy-going arrangements. Often misunderstood release which continued the pop experimental elegance found on their landmark shift AB, although with more emphasis placed around having fun instead of drama ("Stay (Faraway, So Close!)", admittedly one of the disc's most powerful tracks sounds like the only cut that could have made that previous release).
So GOOD, but most do NOT understand...
This is actually U2's BEST album. . it is a scathing commentary on Europe and the world. . . the musicality of it is top-notch, the experimentation meshed well together, and the topicality of it still rings true to this day as Europe continues to slide into oblivion (partying the night away as Islam gathers strength in the heart of Europe), even as they appear so wonderful and united on the surface. . . oh, and the WANDERER is the PERFECT song to cap this album, a condemnation. . . Mr. Cash (and by proxy, the people of the United States) hits the nail on the head with a SLEDGEHAMMER. . . this album sounds better today than it did when it came out 15 (fifteen!) years ago. . . most people then were not ready for ZOOROPA and many still are not. . . the title track, Numb, Lemon, Daddy's Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car and the Wanderer are highlights. . . more than worth your dollar (or Euro!).
Amazing - Sorely Underrated
That aside, "Zooropa" is a criminally underrated album. As a serious U2 fan, this review is bound to be a little bit biased.
Released amid their early to mid-1990's experimentation with techno/dance/rock, it isn't as accessible as their more iconic work, but what is offered on this release is nothing short of brilliant.
'Numb' is an easy and obvious single, and may be a good place to start if you want to get a feel for what this album is like, although it may have been a better fit on their next album, "Pop. " 'Stay (Faraway, So Close!)' is one of the better-known tracks from the album, and is certainly a great song, but 'Babyface' is oft-overlooked, and - although very pop-y - is a gorgeous song. 'Lemon' has an absolutely beautiful refrain, and 'The First Time' is eerily reminiscent of 'All I Want is You' in its haunting simplicity: a two-chord guitar part supported by strong lyrics. And 'The Wanderer,' U2's collaboration with Johnny Cash, is, arguably, the best song on the album.
If you haven't heard this album, definitely give it a listen.
A classic U2 record that should not be ignored
' But hey, it's still a great U2 record. I'll be the first to say that U2 did experiment here, and this is very different from records like, say 'The Joshua Tree' or 'The Unforgettable Fire.
Many fans of 1980s U2 disliked this record, and I never (and still to this day) don't understand why. It's got great songs. 'Numb' features The Edge on vocals, with Bono and his great high falsetto singing background vocals, and a good quiet song in 'The First Time. '
The intro to 'Zooropa' is great. It features great piano parts from The Edge, as well as some experimental synthesizer sounds.
The legendary country music hero Johnny Cash stops by to sing lead on 'The Wanderer,' a great classic country music song that's well worth checking out if you're a Johnny Cash and/or U2 completist.
Overall, it's a great record that should not be condemned. It's a masterpiece. A great addition to anyone's U2 collection.
Highly recommended. ENJOY!!!.
The Dark Side Of U2 Meets Brian Eno
actually, the heavily synthesized sound of this album is entirely appropriate because of its predominating subject matter, the alienation of modern man as a result of gross consumerism, technological dependence and moral declination. Zooropa can easily be seen as a natural progression in the band's musical evolution as rockers, social commentators and human beings, when examined through a religious and prog-rock grid.
there is also an interesting, yet subtle tension throughout many of the songs, a cry for both a natural balance in the world (and the self) and supernatural intervention; both of which have been upset or largely ignored on the surface.
musically, Zooropa offers many traditional blues-influenced ballads with the band's usual instrumentation while Brian Eno assists with a heavily syhthesized-yet-innovative sound that often chills and refuses to soothe.
the cd book inside is heavily colored and assaults the viewer with disturbing images distorted by a computer-imaging software program, and easily supports the theme of the overarching theme of the album.
one of my favorite U2 albums, this is a must-have album for fans of U2 and Brian Eno, but they may not know it yet. . .
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