U2 - 'Magnificent'
Well this is a song with a title that's just asking for trouble, isn't it? 'Magnificent'? Sheesh, why put your head on the block like that? Anything less that total brilliance is heading into super-ironic territory, and I believe that Bono does not do that sort of thing any more.
He also doesn't seem to do finishing songs off properly. Not if this and 'Get On Your Boots' are anything to go by.
Maybe eagerness is no longer his middle name...
()
The music seems to have been put together in a fairly meticulous fashion, with lots of attention to detail, some ghosty synths and a suitably serious chord progression, played with those chiming, echoing guitars and much hi-hat work from Mr Mullen.
That is what U2 do, they try hard. They have a work ethic which would shame the Trojans. Slackness is not in their sound. When they swagger, it's because they know they've done their homework early and the weekend is ahead. The Edge has an entire laboratory underneath the stage, and he only comes out to play once all the test tubes have been polished and put away.
Trouble is, it sounds like Bono has elected to buck the trend, and just stuck with his very first ideas, as if his muse is so powerful, so potent, that he has no need to go back and tweak the flappy bits of the melody - a melody which sags so badly it practically has bingo wings, I might add - or sharpen up the lyrics.
As things stand, he appears to be writing a song about being given the opportunity to write a song. The song he is writing a song about writing doesn't seem to be about anything much, but it's heartfelt and based on something which happened to him, something to do with love.
Don't worry if you can't get the full gist of his blather, I mean if he can't be bothered to write the song properly, why should we bother to listen? Just because it's U2? No.
In summary...'Magnificent'? I'd have settled for 'Ready For Public Consumption'.
Download: Out now
CD Released: May 4th
´óÏó´«Ã½ Music page
(Fraser McAlpine)
Comment number 1.
At 28th Apr 2009, CurtainJerker wrote:SMACKDOWN!!
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Comment number 2.
At 28th Apr 2009, Daniel wrote:I'd never thought I'd see the day a U2 song got 1 star!
I haven't really formed an opinion of this song yet, and, chances are, I'll dislike it!
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Comment number 3.
At 28th Apr 2009, bmsolar wrote:Wow you have to figure something they do doesn't turn to gold.
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Comment number 4.
At 28th Apr 2009, spirit wrote:You know , U2 are special to me but this new album "No Line On The Horizon " is very underwhelming.
Magnificent was the obvious choice for the single, but the album suffers from a lack of melody and memorable songs and hooks that stay in your head for days. ( A U2 trademark ) The quality of songs is not as good as previous work... and for me a lot of excitement has gone.
It's a likeable song... I like the guitar work on the chorus, but it's not U2 great... it is getting good radio play but I don't see it troubling the top 5 at all.
U2 are responsible for loads of great songs and moments in my life... but right now in 2009 , there are a lot of other bands that excite me more.
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Comment number 5.
At 29th Apr 2009, Rose_Parvin wrote:I love the song magnificant & the new songs that Bono has done with u2 on prayer which is Rose Universal Peace Porgram & Rose Prayer House as a tool to change and heal masses thorugh her Holy Spirit within! Bono is an angel whose song with poverote Ave Maria has saved Rose when she was censored and silenced by the pirates of intellectual property to rob hehr of her identity! Now with the help of angels we will prevail!
RosePrayerHouse are domes that will be built around the world for Rose Religion without dogma and without prejudice accepting all members of all race, religion and color for unity of humanity and the god; the one and only!
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Comment number 6.
At 29th Apr 2009, adele79 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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Comment number 7.
At 29th Apr 2009, dennismayberry wrote:I liked this song and it's very peaceful and give a soul satisfaction. I have heard this album so many time and realized new energy. Thanks
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Comment number 8.
At 29th Apr 2009, Daniel wrote:Erm, Rose Parvin...What?
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Comment number 9.
At 29th Apr 2009, spirit wrote:My favourite track on the new album is "Cedars of Lebanon "..... I will do my ten favourite U2 songs later on but please I hope someone can beat me to it !
Come on Danny or anyone............. your 10 favourite U2 songs.....
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Comment number 10.
At 29th Apr 2009, Scotch Get wrote:As this thread won't be on the blog until 17:20 tomorrow, (Thursday), I refuse to leave a comment.
Oh, all right then!
U2 are (expletive deleted)
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Comment number 11.
At 29th Apr 2009, ShineyMcShine wrote:Well, that was rather odd! Can we expect David Lynch to give us a speech on transcendental meditation on the next U2 review? ;-)
Frankly I would be hard pushed to give two fave U2 tracks. For me they have never quite lived up to the hype, too preachy, too self indulgent. Plus, Mr Bono almost ruined All These Things I've Done for me, the swine!
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Comment number 12.
At 29th Apr 2009, twelvemim wrote:I like the song...I also love anything by U2. I think they are fantastic
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Comment number 13.
At 29th Apr 2009, Daniel wrote:I like... (There's not 10 here mind, so don't get your hopes up...)
- Elevation
- Vertigo
Erm...I'm not sure I can name anymore? I'm not a huge U2 fan, I like them ones though!
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Comment number 14.
At 29th Apr 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:1) With or Without you
2) One
3) Beautiful day
4) Stuck in a moment
5) Sunday bloody Sunday
6) Elevation
7) Vertigo
8) Pride
9) The saints are coming
10) Mysterious Ways
Not really in order. Not even sure if thats my "top 10", as Im not a massive U2 fan. They are ok. With or Without you and One are two quality tracks though!
This single is ok, thats about all I can say for it. Underwelming is the best summry of it I think.
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Comment number 15.
At 29th Apr 2009, ShineyMcShine wrote:Actually, after wracking my brains I've just remembered that Johnny Cash did an absolutely brilliant version of One :-)
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Comment number 16.
At 29th Apr 2009, Daniel wrote:Beautiful Day!! There we go, That's a third song to add to my list.
Well, doesn't it seem we aren't the fans of U2!
Maybe this should be their last album! I really wouldn't miss them.
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Comment number 17.
At 29th Apr 2009, spirit wrote:This blog has experienced some interesting entries !
At this moment my 10 U2 faves are :
1) Vertigo
2)Ultra Violet (Light my way )
3)Beautiful Day
4)Gloria
5)With or without you
6)One
7)Angel of Harlem
8)Lemon
9) City of blinding lights
10 ) Even better than the real thing
The hardest thing for a band to do is to have longevity at the top... for this you need consistant, quality songs , relevance to all ages, an amazing live show, and you must always ,always be essential !
U2 have had this for decades and the Guiness book of hit singles class them as the most successful band of the last 20 years..... I am a little disappointed in this latest album... and I think the standards listed above have not all been fully met... we will see....
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Comment number 18.
At 1st May 2009, Fraser McAlpine - wrote:I should really join in with these, right?
Here's mine.
1) Gloria
2) The Unforgettable Fire
3) One (original AND Mary J Blige versions)
4) Red Hill Mining Town
5) Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me
6) The Electric Co.
7) Bad
8) Numb
9) Running To Stand Still
10) Bad
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Comment number 19.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Yeah I should have put "the unforgettable fire " in... what a song, what an opening line :
Ice......
Your only river's run cold.....
Great stuff...
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Comment number 20.
At 1st May 2009, Fraser McAlpine - wrote:I'd have to say the whole of side 1 of Unforgettable Fire is pretty much all you need to know about U2. There are other peaks elsewhere - culturally, financially and musically - but that, for me, is them at their best.
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Comment number 21.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Achtung Baby is my personal favourite if I had to pick one.. so good on many levels......... Anyway Fraser stop getting distracted !
Time is ticking......... and that "we are the people " review is not gonna write itself ! lol
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Comment number 22.
At 1st May 2009, Fraser McAlpine - wrote:OK, I'm slightly confused now...
I had a press release today saying the single's not out until June 1st....
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Comment number 23.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Now I am confused... It has been listed as May 4th for the last three months ! So obviously you had until tomorrow to do the review in my mind ! lol
I saw last week on the Radio 2 website it was record of the week... but it did say June 1ST for release.. I thought it was an error.. my apologies I must appear like a mad passionate hunter stalking you for a review . ( i am ! ).... sorry for now I will be back on your case in 3 weeks (write it in your diary !)
This must have been a recent change but one I totally welcome as it is now C LISTED at RADIO 1 and by the time of release... my aim is to get it to a B list.
Yes ... THE SONG IS THAT GOOD !!
Spirit
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Comment number 24.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Just read your Empire of the Sun piece again.... the bit that made me chuckle , is the line.................
" What you may notice from the briefest glance is.....they are not The Enemy !!! "
Isn't that ironic ?
Don't you think ?
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Comment number 25.
At 1st May 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:They are probably letting their one man PR machine, thespiritwarrior, get the single more known before release?
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Comment number 26.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:The release for the Empire of the sun single has now been put back to the 1st June..... so I will be banging the drum for another month (oh no !!! ).... it is now B listed at RADIO 2.... so the momentum will build and build....... check out the "WE ARE THE PEOPLE " video...... ok enough already !!!!
Another song destined to be a hit that I like is The Veronicas " untouched "... love it !
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Comment number 27.
At 1st May 2009, spirit wrote:Hi Liam .... what songs are you likin at the moment... any tips ?
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Comment number 28.
At 2nd May 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Im not really much good at listening to music before it really gets out there. Im basically too lazy.
Im listening to White Lies a LOT, only just tried their album and its absolutely fantastic. So although a few months old, very good.
The Gossip, Paulo Nutini, Artic Monkeys and Jamie T will all have big albums in the next few months.
Singles that will be massive in the next few weeks/months -
David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - When Love Takes Over
Im tipping this for the summer's big dance anthem, if its not released too early.
Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow
Whatever single the Noisettes release next (hopefully)
Dizzee Rascal & Armand Van Helden - Bonkers
Nothing really spectacular but theres my little music round up.
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Comment number 29.
At 2nd May 2009, BloggingLiam wrote:Oh I nearly forgot, Bassment Jaxx are back!! Saw them live the other week and they were phenominal. They have a single out soon (itll be big) and an album too at some point.
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Comment number 30.
At 2nd May 2009, spirit wrote:Cool ... I am loving all those songs Liam... I will check out the new Kelly Rowland one ....cheers ...
Spirit
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Comment number 31.
At 2nd May 2009, spirit wrote:Basement Jaxx... creators of fine music... and you are never sure what they will come up with next !
Just adds to the excitement !!.......
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Comment number 32.
At 2nd May 2009, spirit wrote:Ok my five fave Basement Jaxx singles :
1) Romeo
2)Oh my gosh
3)Rendez vous
4)Red alert
5) Good luck
All crackin songs !
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Comment number 33.
At 2nd May 2009, spirit wrote:Where's your head at is great !!
almost forgot....
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Comment number 34.
At 7th May 2009, u2suman1 wrote:well this review from someone who gives britney spears 4 stars, says it all doesnt it.
no taste in music,
this is a great u2 track
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Comment number 35.
At 11th May 2009, spirit wrote:Well this song is at NUMBER 42 ...
U2's lowest placing since 1982 !!!
The public have spoken.......
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