NLOTH is a fucking absolute mess, but I cannot believe what I'm reading about SOI/E being better. Just because they stuck to the sound a little better doesn't make them better records. The Troubles is the only song that comes even close to being great. There is not a single track on SOI/E, aside from that song, that puts its nuts on the line or takes any risks. They are so boringly safe, and sure, there's a handful of nice songs on them, but NLOTH was the last time U2 had any fucking balls in the studio (they've proven they still have it live). There is
nothing on the last two records, aside from The Troubles, that can touch any of these moments:
- The duelling guitars and Bono's soaring vocals on the title track
- The longest song they've ever released, with Bono actually putting some skin in the fucking game
- The most interesting and daring song they've written this entire fucking millennium, Fez: Being Born
- Maybe the best song they've released this millennium, Cedars of Lebanon, with Bono singing in a fucking register that actually matches his age and current vocal strengths and the band actually doing - and pulling off, unlike the horrific SOS - understated
And we're supposed to appreciate SOI/E because they don't have a run of three questionable songs? Despite the fact that the three worst songs the band have ever committed to tape are all on SOE? Because they're "biographical"? Despite the fact they contain comfortably the worst, most uninspiring, boring set of lyrics that Bono has ever written?
Fuck outta here.