November 2017 Archives

**** (Four stars out of 5)

By Neil McCormick, music critic, The Telegraph

U2's 14th studio album opens with one of the most vulnerable and fragile songs of their 41-year-career. Love Is All We Have Left swells on trembling strings and synths, with Bono's close, cracked vocal blending into digital auto-tune as he conjures a space age lullaby for an impending apocalypse. "This is no time not to be alive," he sings.

It's a short, strange, sparse vignette, its spectral beauty interrupted by a gnarly distorted guitar riff as the veteran band turn on the power, and roll exultantly into Lights of Home, a chunky anthem brushing off near-death experience ("I shouldn't be here cos I should be dead") to reach for the light at the end of the tunnel. "Free yourself to be yourself," choral voices command in a coda purpose built for mass singalongs. This is surely closer to the idea that most listeners have of U2 as an upbeat, inspirational, anthemic rock band. And Songs of Experience is full of such moments: big meaty hooks matched by singalong aphorisms ("Get out of your own way!" "Love is bigger than anything in its way"). But the sound of a man in conflict and crisis also runs through the centre of this highly personal collection of songs, undercutting and ultimately deepening the spirit of can do positivity.

On Sunday at the 2017 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) in London, U2 accepted the Global Icon Award from actor Jared Leto. The band was honored for their dedication and achievements in the music industry throughout the band's career.

Leto said in his introduction speech: "U2 changed my life. I discovered their seminal album 'The Joshua Tree' and it became the soundtrack of my youth. U2 isn't just a band, it's a way of life. Their songs are prayers, their concerts a church. They challenge us, they inspire us and they remind us that every moment in our lives is an opportunity to rise above and be part of the possibilities of life, rather than its problems. They teach us it's okay to mix art and politics, and sometimes - even better - to start a revolution and say fuck you. 157 million records sold, 22 Grammys and the highest-grossing concert tour in the history of the world. One love, one blood, one life."

Bassist Adam Clayton dedicated the award to Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who signed the band 40 years ago.

Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. stated: "...MTV, after 35 years, and U2 are still making history. Thanks to Bob and Bruce and thank you."

As official recipients of the Global Icon award at the 2017 MTV EMAs, U2 will be performing tomorrow night in London.

Their special live performance will take place in London's historic Trafalgar Square with an expected crowd of 7,000 people.

According to Bruce Gillmer (Head of Music and Music Talent, Global Entertainment Group, Viacom), the 22-time Grammy Award-winning band will be honored for their "Contributions to music, pop culture and social issues around the world. For over four decades and counting, they've entertained, influenced, and inspired fans around the globe and we're thrilled to announce that they are this year's Global Icon."

Sadiq Khan, London's Mayor said: "London is one of the live music capitals of the world, with an unrivaled music heritage. It is fantastic to host the EMAs in our city for the first time in 21 years. What better way to showcase this than one of the world's greatest rock bands performing to Londoners from all backgrounds, for free, in the heart of our great city?"