U2 90s Discography Review (electronic, dance, rock, single, albums)

**Janszoon** · 03-24-2009, 04:14 PM

It's funny, my memory of the reaction to this album is a little different from what you describe. I seem to recall a lot of longtime fans thinking they had sold out with this album because of it's glitzier sound and imagery. That may have just been the people I knew though. Personally, I loved it though I agree with you that the last two songs are pretty weak.

Roygbiv · 03-24-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

It's funny, my memory of the reaction to this album is a little different from what you describe. I seem to recall a lot of longtime fans thinking they had sold out with this album because of it's glitzier sound and imagery. That may have just been the people I knew though. Personally, I loved it though I agree with you that the last two songs are pretty weak.

I mention fan appraisal due to the popularity of its singles selling millions among the fans, so while many thought they had sold out, most thought they were pretty amazing, not to mention the slew of new fans they acquired. But I think people today still feel that this is their first "sellout" album. To hell with 'em : P it's deep enough to stand against poorly founded criticism.

**Janszoon** · 03-24-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roygbiv

I mention fan appraisal due to the popularity of its singles selling millions among the fans, so while many thought they had sold out, most thought they were pretty amazing, not to mention the slew of new fans they acquired. But I think people today still feel that this is their first "sellout" album. To hell with 'em : P it's deep enough to stand against poorly founded criticism.

I've always thought it was a pretty silly criticism of the album too. If anything, I would think making an album with an accompanying theatrically released movie a la Rattle and Hum is more of a sell out move than anything they did with Achtung Baby. In fact, I've never understood what people thought was the big difference between Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree. I mean the band changed their sound a bit but the circumstances were no different; both were Brian Eno produced albums chock full of radio friendly songs. The only real difference I see is that The Joshua Tree has somber black and white photography of the band looking very serious on the cover. Can it really something as superficial as the packaging makes people perceive Achtung Baby as somehow more commercial?

Roygbiv · 03-24-2009, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I've always thought it was a pretty silly criticism of the album too. If anything, I would think making an album with an accompanying theatrically released movie a la Rattle and Hum is more of a sell out move than anything they did with Achtung Baby. In fact, I've never understood what people thought was the big difference between Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree. I mean the band changed their sound a bit but the circumstances were no different; both were Brian Eno produced albums chock full of radio friendly songs. The only real difference I see is that The Joshua Tree has somber black and white photography of the band looking very serious on the cover. Can it really something as superficial as the packaging makes people perceive Achtung Baby as somehow more commercial?

Somber photography can also make one look more douchey, but at the time U2 were "superheroes." If they pulled that stunt today we'd all laugh at them, like how they titled their second album this decade "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." That's an inspired title, but we all scoffed. So the predominant perception at the time allowed them to get away with the photography, which in turn made the album seem more mysterious, and everyone loves mystery, hence the reason why some people thought Achtung Baby had too much flash. I thought that the raw photography was perfect for the era.

**Janszoon** · 03-24-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roygbiv

Somber photography can also make one look more douchey, but at the time U2 were "superheroes." If they pulled that stunt today we'd all laugh at them, like how they titled their second album this decade "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." That's an inspired title, but we all scoffed. So the predominant perception at the time allowed them to get away with the photography, which in turn made the album seem more mysterious, and everyone loves mystery, hence the reason why some people thought Achtung Baby had too much flash. I thought that the raw photography was perfect for the era.

Yeah, I like the photography too and it suits the album well, but I also like the photography on the cover of Achtung Baby a lot.

Joe Cool · 06-13-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I've always thought it was a pretty silly criticism of the album too. If anything, I would think making an album with an accompanying theatrically released movie a la Rattle and Hum is more of a sell out move than anything they did with Achtung Baby. In fact, I've never understood what people thought was the big difference between Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree. I mean the band changed their sound a bit but the circumstances were no different; both were Brian Eno produced albums chock full of radio friendly songs. The only real difference I see is that The Joshua Tree has somber black and white photography of the band looking very serious on the cover. Can it really something as superficial as the packaging makes people perceive Achtung Baby as somehow more commercial?

I have to agree. I don't really think Achtung Baby (even though it was a ****ing quality album) was that much of a departure from what they had previously done in terms of sound.

03-24-2009, 04:14 PM	#1 (permalink)
Janszoon Mate, Spawn & Die Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Rapping Community Posts: 24,593	It's funny, my memory of the reaction to this album is a little different from what you describe. I seem to recall a lot of longtime fans thinking they had sold out with this album because of it's glitzier sound and imagery. That may have just been the people I knew though. Personally, I loved it though I agree with you that the last two songs are pretty weak. __________________ A Night in the Life of the Invisible Man Time & Place 25 Albums You Should Hear Before the Moon Crashes into the Earth and We All Die last.fm