CMJ New Music Report

31 Jan 1983
This is U2's most developed and mature album both lyrically and musically...

Their third album finds U2 expanding the focus of its music to encompass worldwide issues without losing sight of their original focus: the individual. The new tracks depict reactions to war and the future, and their effect on emotions and relationships. This is U2's most developed and mature album both lyrically and musically. The percussion has been brought forward-it is no longer simply a backdrop for the vocals and guitar work, but shares center stage with them, and sometimes even takes the lead, as on "Sunday Bloody Sunday." The single, "New Years Day" is already a hit as a 12" and should receive the most play. Top cuts: those mentioned above, plus "Two Hearts Beat As One," "As Seconds Go By."

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