U2 continues to accentuate the positive, much to the chagrin of all the mopey cynical types out there. This album is universal and inspirational. It's more down-to-earth, lyrically and musically, than "The Joshua Tree". Whereas that 1988 album was full of The Edge's ethereal chiming guitar style, "All That You Can't Leave Behind" leaves behind that classic U2 sound to a certain extent, without leaving behind the great songwriting. Thankfully the techno of "Pop" is almost completely jettisoned. World-weary but still hopeful, these aging Irishmen encourage their listeners to leave behind their moments of depression and try to rise above adversity, and realize that in spite of all the pain, the world still has plentiful grace and beauty to offer. If this album doesn't seem like a classic on the first listen to you, you're not alone. It's beauty is subtle, and requires multiple listens to be fully appreciated. The only song on it that's not good is "Wild Honey". My favorite song on the record is probably "New York". When I read the title I feared it may be the result of Bono's unfortunate worship of Frank Sinatra. Luckily, it has nothing to do with the old big-band tune. Instead, its imagery paints a vivid picture of the world's ultimate metropolis, conveying just how terrifying, beautiful, and overwhelming the Big Apple is. In conclusion, I strongly recommend you buy this album. In my opinion, it's one of the best and most important rock albums ever. In this age of insincere Teen Pop and raving Rap-Metal screamers, bands who still believe in honest, tuneful music are harder to come by. U2 is still one of the greatest of these.

Recommended: Yes