The unforgettable fire
Reviews :
Exclusive Review from CMJ New Music Report
Blessed are the music makers: a truly unique guitarist, a
fiery vocalist, and a rhythm section that can do just about
anything.
There's more. Every LP has a theme: relationships, religion,
conflict and now peace. The new producer (Brian Eno) fits the
theme as well as the old one (Steve Lillywhite) did in his turn
but the vision remains with the band, who collectively reach for
as much (musically, lyrically and conceptually) as any other on
Earth and consistently reach new heights. This LP's loftiest
moments are "(Pride) In The Name Of Love" (a tribute to
Martin Luther King, who's presence binds the album together),
"Wire," "Bad," "The Unforgettable
Fire" and "A Sort Of Homecoming." Blessed are the
peace makers.
College Media, Inc.
Quick Quotes :
5 Stars - Indispensable - "...the making of THE
UNFORGETTABLE FIRE witnessed the first signs of a remarkable
chemistry between an artfully analytical producer and a
peak-of-powers group....simply sounds timeless..."
Q Magazine 10/96, p.189
Notes :
Additional personnel: Paul Barrett (synthesizer); Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois.
Recorded at Slane Castle, County Meath and Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland.
The title of this album was taken from an exhibition of
paintings by survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It confirmed U2
as one of a handful of bands able to tackle such vast and emotive
subjects with dignity and musical integrity. There are few
artists capable of writing about religion, war, race, the Irish
problem and life with such ferocity and global commercial
success.
'Pride (In The Name Of Love)', a hymn to Martin Luther King, was
a worldwide hit, and almost every track is an anthem
sung by millions. The production by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois
was a taste of things to come.