Written for U2 Graffiti Wall by UnhitchedWildhorsey: Any respecting U2 fan would agree the absolute best thing about U218 (at the time of its release anyway) is the new material on the CD. I don't think many bands if any have the level of fandom and anticipation between released work, and tours which U2 have. When a U2 fan can get their hands on a couple of fresh tunes...it is off to the record store, big box store or online store we go! Zoom-Zoom with haste! As usual in that respect having a first listen to U218 was no disappointment.
The wonderful collaboration of Green Day with U2 on 'The Saints Are Coming' was a marriage of Punk meets Rock & Roll genius. Two high energy bands--one the mentor to the other--both Punk at heart yet existing more on top 40 and rock stations--singing a fitting song for victims of the hurricanes; as well as beaten down victims of life in general. 'Saints' fits like a lost puzzle piece to the other new tune found on U218...'Window In The Skies'. They begin a Biblical tale and end it. 'Window In The Skies' has to be one of my favorite U2 songs as far as religious content. A beautiful song about the most beautiful love of all...Christ's love. From the 1st verse the Biblical story of Christ's resurrection leaps forth. The song concludes with the proclamation that "love left a window in the skies"; which to me harkens the Biblical rapture and 2nd coming of Christ. If you line up 'The Saints Are Coming' with 'Window In The Skies' you will have a complete religious experience. The cry for God's help followed by his answer to all of mankind.
As for the rest of the gem which is U218---What's not to like? It sounds trivial to put it that way but I have to say it simply because trivial is not what these hits are. U2's catalog is ripe with such amazing talent lyrically and musically. It is hard to review their hits collections because the material here is so good. How can one possibly write about it? There isn't a dud, a mistake put in this line-up...well maybe they could have had more of Edge's backing vocals...or Larry's...but in reality it is pretty perfect.
I like the combos on U218 of the high energy songs followed by heart tugging songs, and vise versa (such as 'Mysterious Ways' followed by 'Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of'). I like the 'Vertigo' radio edit--with its get in and astound and get back out assault on the listener. And, any U2 release containing both 'One' and 'Walk On' will be a winner with me. Finally there are some special cuts found on U218 which along with the "newer" songs mentioned above qualifies this release as a thumbs up winner in the eyes of the savvy U2 collector.
U218 is as many seemingly subtle U2 releases: meticulously thought out. Do we ever expect less from our boys?
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