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October proves that even the mighty U2 were subject, long ago, to the difficult second album syndrome. During its recording both Bono and The Edge left the band temporarily, the album's original lyrics were pilfered before recording could commence, and this while the band were still on a very limited budget. As such it stands as a testament to the four-piece's tenacity, if not to their ability to judge their audience's tastes. October concerns itself in the main with things spiritual. All band members except Adam Clayton were avowed Christians and at this point the singer and guitarist still held doubts as to whether one could rock and get up close and personal with Jesus (hence the temporary exit). In the end they decided it was possible and as a result the album isn't shy with its references to rejoicing and exultation. The album's only hit, Gloria, even came complete with a Latin liturgical chorus. It was all fuel to the fire of detractors who objected to such bare-faced sanctimoniousness. Luckily material such as I Threw A Brick Through A Window and the title track, bolstered by Steve Lilywhite's production, was still in a class of its own.Read full review
If you like U2 you'll like this CD! Not they're best CD but it is the sound of early U2 with classics such as - Gloria, a favorite of mine with October, and some other great tracks - Tomorrow, Scarlet. Well worth a listen, and if your a fan of U2 already, or like their early sound, you'll love it!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is one of U2's best albums. Before the stardom and politics became more important than the music October was a awesome recording. Unlike the last U2 album the Edge actually did not phone in his guitar work from some vacation spot. This album is full of outstanding guitar work by the Edge. Bono's vocals sound real and unlike the arrogant sound in his vocals in his last effort. And the lyric's of every song appears to be genuine and from the heart and soul. October may only be overshadowed by War the album after October which was U2's absolute best. If we could only put this band in a time capsule and send them back 20 years.
U2 released their October album in 1981, just as the music industry was being turned on its head with '80s rock and MTV. U2 came onto the scene and put another twist on the already fast-changing music industry. October was their first real album. Earlier albums, such as Boy, were clearly targeted to a less global audience. October is in the same vein as War, the Unforgettable Fire, Bad and Joshua Tree. Its songs contain messages about social problems, world politics, economics and about life in general as well as numerous religious allusions and Biblical inspirations. U2's hallmark is going beyond bubble-gum pop and I-like-her-she-likes-me lyrics. Gloria has a lot of religious allusions and it is about finding Ms. Right, finding a life-partner and not merely a summer fling. Rejoice is about your personal attitude towards things and that your attitude is the only thing in life you really have any control over. October is a short, haunting song suggesting that the future will be worse than the past. Bono said of that song that in the '60s, things looked good, with a booming economy, everyone was buying cars, TVs and appliances and Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, but the '70s were far grimmer, with oil shortages, war in the Middle East, renewed conflict in Northern Ireland and a bad economy. With a Shout is about the Middle East Conflict. It could also be about the end of the world, as prophesied in the Bible. Stranger In a Strange Land is protesting the British military presence in Northern Ireland, but I must add that U2 had nothing but condemnation for the IRA and other terrorist groups in Ireland. Like most other people in Northern Ireland, they were opposed to military rule and no civil liberties. The tones of this album are what I would call energetic gloom. There is a lot of energy in their music, and a good bit of anger. The overall mood of this album is negative as they are giving voice to teenagers and anyone else who feels left out of the system and cast out of society. October is where U2 find their groove and it lays the groundwork for their future music and songwriting. This is U2's first step in their transformation from being rebellious teens who are angry at the world to becoming rock stars to becoming political powers.Read full review
What can I say? I am a fan of u2 before many of the new u2 fans were born. I remember hearing this collection of songs in the month of October and the song October is always played by myself in october it's that beautiful and moving, as short as the song is. The rest of the cd is brilliant and U2 specially brings into their songs a depth of moodiness not shown in previous albums. Brilliant.
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