Yeah, okay. I'm a bit partial to this album. But, think of it this way. Why would I do a review unless I had a strong opinion about an album? Well, "Rattle and Hum" released in 1988 is my absolute favorite U2 album hands down. I realize that there have been other albums that have gotten more recognition like "The Joshua Tree" and last year's "All That You Can't Leave Behind." But, "Rattle and Hum" is what resonates for me. I can still hear their versions of "Helter Skelter" and the equally amazing yet under recognized original "All I Want Is You."
The following as impartial a review as I can give. If you are any kind of U2 fan, and you haven't heard any songs from this album beyond "Desire," my suggestion is to run (no walk) to the record store and pick up a copy. This one is worth the full price.
1. HELTER SKELTER
U2 makes a valiant effort to cover this controversial Beatles tune. It's not that Bono's voice is the best, rather it's the meshing of his voice with the equally talented and diverse musical instruments. So, you don't think you've ever heard the song before? Well, like I said it's originally a Beatles tune. Oh, and Charlie Manson also had a particular amount of love for it. In the beginning of the song, Bono acknowledges this by saying "This is a song Charles Manson stole from the Beatles. We're stealing it back." Great, beautiful song...especially this version as performed by U2. I love the introduction that goes as follows: "When you get to the bottom You go back to the top of the slide And you stop and you turn And you go for a ride."
2. VAN DIEMEN'S LAND
U2 is known for writing and singing songs that are very political in nature, but don't really seem political on first listen. For example, their recent hit "Beautiful Day" was that way. Well, this song is very political. It speaks of strife in their motherland of Ireland. It's touching and wonderfully performed thanks to the talented lads. "Still the gunman rules and the widows pay A scarlet coat and a black beret They thought that blood and sacrifice Could out of death bring forth a life."
3. DESIRE
This was a hit on the airwaves and on MTV for the Irish guys. It's a great song, but was somewhat overplayed when it was released. Over ten years later, that stigma has worn away and we as fans are left with a lasting memory of a great song. You know the song. There's no question of this. I'd be worried if you didn't. The chorous is simple, just the repeating of "Desiiiire, Desiiiire..." Great, magnificent, beautiful. You almost forget it's genre.
4. HAWKMOON 269
An original song that never became a single, this driving almost-ballad is a beautiful example how a relatively unknown U2 song is nonetheless of just as high quality as the most popular ones. It's pleading, and the drums are perfectly timed to the emotion. A masterpiece so far as I'm conserned. It's got great lyrics as demonstrated here: "Like a rhythm unbroken Like drums in the night Like sweet soul music Like sunlight I need your love." Don't skip this track...you'll regret it if you do.
5. ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER
You know the Jimi Hendrix version. You know it well. All rock fans are familiar with the song. Rather than trying to sound like Hendrix (an impossibility for U2), the band carefully crafts their own version. It's classic, and should be just as notable as any other version of the song. So right now you can't imagine Bono's voice in the place of Hendrix', don't worry. He does it justice. My favorite line is the one that starts the song out "There must be some way out of here Said the joker to the thief
There's too much confusion here I can't get no relief..."
6. I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR
This is classic U2. Like I mentioned about "Desire," this song was everywhere upon it's release. And, for good reason. It's high quality and beautiful. Originally, this track was found on the grammy winning "Joshua Tree" album. On "Rattle & Hum," U2 released a live version. It's arguably better than the original. It seems unnecessary to mention my favorite part, but here goes: "I believe in Kingdom Come Then all the colours will bleed into one Bleed into one But yes I'm still running."
7. FREEDOM FOR MY PEOPLE
A shorter, mainly instrumental song, this is a sort of call to arms in regards to the situation in Ireland. This politically active song is another example of U2's interest in the landscape in Ireland.
8. SILVER AND GOLD
The song was a suprise to me. I'd never heard it when I got my paws on this album for the first time. But, after listening to it numerous times, "Silver and Gold" is one of my favorites. It's pleading, prodding and driving in a soft sort of way. The repeating of "silver and gold" as the chorous is what stays with me. It's what I hear in my head when I think of the song. Absolutely beautiful.
9. PRIDE (IN THE NAME OF LOVE)
Suprise of all suprises, I like this one too :) This is a great song that was a popular single in the late 80's and early 90's. It's a great, sad tune about love and what people will do for it. I'd suggest this song as one of the top 10 in the band's career. Nearly perfect, even this version. My favorite part is: "One man caught on a barbed wire fence One man he resist One man washed on an empty beach. One man betrayed with a kiss." And, by the way as popular music fan, you should know this one well...like the back of your hand.
10. ANGEL OF HARLEM
This song is somewhat underrecognized. Although, I want to point out that it even shines among these other diamonds. It's perfect cut and perfect clarity are apparent even next to more popular tracks. Love it, cherish it, and don't skip it...ever! My favorite line of all of the pointed lyrics is: "Soul love, and this love won't let me go So long... Angel of Harlem..."
11. LOVE RESCUE ME
I don't want to say much about this track. It's good one, but quite honestly there are better ones. Maybe by this time on the album I'm looking for something different. Maybe. But, anyway, it's still good enough to warrant an ear. Maybe even listen to my favorite line: "I've conquered my past The future is here at last."
12. WHEN LOVE COMES TO TOWN
Almost bluesy (but not quite), this is a great U2 song yet again. I wish I had something really bad to say about something on the album, but it's all wonderful to say the very least. This is a very high quality song that showcases the talents of the vocalist (Bono), The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen. Just wonderful, but I realize that I sound like a broken record.
13. HEARTLAND
Another good U2 song, but not the best one on the album. It warrants a listen, but I don't expect that it will be your favorite in comparison to the other masterpieces on this album. I do have a favorite passage, though "See the sunrise over her skin She feels like water in my hand."
14. GOD, PART II
This is a good song that talks about beliefs and belief systems. As a band from Ireland, they have some views about this subject (obviously). Their lyrics do really say it all, but "Feel like I'm fallin' I'm spinnin' on a wheel
It always stops beside a name A presence I can feel. I believe in love." It seems like Bono and co. can only point to their belief specifically in love. And, oh, what a true belief that is!
15. THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER
An interesting sort of thing to have on an album from Irish rockers, but nonetheless good. Nothing really to say except for the fact that it's well done since the entire track *is* instrumental.
16. BULLET THE BLUE SKY
Classic U2 yet again. It seems as though this entire album could be categorized as such. This song does not disappoint by any means. This song was originally part of the highly successful album "Joshua Tree." It's beautiful like so many of U2's other tracks. This song proves that there are many artistic layers to U2 and their music. "In the locust wind Comes a rattle and hum. Jacob wrestled the angel And the angel was overcome."
17. ALL I WANT IS YOU
It's almost painful that my favorite track on the CD is also the last. It's a sad, yearning song about love and need. The video (I bet you've never seen it, it wasn't too popular) features a group of circus freaks, one of which falls in love with the beautiful trapeze artist. It's a gorgeous song. It's also very lengthy, but that's alright. It's still the best in my opinion on the album. Many artists have covered it for good reason. Here's a great line: "You say you'll give me eyes in the moon of blindness A river in a time of dryness A harbour in the tempest. All the promises we make, from the cradle to the grave When all I need is you."
So, yeah, I like this album alot. If you've never heard it or heard the songs, you won't be disappointed. Much of it is live, but the screaming voices of fans doesn't by any means overpower the talented band. Go buy it.
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