U2's Hidden Gems
I have reached the age where there is so much beloved music in my life, over a life-time of listenership, that I have to make a real effort to discover new treasures. Even from artists that I really love. Today’s world of music a-la-carte, and playlists that we carry around with us all the time can make it even harder. Perhaps I should make a better effort.
And then sometimes discoveries are hiding in plain sight. As is the case of U2’s “Songs of Innocence.” I have had this album since U2 gave it away for free. I have even listened to it and added some tracks to my playlists. But U2, like a lot of great acts, requires multiple hearings for me to really enjoy. So, I gravitate toward the old familiar stuff. This week, however, I caught “Raised by Wolves” during a walk and connected with it.
The song details an historic terrorist attack from the seventies. In doing that, it delivers some great commentary on the current world we live in. On religiously motivated hatred. On rejecting such human driven visions of faith. Bono is such a great lyricist. The whole song is powerful, but consider the following lines:
Boy sees his father
Crushed under the weight
Of a cross in a passion
Where the passion is hate
As you hopefully get excited about U2’s new album ramping up for release, be sure to give their last album—that got a lot of hate for being free(!)—a chance.
And then sometimes discoveries are hiding in plain sight. As is the case of U2’s “Songs of Innocence.” I have had this album since U2 gave it away for free. I have even listened to it and added some tracks to my playlists. But U2, like a lot of great acts, requires multiple hearings for me to really enjoy. So, I gravitate toward the old familiar stuff. This week, however, I caught “Raised by Wolves” during a walk and connected with it.
The song details an historic terrorist attack from the seventies. In doing that, it delivers some great commentary on the current world we live in. On religiously motivated hatred. On rejecting such human driven visions of faith. Bono is such a great lyricist. The whole song is powerful, but consider the following lines:
Boy sees his father
Crushed under the weight
Of a cross in a passion
Where the passion is hate
As you hopefully get excited about U2’s new album ramping up for release, be sure to give their last album—that got a lot of hate for being free(!)—a chance.
Comments
Post a Comment