Disco de U2: “The Ethereal Tribute To U”

but many of the songs left me thinking, "that's it?" i'm trying to be objective as possible, but it's kind of hard when you're comparing someone else's take on U2's already phenomenal songs to the originals. maybe i shouldn't have had such high expectations, but i must admit that i'm a little disappointed. HOWEVER, there are a couple of songs with very redeeming qualities that make this album worth the purchase.

i am big fan of U2, as well as electronica and lounge. this album is an attempt to somewhat combine all of these, but with a VERY light electronic emphasis. don't get the impression that it's ambient or trance, because it's not (which is why i'm disappointed because that's what i was expecting when my friend told me about this album). it's a very kicked back, chilled out, easy listening experience. the mixes of the songs are likable, but don't go as in depth into the music as i would personally like to see them. i like music that is full and rich with sound and activity, but some of the songs felt kind of empty at times. i guess that's why this is the "ethereal" tribute... the sounds are great, light, and airy. some of the songs even felt a little 'bouncy' at times, but only very subtly. for me, it was a little distracting, but not enough to deviate from the main focus of the song. for those of you that like really light music with the familiar lyrics from U2 that we've all come to love then you just might enjoy this album.

it's interesting to hear female vocals, as well. there are actually four different women that lend their vocals to this effort, not just one (as mentioned in one of the other reviews). they're all very similar in style, yet you can distinguish them from one another. although their voices are nice, i found myself wishing that someone like 'sade' had sung the songs instead of these women. still, their voices add to the ethereal feel that the album was trying to achieve.

i'm not trying to knock this album because it's actually pretty decent. overall, it's a 3 in my book, but there are a few songs that stand out as being worthy of 5 stars. this is just my opinion, but these are the songs that stand out:

*TRACK 6 'I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR'

- took me by surprise because it's nothing more than a beautiful female voice singing the lyrics that are only too familiar to us U2 fans. a little bit of synthesizer is thrown in, as well as a variety of other sounds later in the track, but the attention is obviously on the vocalist. absolutely beautiful.

*TRACK 8 'PEACE ON EARTH' (my FAVORITE song on the album)

- talk about a killer track! this one came out of nowhere because i was really starting to question why i had bought this album until this tune started to play. it's a slow starter, but it progressively builds into something with synths, subtle beats and smooth grooves. the vocals kick in towards the end of the song, the only male's voice on the album. also, the lyrics are delivered in a rap format by a guy named 'projectz'. i'm not a rap fanatic, but the way all of the different aspects of this song blend together is just amazing. this is by far the best track on the entire album... it's absolutely phenomenal in comparison to the others. i'd be interested to see what this guy could do with the other tracks. THAT would be a wicked mix.

*TRACK 10 'GARDEN OF SOULS' (written by one of the producers)

- pretty cool track, actually. two female vocalists serenade you while some easy beats play in the background. the producer, myke smith (who also produced TRACK 8 'PEACE ON EARTH'), obviously knows what he's doing. this is a high quality tune to slip into and just chill. it's a VERY cool groove.

now, don't take my opinion as the sole authority for this album. i'm bias to the original U2 tracks, so it's hard to live up to the originals. still, i greatly appreciate the efforts of other artists and their renditions to songs that may have inspired them previously. U2 has a worldwide audience and the potential to influence MANY styles of music. this album is yet another representation of that potential. you will not regret adding this album to your U2 collection... i don't. in fact, i encourage you to.

Absolutely gorgeous version of With or Without You! A must hear for U2 fans.

Different, but utterly so romantic! Still. Some words changed, because a woman is singing the song. Always the original is better... but I definitely love this version too.

Even my boyfriend plays it in his car... without me. lol.

U2 is God. I have seen them live 33 times, I read about them and listen to their music as much as possible, and I have all the U2 tribute albums. Most of the tribute albums are just interesting to listen to once to hear others' takes on U2's music. Occasionally there will be a song or two that is really likable. But this entire album is very listenable and repeatable. Good lounge atmosphere. Great song choices and spanning from "The Joshua Tree" to "All That You Can't Leave Behind," this album even has sounds of other artists and melodies...sometimes I think I am hearing Genesis' music or Kirk Franklin's song "Lovely Day"....

I agree with the other review; I listened to the previews on Amazon.com; and thought WOW a female vocalist covering U2 songs. She has a pleasant voice too; but the voice is still NOT My Bono's voice. That's the voice of PURE perfection-- the voice of a god here on earth. I would recommend this tribute; but Bono is still the BEST bet.

Signed- The Bono Freak

if we could just outlaw the u2 originals and only allow covers to be played on the radio, the world would be a better place. long live negativeland and the mekons. in the dictionary you will find bono's picture next the word "pompous." this girl has a sweet voice and the songs here are done in a distinctly electronic, yet subdued fashion, probably best called "trip-hop." excellent. great songs without the ego.