Catching Up With U2

It’s great that U2 has a new album coming out and it’s back to their rock ‘n’ roll roots (“Far Down the Road, a Sudden U-Turn,” by Robert Hilburn, Oct. 29). However, I think they should be applauded for making the “Pop” album. It’s ironic that while there’s no end to media articles that tell all of us to be different and think outside the box, when four of the most creative people on the planet do this, they are soundly thrashed. Maybe U2 is just ahead of the curve musically and the fans will catch up in a few years. Maybe not, but this definitely was a fun album and is worth listening to.

DENISE FIFER

Cypress

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I heard U2’s “Beautiful Day” on the radio and thought to myself, “Finally, they are back.” I disliked the “Pop” album so much that the Popmart tour was the first tour I missed. I will embrace this album and look forward to this tour. The concerts I have been to in the past few years (Pearl Jam last night) have been lackluster and uninspiring. I long for the feeling of 100,000 people singing in unison and, at times, feeling like you could hear a pin drop while you waited in anticipation for the next note of “A Sort of Homecoming,” “With or Without You” and “MLK.”

ERINN HANNON

Huntington Beach

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I was glad that you noted the “heavy-handed” lyrics of “New York.” I had seen the lyrics and thought similarly. I think that U2 should be held to a high standard since its lyrics are usually superior to those of many rock acts. After all, that is one of the reasons why they have had such a loyal following over the years.

REBECCA WELLS

Waltham, Mass.

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As I write this, I am listening to the new CD, and it reminds me of L.A. following a rainstorm--bright, clear and the ability to see for miles around you.

U2 can’t be expected to turn out another “Joshua Tree” or “War”; it’s not possible, they aren’t those people anymore. Hell, Bono has been in conference with many of the leaders of the Western world, and commands not only their attention, but respect. His music should and does reflect that.

It’s nice to know that sometimes there are sincere people left in entertainment who strive to be the best they can be and care that the product they give us is an effort that leaves us feeling good about them and ourselves.

LEE M. PHILLIPS

Whittier