Boy

by U2

Overview

From the outset, U2 went for the big message -- every song on their debut album Boy sounds huge, with oceans of processed guitars cascading around Bono's impassioned wail. It was an inspired combination of large, stadium-rock beats and post-punk textures. Without the Edge's echoed, ringing guitar, U2 would have sounded like a traditional hard rock band, since the rhythm section and Bono treat each song as an anthem. Of course, that's the charm of Boy: all of its emotions are on the surface, delivered with optimistic, youthful self-belief, yet the unusual, distinctive guitar textures give it an unexpected tension that makes it an exhilarating debut. The songs may occasionally show some weakness -- the driving "I Will Follow," the dark "An Cat Dubh," and the shimmering "The Ocean" stand out among the sonic textures -- yet the band's musical and lyrical vision keep Boy compelling until the finish. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	07/22/2008
Label:	Island
UPC:	0602517646469
Rank:	46999

Tracks

1. I Will Follow
2. Twilight
3. An Cat Dubh
4. Into the Heart
5. Out of Control
6. Stories for Boys
7. The Ocean
8. A Day Without Me
9. Another Time, Another Place
10. The Electric Co.
11. Shadows and Tall Trees
12. [Untitled]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

U2   Primary Artist
Larry Mullen, Jr.   Drums
The Edge   Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards
Bono   Guitar,Vocals,Harmonica
Adam Clayton   Bass,Guitar (Bass)

Technical Credits

Paul Thomas   Engineer
Iain Finlay   Photography
Steve Lillywhite   Producer
Larry Mullen, Jr.   Composer
The Edge   Composer
U2   Composer
Bono   Composer
Adam Clayton   Composer
Steve Avril   Design,Typography,Art Direction