THE UNFORGETTABLE FIRE (by U2)

SUMMARY:                    RUNNING TIME: 42 Min.

Released by Island Records in 1984, this album consists of ten tracks, all written by U2.

1. A Sort of Homecoming                        5:28
2. Pride (In the Name of Love)                 3:49
3. Wire                                                  4:19
4. The Unforgettable Fire                        4:55
5. Promenade                                         2:34
6. 4^th of July                                         2:14
7. Bad                                                   6:08
8. Indian Summer Sky                           4:19
9. Elvis Presley and America                  6:22
10. MLK                                              2:32

REVIEW:

Although “Pride (In the Name of Love)” is vintage U2, most of this downbeat album sounds ordinary in comparison.  Making out Bono’s often faint vocals can also be problematic for those not accustomed to his performance style.  A few tracks (i.e. “Wire;” the haunting “MLK;” and “The Unforgettable Fire”) could merit slots representing U2 in any 80’s rock playlist, but the remaining six songs are essentially background noise.  As a primer to U2’s best albums, The Unforgettable Fire is a decent effort.  

PACKAGING:

The tracks are listed on the CD case’s back cover and the CD itself.  The bare-bones insert has the lyrics for Track # 1 and the obligatory credits.  Three black-and-white portraits help decorate the booklet.  The CD case is standard-issue.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 6½ Stars