October (album)
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October was U2's second studio album, released in 1981 (see 1981 in music). October is considered by many to be U2's weakest album; many critics find its lyrics heavy-handed and the band's performances bland.
Quite boldly, the record placed an emphasis on religion and spirituality, particularly in the songs "Gloria" (featuring a Latin chorus of "Gloria, in te domine"), "With A Shout (Jerusalem)," and "Tomorrow." "Can you imagine your second album--the difficult second album--it's about God?" --Bono, 2005 [1] (http://www.u2station.com/news/archives/2005/03/transcript_u2s.php)
The album's recording was complicated when the briefcase containing Bono's lyrics was stolen by fans after a show. The band already booked studio time and thus had to continue recording in spite of this, even improvising lyrics on some songs.
The songs mainly refine U2's formula of riff-rockers with songs such as "Gloria" and "Rejoice," but the band also expanded its musical palette in a few ways. In particular, guitarist The Edge incorporates piano in songs such as "I Fall Down" and "October." "Tomorrow," a lament to Bono's mother, who died when he was young, features Uilleann pipes. "I Threw A Brick Through A Window" was one of the band's first songs to highlight drummer Larry Mullen, Jr.
Its sales indicate that October is the least popular of U2's studio albums, and it is frequently at the bottom of many U2 fans' lists and polls. Only one of the songs from October--the title song--was featured in the band's Best of 1980-1990 collection, as a hidden track at the end of the album, although "Gloria" was a staple of their live set throughout the eighties.
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Track listing
- "Gloria" (4:14)
- "I Fall Down" (3:39)
- "I Threw A Brick Through A Window" (4:54)
- "Rejoice" (3:37)
- "Fire" (3:51)
- "Tomorrow" (4:39)
- "October" (2:21)
- "With A Shout (Jerusalem)" (4:02)
- "Stranger In A Strange Land" (3:56)
- "Scarlet" (2:53)
- "Is That All?" (2:59)
Music by U2, words by Bono.
Produced by Steve Lillywhite.
"Fire" and "Gloria" were released as singles.
"Is That All?" borrows the riff from "The Cry," an older song the band used as an introduction to "The Electric Co." live.
Personnel
- Bono--lead vocals
- The Edge--guitar, piano, vocals
- Adam Clayton--bass guitar
- Larry Mullen, Jr.--drums
See also
External links
- Discography entry at U2 Wanderer (http://www.u2wanderer.org/disco/alb002.html)--Comprehensive details on various editions, cover scans, lyrics, and more.
- Album lyrics (http://u2-lyrics.org/october/)--Searchable album lyrics.
- U2 tours overview at U2-Vertigo-Tour.com (http://www.u2-vertigo-tour.com/all-u2-tours.html)--Includes setlists for every date on the October Tour.
- Quotes and information (http://www.geocities.com/cirrusminor9/html/octinfo.htm)--Detailed background on each song.
- U2MoL (http://hem.bredband.net/steverud/U2MoL/)--Contains fan interpretations and interview excerpts for each song.hu:October