No Line On The Horizon
by U2
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 409 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 324 out of 409
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 409
  3. Negative: 43 out of 409

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  1. Austerlitz
    Aug 21, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Un grand disque de U2. Fusion parfaite entre The Unforgettable Fire, Achtung Baby et All That You Can't Leave Behind. Magnificent est un joli single.… Expand
  2. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 11, 2020
    8
    No Line On The Horizon by U2: 7.07

    No Line On The Horizon: 1 :) Magnificent: 1 :) Moment Of Surrender: 1! Unknown Caller: 0.75 I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight: 1 :) Get On Your Boots: 1 :) Stand Up Comedy: 1 :) FEZ / Being Born: 0.5 White As Snow: 0.5 Breathe: 1 :) Cedars Of Lebanon: 0.5 9.25/11 ~ .841 -> 7.07 I had always painted this album as a lot better    No Line On The Horizon by U2: 7.07

    No Line On The Horizon: 1 :)
    Magnificent: 1 :)
    Moment Of Surrender: 1!
    Unknown Caller: 0.75
    I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight: 1 :)
    Get On Your Boots: 1 :)
    Stand Up Comedy: 1 :)
    FEZ / Being Born: 0.5
    White As Snow: 0.5
    Breathe: 1 :)
    Cedars Of Lebanon: 0.5

    9.25/11 ~ .841 -> 7.07

    I had always painted this album as a lot better than it actually is in reality. Don’t get me wrong, this is still an amazing collection of songs, but I didn’t realize how many “meh” songs there were. Of course, I cannot really complain, since there are so many amazing songs in No Line On The Horizon. Magnificent, Moment Of Surrender, and I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight are three of my all time favorite songs, and there are a lot more on here that I love. I really liked Moment Of Surrender as well for the power that the lyrics contain, which makes a really good song combined with the awesome music that U2 gives it. My only complaint are the three songs at the end that just didn’t measure up to the others, although I can kind of ignore those since the rest of the album is chock full of instant classics. All U2 fans will find No Line On The Horizon another great listen, as I know I did. Highlights: No Line On The Horizon, Magnificent, Moment Of Surrender, I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight, Get On Your Boots, Stand Up Comedy, and Breathe.    … Expand
  3. sicrano
    Feb 12, 2020
    9
    Great Album by U2, But isn't best than 2000 & 2004 albums, The album have so many great songs, and is kind experimental that explains the admirers, but the album isn't confident and extraordinary like 2000 album, and also is not good like 2004 album.

    But is a solid album.
  4. Thenewone
    May 18, 2018
    9
    es un bueno álbum de U2, pero yo creo que es medio o muy sobreestimado pelos aficionados, siendo que ATYCLB y HTDAAB es muy mejores que este.

    punto culminante

    Magnificent
    Moment of Surrender
    Breathe
    Unknown Caller
    Fez- Being Born
    I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
    White As Snow
  5. raciocinio
    Dec 14, 2017
    8
    THIS ALBUM IS NOT GOOD AS HOW TO DISMANTLE AN ATOMIC BOMB (2004),ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND (2000),ACHTUNG BABY (1991) AND THE JOSHUA TREE (1987) AND EVEN LESS BETTER... U2 here isn't at he's best.
  6. clinteastwoo
    May 11, 2016
    7
    .....................................................................................................................................The Most Weak Album of U2 In the 2000's
  7. Zaynhewsonjavad
    Apr 4, 2016
    7
    ............................................................................................................................................................................A GREAT Step back, for U2
  8. Zanessa250QI
    Apr 4, 2016
    7
    No Way!!!!!!, This Album is Better than How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb (2004), But clearly is better than Songs Of Innocence (2014)...

    After the Masterpiece of 2004 year U2 It is going Downhill Musically...
  9. LoRevisor
    Dec 26, 2014
    8
    O Mais fraco da década de 2000's. Possui uma obra-prima >>Magnificent.
    Top 5 No Line On The Horizon.
    1-Magnificent
    2-Unknown Caller
    3-I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
    4-Breathe
    5-Fez Beign Born
  10. counts0981
    Jun 30, 2013
    8
    I believe it is one of U2's most underappreciated albums. Is it one of their best? No, I don't think so, but it is a great blend of experimental rock and more straightforward rock. I wish the band would have decided to go all out with the experimentation, but I like the change of pace the record has. Breathe is the only song I don't like on this album and I have to be in a certain mood forI believe it is one of U2's most underappreciated albums. Is it one of their best? No, I don't think so, but it is a great blend of experimental rock and more straightforward rock. I wish the band would have decided to go all out with the experimentation, but I like the change of pace the record has. Breathe is the only song I don't like on this album and I have to be in a certain mood for I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight; White as Snow reminds me of Grace in the sense that it is at times a little too lifeless, but a good song if your in the mood for something mellow. The best songs are the first four tracks and I love how Bono experimented with his vocals on these tracks especially the title one. This album has really grown on me and I feel in the long run will be remembered as one of U2's best albums since Achtung Baby.… Expand
  11. Avaliante
    May 30, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. U2 Incrivelmente Os Melhores Mais Infelizmente Tem Duas Músicas Que Eu Não Consigo Ouvir Que São As White As Snow E Cedars Of Lebanon.
    Mas Mesmo Assim Um Album Muito Bom.
    Top No Line On The Horizon.
    1-Magnificent
    2-Unknown Caller
    3-I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
    4-Breathe
    5-Fez Beign Born    … Expand
  12. ricco94
    Mar 8, 2013
    8
    Nice album, some good songs (even if I don't like Fez and Cedars Of Lebanon), but the songs in How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb were much better. I think U2 still can do better than this.
  13. sirbauman
    Jun 25, 2012
    9
    out of the 9 points i give it, the first 8 come from a u2 album to finally showcase adamclaytons bass playing ability. the last point comes for the song "breathe"
  14. Ricko
    Jun 15, 2012
    8
    Although I feel this effort from U2 lacks a classic track or anthem, overall it's a very high quality record full of interesting ideas. A bit like their "Pop" record, I reckon this could have been a bit better if it was given a bit more time to mature before the band recorded it. Bono's vocals are as good as ever and the musicianmanship in general is top rate as always with this band.Although I feel this effort from U2 lacks a classic track or anthem, overall it's a very high quality record full of interesting ideas. A bit like their "Pop" record, I reckon this could have been a bit better if it was given a bit more time to mature before the band recorded it. Bono's vocals are as good as ever and the musicianmanship in general is top rate as always with this band. "Breathe" towards the end of the record is the stand out track for me and it should have been a massive hit single. As it turned out, the singles U2 released off this record were probably amongst the poorest tracks on the album. There is lots to admire and very little to dislike here and the fact that U2, after close to 30 years together can still put out records of such high quality has to commended.… Expand
  15. Alliecat8697
    Apr 30, 2011
    10
    I'm pretty sick of people writing about how awful U2 albums like 'No Line On The Horizon' and 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' sound because they don't compare to this previous U2 album, or this album, or this album. Screw that. It's a great album. Maybe there won't be an album better than The Joshua Tree, but that doesn't mean the albums are awful. It means that they're different andI'm pretty sick of people writing about how awful U2 albums like 'No Line On The Horizon' and 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb' sound because they don't compare to this previous U2 album, or this album, or this album. Screw that. It's a great album. Maybe there won't be an album better than The Joshua Tree, but that doesn't mean the albums are awful. It means that they're different and maybe not as good, but still great. I loved this album because it was very distinct, and a very new kind of U2. It's U2 in a way that I haven't seen before, but in a way that I like a lot. It's still similar to older U2 and certain songs on this album are experimental, but the album is magnificent because it has certain songs that sound like the old U2 and certain songs that sound very new, refreshing, and just incredibly artistic, creative, and catchy. This album is definitely worth buying if you're a U2 fan who REALLY knows U2.… Expand
  16. E_Hero_Killjoy
    Apr 23, 2011
    8
    When I first listened to the album I wasn't quite sure what to think, its not my favorite U2 music ever, but it did have a strange appeal. I let it sit for a while and have now gone back to it and listened more and its much better now. Its really an album that you need to keep going back to, it may take some time but the music begins to grow on you. Its definitely worth picking up.
  17. dannycronk
    Jan 19, 2011
    8
    The only reason I don't give this album higher is probably because I am judging it against their other albums. I would say this album is probably on par with How to Dismantle an a Atomic Bomb, but no where near All that you can't leave behind. I have decided that all U2's music is brilliant and they are my favorite band ever but they only have one BLOW you mind out of the water crazyThe only reason I don't give this album higher is probably because I am judging it against their other albums. I would say this album is probably on par with How to Dismantle an a Atomic Bomb, but no where near All that you can't leave behind. I have decided that all U2's music is brilliant and they are my favorite band ever but they only have one BLOW you mind out of the water crazy music changing album a decade. Joshua tree, Actung Baby, and All that you can't leave behind. I know people will disagree with me and I might change my mind about that later but thats okay. We are into a new Decade now however so look out U2 fans. No line on the horizon was great and I am still hoping for the songs of decent follow up.… Expand
  18. DaveM.
    Jan 26, 2010
    9
    There is enough brilliant tracks here to make this a must for U2 fans and a good bet for all others.
  19. StirlingC
    Jan 5, 2010
    9
    The fact that they still possess the ability to make great, original music as they approach their 50s is an achievement in itself, and No Line On The Horizon shows that producing a "new" album of regurgitated 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)'s, 'One's and 'Beautiful Day's is most certainly not on their agenda.
  20. GeorgeM
    Dec 26, 2009
    10
    Takes a few listens, but worth it. Maybe not their best, but above average and better than most other 2009 recordings.
  21. LoopsNRiffs
    Nov 1, 2009
    9
    Perhaps not for the faint of mind (or those lacking in patience), but this album rewards repeated listening, and what Robert Fripp called "active listening" (a kind of participation on the part of the listener). The album has an overall mood, but many sub-moods throughout, and so many gorgeous moments. It also boasts one of U2's greatest recorded performances ever, "Moment of Perhaps not for the faint of mind (or those lacking in patience), but this album rewards repeated listening, and what Robert Fripp called "active listening" (a kind of participation on the part of the listener). The album has an overall mood, but many sub-moods throughout, and so many gorgeous moments. It also boasts one of U2's greatest recorded performances ever, "Moment of Surrender," which is an incredible post-post-modern gospel burner. There are no obvious hits (still not sure if "Get on Your Boots" belongs here), and this album (and it truly is that, a cohesive, long-player as opposed to a collection of singles) is most definitely hampered by the lack of context (liner notes, cover art) that comes with music downloading. This is a work that was meant to be heard in its entirety. It is a challenging work that rewards engagement. If nothing else, find a way to get "Moment of Surrender" into your heart. As U2, like all of us, struggles to come to grips with the disintegration of the music industry, live performance (not just concerts, but live contexts -- a mash-up of opera and dramatic presentation, along with streaming media etc) may be the way to go. The next album may be the rocker they started with Rick Rubin, but I for one am interested in the atmospherics promised by the rumored "Songs of Ascent" that, supposedly, would be culled from the "No Line" sessions. I envy U2 -- they have the freedom to do what they want artistically --they are the world's biggest and greatest independent band.… Expand
  22. DaveM
    Oct 7, 2009
    10
    This is an AWESOME album. Without a doubt the album of the year. I cant think of any other band that can put out an album such as this.
  23. TiagoA.
    Sep 13, 2009
    10
    Beautiful record.
  24. DRob
    Sep 5, 2009
    9
    Return to form after 10 years of safe filler.
  25. PencilNeckedGeek
    Aug 15, 2009
    8
    Very good, but takes a while to get used to. Kinda like POP in its level of inaccessibility. Definitely artier and more experimental than Atomic Bomb, but not as obscure and abstract as Passengers. I good, solid album that gets better with each listen.
  26. TS
    Aug 6, 2009
    10
    It comes down to patience, and, yes, overlooking the fact that the only forgettable song was their lead single (as so many have said before). Give it a few listens and this album will seriously grow on you. Get into Breathe, and Go Crazy.
  27. darrenb
    Jul 22, 2009
    8
    Great Album diverse mixture of tracks, magnificent and fez clear highlights.
  28. andream
    Jun 21, 2009
    10
    U2 want to move along again. This is the end of another trilogy of albums that come from the same inspirational and tactical vein. It is very clear that being one of the biggest band out there requires a lot of planning, and that was evident in the last album. For this new effort, U2 do not play it safe, they are willing to risk. Will the risk pay off? I think so.
  29. MihaiV
    May 24, 2009
    10
    A masterpiece.
  30. MariaC
    May 7, 2009
    10
    Just a great band can creat a great CD!!!! the best ever.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed Album of 2009
60
#60 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 30
  3. Negative: 2 out of 30
  1. Los Angeles Times
    75
    No Line on the Horizon partakes of that romance by trying to expose its inner workings. It's risky to expose those delineations; as the band said long ago, it's like trying to throw your arms around the world. But the effort has its payoffs.
    Read full review
  2. musicOMH.com
    80
    As far as exploration goes, U2 seem to have finally found what they were looking for.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    60
    Upon first listen, No Line on the Horizon seems as if it would be a classic grower, an album that makes sense with repeated spins, but that repetition only makes the album more elusive, revealing not that U2 went into the studio with a dense, complicated blueprint, but rather, they had no plan at all.
    Read full review
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