U2 Disappointed by 'No Line' Only Going Platinum Once
- Posted on Oct 23rd 2009 2:00PM by Michael D. Ayers
- Comments (188)
Any band these days would love to sell a million records, but for U2, that high number is not enough. The multi-platinum rockers told the Associated Press that they're displeased with the sales of their latest album, 'No Line on the Horizon.' Recent U2 albums have been selling in the three to four million range, while 'No Line' has only broken the million mark. Bono and company see factors such as the lack of a hit song and the fickle public's need for a "diet of pop" are contributing to this so-called slump. "We weren't really in that mindset," Bono said about the lack of a commercial hit from 'No Line.' "We felt that the album was a kind of an almost extinct species, and we should approach it in totality and create a mood and a feeling, and a beginning, middle and an end. And I suppose we've made a work that is a bit challenging."
"The commercial challenges have to be confronted," bassist Adam Clayton said. "But I think, in a sense, the more interesting challenge is, 'What is rock 'n' roll in this changing world?' Because, to some extent, the concept of the music fan -- the concept of the person who buys music and listens to music for the pleasure of music itself -- is an outdated idea."
That said, this isn't the first time that U2 is failing their own high expectations. Remember the group's 1997 album 'Pop'? Widely considered the group's worst album, that too failed to yield a mega-commercial hit that they had achieved with 'The Joshua Tree' and 'Achtung Baby.' That Bono says the new material is more challenging is indicative of this facet, but still, the band continues to try and reach new audiences with a recent partnership with BlackBerry and an appearance on 'Saturday Night Live.' So they're not giving up hope.
All of this said, U2 probably doesn't have much to worry about. They're currently enjoying record-setting numbers for their '360 Tour' and have an ace up their sleeve -- next week will mark the release of the deluxe version of 1984's 'The Unforgettable Fire,' which featured a little song everyone might have heard of called 'Pride (In the Name of Love).'
U2 will broadcast the October 25 date on their 360 Tour from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. live on YouTube at 8:30PM PT.
Reader Comments(1 of 10)
Jeffat 10-23-2009
I've been a U2 fan since 1982-83. Favorite band of all time. Didn't like Pop very much and this is another experimental album that just doesn't work for me very much (though better than Pop). It has some decent songs and the revised/remixed concert version of "I'll Go Crazy" is a HUGE success. Two or three others are solid when heard live as well. But, overall, there's nothing captivating.
I think the band members are wrong when they talk about "pop hits" selling albums. It's not about "pop" it's about great music. Streets, Pride, Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Bad, etc., are simply great songs. They simply didn't reach that level on this album.
ghat 10-26-2009
I couldn't agree with you more. This album is ok, but it lacks the powerhouse songs like sunday, with or, streets. Look at how people went crazy at the concert when they played until the end of the world. It was rockin! Mysterious ways is another.
just my thought, maybe dig a little deeper on the next album.
thanks g
nickat 10-27-2009
I agree 100%. The bottom line is the album is not that good. Plain and simple. They think it's better than it is. I love Bono but he's over thinking it. Trying to evolve in this ever changing world. What is rock n roll blah blah blah. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb was awesome! That's why it did better.
U2, Bono - your fans are still here. We don't care what "Rock n Roll" is today. Stop overdoing it. Pop was a disaster. Zooropa not good. No line on the Horizon - eh. Just keep making Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby over and over. That's what we want.
shaniat 10-23-2009
I am a HUGE U2 fan...obsessive even and I loved this newest cd. dont understand why it didnt do so well. just saw U2 in concert twice and those new songs are great live as well. no accounting for music taste these days.
seems like you need to sample other peoples hits in order to get radio play. its a shame. as long as U2 keeps doing what they are doing, I will be there!!! you guys rock!
mec1140at 10-26-2009
U2 should factor in the economy. A lot of people just don't have the money for luxuries like CDs right now.
Saint Subversiveat 10-23-2009
I think the album's slow sales are a sign of the fact that it is challenging and complex and covers various styles of music, so youll have almost every listener with songs they like and others they dislike. While I do think the album is flawed, it also contains some of the greatest music theyve ever created. Also, I think the "Pop" album is underrated (about half of it is quite brilliant), and "ATYCLB" is very much overrated, full of whiny boring churchy snoozers (that some people call "going mainstream", whatever that means). So the new album is just fine, thank you. :)
NOVAWINGNUTat 10-24-2009
Will somebody please tell Bono not to blame this on the public? From a band that has written some of the greatest music out there, it is still beyond me how they can be disappointed with sales of albums with songs like "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"
C'mon, who is he kidding?
Bobat 10-24-2009
I have an idea....Bono should drop all of the political crap. Why listen to an Irishman to begin with when it comes to other countries? They couldn't even find it in their spirit to fight the Nazis! They are good at killing each other though if they don't like the church you attend. And the Edge should double his repertoire and learn three more chords so every song doesn't sound the same!
rockincat68at 10-26-2009
Granted, Bono does share many of his beliefs (political and otherwise) in much of his songs and interviews. However, that's not the crux of the argument as to why the album hasn't gone multi-platinum ... yet. IMHO: overplay (i.e., a couple of songs off "No Line ... " in recent commercials, on commercial radio), and, overall, the album simply does not possess a strong song lineup (as opposed to "War," "Unforgettable Fire," "The Joshua Tree," etc.); merely hills and valleys in song selection.
In regards to your references to Ireland's neutrality during WWII, I beg to differ. Under the Irish Constitution, the Free State of Ireland (and its successor, Eire) designated itself a neutral country (in much the same way Sweden and Switzerland have in their Constitutions). Between their struggle to assert their country's Constitutional neutrality, their ongoing Troubles in the British-occupied North and an uneasy peace with the British [who, until the Eire (Confirmation of Agreements) Act of 1938, still occupied Irish ports --- such as Cobh, Berehaven and Lough Swilly --- as UK sovereign bases in the name of British security], Ireland was in no political, economic or military position to take sides. Having said that, thousands of Irish men DID serve in active duty with the Allies as volunteers for the Royal (British) armed forces against the Nazis, in much the same way as Americans, British and French civilians had volunteered and fought in the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39 while their homelands officially remained neutral.
Danielat 10-26-2009
It is really beyond me that you're comment is highest ranked. I assume people agree with you're first statement which is fine but the 2nd thing you said is ridiculous. The Edge is one of the best guitarists around, not because he can solo like Jimmy Page or rock out like Jack White but b/c he is innovative. None of their songs sound the same, and saying they do just shows you don't really listen to their music. I agree with you on your first comment, they should drop the political crap but I think the 2nd thing you said out of anger/frustration. There's a reason they're one of the biggest rock bands in the world right now
siobhain laveryat 10-26-2009
Great reply rockingcat68. Just one thing to add, the troubles have NEVER been about which Church you belong to, it has ALWAYS been political. Please Bob, knock U2 all you want, but please leave Ireland's history alone since you obviously don't know it!
Joeat 10-26-2009
Wow bob, your history knowledge is astounding! I had no idea that Bono was the guy who said that ireland should not become allies with their occupiers - the british - and fight the nazis! By that argument then you must think that Americans should have fought with the british in their wars against nepolian (french incase you weren't too sure), who was sweeping europe with his armies?
Keep your ill informed opinions to yourself.
Robertat 10-24-2009
I have to agree that the song writing doesn't hold up on this album. This is a problem for a band like U2 who relies on "the magic" to happen to be successful. They just don't have the musical theory chops to be able to say "I think this song would be stronger if we went to a B minor chord there." Anyhow, their still one of my favorite bands ever and have enough remarkable songs for a life time.
Myspace
Another Black Season
scooby8912at 10-24-2009
I used to be a fan....but now I think they just follow a formula. Either way.....if you think they don't have music chops bro....you're mistaken. They're by no means Berkeley grads....but years back in a movie they did.....they transposed a song on the fly right before a show. If they can do that....I'm pretty sure they'd know B Minor. HAHAHAHA
Robertat 10-24-2009
Scooby,
It's not a matter of knowing what B minor is it's knowing when to use it instead of another chord. If you listen to No Line the chord changes are awkward at best in many of the tunes. Having a musical education can help, they rely on dumb luck and sometimes it works and in this case it doesn't.
maccaat 10-24-2009
Oh, poor Bono! Boo-hoo... perhaps if Bono wrote some songs for his core audience, who happen to be over 13 freaking years old, he might sell some bloody records. He had his chance to make a major statement after the success of Rattle and Hum and he blew it. Who really gives a crap about his Boots, anyway?
FCONTITWOat 10-25-2009
GENTLEMEN,,YOUR 15 MINUTES ARE UP !!!!!!!!!
JRat 10-26-2009
Hardly. They'll sell out every venue they play on their tour. Nice try though. Sometimes comments that can fit on a bumper sticker aren't clever, they're just dumb.
APat 10-26-2009
U2's fifteen minutes? Don't make me laugh. They've been around this long because they haven't been afraid to take chances here and there. I'd like to see YOU write something that'd even come close to their best material. Everyone's a damned critic that thinks they've heard better than what's out there, but I haven't heard a single song from any of 'em. This ins't the Spice Girls we're talking about here. These guys are still a major band with plenty of life left in them. Even Rolling Stone, who doesn't like much of anything, gave their album a FIVE star review, and deservedly so.
chefevilat 10-24-2009
Did they forget that it's a recession and not everyone can go buy a cd????????????