Review: U2’s New, Earnest ‘Days Of Ash EP’ With Best Track In Years, “American Obituary”

“The power of the people is so much stronger than the people in power” – U2, “American Obituary”

As often happens, I hit the “publish” button on our latest post about our “favorite rock n roll comebacks,” only to discover that U2 had released a new EP on Ash Wednesday, Days Of Ash EP. I was actually on my way out of town for a rare vacation…I kidnapped the Rock Chick and took her to sunnier climes…and I just got back late Tuesday night and am only now getting a chance to comment. I have to say, having spent sometime with this EP, this is the best thing U2 have done in a very long time.

When I say that, I’m not one of those current day U2 haters like my buddy Arkansas Joel who hasn’t liked anything U2 has done since Achtung Baby. Even the Rock Chick hasn’t liked anything since How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. I actually like some of the tracks they’ve released on their last several LPs, Songs Of Innocence and Songs Of Experience. Thankfully they didn’t download this EP onto everyone’s phone this time. I should probably say up front I don’t count that Songs Of Surrender thing that coincided with Bono’s book as a proper album.

While I found cuts I liked on those last few U2 albums, like “You’re The Best Thing About Me,” and “Every Breaking Wave,” it’s felt as U2 has folded inward over the last few albums. It’s a bit like Elton looking at his past on Captain Fantastic. I don’t know if this EP qualifies as a “comeback” but I was stunned at how earnest, focused and invested the band (Bono/vocals, The Edge/guitar, Larry Mullen Jr, and Adam Clayton/bass) sounds on these five songs. There is also a poem included recited by someone named Adeola that I skip. I like my U2 when they’re getting political, talking about love and God… and I’m a pagan.

I know U2 sometimes wants to sound hip and casual like say, Pop, but they really are best when they’re urging us toward our better selves. The big news here is the Edge’s guitar is back! His guitar playing harkens me back to older U2. This is some of the best solo’ing he’s done in forever. I’ve been begging for him to unplug the pedals and just play for years. It’s been 9 years since their last proper LP and it sounds like the Edge is finally doing just that.

Bono has crafted some wonderful lyrics here. He’s on a mission to save America from itself. The rhythm section sounds spectacular. I missed Larry Mullen Jr when I saw U2 at the Sphere out in Vegas, he was recovering from shoulder surgery. Adam Clayton, perhaps the coolest dude in the band, sounds great on bass.

The opening track is the politically charged “American Obituary.” The track, much like Springsteen’s recent “Streets Of Minneapolis,” was inspired by the events in the Twin Cities. He name checks Renee Nicole Good. “I love you more than hate loves war,” is a pretty damn strong lyric. Even if you put aside the politics – and why the Hell would you? – this is a great rock song. The Edge’s guitar cuts like a jabbing knife. I can’t wait to hear this track live.

“The Tears Of Things” is another track that just grabs me. It starts with Bono in a deeper register singing over an acoustic guitar. It’s one of those “conversations with God” songs Bono is famous for. “The tears of things, songs made out of rain…” It’s not often you hear Mussolini mentioned in a song. In the middle of the song Larry comes in on drums and the Edge’s guitar solo kicks in and it’s breath taking. There are a few pop flourished I could do without… it sounds like there’s some autotune used on the bridge, but I’m splitting hairs here. “I was made for worship, before I spoke I sang.” Oh, yes.

The next track is “Song Of The Future” and it’s another great, slightly more pop, track. I love the lyric, “Who said the future is closed? Never saw the promise in her eyes, Liberty.” I also love the line, “Love is a verb and not a noun.” It’s a hopeful track that points toward a better future when the cloud that’s over us now finally lifts. Again, the Edge’s solo is sublime.

“One Life At A Time” is giving me Achtung Baby vibes. Bono urging us all to save the world, one life at a time. Like most the tracks here this one is meant to be sung along to in an arena. The song is almost ethereal like a ghost is singing. Then the Edge shows up with another fabulous guitar solo and Larry’s drums are driving the track like a steam engine only to disappear back into the ether again. Spectral and brilliant. “Time doesn’t pass, it waits in place until it meets you face to face…”

Speaking of sing-alongs, “Eternally Yours,” which features Ed Sheeran and Taras Topolia on harmony/co lead vocals is another arena sized epic. I’ve always been amazed at Bono’s ability to take the personal and blow it up into something huge. “Don’t sleep, don’t even think about it.” I can probably admit I like the earlier tracks better but this one still grabs me.

It’s upsetting that dark times were what finally pushed Bono and U2 to find their voice and sound again. But I’m certainly glad they did. Whether you’re out there at a protest or just at home cranking tunes, you now have some great topical rock n roll to listen to. Between this and Springsteen I’m pretty damn happy with this music.

I like U2 when they’re invested like this. They are clearly on a mission here and I’m down for it. The Edge is my MVP but Bono came up with some great lyrics here as well. This gives me great hope their next LP and indeed it’s a ray of sunshine in a dark, dark time.

Take care of each other out there. We’ve a long road ahead of us. But at least we’ve got the rock n roll.

Cheers!