The Wanderer

I went out walking  through streets paved with gold

Lifted some stones

Saw the skin and bones

Of a city without a soul

I went out walking under an atomic sky

Where the ground won't turn

And the rain it burns

Like the tears when I said goodbye

Yeah I went with nothing

Nothing but the thought of you

I went wandering

I went drifting through the capitals of tin

Where men can't walk

Or freely talk

And sons turn their fathers in

I stopped outside a church house

Where the citizens like to sit

They say they want the kingdom

But they don't want God in it

I went out riding

Down that ol eight lane

I passed by a thousand signs

Looking for my own name

I went with nothing

But the thought you'd be there too

Looking for you

I went out there

In search of experience

To taste and to touch

And to feel as much

As a man can

Before he repents

I went out searching, lookin for one good man

A spirit who would not bend or break

Who would sit at his father's right hand

I went out walking with a bible and a gun

The word of God lay heavy on my heart

I was sure I was the one

Now Jesus, don't you wait up

Jesus, I'll be home soon

Yeah, I went out for the papers

Told her I'd be back by noon

Yeah I left with nothing

But the thought you'd be there too

Looking for you...

Yeah I left with nothing

Nothing but the thought of you...

I went wandering

Vocals: Johnny Cash

Words: Bono

Music: U2

Although it is not to be released until next Tuesday, I was able to hear the entire new U2 album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" online.  First off, no this is not pirated material.  It was off of U2's own website.  They treated its fans to a streaming audio of the entire album before it's release.  The first time I listened to it I was at work and I did not have good speakers which really did not do the album justice.  When I got home I was able to thoroughly listen to the album again with appropriate sound.  Below is my review of this new U2 album. 

First off, let me begin by saying that you must not be fooled by the first single U2 released called 'Vertigo'.  The rest of the album is nothing like it.  I had preconceived notions that this album would have a fast pace and some pop feeling to it especially having heard 'Vertigo'.  This is a good thing which I will explain later.  The album stands out as another original and unique work of U2.  Like many of the U2 albums, you'll need to listen to it at least twice to get a good feel of the album.  Many U2 songs don't necessarily have a catchy tune right off the bat, but in time these tunes tend to dawn on an individual.  This is the case again with this album.  There is deep emotion and a sense of surreal energy in most of the songs.  If I was forced to describe a type of sound this album resonates it would have to be a hybrid of classic U2 "Joshua Tree" meets ColdPlay.  As I listen to each of the songs I really sense The Edge creating a euphoric  feel through the sounds of his guitar.  This album when it comes down to it is all about The Edge paving the way with his patented guitar echoes and riffs which help to develop the feeling and mood of each song.  Like I said earlier, these songs don't have catchy tunes which play well over the radio, but they have much more long term redeeming value.  You can be sure to hear these songs as soundtracks to certain movies b/c of the mood and feeling they convey.  Out of 11 songs, I like about 9 which I consider is pretty good.  Lyrically, Bono has some heartfelt words which intertwine with The Edge's sound really well.  Bono for the most part is able to carry his voice appropriately and not overdo his singing.  Bono doesn't have the range and depth in his voice that he used to but he compensates well in this album..  To me, one of the best songs on the album is the last song called 'Yahweh', which is another song by U2 in search of faith.  There are also some tidbits of jazzy/blues feel in one song.  Anyways, altogether, I give this album 4 out of 5 stars.  After hearing this album a couple times you can sense the redeeming value and replayability of this album in years to come.  I would rate this album above their previous one, "All That You Can't Leave Behind".  I think in time, people will see the value and artistic efforts put into this latest album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb".  The only thing I found bothersome by the album is it's title.  Kind of a weird and long title for an album, but as long as the content is good I could care less.  Later on, when you guys have had a chance to listen to this new album, let me know what you think.  I'm curious.  To be honest, this album does not have good appeal to new ears or listeners.  It is a cerebral album celebrating U2's roots and will most likely appeal to the current fans of U2.  I've been a fan of U2 for 15 years and counting now.  So far so good I will continue being their fan.