U2 - Achtung Baby
To mark the 20th anniversary of their iconic record Achtung Baby, U2 have released a number of reissues.
Celebrating the release, these range from deluxe and super deluxe versions, through to vinyl and Uber Deluxe editions.
We listened to the single-disc reissue, and it's important to note early-on that there was no remastering done here.
The Edge has stated that it was "polished" but didn't require any full remastering to the original recording.
Listening to the sublime production on this record, it's a fair point - songs like 'One' sound as wonderful as ever, two decades later.
It does make you question what the need for the single disc re-release was, although the record itself is always worth a listen.
This re-release is a good way to reintroduce U2 to a younger, fresher audience who may have disregarded them as many critics have begun to.
For all of Bono's claims that the band are no longer relevant, Achtung Baby is rightly regarded as their best, and a stand-out record of the previous two decades.
If anyone wasn't a fan of U2 beforehand, it's unlikely that this will change any sceptics' minds - it's effect-heavy, and if you found them boring before, there's no way listening to the album in 2011 will give you a different opinion.
This single-disc release is best served as a way of introducing a new audience to one of rock's most famous and, at times, innovative bands.
Hardcore fans are best-served seeking out the deluxe editions, which will offer more than what boils down to a near-exact re-release of the original album.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge
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