This is the 40th anniversary reissue of the band’s first album. Straight from the off with I Will Follow, you get that unmistakable guitar sound of the Edge which became their signature sound. A quite simple use of delay and echo launched the band to mega stardom. Of course there was more to the band than that, but it was such a new and refreshing sound that connected with a lot of people. In a day and age where band’s seem to change members at an alarming rate, and for such petty excuses like the guitarist didn’t like the colour of the singers underpants, this band are still together and still making great music.
I always love first albums. This is the band’s big statement as they had been playing the songs live for a while before they were discovered, and the energy and enthusiasm of recording an album shines through. Other than I Will Follow, I really love Stories For Boys, as the echo on the guitar is almost surf rock Dick Dale style, A Day Without Me, as The Edge really uses the delay and echo to great effect, and the awesomeness that is The Electric Co.
They obviously would go on to record some amazing records, but it’s cool to revisit where it all began.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
