Customer Reviews

Miss Sarajevo

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I heard a cut on the radio a few years ago, and went to considerable effort to find out WHO did this incredible piece. I knew it was U2, but didn't know it wasn't done under their "label."

Of my 400+ CDs (doesn't include the 700+ LPs), this could just be my all-time favorite. It is ALWAYS played at maximum volume; I just can't help it!

Luciano Pavarotti is amazing as only he can be, but the COMBINATION of his incredible voice, the intensity of the music of U2, and the way they work together is something that truly deserves the word AWESOME. It gives me chills every time I hear it.

I was surprised to find it here on Amazon, after having such a hard time tracking it down before!

Hm. Guess I need to go hear it yet again!

People either seem to think this is the best U2 song ever or hate it as a U2 song, even though it really isn't U2 to begin with. However, this single is a lot more U2 than the album itself is, so I thought I'd comment anyway.

Starting with Miss Sarajevo, this song is fantastic even if it is not typical U2. As has been mentioned the combination of Pavarotti and U2 is a match made in heaven. I have always been amazed in how well Bono's voice and the group complement other vocalists, and this is no exception. The only drawback on this particular disc is that Pavarotti's part is cut short in this slightly edited version (as compared to the full album).

The jewel of this disc though is not the single itself but the live version of One. Here we are treated to One in an elegant vocal style that is far superior to the original album version. The audience singing along actually complements the song rather than detract as is often the case in live recordings. The biggest plus here is the full orchestral accompanyment and the addition of Brian Eno singing along. The final product is a recording of One that is full of texture and elevates the song to a level worthy of its greatness.

Bottoms: This is actually an instrumental remix of Zoo Station that I find fantastic. I am not normally a fan of remixes, but this is tasteful and done in the spirit of the whole Passengers project, though it is still a bit dancy. I find it fun to "sing" along to this mix, and you will find the tempo is actually a bit faster and more upbeat in a subtle way.

Viva Davidoff: This is the only track that does not have a hint of U2. It is really weird. Even weirder than the weirdest stuff on the Passengers album. I find this one track impossible to listen to almost. It is more abstract than ambiant, and it seems like it is a bit much even if for an Eno song. Yet, the first three tracks more than make up for this one, and I still give the single 5 starts. It is definitely better than most U2 singles since.

Although I usually only listen to the first two tracks, this is probably the best U2 investment I ever made. I agree with all of the others who said that the live version of "One" on this record is phenominal and the duet with Pavoratti is haunting but brilliant. If you love U2 and want something truely rare then do yourself a favor and pick this up.

The first two songs on this CD are just spectacular. Especially the 2nd track.... That is a live version of the song One. It will bring tears to your eyes!

I will be honest with you. When I first heard "Miss Sarajevo" I wasn't really impressed. It's not really a U2 song at all. The lyrics sound as if they were written in a short amount of time, which I wouldn't be surprised (Passengers was made in about 6 months). BUT, after I heard the live version at Sarajevo. I was totally blown away. If anyone has ever heard the Sarajevo POPmart it is undoubtingly the most emotional concert of the Popmart tour. The live version of "One" has to be the best I've ever heard. It was recorded at WarChild with just Bono, Edge, and Eno with a full orchastra behind 'em. Probably one of Bono's best vocal performances. The 2 unreleased Passenger tracks "Bottoms" and "Viva Davidoff" have Eno written all over them. Not so sure about "Bottoms" (just an instrumental remix of Zoo Station) but "Viva Davidoff" is very pretty and atmostpheric. I know whoever buys this, it will probably just be for the live version of "One", but make no mistake about it. This single is a beautiful piece of work.

Miss Sarajevo is one of the best song of the best band in the world