October [Original recording remastered]

U2 | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 22, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 1981
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Island
• ASIN: B0013LPS98
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (108 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,140 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #65 in Music > Alternative Rock > New Wave & Post-Punk > Post-Punk
  • #86 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Long a favorite of U2's original core following, October not only avoids the sophomore slump, but adds an edgy, emotional resonance to the buoyant self-confidence they showed on their debut, Boy. Though producer Steve Lillywhite deserves mention for helping effectively frame the material with production that manages to be both stark and atmospherically murky, this is the music where Bono, Edge, and company first show the potential that would make them superstars. Lacking the sometimes ham-fisted polemics that would mar War, The Joshua Tree, and later works, October has an oft-tortured sense of emotional and philosophical ambivalence that only underscores concerns that range from the crypto-spiritualist yearnings of "Gloria" and "Rejoice" to more anxious moments like "I Fall Down," "I Threw a Brick Through a Window," and "Fire." In retrospect, they may have peaked early. --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

RE-MASTERED VERSION (1CD): standard jewel case w/ 24pg. book

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Work, March 22, 2001

By 

Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: October (Audio CD)

U2 have always had an undercurrent of spirituality and religiousness running through their music. Growing up in a country that is literally divided by faith, the band members were obviously influenced by religion. October is their most overtly religious album where songs like "Rejoice", "Fire", "I Fall Down" and "Is That All?" find the band searching for answers to higher questions. "Gloria" opens up the album with a punch as the song which starts off with a driving guitar riff before ending up with a hymn-like closing. "Tomorrow" is one of their most Irish sounding songs and the title track is a strong instrumental. "I Threw A Brick Through A Window" and "Stranger In A Strange Land" are more in a political bent. October was only the band's second album and shows a that they could build on the tremendous potential that they showed on their debut release.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best...., November 29, 2006

By 

Robert D. Loeffler Jr. "Rob" (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: October (Audio CD)

This is one of the most satisfying U2 albums. Very underrated. Upon a first listen, I think alot of people will find this album bland, but it is incredibly complex for a sophmoric album, particularly since Bono's lyrics had been stolen immediately prior to recording this album. It's incredible that they were still able to complete this album. It really shows a maturity from Boy and points to the direction that would happen with War, Joshua Tree, etc.. Highlights include Gloria, Rejoice, I Threw a Brick Through a Window. My favorite U2 song of all time is Tomorrow. The texture of this song is incredible. I can't find any info on any session musicians that may have played on this album but I am sure that Tomorrow starts with Uillian Pipes. Awesome. This album is definitely in my top 4 or 5 from U2 (1. Joshua Tree, 2. Achtung Baby, 3. War, 4. October, 5. All That You Can't..). Enjoy!!!
BaB

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars U2's most underrated album, November 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: October (Audio CD)

This album is overlooked so much and is always so underrated, and that upsets me because it has some great music on it. The music and lyrics on this album are almost completely about the struggle U2 had in their early days with Christianity and Rock and Roll. And although that's probably one of the reasons why it's overlooked so much, it's also one of the reasons why it's great. The album opens with "Gloria", which has lyrics that are commonly mistaken as being Bono talking to a girl, but are really a reference to God. It is the most popular song on the album, and one of the best on it, but not the best. My favorite song on the album is "Tomorrow", a song that's about Bono's mother and Christianity. Other classics on the album are "I Fall Down", "Fire", "Rejoice", and the title track "October". This is the most underrated U2 album, and a lot of people consider it their worst work, but I don't. If you're a U2 fan at all, this album is a must-have.