With each subsequent album, U2 has pushed itself into new forms. Though evolving, the band is able to underpin its releases with that same rally-cry, post-punk take on rock 'n' roll that has been with the group since the beginning. The group's 2009 return to the main stage comes in the form of No Line On the Horizon. From the striking minimalist cover art (from Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto) to the production powerhouse trio of Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Steve Lillywhite, this album positions itself in the same vein as the expectation-ignoring Achtung Baby. First single "Get On Your Boots" is slightly misleading - the album is not all chunky riffs and electro-jamming. Fact is, a good solid third of the album contains some of their most meditative work since The Unforgettable Fire (see the slow burn of "Unknown Caller" and "White As Snow"). But if you're looking for the big songs - and no one does big like U2 - "Magnificent" and "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" are the standouts. - iTunes
