U2 – Boy (1980)

While I lost patience with Bongo and The Hedge at the point where they seemed to have a messianic complex, I'd always had it in my head that there was much to be enjoyed in their early albums, and I'll certainly defend the live Under A Blood Red sky as a fine listen.

So, for a quid at a boot fair, the band's debut album seemed a fair prospect.

Reader, prepare for disappointment. It kicks off just fine. I Will Follow is a powerful, solid rock opening which promises much. Sadly not much else delivers. The rest feels like a derivative rock plod that really doesn't connect with this listener. There's a couple of brighter spots - Out Of Control feels lively - but it's not until the latter stages, where The Electric Co. follows Another Time, Another Place, that there are two enjoyable songs together.

Arguably, there's enough to show promise that would later be revealed, but this is not a good debut, and seemed not to reflect the strong live reputation the band had at the time.

Link to album tracks

2* - a disappointing listen, with too many weak songs