Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Don't walk on by, 5 Oct 2002
Stockman gives an often fascinating insight into the driving force behind U2's music, not religion so much as faith. The majority of songs make an appearance, even if the last chapter appears a rushed re-write to republish post-All That You Can't Leave Behind.
He backs up his arguments well but has a tendency to be too sycophantic and, not surprisingly given his job (a priest), can appear to read too much into particular lines or even words, the references being somewhat far fetched.
Overall though, I'd say this is a great read for any U2 fan - read it and you will never listen to the music the same way again.
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30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The influences, challenges and beleifs of U2, 18 Feb 2002
By A Customer
This is a book composed from the pouring over of interveiws music and shows of U2 by a man with twenty years of devoted listning of the biggist rock band on earth, that also happens to be one of most influential voices for social justice and human rights issues in the world.
The book tells of what was going on in the spiritual lives of U2 as they made their music. Taking albums, songs, and live shows and contextualising them, helping the listner understand the impact and meaning of the music. Using Bono and his lyrics the writer is quick to appliy the music to biblical principles and passages, showing how all along it has been the church who have slated U2 as turning their backs on God, using 'still havnt found what im looking for' as amunition, when in actual fact they have done nothing of the sort, indicated in interprting the real meaning of this brilliant song and other such works. As well as lyrics, shows such as Zoo Tv and pop are commented on and the meaning of the actions, dress etc. expounded, as well as the changing image and reinvention of the band and their music at the beggining of the 90's and again in the new release of 'All that you carnt leave behind'.
Having no direct quotes from the band, the book can be slightly speculative at times, but for any dvoted lover of u2, who wants to go further, deeper into the phenomena of their fantastic music and lives, as well as finding comfort, surport and inspiration, this is a good book!
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14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Journey with the real U2, 10 Jul 2005
I have been a U2 fan since Boy and found this a truly engaging book. It takes you along their journey from Dublin roots to megastardom. What I really liked was the authenticity of this book. We all know that most of the band are committed Christians - but no punches are pulled. The book deals head on with the challenges of living a life of faith in the spotlight. U2s songs reflect this journey and their struggles and reveals their prophetic voice. After 25 years, this book has inspired me to come afresh to their music. I am now so enjoying going back through my collection - and hearing the music from a slightly different place.
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