Following 1980’s Boy and 1981’s October,U2presented a more direct album, and the pivot is obvious right from the opening seconds of politically charged opener, “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” Where the groups first two LPs dealt with more abstract concepts like adolescence and spirituality, War is a visceral response to what was happening, a protest album w/ harsher sounds, simpler, startling rhythms and a sense of awareness on all fronts. The obvious standout here is “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” but also listen to “New Year’s Day,” “Seconds,” “Two Hearts Beat As One,” and “Drowning Man.”

• remastered by Arnie Acosta
• 180g vinyl
• gatefold sleeve
• includes 12″x12″ 16-page booklet
• music label: Island Records 1983 / 2008

reviewed by rei kwondo 03/2018

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