At the height of their success in the late 1980's, U2 released 'Rattle and Hum.
' It was a 17 track compilation of live covers from themselves and other musicians and 10 original songs.
Rattle and Hum is U2's dedication to American Blues, Folk, Soul and Gospel music.
The Edge has described 'Rattle and Hum' as a scrapbook and memento from U2's time in America during the Joshua Tree tour.
It is a concept that serves U2 particular well, with songs such as 'Heartland' and 'When love comes to town', fittingly encapsulating American roots music.
Amongst the large collection of songs from 'Rattle and Hum', the real highlights on this album are the new material.
'Van Diemen's Land' features Edge on lead vocals and he does a fitting job.
The joyful love fest of 'Angel of Harlem' and 'When love comes to town' are two very enjoyable songs, and never do U2 sound pretentious, as they always sound fully engaged and passionate.
'Desire' and 'All I want is you' are too classic U2 songs.
'All I want is you', in particularly is deeply engrossing and honest in its sincerity.
'Desire, meanwhile is fun-loving and energetic, really lifting this album towards great heights.
'Rattle and Hum', despite its length, never sounds dragged out, and the American music influence is embodied in the whole album.
Looking in hindsight, the criticisms of this album as egotistical and pretentious is understandable.
Only a band like U2 would ever attempt something like 'Rattle and Hum.
' 'Rattle and Hum was more that just an album, it was a quasi-movie, music documentary (or rockumentary), music album all-in-one.
But the bottom line is, while Rattle and Hum was a tad over the top with unnecessary material, it simply works greatly as a tribute album.
There is a great variety of songs, (some from other artists) that allows 'Rattle and Hum' to work as a concept, while being a memorable album too.