Boy - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
There's little in U2's 1980 debut to suggest that this was a band bent on world domination. Indeed, there's a charming, if naive, coming-of-age urgency in songs such as "I Will Follow," "Stories for Boys" and "Out of Control" that may startle listeners more familiar with U2's latter-day bombast and stadium-scale theatrics. Bono's viewpoint, still tantalizingly vague and wide-eyed, showed that his penchant for strident polemics hadn't yet gotten the best of him; his anthems are those of a yearning Dubliner barely out of his teens rather than those of a world-weary multimillionaire. The band's sometimes-ragged musical chops work in its favor here, gently burnished to then-fresh new-wave sheen by producer Steve Lillywhite. If the Edge's dense, effects-laden guitar work seems overly familiar, it's only because this album was such a key influence on the whole "rock of the '80s" sound. Though not quite as moody or musically accomplished as October, arguably the band's first masterpiece, Boy still ranks as one of U2's best albums. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description
A standard CD and a bonus CD. Bonus CD includes b-sides, live tracks and rarities. Also includes a 32 page booklet with previously unseen photos, full lyrics, new liner notes by Paul Morley, and explanatory notes on the bonus material by The Edge.

Album Details
U2's First Album, Only with Different Cover Art.

Customer Reviews: Read 101 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

The Greatest Debut Album of All Time! August 29, 2006
13 out of 15 found this review helpful

I am simply dumb-struck when I read luke warm reviews of this album by U2 "fans". I know U2's music has evolved over the years, but my goodness gracious people!!! The beauty and majesty, the ineffable elegance of this record deserves our reverence and admiration, not just because they wrote these amazing songs as teenagers, or that NOTHING that came before it sounded ANYTHING like it--it was COMPLETELY original--or that it is everything that is great about U2 in simple, shimmering, unadulterated, perfection from beginning to end, but because it's just a great record by any standard. Just take 45 minutes, put on a pair of headphones, turn out all the lights in the room, open the shades to let in the moonlight, and open up to this musical movie. It's U2's childhood and teenage years (and yours too--'U2') wrapped up in the most chilling, unique, dark, and hopeful music rock n' roll has ever produced. What an amazing achievement is a song like "Twillight", for example, an unself-conscious minor symphony--and the record is filled with them! If you can't appreciate the beauty of this record, I really do feel sorry for you, not in a condescending way, just because it's so deeply brilliant, I wish everyone could feel the joy of it....

Just do yourself a favor, fellow U2 fans; if you don't have this record, get it, and then put all your preconceived notions of what U2 should sound like, etc., aside and spend some time with this masterpiece--at least once at night, with headphones, in the moonlight--and I guarantee you'll thank me.

One of the reviewers here also said something ho-hum about 'War'. Trust me, this is another great, great record. The first three: Boy, October, War, represent an important era in U2's music, which is so Irish (This was before they became interested in 'the roots of rock n' roll' and their place in the legacy.) and so universal....

Well, I think maybe I've gone on a little too much, so I'll wrap it up--GREAT MUSIC, don't miss out.

5 out of 5 stars

IT'S ABOUT TIME! July 23, 2008
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Although U2's real debut came in early 1979 with 'Three' the band broke onto the scene with 'Boy,' from 1980. They had recently been signed to major label Island Records, which was home to bands like Bob Marley & The Wailers in the '70s. 'Three' was released on CBS.

But anyway, this is where it all started. Right here. 'Boy,' their major label debut, gave them their first hit, 'I Will Follow' and contained such fan favorites like the eight minute 'An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart,' one of my personal favorites 'Shadows and Tall Trees' and the early-U2 concert classic 'Twilight.'

The bonus disc is where things get interesting. If you are a casual U2 fan, just buy the standard edition of 'Boy.' However, if you are a lifelong, die-hard U2 fan like I am, than this is a real treat!

The original version of '11 O'Clock Tick Tock' should have made the original cut. I don't understand why it didn't. This song is a great one, and while many people know it from 'Under A Blood Red Sky,' I prefer the studio version. (Note: For those who haven't heard the studio version, you are in for a real treat!)

The previously unreleased tracks 'Speed of Life' and 'Saturday Night' have a more punk rock sound. Clearly influenced by bands like The Clash and The Jam, these songs proves U2 can make great punk.

And finally, 'Three' is available on CD! This is what I've been waiting for for years! This is the real highlight of the disc! 'Boy/Girl' is a classic, and another really good punk rocker. The live version from London in early 1980 that is also featured here is superb as well. And what a treat it is to hear the original 'Out of Control' and 'Stories for Boys'! The songs have a much more punk rock sound here than they do in their 'Boy' album versions.

The final two unreleased tracks that are featured here is a rare, previously unreleased live version of '11 O'Clock Tick Tock' from London in early 1980, and 'Cartoon World' a non-album track that was recorded live in Dublin. Both are really cool.

'Another Day' was released as a single in mid-1979 on CBS Records. This song is a classic. Any U2 fan, whether casual or die-hard like myself, needs to hear this song. It is, without a doubt, one of my personal favorite U2 songs. Another really great one is the instrumental 'Things to Make and Do.' I own a rare live bootleg from Boston in 1981 where that song is performed. Although this version is great, I have to say, I prefer the live Boston version instead.

'Touch,' from late '79, is another one of my personal favorites. The lyrics are great, Bono's voice and The Edge's guitar is great, especially the opening riff.

Overall, the deluxe edition of 'Boy' is the version that you need to own. Everything is digitally remastered, so the sound quality is awesome, and the bonus tracks make it really worthwhile.

This edition of 'Boy' is highly recommended for any U2 fan that wants to hear early U2 at their finest. You won't regret this purchase.

ENJOY!!!

3 out of 5 stars

U2's debut album - The Beginning August 15, 2005
9 out of 14 found this review helpful

This 1980 release of the band's first solo debut album did not immediately herald success for this band of four Irish men. This album is for fan's who are into the real early sounds and melodies of U2. The songs on this album were bland in sound but made up in the lyrical side with heavy hitting lyrics based on many current social issues that affects the world today. The great songs of this album were 'I Will Follow', 'A Day Without Me' and 'The Electric Co'. This was a CD I needed to get to complete my majestic U2 music collection - it is worth 3.5 stars out of 5.

4 out of 5 stars

Post Punk Power November 11, 2000
8 out of 10 found this review helpful

Hard to believe that the boys from Dublin have been cranking out consistently great music for twenty years now. They may have evolved from teenage wunderkinds to polished professionals, but their commitment has remained the same. Though it failed to make much impact in the U.S. upon its initial release, "Boy" remains one of the band's best albums for its superior songwriting and undeniable energy. Had The Clash spent more of their youth listening to Bruce Springsteen, they might have sounded like U2. The best cuts here are the opening single "I Will Follow," the double song suite "An Cat Dubh/Into the Heart," and the rocking "Out of Control" and "A Day Without Me." All these cuts are delivered with an intensity the band would never again even try to achieve and with a minimum of political posturing.

Overall, a strong debut from on the best rock bands of the last twenty years.

4 out of 5 stars Boy meets man September 29, 2005
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

For those familiar with U2 only as the larger-than-life superstars responsible for socially conscious anthems such as "Where the Streets Have No Name," "One," and "Beautiful Day," their debut album Boy should surprise. It's their most rocking album (their latest, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, is really pretty timid), their most apolitical, and their most energetic. The young U2's energy, enthusiasm, and ear for a good song more than make up for any lack of musical refinement (The Edge in particular seems to be having a whole lot of fun on the guitar, while never getting too technical). This is their best album of the `80's (along with 1983's War, but that's another review), besting even The Joshua Tree in terms of strength and consistency.

Boy's most recognizable song, "I Will Follow," begins the album. If there were one song to define U2's energy and optimism at this point in their careers, this is it. "Twilight" includes one of The Edge's best guitar solos ever; it's so simple yet so evocative of the pensive mood of the song. "An Cat Dubh" is the album's high point. It's a very dark song, with a fantastic instrumental finale (that also serves as the beginning of "Into the Heart"). Adam Clayton's bass and Larry Mullen Jr's percussion really shine here.

Other highlights include "Stories for Boys" and "Out of Control" (U2's first single), two great hard rockers. "The Electric Co." is a great jam piece, and "The Ocean" provides a nice, calm change of pace.

What might be the most valuable thing about Boy is it's picture of U2 as a very young band, free of any spotlight, making energetic, earnest music. This is essential for any rock music collection.

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