U2 - October (1981) US Press 1990 [non-remastered]

U2 sounded soconfident and assured on their debut that perhaps it was inevitable theywould stumble slightly on its follow-up, October. The record isntweaker than its predecessor because it repeats the formula of Boy. Itsbecause the band tries too hard to move forward. Bono, in particular,tries too hard to make big political, emotional, and religiousstatements, but the remainder of the band isnt innocent. In general,the music is too pompous, with the sound overwhelming the actual songs.But when U2 do marry the message, melody, and sound together, as onGloria, I Threw a Brick Through a Window, and I Fall Down, theresults are thoroughly impressive.

Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Allmusic.com