U2 had a lot going for them in the early 1980's. With three solid albums under their belts including their U.S. breakthrough, `War', the lads of Dublin decided it was time to play with fire. In other words they were poised to release something uniquely out of tune with the garbage piling up on the empty-headed pop scene. As it is said, where there is smoke there's fire and where there is U2 you have an album here so good it laid waste to everything else on the charts in the Autumn of `84, while refreshingly misrepresenting the band as Ireland's response to the last call of new wave. Okay, TUF didn't soar to the top of the charts, but its methodic ascent gave us plenty of time to relish a selection of songs that would brand the band as true architects of their craft. So where does one begin to train the water on a conflagration that burned off the long grass of a field under an `Indian Summer Sky' during that certain Fall? Well, the phenomenal success of `Pride'{in The Name of Love}, one of their biggest singles ever, is a testament to the group's rallying cry for freedom and a blast heard `round the world, thanks to its radio- friendly composition. If this is their anthem song, then `Bad' is the LP's signature cut. All of the factors for a melodic equation merge here for a perfect U2 number; those powerful, unmistakable vocals, forceful, precision guitar playing, nimble drumming and a throbbing bass during the refrain. `Promenade' is a peaceful ride through the English countryside, but when the Edge plugs into `Wire' things really heat up. His tight and intense guitar work here, puts him in an elite class few other players occupy. `A Sort of Homecoming' is a lyrical gem forged not from a cauldron of gloom and doom, but rather from a warm safe seat by the fireplace. On this one, Bono and his mates wax positive singing of hope and salvation, as if an endearing phoenix has just risen from the ashes to bring its message of revelation. However, in naked contrast to most of TUF's content is the absorbing title track. Its suggestive story aside, this song is simply outstanding, with a fluctuating score, vital orchestration and adventurous vocals that puts the band's front man in a class also, few others deserve to be. There is, at the very tail end of the piece, a barely audible 4 or 5 note fade out. Brief, yet stirring, it is a conclusion that would give a cinematographer the closing shot of his dreams. This is the record that really brought U2 to the shores of America, where they would, only 4 albums into their recording career, blaze a trail through the musical wilderness of the 80's with nothing shy of the scope of the country in their sites. The Fire is still burning just as bright today, like a pilot light that's never had to be re-ignited...an eternal flame of a masterpiece.
4.5 
