Electron Love Theory -- U2 Electronic Tribute: Blue Sky Vertigo

So, I was contacted and asked if I'd be interested in listening to Blue Sky Vertigo -- a new U2 tribute album -- and much to my surprise I said, "Yes." Usually, I wouldn't. I'm a purist when it comes to U2. In my opinion, Bono has a distinctive, larger-than-life voice and personality that can't be matched when delivering their songs, and I have yet to find that impassioned vocal in a cover. Anyway, fast forward two weeks later when I received it in the mail. I popped the album into my player and my opinion still holds firm. Electron Love Theory's tribute fell short. However, if you're into dancing and waving glo-sticks, then this album may be for you.

Blue Sky Vertigo is a collection of U2's best-selling singles. It’s a fusion of pleasant female vocals and electronic beats. Each song features a different female vocalists' interpretation of Bono's lyrics. Although the females on the album have lovely vocals, they are void of the passion and emotion needed to pull off the tracks. Blue Sky Vertigo has also replaced The Edge's electrifying guitar with synthesizers, thus losing a particular quality and atmosphere the songs are meant to convey. For example, the synthesizer replaced the familiar apocalyptic scream of the electric guitar in "Bullet the Blue Sky." This track was one of U2's most overtly political songs and written as a criticism of the United States' military intervention in El Salvador. On the tribute album, "New Year's Day" lacks the urgency and fervor felt on the original. The cover isn't appropriate for a song inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement. And, the most disappointing is "Sunday Bloody Sunday" because it lacks the indignation and horror one would feel while watching the massacre in Derry, Northern Ireland.

Furthermore, some of the songs are reminiscent of 90s radio. For instance, the musical composition and vocals on "Two Hearts Beat As One" sounds as if Garbage is covering the track. And, U2's up-tempo and punkish, "I Will Follow" just drags on sedately. Their cover of "With or Without You" is pleasant but without yearning and echoing guitar.

Nevertheless, Blue Sky Vertigo isn't horrible, it just isn't what I like to listen to. I also realize that this is a tribute and interpretation, so the collection isn't going to sound exactly like U2. And, while the vocals are lovely, they are also lacking. I will give Electron Love Theory credit for keeping with the recognizable melodies, however I just wish there was more oomph in the vocals and instrumentation.

If you do like Electron Love Theory's tribute to U2, I suggest that you buy it because portions of the profits will go to the ONECampaign and Project RED.