U2 - Pop (1997)

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NM Original U.S. 1st Pressing

Island Records: 314 524 334-1
Format: 2X12" Gatefold LP, Standard Black Vinyl
Includes: Original Custom Graphics Inner Sleeves and Lyrics Insert
Cover Condition: VG++, Minimal wear, no cut-outs or splits. Always stored vertically in a protective poly sleeve.
Vinyl Condition: VG++! Nice overall copy, very minor wear! Lables are NM.
The inner sleeves are also VG+!

Release Info:  Pop is the ninth studio album by Irish rock band U2, released in March 1997. The album was a continuation of the band's 1990s reinvention, as they pursued a new musical direction by combining alternative rock, techno, dance, and electronica influences. The album employs a variety of production techniques relatively new to U2, including sampling, loops, programmed drum machines, and sequencing.

Recording sessions began in 1995 with various record producers, including Nellee Hooper, Flood, Howie B, and Steve Osborne, who were introducing the band to various electronica influences. At the time, drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. was inactive due to a back injury, prompting the other band members to take different approaches to songwriting. Upon Mullen's return, the band began re-working much of their material but ultimately struggled to complete songs. After the band allowed manager Paul McGuinness to book their upcoming 1997 PopMart Tour before the album was completed, U2 were rushed into completing the album. Even after delaying the album's release date from the 1996 Christmas and holiday season to March 1997, U2 ran out of time in the studio and the final product was not to their liking. Since the album's release, many of its songs have been re-recorded and remixed.

Although it reached #1 in 32 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, Pop's lifetime sales are among the lowest in U2's catalogue, and critical reaction was mixed. Pop was certified Platinum by the RIAA on May 5, 1997.

Upon its release, the album debuted at #1 in 35 countries, and drew mixed reviews. Rolling Stone gave Pop a 4/5 star rating, praising the band's use of technology on the album: "U2 know that technology is ineluctably altering the sonic surface – and, perhaps, even the very meaning – of rock & roll." The review also stated that U2 had "pieced together a record whose rhythms, textures and visceral guitar mayhem make for a thrilling roller-coaster ride" and that the band had "defied the odds and made some of the greatest music of their lives."

Following the PopMart Tour, the band expressed their dissatisfaction with the final product. Between the album's various singles and the band's The Best of 1990–2000 compilation (and disregarding dance remixes and the like), the band has re-recorded, remixed, and rearranged "Discothèque", "If God Will Send His Angels", "Staring at the Sun", "Last Night on Earth", "Gone", and "Please".

All songs written and composed by U2, with lyrics by Bono and The Edge.

1. "Discothèque" 5:19
2. "Do You Feel Loved" 5:07
3. "Mofo" 5:46
4. "If God Will Send His Angels" 5:22
5. "Staring at the Sun" 4:36
6. "Last Night on Earth" 4:45
7. "Gone" 4:26
8. "Miami" 4:52
9. "The Playboy Mansion" 4:40
10. "If You Wear That Velvet Dress" 5:14
11. "Please" 5:10
12. "Wake Up Dead Man" 4:52