Released on 02/10/2000
Label: Island

The only rock combo allowed to graze sheep in Dublin return with their first single from forthcoming album 'All That You Can't Leave Behind'.

'Beautiful Day' is rockingly optimistic, soaraway meaty tune that lifts and carries you along with it. Bono's croaky, plaintive vocal still remains one of the finest, most distinctive around, despite the worrying moment when he yells "touch me" and it feels like he might launch into the chorus of A-Ha's 'The Sun Always Shines On TV'. Narrow escape. There's some fine trademark Edge guitar, watery keyboards courtesy of Brian Eno, dreamy harmonies and pounding beats.

'Beautiful Day' comes as two CDs featuring new tracks 'Summer Rain' and 'Always' and live versions of 'Discotheque' and 'If You Wear That Velvet Dress', both recorded in Mexico City in 1997.

    by Cyd Jaymes