This is not a U2 album. It is a collaboration with their long time producer Brian Eno. It's a compilation of "soundtracks" for movies (mostly made up ones) and it really does not sound anything like U2 (which is the point).

Larry believes this was just a self-indulgent album though Bono really likes it. I say this is strictly for die-hard U2 and Eno fans.

My Fave Tracks: Miss sarajevo (featuring Luciano Pavarotti), Slug, Elvis Ate America (Bono's ode to The King)

The Passengers album is very interesting. Brian Eno and Howie B. seem to bring about a much different side to U2. Again, it's a side that probably no one has ever seen before. Definitely, it's not the typical U2 album that many are used to. Yet, it is not suppose to be a U2 album because it is a whole new group--composed of many parts!

Brian Eno exposes U2 to his sound and his vision of what "music" can create. It's not all about the beats of drums and riffs of guitars. Passengers delivers the feelings and moods that music communicates. I believe the album is "Music for Sex or Intimacy." The group did not want to create music that would be played while having dinner. Instead, they wanted to create a collection of songs that you could listen to...while having sex.

Bringing Pavoratti, Holi, and Howie B. was a challenge for U2. They've never worked with those people before, but it seemed like an "experimental success" based on the sounding result. It is a side-project that would make way for another direction in *P O P* MUZIK.

Passengers Original Soundtracks 1:will probably only appeal to the "real" fan who's closely monitored the evolution of the sound, politics, and philosophy of a little rockn'roll band known by----the letter "U" and the numeral "2."

Contributed by: Al Alcala

Passengers is a grade-A,class-1 mindfuck! If you have sex ONCE in your lifetime,make sure "Your Blue Room"is playing! That`s what the song was meant for... hehe And of course, "Miss Sarajevo" is the standout track, a beautiful piece indeed.It`s tough to like on the first listen. The 1st song"Slug" is rather annoying at first listen,but it takes you to another place. "Corpse" is one of my favorites also,sung by The Edge.And "Elvis Ate America" is a powerful piece, but as an Allen Ginsburg-type poem more-so than a song.

True U2 fans will enjoy it cos it's ALMOST U2, but I think this is an album music fans period could really get into.

Contributed by: BonoMars

PASSENGERS: ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS 1 is another example of U2 doing something completely different rather than just rock and roll. The very idea of an album made totally of soundtracks to mostly made-up films is unique in itself. This album really shouldn't be considered a U2 album; the band really does create a new and different look for themselves in the guise of the Passengers. The addition of Brian Eno is an interesting dynamic, as Eno brings his more eclectic style of musicianship into the U2 universe. This also makes the album much more difficult to review, as comparing this and other U2 albums is like comparing apples and oranges.

UNITED COLOURS: Not a great start to the album. I personally don't really like techno music without at least SOME melody. This is just effects. * ½

SLUG: After the techno slog of the first song, it's a relief to hear Bono's voice. The opening almost sounds like the add-on bit at the very end of "The Wanderer" off of the Zooropa album. Bono saying "Don't want to stay the same..." almost sums up the album. ***

YOUR BLUE ROOM: One of the few songs on the album that has a conventional song structure. With Adam's narration, every U2 member has now sang on an album. (Larry said the "I feel numb..." line in "Numb".) Bono again shows off his vocal range. ***1/2

ALWAYS FOREVER NOW: Another almost all techno song, except for Bono's repetition of the title a few times. Not bad. **1/2

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BLUE: A bit different. Eno sounds a bit like the Edge. **1/2

BEACH SEQUENCE: Nothing special, but I'm a sucker for a piano based song. **1/2

MISS SARAJEVO: Except for the opera, this is a fine song. Nothing against Pavarotti, but opera just doesn't smell what I'm cooking. A guitar solo where Pavarotti sings would have fit the song more. ***1/2

ITO OKASHI: Despite my total ignorance of the Japanese language, Holi still conveys the mood of this song. By the way, she has a great voice as well. **1/2

ONE MINUTE WARNING: Weird song. Mostly effects, with some ringing guitar. **

CORPSE (These Chains Are Way Too Long): I thought this was really cool. Edge is a pretty good singer in his own right. ***1/2

ELVIS ATE AMERICA: Not a great trip-hop song. **

PLOT 180: Moody, very darkly hued. Almost totally keyboards and bass, with the occasional guitar effect thrown in for good measure. Again, lack of vocals hurts the song. **

THEME FROM THE SWAN: Background music. Ugh. *

THEME FROM LET'S GO NATIVE: A great, drum-based opening but it sort of goes downhill from there. Still pretty good. ***1/2

Contributed by: Mark Polishuk

If you would like to contribute your opinion on this album, you can do so by e-mailing me. Please write in the subject box "Passengers"! Thanks!