The start of Lent promptedU2to unleash"Days of Ash"on Ash Wednesday, a five-song EP that pulsated with frustration and anger at the world.
Six weeks later, the band surprised fans again with"Easter Lily,"a sextet of new songs of "faith, hope and love," as Bono says in a companion issue of U2's digital e-zine "Propaganda,"available online.
The EP arrived on Good Friday, an apt bookend to "Days of Ash," with songs drenched in symbolism. The title "Easter Lily" is a nod to Patti Smith's 1978 album,"Easter," Bono confirms in the e-zine.
Bono's embrace of Christianity (his mother was Protestant, his father, Catholic) has been a cornerstone of U2's music from the beginning, but so has questioning religion and reconciling faith in a world plagued by suffering.
The closing song on "Easter Lily" −"COEXIST (I Will Bless the Lord at All Times?)"– shares a name with the opening line of Psalm 34, but the question mark prompts introspection.
These songs were birthed for this moment in time, designed for reflection with themes of friendship, forgiveness of self and finding beauty in the darkness. It's also a reminder of what the band does best – nudging us to think while enveloping us in layers of chiming guitars and the steady heartbeat of a bass drum.
It's been nearly a decade since U2's last full album of new material,2017's "Songs of Experience,"and Bono assures in the media material accompanying "Easter Lily" that the band is still "working towards a noisy, messy, 'unreasonably colourful' album to play LIVE … which is where U2 lives. … We will attempt hoopla and fanfare at a later date to remind the rest of the world we exist, but in the meantime … this is between you and us."
Here's a look at U2's six new songs.
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'Song for Hal'
It's rare that guitarist The Edge steps forward with a lead vocal, but, he says in "Propaganda," that Bono "felt strongly I should sing it." And for good reason. Edge says he started writing the song during the pandemic when he learned of the death of good friend and noted music producerHal Wilner(also sketch music producer for "Saturday Night Live" from 1980 to 2020)from COVID.
"I swear, where music is made you'll be there," Edge sings in what is both a lament and a celebration. His delicate guitar is a suitable complement to the honeyed notes he hits between lyrics such as "You never took a curtain call" and "Can't believe another day and life goes on as before."
'In a Life'
U2 producedlyric videosfor these new songs and the one accompanying this mellifluous study of friendship and fellowship is worth watching for the vintage photos of the band throughout. Edge's guitar inches forward in the background while Larry Mullen Jr. –returned to full force behind his kit– proffers busy percussion as the song builds to a classic U2-styled chorus.
'Scars'
"Can't break what's already been broken,"Bono singsover Adam Clayton's rumble of a bass line that anchors the song. Embracing imperfections and learning from past transgressions is the thematic backbone of the lyrics, which insist it's necessary to allow your past to shape your future.
"It's your scars that give you beauty," "Bono sings before imploring, "Don't cover your scars."
'Resurrection Song'
The uplift in "Easter Lily" is best embodied here, as Edge's tiptoeing guitar beckons before rising in that Edge-ian way as Mullen emerges with steady thumps. "If love is in the air, let's take a breath," Bono offers. "If I sound ridiculous, I'm not done yet."
'Easter Parade'
It's been a while since U2 produced a song that bursts like a sunrise (that would be"Beautiful Day"in 2000), but this piano-tinged invocation for hope soars with its repeated chorus, "On such a day." Repetition closes the song as well, with Bono singing "Kyrie eleison" as the music builds to a final climax before fading out on lovely piano chords.
'COEXIST (I Will Bless the Lord at All Times?)
Part hymn, part lullaby, this soundscape courtesy of Brian Eno is a spellbinding palette of sound. Bono sing-prays "I will bless the Lord at all times," a chorus that becomes a hypnotic incantation. But the most affecting moment – both in song and on the album – comes at the end, with Bono singing a capella, his voice catching on the final lines as the song ends cold.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:U2's 'Easter Lily' EP soars and envelopes with uplift – Review