Description
U2 – October – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released on October 12, 1981, October is U2’s second studio album, following their 1980 debut, Boy. While Boy established the band as a rising force in post-punk, October is often seen as a more spiritually driven and introspective record, reflecting the band’s struggles with faith, identity, and the pressures of early success. It is one of U2’s most atmospheric and emotional albums, showcasing their youthful idealism and growing ambition.
October continues the post-punk and new wave sound of their debut but introduces a more melodic, piano-driven approach on several tracks. The Edge’s chiming, delay-heavy guitar is still a defining feature, but the album also experiments with more open, ethereal arrangements, creating a brooding, reflective tone that contrasts with the more anthemic energy of later U2 albums.
October is deeply personal and heavily influenced by the Christian faith of Bono, The Edge, and Larry Mullen Jr., who were all part of the religious group Shalom Fellowship at the time. The album grapples with questions of spiritual devotion, doubt, and purpose, making it one of U2’s most soul-searching records.
The recording process for October was rushed and troubled—Bono lost a notebook containing many of the album’s lyrics during a tour, forcing him to rewrite much of the material in the studio. As a result, some lyrics feel more impressionistic and spontaneous, adding to the album’s raw and searching quality.
Notable Tracks & Highlights
Gloria – The album opener and one of its most powerful songs, featuring a soaring chorus sung in Latin (Gloria in te Domine), symbolizing the album’s spiritual themes. The track is driven by The Edge’s urgent, chiming guitar work and remains a fan-favorite live anthem.
I Fall Down – A melodic, piano-infused track that adds a more introspective, emotional layer to the album.
October – A short, haunting piano ballad, unlike anything else in U2’s early catalog. Its minimalistic beauty and reflective lyrics make it a standout moment.
Rejoice – One of the album’s most energetic songs, with a punk-inspired urgency and lyrics that grapple with faith and existential struggle.
Tomorrow – A deeply personal song about Bono’s mother, who passed away when he was 14. The track starts soft and mournful, gradually building into a powerful climax featuring an Irish uilleann pipe solo.
With a Shout (Jerusalem) – A fast-paced track that blends Christian imagery with rock intensity, showcasing the band’s youthful passion.
Scarlet – A rare U2 song that consists almost entirely of instrumentation and repetition of a single word—Rejoice—giving it a hypnotic, meditative feel.
Fire – The album’s lead single, released a few months before the album. It has an edgier, more psychedelic vibe than most U2 songs of the era, showcasing a band experimenting with their sound.
At the time of its release, October received mixed reviews, with some critics finding it less immediate or focused than Boy. However, it has since been reevaluated as a crucial part of U2’s artistic evolution, showcasing their spiritual depth and ambition. While it didn’t produce major hits, October helped U2 gain a devoted fanbase and set the stage for their breakthrough album, War (1983), which would launch them into global superstardom.
Though October may not have the anthemic hits of later albums, its spiritual yearning, introspective tone, and raw emotion make it a fascinating listen, especially for those interested in the early days of U2’s journey.
Plus 16-page book in 12 format and photo innersleve in heavy paper.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Gloria
I Fall Down
I Threw A Brick Through A Window
Rejoice
Fire
Tomorrow
October
With A Shout
Stranger In A Strange Land
Scarlet
Is That All?
