The recent scramble for tickets to U2's upcoming Elevation Tour 2001 has grabbed much of the spotlight, but the main reason for the tour cannot be ignored either.

U2's latest album, All That You Can't Leave Behind, is a refreshing comeback from a band whose has not put out a regular album since Pop (1997).

The band contributed to the soundtrack, and Bono wrote the screenplay for the movie Million Dollar Hotel, which premieres this month, but U2's musical talents are best demonstrated with All That You Can't Leave Behind.

"Beautiful Day" opens the album and definitely sets the tone. The overall feeling of the album is positive, and the music is clean and polished rock 'n' roll.

Although most of the tracks are somewhat on the mellow side, U2 doesn't forget how to punch out a song either. "Elevation" is a fun, rocking song with a funky guitar backed by Bono's yodeling voice.

"In A Little While" is a moderate song that incorporates a soft pop beat with a short and distinct melody. Bono wails on this song, but doesn't come off with his usual cry of agony, like he does on U2's previous ballads like "One."

U2 totally shifts gear on the next track with "Wild Honey," which almost has you thinking you're listening to a George Harrison song. Bono harmonizes on this folksy pop ballad, and his voice is like honey, in that it doesn't overpower and steal the spotlight. This song is a good one to listen to on a lazy summer day, or if you're in State College in February and are daydreaming of warm weather.

"When I Look At The World" is a placid song that has a more somber tone to it, and The Edge's guitar has an eerie whine to it. This one has a dreamier quality about it than the other tunes on the album but still retains some of U2's rocking tendencies.

All That You Can't Leave Behind is just another demonstration of U2's ability to breathe like a fish in a sea of inferior musicians.

— Reviewed by Jennifer Slivka