For Last Easter, They 'Resurrected' Too – Releasing Their Best Songs in 20 Years

In an unexpected turn of events that has delighted fans and critics alike, the iconic Irish rock band U2 has released two new EPs, "Days of Ash" and "Easter Lily," coinciding with the Lenten and Easter periods. This surprise drop, particularly the timing around Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, has been hailed by some as a significant creative comeback, with comparisons drawn to their work from the 1990s.

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If that's not proof of a creative crisis, I don't know what is.

The EPs, totaling 56 minutes of music, arrive after a long hiatus since their last studio album nine years ago and following a series of critically disappointing releases. This period was marked by speculation about the band's creative output, despite their continued commercial success through tours and innovative projects like their residency at the Las Vegas Sphere. The sudden appearance of new material suggests a powerful artistic reawakening.

"Days of Ash," released on Ash Wednesday, reportedly delves into external factors and carries an anti-Trump epic tone. In contrast, "Easter Lily," released on Good Friday, is described as a more introspective journey into personal faith. The latter features a notable triptych of songs – "Scars," "Resurrection Song," and "Easter Parade" – culminating in a gospel-infused monologue by Bono, enhanced by Brian Eno's electronic soundscape. This return to form is amplified by the reintegration of drummer Larry Mullen Jr., whose presence is felt in the band's organic sound.

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And then out of the blue - this sky is literally sky, considering the context and themes of the new songs - U2 released the EP 'Days of Ash' with six songs, right on Ash Wednesday, Clean Wednesday.

From the perspective of Večernji List, a prominent Croatian daily newspaper, this release is more than just new music; it's a testament to U2's enduring relevance and their ability to connect with profound themes. While Western media might focus on the commercial aspects or the band's legacy, a Croatian outlet would likely emphasize the artistic merit and the spiritual undertones, particularly given the EPs' release dates. The article notes that these themes are distinct from what it dismisses as "domestic trivialization of faith" or "American commercialization of faith," suggesting a more authentic and artistically driven exploration of spirituality.

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And not only that, last week on Good Friday they unexpectedly released another EP, 'Easter Lily' with another six songs, and if we consider them together as 56 minutes of music, it is not only the best that U2 has managed to create since the nineties, but also something that can be called their creative resurrection after a long period of creative stumbling and barren 'drought' in terms of the level of organic, natural playing of the entire band.

The EPs tackle heavy subjects like systemic cruelty, wars, greed, and the abuse of power, leaving "scars and wounds on the body and spirit." The quality of the music, Bono's vocals, and the thematic depth, which avoids easy answers, are highlighted as reasons for this creative "resurrection." This narrative of overcoming artistic drought and returning with powerful, meaningful work resonates deeply, positioning U2 not just as aging rock stars, but as relevant commentators on the human condition.

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We could say that U2 also creatively resurrected for Easter, reminding us that systemic cruelty, wars, greed, violence, and abused power leave scars and wounds on the body and spirit.