If ever there was a band befitting of a tribute done of them by a world-renowned classical orchestra, none would be pointed to more than U2. Rising from obscure surroundings and a humble beginning, the legendary Irish rock quartet paved the way for modern rock popularity and ultimately reached unsurpassed levels of super-stardom by the release of only their fourth album nearly a decade and a half ago! Their stirring compositions have embraced generations of music listeners and now many of their biggest hits past and present have been reinterpreted with the same professionalism and grace that they had always presented of themselves, by the famed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The first thing we'll come across is the disc cover booklet that features the same light into dark stage background as that which first appeared on U2's "Rattle & Hum," while contained within are twelve remarkable song translations that fans and casual listeners alike will quickly cherish. If you've never been a fan of orchestra music or aren't the least bit familiar with it, don't be put off. The work they've accomplished here is breathtaking and not only true to the original sound as U2 intended, but takes that even a step deeper in meaning. Without vocals of any sort, the songs take on a truly spiritual life of their own, and just when you feel something might be missing once the singing's scheduled to start, it's carefully replaced by added instrumentation, that serves to heighten the overall effect.

The orchestra runs the gamut of the bands lengthy catalog of hits, making sure they've touched on those best known for both their pop texture as for their stimulating danceability and romanticism. Opening the "concert" with "Pride (In the Name of Love)" first brought to us on 84's "Unforgettable Fire," the violin's really pick up the slack where Bono's voice once stood, and then somewhat surprisingly, we're brought "Even Better than the Real Thing" from "Achtung Baby." I didn't actually look at the tracklisting before listening purposely so I could pick up on them in surprise fashion and better gauge the consistency to the original and was more than a bit thrown hearing the opening to this one. Very well done indeed.

The best of the band's early modern rock faves originally featured on 83's groundbreaking "War," turn up in the form of "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "New Year's Day," and "Two Hearts Beat as One," call forth some of the many highlights herein. But it's the later hits at a time when they're sound both expanded and took a turn toward maturity that are the main focus on this translation.

The orchestra carries their period of coverage as far as U2's "Achtung Baby" where another surprise "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" precedes the romantically crafted, beautifully performed "All I Want is You" which rounds out the production. Not only has The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra done a great justice with their portrayal of material that deserves nothing less than perfection, they've done so with a touch of real class and dignity. After hearing this, you'll never look at taking an elevator cruise the same way again.