In 1991, U2's bold refashioning of post-punk rock was propitious indeed. With grunge on the scene and Madchester receiving airplay, U2 launched a timely rebrand at the most opportune period in modern music; it was an indication that guitar music had become popular again, leaving the glut of 1980s stadium-fillers at odds with the current landscape, and many failed to adapt. U2, however, bravely decided to reinvent themselves as a trendsetting band with the same romantic and political aspirations as before, albeit with art pop inclinations, and it turned out to be a very advantageous and smooth transition indeed.

"Achtung Baby" is U2 at their most introspective, exploring personal relationships over political themes; never bordering on the anthemic arena rock of "The Joshua Tree", which succeeded chiefly because the album was solidly produced, the band are forced to innovate, consolidating far more adventurous instrumentation, psychedelic, beguiling rhythms and dance beats into the album's dense sonic palette. As emotional as they are sexual, Bono's lyrical motivations are laid bare, and although the groovy sounds employed can feel incongruous when he emotes vocally in his usual high-strung balladeer tone, somehow it all attunes and coheres incredibly well. Surging forth with satisfying Eastern-influenced rhythms and textured guitar riffs, Edge's role may not be as integral as it was on previous albums, but the stunningly layered, musically diverse foundation synthesises rock instrumentation and electronic undercurrents so that each composition demands to heard in all of its soaring beauty, with every detail yearning to be pored over and marvelled at. Technologically ambitious as the production is, it does not detract from the melancholic, reflective nature of the overall music, thus registering it as a masterpiece designed for repeat listens rather than an experimental record to be experienced only once.

Although its commercial success led to increasingly diluted, unfocused projects, "Achtung Baby" is a provocative, seminal record responsible for introducing several classic songs in the U2 canon, namely "Even Better Than The Real Thing" and "One". Without a doubt, though, Brian Eno's production is the impetus for the album's astonishing sophistication and intricacy; he ably assists in creating the band's most passionate, cohesive and thriving collection of songs to date, geared towards the ravers, baggy rock fans as well as their core fanbase. It is an album with universal appeal that draws from a variety of influences to winning effect and remains an excessive, fresh and relevant creation from a mature band at the peak of their powers.

Here in Sydney Australia you did not get the full set of 16 prints with the purchase of the album. When you purchased the album (either CD or vinyl) you had to ask the sales staff for a print. You didn't know which print you were going to get as each store only had a select few. It would have taken 16 purchases at varying stores to get the full set , or if you knew somebody in the business. Fortunately I have the full set of 16 prints. Can't remember where I got them from though.

has anyone sold one with the 16 art inserts? can't see any that have sold anywhere with these?

I just got this pressing, finally after years of wanting it.
I can't get over how much better the LP is than the CD I have; it's like night and day.

There is more depth to the LP and it has that extra 'kick' in it.