U2

It's almost five years since U2's last studio album, when the relatively poor showing for No Line On The Horizon saw critics once again questioning whether the band would return. Horizon's poor performance didn't hinder the 360 degree tour that went alongside though - becoming one of the biggest grossing of all time. But still, the once Biggest Band in the World, have been away a long time - and ahead of their new album, this is the first taste of what they might have to offer. And it's both intriguing and impressive.

Ordinary Love has all the expected U2 ingredients; The Edge's rhythmic guitar sound under Bono's slightly pained and pleading vocal - and an anthemic feel which matches the nature of the song's subject matter. But it also sounds fresh. Rock has enjoyed a torrid time of late with Arctic Monkeys alone at the very top of the genre (if Kings of Leon are the best the US has to offer - fans should be worried). But this shows there is still life in the 25 year old band yet.

U2 say they were just completing their new album when they were approached to write a song for the soundtrack to the Nelson Mandela film Long Walk To Freedom. Despite the hectic nature of their schedule they said they couldn't say no. Never one to back away from a 'cause', Bono is in his element here - talking of fighting and reaching higher. For all the bluster though - this is U2 back to form and it offers a tantalising insight into what to expect from the new album.