After years of calling themselves a pop band, U2 finally decided to write some pop songs. The result is their catchiest album, with each song built around an instantly memorable hook. The ballads are sometimes weighed down by their own enormity (would any other band even joke about writing a song called Yahweh?) but the garage rockers are keepers.
Best Tracks: Vertigo, All Because of You, Crumbs From Your Table
Come fly with us, and Leo, through the best (and worst) of 2004. Tops in the cinema this year include Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator. Elsewhere, Deadwood was good TV, and a Strange tale fascinated readers.