This was not a radio hit, but it became a live favorite and a centerpiece at their concerts. The live version on their 1985 album Wide Awake In America helped them gain popularity in the US. They became a household name after the Live Aid performance.
Where the Streets Have No Name
The song is actually about Ireland. In Ireland (and Northern Ireland), the many cities are divided: rich/poor, Catholic/Protestant, etc. By knowing which street a person lives on you can tell their religion, wealth and beliefs – it’s where the streets have no name.
With or Without You
This was U2′s first #1 hit in the US. It was the first U2 single to do better in America than in England. The lyrics are about relationships, but can be interpreted many ways. They were written by Bono, who wanted to write a love song that dealt with real issues in relationships.
This began as a song about US president Ronald Reagan. Bono had lyrics written condemning Reagan for an arrogant pride that led to nuclear escalation. This was a perfect song for the stadiums they were playing. They would stop playing toward the end and let the crowd sing the last chorus.
I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
This is my Favourite U2 Song of all time, maybe because this song made me fall in love with them. This was influenced by Gospel music. Bono wanted The Joshua Tree to explore various forms of American music they had encountered while touring USA.
New Year’s Day
This was U2′s first UK Top 10 and their first single to chart in America. Bono considers this a love song. While it is about war, it deals with “The struggle for love.”
While performing this, Bono would wave a white flag as a call for peace. In 2003, The Edge inducted The Clash into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. In his speech, he said, “There is no doubt in my mind that “Sunday Bloody Sunday” wouldn’t – and couldn’t – have been written if not for The Clash.”
All I want is You
This plays under the credits of the U2 documentary Rattle And Hum. And it probably has the Best Music Video for any U2 Song in my opinion.
Compiling a TOP 10 U2 Compilation is not easy at all, since U2 have produced so many gems over the years, and have been the most consistent Band in recent History. Some songs to miss out narrowly were, So Cruel, Desire, Mysterious Ways, Stuck in a Moment you can’t get out of, Van Dieman’s Land, and White as Snow. Let me know what you think of this list, and tell me about your own Favourites. Till then, Keep Rocking U2!
