Gotta agree and quote Bono here, from this album's "Acrobat": "And I'd join the movement If there was one I could believe in Yeah I'd break bread and wine If there was a church I could receive in."
I wonder if this is about a relationship with a woman or a relationship with God. Afterall 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' and 'Without You' among others of there songs are about his relationship with God.
@@David-iv6je Even though 3 of the 4 members have been born-again Christians since high school they have always done a good job making their songs spiritual rather than religious.
I was heading toward divorce when this song came out. I remember just sobbing when I heard it. That's ancient history now, but this song still makes me cry.
Yeah...caught between two lovers. This had just come out and I felt like listening to it was like the conversations I'd been having with them. Amazing lyrics. Sublime tone/feel.
The Joshua Tree album was one of the finest albums ever made, a very unique record for the 80s. It was an antidote to the excesses that were going on in the decade. How how do you not use Joshua Tree as a blueprint for the next studio album? It would have been very easy for the band to succumb to that success and many fans were expecting it. Achtung Baby was a left turn and risky proposition for the band but I'm glad they did it. This is a great album with a great sound. It really set the stage for the music that followed in the 90s. The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby is peak U2. The music still holds up to this day.
I was a huge fan in the early 80s. Saw them on the War tour three weeks after they filmed the live at red rocks video. They did some good stuff from Joshua Tree on, but little of it holds a candle to those early albums raw energy-wise.
You can say whatever you want about U2. You can like them or hate them, but those Irish boys make some beautiful music, especially in the 80s/90s. They were cranking out the hits! And Bono doesn't get enough credit for his songwriting. The man is a poet. U2 4-Ever.
If U2 died in 2000ish, they would be viewed so much differently than they are now. They were so good. Brilliant in the studio. Even better live. In a way, with them its kinda the inverse dynamic that exists with artists/public figures like Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, JFK, RFK, James Dean, etc. Those people all tragically died at/near their peak. Frozen in time in everyone’s mind. Whilst they all were deserving of the praise they received, their legend tends to outgrow their reality (e.g. James Dean was only ever in 3 movies… yet people talk about him like he’s one of the greatest actors ever). Whereas with U2 we’ve witnessed the decline. We’ve witnessed them become the caricature of themselves. We’ve witnessed the divisive political/social issues. Therefore the negative current perception really drags down the reality of how great they actually were.
I was a U2 super fan right through Achtung Baby. Then, something changed & I just couldn't listen to their stuff anymore. My sense is that as my musical tastes became more refined, U2 was steadily becoming - as you so rightly said - a caricature of themselves. I don't doubt their sincerity even today, but irl they're multi-millionaires who waded into the ugliness of realpolitik. For me, U2's blend of earnest "can't we all just get along" political naivete & big donor-driven charity capitalism has aged their more recent music like milk.
I saw them in 05 as a sophomore in high school. My bf at the times parents were going with another couple who had to cancel last minute. I was like basically “sure I guess.. it’s free”. They were AMAZING live. Even had Kings of Leon as opening act. My bfs dad had pictures with all these people like Bush Sr, Reagan, etc because he managed a hotel. But he had framed tickets from seeing Zeppelin and Floyd (among others) when it was small 500 people venues. I went to as many concerts as possible all the time back then. Saw Live Aid 2, Shinedown, Velvet Revolver, etc. now it’s so goddamn expensive !
@@goreyfantod5213 I think that's right. I remember hearing Bono say on one of their live albums, "Am I bugging your? I didn't mean to bug you." about some political point he was trying to make. His disrespect for his fans instantly soured me like the milk you speak of.
@@adrianstevens2146 "Silver and Gold" on the Rattle and Hum album. I thought that song was a great statement both musically and politically. Of course he knew he was stretching the envelope to some of their fans, but no doubt he also felt he had to make his points. The song was about South Africa and at the time, apartheid was still completely in force and what's more, Washington was a leading backer of the Pretoria regime (he doesn't say that openly but it's kinda hinted). Nelson Mandela was still a prison inmate at the time. To Reagan the ANC was a bunch of rabid c0mmie terrorists, which was a grossly unfair description, and this stance made it hard for any other NATO governments to openly support the fight against apartheid. The song is perfectly fine by me, and I think that line, "Am I bugging you? Don't mean to bug you..." is also a way of acknowledging that he was going out of his way for a minute pr two. After he adds "Okay Edge, play the blues!" the Edge rips into a solo that's both powerful and concise - and can be seen as a description of the civil war people feared might be looming in the future. Back then in 1987, no one could know if South Africa was going to manage a peaceful transition away from apartheid or whether civil war was inevitable.
I appreciate that you picked up on "we get to carry each other" instead of "we've got to carry each other". It's one of my favorite lyrics. It's a privilege to have someone to support and love, not an obligation. Such beautiful songwriting.
@@jmo2160 Disagree. This propensity of people immediately wanting to point people towards a cover of a song before the figurative “ink” is even dry on a reaction/review video as if its soooo much better is so tired and absurd. Especially considering the fact that 99% of the time the cover isn’t better. To be clear I’m not saying its bad. Its not. Its good. But its not better. I understand thats subjective to an extent. But when all-time great songs are covered by other artists, for people who say “the cover is better than the original!!!” it better be slam-dunk jaw-dropping reality. This isn’t one of those cases. Not even close.
Next is "New Years Day," from the early period. You often overlook the spectacular early periods of iconic bands who made it so big much later in their career.
Legendary producers Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno produced this record. The band co-writes. Since the Edge was going through a divorce at this time, it feels like this is about him. Bono is married to his girlfriend from high school. He and Ali celebrated their 42nd anniversary this year. I've probably been to 50 concerts or more. I even saw the baby faced U2 twice in London in the early 80s. But I can honestly say the Zoo TV tour to support this album in 1992or3 was spectacular.
Wow, thanks! I never knew Lanois and Eno were involved. That explains a lot to me about this record's sound, which I noticed even back then. I love U2 but I think Eno and Lanois are basically musical genuises. Putting them together with this band, something incredible was bound to emerge!
I remember when I was 13 years I won tickets to watch U2 in concert in Paris- couldn't have asked for a more memorable night for my first time in France, they were amazing
First saw them live on TV in late 1981 - I remember watching that particular programme, but I don't remember them in particular, they just played two songs or something... ;) Next time was a little over three years later - a superb live concert filmed by West German TV and broadcast over most of western Europe. That was a great show and both my brother and me were very impressed (of course, by then we already knew who they were).
I remember when this cd came out. I had been given the tape to Joshua Tree by my parents when they went on vacation to Ireland. All the kids in school thought it was cool I had the actual Irish cassette. I bought Achtung Baby the day it came out and played it. This 50 or so minutes I just kept staring at the speakers and the cd cover in disbelief. It is among the most beautiful things I have every heard in my life and I still get chills when I listen start to finish, today. I am actually welling up a bit just banging out this comment.
It was U2 but I remember how different it sounded. The band had entirely reinvented themselves yet retained their identity. Achtung Baby is one of the greatest albums of the 1990s. It is such a marvel of amazing songwriting.
It really is. I just love the Fly and Zoo Station. So industrial, and such a confident, strong way to open a new album after the major success of Joshua Tree. Just made my jaw drop at the time.
Spot on. Just before it was released, I remember reading a preview where they quoted Bono as saying “the new record is going to be the sound of us chopping down the Joshua Tree”. He was right. Its impossible to overstate just how much of a departure this record was from everything they had done before in every imaginable way(artistically, thematically, musically, performatively, etc). It took guts. But changing it up paid off because thats one of the main reasons they’re one of the only 80s bands to maintain/expand their level of production and acclaim through the 90s.
You nailed it with your comments about The Edge. A HUGELY underrated guitar god. He isnt going to blow your mind with Hendrix/Plant style riffs, but as his career progressed, he became a master at knowing exactly what sound would complement not only Bono's singing, but also the great rhythm section of Clayton and Mullins. Hard not to respect the career those guys have had. I've always been a huge fan of the band. They are amazing live.
This song was played at many wedding receptions. People made the mistake that this was a love song. Apparently, they only read the title and didn't listen to the song. It's anything but a love song.... "Did I disappoint you Or leave a bad taste in your mouth? You act like you never had love And you want me to go without"
Actually, it is a love song. Not all love songs have to be positive. This is about a love that has ended and is therefore still a love song. Also, I believe this is about his relationship with God rather than his relationship with a woman. Many U2 songs are about their relationship with God. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For and Without You are just two of the more well known ones.
@@Dreyno Thank you! I have had to hide my laughter at so many weddings.... As George Carlin said, "Think of how stupid the average person is…and realize half of them are stupider than that.” Great lyrics though and a cool mellow song. U2's best.
There are A LOT of people who say this is the greatest rock song ever. I'm not sure I agree, but it's way, way, way up the list and belongs in the discussion. It's a very mature expression of emotion and thought in addition to being musically unimpeachable. One of my absolute favorites for certain.
Agreed. I’ve always felt that one of the best indicators of just how truly top tier a song is occurs when many artists across many genres gush over it and cover it. One is no exception. Johnny Cash, Mary J Blige, Damien Rice, Chris Cornell etc. In fact, after initial release in 1991 (Yes. I’m old😆) I recall reading an article quoting Axl Rose. He said in his view its one of the greatest songs ever written. And he put it on repeat in his home and cried for hours. Praise doesn’t come much higher than that.
Speaking of "the Edge" and his guitar work... you two should watch the documentary "It Might Get Loud", where they bring three generations of guitarists together for a bull session talking about their technique and influences. Its Jimmy Page, Edge and Jack White. The edge has a discussion on the effects he plays his guitar through, with a demo of straight to the amp, and then through the effects board where the U2 sound is made. Any guitarist will love this doc.
When this album came out I was you guys age...it also inroduced what the 90s...the wall had fell, the grittiness of the times (and there was this new gritiness)..rt before grunge but this record signaled this new thing. It is by far imho the greatest U2 album. "One" is an amazing and so sad. Love is Blindness - amazing. And of course the story of Jesus and Judas - Until the End of the World. I was blessed to see the band play April 7th , 1992 in Houston...the most moving show I ever went to. As I recall this song was written around the Edge's marriage breakup.
A deep cut treasure by Bono is “Miss Sarajevo.” He wrote it after reading about a beauty contest in Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War. Bombs were falling nearby during the contest. And Pavarotti brings you to tears.
Indeed, Luciano is amazing... But don't underestimate Bono. His solo effort in the Vertigo tour - especially in the Milan performance - will knock your socks off.
Achtung Baby is the album that they played straight through during their residency at The Sphere in Vegas and I was lucky enough to see it and it was such an amazing experience. One of my favorite shows I’ve ever seen
Saw them on the 2nd night of the Joshua Tree tour, and you are exactly right!! It was like a gigantic religious revival of U2 people!! Fantastic trip, the whole way, and Bono waved at us partying behind the Pan Am Center after the show. Then we slept in our car by the Rio Grande. Spiritual indeed!!❤❤😊😊
This album was really amazing. Most bands would have passed their sell-by date by this time, but then they come out with Achtung Baby. An album with no filler songs. Awesome.
S tier all day long on this one. This might be my favorite song of theirs, with "New Year's Day" running a close second. Check it out. Welcome to U2 gentlemen. One of the greats. it's Bônō.
When this album came out after the very different" Rattle and Hum" it was a complete departure and gamble by the band. Nobody knew if it was going to be a hit or a flop. If it would've flopped it probably would've been the end of U2. You had to be there, but when you first put this album on your cd player and "Zoo Station" came on, your first thought was that something was wrong with the recording, the cd, your speakers your headphones or your head. It took many listens for you to realize that this was revolutionary in the way the Beatles record pushed boundaries or the Stones records sounded weird until they didn't. The genius of producers (Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno) and engineers (Flood, Steve Lillywhite) is not to be underestimated. Extraordinary album for its time and beyond. You should do the aforementioned "Zoo Station", "Even Better than the Real Thing", "The Fly", "Until the End of the World" and "Whose Going to Ride Your Wild Horses" next.
While Edge can do some crazy front man guitar, he's always preferred listening to the song, and filling in what's needed. In the documentary It Might Get Loud, he explains how he believes there are two types of guitarists, and neither is right or wrong, but I think he wants others to remember the song, rather than a solo.
Incredible track. So Cruel is in my rotation of songs which, based on the day, appear on my Top U2 songs(along with Bad, One Tree hill, Ultraviolet, and A Sort of Homecoming). Its criminally under-appreciated. But to an extent I get why. Because (as Alex said in this video), every song on Achtung Baby could be a hit. So it gets kind of crowded out.
A&A....what a fun experience it has been to see your musical journey. I was fortunate to see many of the bands you have featured and at the time we just thought....great band. Now in hindsight ...I realize how lucky I was. An example: I first saw U2 at Madison Sq. Garden and part of that show would become Rattle and Hum. I just thought they were really good....after seeing them many many times since....I now know that I was I have been a part of a musical journey. Enjoy YOUR musical journey!!!
I totally LOVED Andy's big smiles! This is a beautifully-crafted song. The lyrics and the slow musical build to, "Love is a temple...you ask me to enter, but then you make me crawl..." So much heart. (eta: another great observation by A&A...until now I never consciously noticed, "We *get* to carry each other". They're right, it should be a privilege)
Proud of you, A & A. As you've progressed in your musical exploration of the whole universe of popular music, not just what's out today, you've grown in appreciation of what really good music is, its diversity, its authenticity, its diverse instruments, voices and genres. You've become less judgemental and more open, even if something isn't quite your cup of tea. (A very good thing.) BTW, I suggest you give things that didn't grab you on first listen another chance, to see if over time your perspective may have changed. And the more you can evangelize REAL music to your peer group, instead of the heavily autotuned, robotic, same-sounding, drearily unimaginable drivel of most of contemporary pop, the more power to you! Play some really good shit at any parties you host, because your peers aren't likely hearing it.
Saw them on this Achtung Baby tour, Saratoga racetrack, still one of the best concerts Ive ever seen! Bono brought people on stage to sing to and dance with! One of their best!❤
Their debut album, Boy, is one of the most extraordinary debut albums from any band in the history of rock/pop music. I'd check out I Will Follow and Electric Co. Pure unadulterated euphoria.
The video (out of the 3) for this song where they all are sitting "in the round" in an open studio. You can feel the expression in the lyrics and the instruments as the song goes on. And knowing the back story of what was going on in the band before/as they were trying to record this album....it hits you in the feels every time. Great great song. Fantastic album. Legendary band.
I just saw Desire a tribute to U2 on July 1st Canada day festival in Toronto and they were fire playing all the bangers. Great reaction and Peace out 🙏 ✌️ ☮️
This song is a good example of how gen xers and older millennials really thought humanity was going to unite and rise in the 90s. The music was telling us it was our time. The world was going to get better. And we were feeling it. And then....... crash. Most notably, 911. And here we are. World on fire. Lots of disappointed and jaded hearts.
I remember that feeling and my acute awareness of the sentiment during a moonlit night with an old girlfriend. I felt like we were on our way to a better place, one that was all our own apart from prior generations. It all turned out to be an illusion.
@@kevinlee149 Was it an illusion? Or have we seen the natural progression of western society derailed by dark money, dark forces and tinpot strongman politics? Simple answers to complicated problems and the continuous accumulation of wealth by a small oligarchy who are now so wealthy we’re afraid to tax them fairly.
@@Dreyno Its the human condition irrespective of society. All systems eventually breakdown and fail. New generations come and think they can change things for the better but in "fixing" one thing other issues /new issues creep in. Doesn't mean all is vain, things change but how we interact in our personal relationships is more lasting generation to generation and much less "fad" like.
The first time I heard this song when it was released, I assumed it had always been around. It feels so classic and comforting, it should have always part of my soul. Still does a bit
If I remember correctly the band was having a hard time writing and recording songs at this point and various members thought the band was going to split up.....then this song happens and they all were like....NAAAAAAA.....we arent splitting up!....and of course the song video with the slow motion video of the buffaloes running....seemed very symbolic to me...that the buffalo almost became extinct but were saved in the end as well......
As a longtime, longtime U2 fan, when this album came out, it did sound very different from their previous work, but as time passes, the "U2"ness of it became more apparent. I could write 2-3 inches of block text on why I love this band, there are many reasons. Classic song, iconic song, yes, yes, yes! By the way, having grown up watching dozens of WW2 films and tv shows, I think of "Achtung" being pronounced like 'hawk tua', hard on the 1st syllable, hard on the 't'.
i like you guys a lot. this came out when i was in high school. over the years this song has come to represent the relationship between my elderly father and i. bad times.
YES,, Counting Crows "August And Everything After" What a debut album!!..With incredible tracks like "Rain King",, "Sullivan Street",, Perfect Blue Buildings",, "Anna Begins",, "Round Here" & Of course "Mister Jones",, etc..etc..One of those great albums to listen to while doing stuff around the crib,, maybe on a nice long road trip or even just listening while chillin' out..In my opinion just a really strong debut album to start out with.
Saw them on the Achtung Baby tour incredible! Outside at Saratoga racetrack! Still one of the best concerts ever! Bono brought people on stage to sing to and dance with! Awesome!❤️
U2 wrote their music together as they crafted it- in the studio after their first record. Of course the Edge was the primary music composer and Bono the primary lyricist and vocal melodies composer. But they really knew it took all four of them.
This song came out when I was 28. Now I'm 60 and that phrase "carry each other" really hits hard. That's what my wife and I do. We piss each other off and then we forgive and forget.
Speaking of MUST HEAR Albums,, Formed in Manchester,, England in 1982,, This album would be certified gold in the U.K. & U.S.,, James "Laid" Album..They would support,, open & tour with Artists like Neil Young & Duran Duran..A really strong album from the beginning to the very end..Also,, Their lyrics are definitely worthy of special attention..One of those albums that the more you listen to it,, The more you like/appreciate it. 🔥❤️🔥
I knew they were going to be top level even with their debut, Boy back in ‘80. Then War blew our minds and the live Under a Blood Red Sky made them one of my fave bands - and Joshua Tree was still 4 years away! One of the best, and definitely one of the longest lived rock bands.
"One" and "Mysterious Ways" were the big radio hits from Achtung Baby. PS. If you want to hear The Edge define the guitar sound of the eighties, check out "Twilight" from their debut album or "New Year's Day" from their War album.
I love the U2 songs where Bono really takes you to church and makes you feel what he's feeling.
Gotta agree and quote Bono here, from this album's "Acrobat":
"And I'd join the movement
If there was one I could believe in
Yeah I'd break bread and wine
If there was a church I could receive in."
Yeah, U2 somehow get away with imbedding a whole lot of religiosity in the lyrics. But in a way that feels real and relevant.
I wonder if this is about a relationship with a woman or a relationship with God. Afterall 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' and 'Without You' among others of there songs are about his relationship with God.
People miss the fact that a lot of U2 songs are Christian rock, albeit veiled.
@@David-iv6je Even though 3 of the 4 members have been born-again Christians since high school they have always done a good job making their songs spiritual rather than religious.
If this song doesn’t move you, you’re dead inside.
@musicaddict5076 I agree!
I moved from the sofa to my favourite chair, does that count?
@@samuelalexander558Sure it means your dead inside.
Or perhaps I just don't care for phony pro-abortion Christians.
not my fav U2 song
"Did I ask too much? More than a lot. You gave me nothing, now it's all I got" Still hits hard after all these years.
I was heading toward divorce when this song came out. I remember just sobbing when I heard it. That's ancient history now, but this song still makes me cry.
Me too.
Thankfully life is much better now
Great song still moving
Only bad thing about this song is it's too short , still one of my top 5 fav from u2
Yeah...caught between two lovers. This had just come out and I felt like listening to it was like the conversations I'd been having with them. Amazing lyrics. Sublime tone/feel.
You and me both. I was heading towards divorce as well. I found it very difficult to listen to, but it encapsulated so much of what I was feeling.
Same here, and me too.
"you ask me to enter, but then you make me crawl."... Any other folks feel that part?
"And I can't be holdin' on to what you got \
When all you got is hurt"
‘You act like you’ve never had love
And you want me to go without’
😩
"Have you come here to play Jesus to the lepers in your head?'
Every time.
I was just going to say that may be Bono’s best lyric.
The Joshua Tree album was one of the finest albums ever made, a very unique record for the 80s. It was an antidote to the excesses that were going on in the decade. How how do you not use Joshua Tree as a blueprint for the next studio album? It would have been very easy for the band to succumb to that success and many fans were expecting it. Achtung Baby was a left turn and risky proposition for the band but I'm glad they did it. This is a great album with a great sound. It really set the stage for the music that followed in the 90s. The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby is peak U2. The music still holds up to this day.
I think the music in this song is very reminiscent of Crowded House.
Joshua tree is in my top ten of all time.
What happened to Rattle and Hum between Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby?
@@michaelrowell7798 Rattle and Hum is mostly a live album and was released a year after The Joshua Tree. I'm comparing studio albums.
100% accurate statement, amigo.
Essential U2 is 'sunday bloody sunday' live under a blood red sky album. Whole album is great
In general the reactors should start with Boy and work forward from there…it never happens.
@@CdnTrader1 out of control
War is an incredible album.
@@gracedv possibly their best
I was a huge fan in the early 80s. Saw them on the War tour three weeks after they filmed the live at red rocks video. They did some good stuff from Joshua Tree on, but little of it holds a candle to those early albums raw energy-wise.
You can say whatever you want about U2. You can like them or hate them, but those Irish boys make some beautiful music, especially in the 80s/90s. They were cranking out the hits! And Bono doesn't get enough credit for his songwriting. The man is a poet. U2 4-Ever.
This whole album is amazing. Mysterious Ways is one of my favs.
For sure. "IF you wanna kiss the sky better learn how to kneel." Love that line.
One of those songs i will always listen to anytime anyplace
facts
One is S-tier. So much emotion and perfectly delivered.
If U2 died in 2000ish, they would be viewed so much differently than they are now. They were so good. Brilliant in the studio. Even better live.
In a way, with them its kinda the inverse dynamic that exists with artists/public figures like Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, JFK, RFK, James Dean, etc. Those people all tragically died at/near their peak. Frozen in time in everyone’s mind. Whilst they all were deserving of the praise they received, their legend tends to outgrow their reality (e.g. James Dean was only ever in 3 movies… yet people talk about him like he’s one of the greatest actors ever). Whereas with U2 we’ve witnessed the decline. We’ve witnessed them become the caricature of themselves. We’ve witnessed the divisive political/social issues. Therefore the negative current perception really drags down the reality of how great they actually were.
They would be considered up there with The Beatles if they stopped at All That You Can't Leave Behind
I was a U2 super fan right through Achtung Baby. Then, something changed & I just couldn't listen to their stuff anymore.
My sense is that as my musical tastes became more refined, U2 was steadily becoming - as you so rightly said - a caricature of themselves. I don't doubt their sincerity even today, but irl they're multi-millionaires who waded into the ugliness of realpolitik. For me, U2's blend of earnest "can't we all just get along" political naivete & big donor-driven charity capitalism has aged their more recent music like milk.
I saw them in 05 as a sophomore in high school. My bf at the times parents were going with another couple who had to cancel last minute. I was like basically “sure I guess.. it’s free”. They were AMAZING live. Even had Kings of Leon as opening act.
My bfs dad had pictures with all these people like Bush Sr, Reagan, etc because he managed a hotel. But he had framed tickets from seeing Zeppelin and Floyd (among others) when it was small 500 people venues.
I went to as many concerts as possible all the time back then. Saw Live Aid 2, Shinedown, Velvet Revolver, etc. now it’s so goddamn expensive !
@@goreyfantod5213 I think that's right. I remember hearing Bono say on one of their live albums, "Am I bugging your? I didn't mean to bug you." about some political point he was trying to make. His disrespect for his fans instantly soured me like the milk you speak of.
@@adrianstevens2146 "Silver and Gold" on the Rattle and Hum album. I thought that song was a great statement both musically and politically. Of course he knew he was stretching the envelope to some of their fans, but no doubt he also felt he had to make his points. The song was about South Africa and at the time, apartheid was still completely in force and what's more, Washington was a leading backer of the Pretoria regime (he doesn't say that openly but it's kinda hinted).
Nelson Mandela was still a prison inmate at the time. To Reagan the ANC was a bunch of rabid c0mmie terrorists, which was a grossly unfair description, and this stance made it hard for any other NATO governments to openly support the fight against apartheid. The song is perfectly fine by me, and I think that line, "Am I bugging you? Don't mean to bug you..." is also a way of acknowledging that he was going out of his way for a minute pr two. After he adds "Okay Edge, play the blues!" the Edge rips into a solo that's both powerful and concise - and can be seen as a description of the civil war people feared might be looming in the future. Back then in 1987, no one could know if South Africa was going to manage a peaceful transition away from apartheid or whether civil war was inevitable.
I appreciate that you picked up on "we get to carry each other" instead of "we've got to carry each other". It's one of my favorite lyrics. It's a privilege to have someone to support and love, not an obligation. Such beautiful songwriting.
The writing is so damn good. Last verse blows me away every. single. time.
As good as this is, you will feel it even more with the MJB duet. So good!
Very reminiscent of Crowded House, which were an excellent band in their own right.
@@jmo2160No, you did. Maybe they will, probably not.
@@jmo2160 Disagree. This propensity of people immediately wanting to point people towards a cover of a song before the figurative “ink” is even dry on a reaction/review video as if its soooo much better is so tired and absurd. Especially considering the fact that 99% of the time the cover isn’t better.
To be clear I’m not saying its bad. Its not. Its good. But its not better. I understand thats subjective to an extent. But when all-time great songs are covered by other artists, for people who say “the cover is better than the original!!!” it better be slam-dunk jaw-dropping reality. This isn’t one of those cases. Not even close.
@@LittleArielExactly🎯🎯
This is my top song of all time. I think it’s the most lyrically beautiful and wrenching vocals EVER.
Next is "New Years Day," from the early period. You often overlook the spectacular early periods of iconic bands who made it so big much later in their career.
“Mysterious Ways” also from this album is incredible.
Legendary producers Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno produced this record. The band co-writes. Since the Edge was going through a divorce at this time, it feels like this is about him. Bono is married to his girlfriend from high school. He and Ali celebrated their 42nd anniversary this year. I've probably been to 50 concerts or more. I even saw the baby faced U2 twice in London in the early 80s. But I can honestly say the Zoo TV tour to support this album in 1992or3 was spectacular.
"And I can't be holdin' on, to what you' got, when all you got is hurt."
Would love to see a reaction vid to the zooTV concert. What a show that was.
Wow, thanks! I never knew Lanois and Eno were involved. That explains a lot to me about this record's sound, which I noticed even back then. I love U2 but I think Eno and Lanois are basically musical genuises. Putting them together with this band, something incredible was bound to emerge!
Love all of Daniels solo and production
I saw it also it was truly a moving show
I remember when I was 13 years I won tickets to watch U2 in concert in Paris- couldn't have asked for a more memorable night for my first time in France, they were amazing
I saw them at school, April, 1983. $7 tickets.
First saw them live on TV in late 1981 - I remember watching that particular programme, but I don't remember them in particular, they just played two songs or something... ;) Next time was a little over three years later - a superb live concert filmed by West German TV and broadcast over most of western Europe. That was a great show and both my brother and me were very impressed (of course, by then we already knew who they were).
You need to hit "When Love Comes to Town" with U2 and BB King. One of the best collaborations ever.
Angel of Harlem from that same album is great too.
100% agree guys. Rattle and Hum was awesome from start to finish ❤❤❤ BB King??? C'mon, you know that track is gonna cook. So good.
I remember when this cd came out. I had been given the tape to Joshua Tree by my parents when they went on vacation to Ireland. All the kids in school thought it was cool I had the actual Irish cassette. I bought Achtung Baby the day it came out and played it. This 50 or so minutes I just kept staring at the speakers and the cd cover in disbelief. It is among the most beautiful things I have every heard in my life and I still get chills when I listen start to finish, today. I am actually welling up a bit just banging out this comment.
It was U2 but I remember how different it sounded. The band had entirely reinvented themselves yet retained their identity. Achtung Baby is one of the greatest albums of the 1990s. It is such a marvel of amazing songwriting.
August and Everything After by Counting Crows is a great album and deserves a full listen
One of the greatest debut albums I've ever heard. Maybe a few "lesser" tracks, but not a bad song to be found!!
One of my all time favorites. Not a bad song on it. Still listen to it a lot.
Achtung Baby is probably my favorite U2 album. It’s such a deviation from their earlier work. 🖖🏼
It really is. I just love the Fly and Zoo Station. So industrial, and such a confident, strong way to open a new album after the major success of Joshua Tree. Just made my jaw drop at the time.
Same ❤
It's my favorite album, period.
Spot on. Just before it was released, I remember reading a preview where they quoted Bono as saying “the new record is going to be the sound of us chopping down the Joshua Tree”. He was right. Its impossible to overstate just how much of a departure this record was from everything they had done before in every imaginable way(artistically, thematically, musically, performatively, etc). It took guts. But changing it up paid off because thats one of the main reasons they’re one of the only 80s bands to maintain/expand their level of production and acclaim through the 90s.
cracking album!
For many,, This was their introduction to U2,, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" Live At Red Rocks Amphitheater...And WOW,, What an introduction it was!! 🔥❤️🔥
You nailed it with your comments about The Edge. A HUGELY underrated guitar god. He isnt going to blow your mind with Hendrix/Plant style riffs, but as his career progressed, he became a master at knowing exactly what sound would complement not only Bono's singing, but also the great rhythm section of Clayton and Mullins. Hard not to respect the career those guys have had. I've always been a huge fan of the band. They are amazing live.
Just like James Honeyman Scott or Johnny Marr
This song was played at many wedding receptions. People made the mistake that this was a love song. Apparently, they only read the title and didn't listen to the song. It's anything but a love song....
"Did I disappoint you
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth?
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without"
Like “Every Breath You Take” which is considered a love song despite clearly being about a stalker. Sting even says so himself.
My step sister did. Divorced at 10 years.
Can't fix stoopid.
Actually, it is a love song. Not all love songs have to be positive. This is about a love that has ended and is therefore still a love song. Also, I believe this is about his relationship with God rather than his relationship with a woman. Many U2 songs are about their relationship with God. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For and Without You are just two of the more well known ones.
@@Dreyno Thank you! I have had to hide my laughter at so many weddings.... As George Carlin said, "Think of how stupid the average person is…and realize half of them are stupider than that.” Great lyrics though and a cool mellow song. U2's best.
Awesome song. One of U2's very best.
There are A LOT of people who say this is the greatest rock song ever. I'm not sure I agree, but it's way, way, way up the list and belongs in the discussion. It's a very mature expression of emotion and thought in addition to being musically unimpeachable. One of my absolute favorites for certain.
Agreed. I’ve always felt that one of the best indicators of just how truly top tier a song is occurs when many artists across many genres gush over it and cover it. One is no exception. Johnny Cash, Mary J Blige, Damien Rice, Chris Cornell etc. In fact, after initial release in 1991 (Yes. I’m old😆) I recall reading an article quoting Axl Rose. He said in his view its one of the greatest songs ever written. And he put it on repeat in his home and cried for hours. Praise doesn’t come much higher than that.
Hit a live version of any U2 song and the Edge will show you just how much of a guitarist he can be.
Everything Bono writes is low key related to religion, the Bible, and his spiritual journey. Such an amazing career.
Bono hates a lot of his stuff.
Speaking of "the Edge" and his guitar work... you two should watch the documentary "It Might Get Loud", where they bring three generations of guitarists together for a bull session talking about their technique and influences. Its Jimmy Page, Edge and Jack White. The edge has a discussion on the effects he plays his guitar through, with a demo of straight to the amp, and then through the effects board where the U2 sound is made.
Any guitarist will love this doc.
That is actually where Alex was introduced to the Edge. He was not impressed initially....
Bono is THE most underrated pop lyricist
“You ask me to enter then you make me crawl…” 🔥🔥🔥
When this album came out I was you guys age...it also inroduced what the 90s...the wall had fell, the grittiness of the times (and there was this new gritiness)..rt before grunge but this record signaled this new thing. It is by far imho the greatest U2 album. "One" is an amazing and so sad. Love is Blindness - amazing. And of course the story of Jesus and Judas - Until the End of the World. I was blessed to see the band play April 7th , 1992 in Houston...the most moving show I ever went to. As I recall this song was written around the Edge's marriage breakup.
Later on, BONO did a collaboration with MARY J BLIGE on this song. It was awesome. ❤
A&A, you'll love their "Two Hearts Beat as One" and "I Will Follow" !!
Love this song! I wish you two would do a reaction video to U2’s She Moves in Mysterious Ways. ❤
One of the more beautiful songs I’ve ever heard.
A deep cut treasure by Bono is “Miss Sarajevo.” He wrote it after reading about a beauty contest in Sarajevo in the midst of the Bosnian War. Bombs were falling nearby during the contest.
And Pavarotti brings you to tears.
Indeed, Luciano is amazing... But don't underestimate Bono. His solo effort in the Vertigo tour - especially in the Milan performance - will knock your socks off.
@@talldarkviking 💯
Achtung Baby is the album that they played straight through during their residency at The Sphere in Vegas and I was lucky enough to see it and it was such an amazing experience. One of my favorite shows I’ve ever seen
See them live before its too late. It is a spiritual experience.
Saw them on the 2nd night of the Joshua Tree tour, and you are exactly right!! It was like a gigantic religious revival of U2 people!! Fantastic trip, the whole way, and Bono waved at us partying behind the Pan Am Center after the show. Then we slept in our car by the Rio Grande. Spiritual indeed!!❤❤😊😊
U2 ruled the music world for a long time! 😊
This album was really amazing. Most bands would have passed their sell-by date by this time, but then they come out with Achtung Baby. An album with no filler songs. Awesome.
S tier all day long on this one. This might be my favorite song of theirs, with "New Year's Day" running a close second. Check it out.
Welcome to U2 gentlemen. One of the greats.
it's Bônō.
What a great tune. Doesn't get much better. Good reaction.
When this album came out after the very different" Rattle and Hum" it was a complete departure and gamble by the band. Nobody knew if it was going to be a hit or a flop. If it would've flopped it probably would've been the end of U2. You had to be there, but when you first put this album on your cd player and "Zoo Station" came on, your first thought was that something was wrong with the recording, the cd, your speakers your headphones or your head. It took many listens for you to realize that this was revolutionary in the way the Beatles record pushed boundaries or the Stones records sounded weird until they didn't. The genius of producers (Daniel Lanois, Brian Eno) and engineers (Flood, Steve Lillywhite) is not to be underestimated. Extraordinary album for its time and beyond. You should do the aforementioned "Zoo Station", "Even Better than the Real Thing", "The Fly", "Until the End of the World" and "Whose Going to Ride Your Wild Horses" next.
yep. 100%
The appreciation you show here with U2 is what I feel you will get if you do an REM album. Thanks for the Bonus Vid and Happy 4th!!
Classic, beautiful song by U2. It creates a total mood. Thanks guys and Happy 4th to all of you - stay safe!!🎆💞
While Edge can do some crazy front man guitar, he's always preferred listening to the song, and filling in what's needed. In the documentary It Might Get Loud, he explains how he believes there are two types of guitarists, and neither is right or wrong, but I think he wants others to remember the song, rather than a solo.
So Cruel, in the same album...every line is poetry!
Incredible track. So Cruel is in my rotation of songs which, based on the day, appear on my Top U2 songs(along with Bad, One Tree hill, Ultraviolet, and A Sort of Homecoming).
Its criminally under-appreciated. But to an extent I get why. Because (as Alex said in this video), every song on Achtung Baby could be a hit. So it gets kind of crowded out.
My favourite band of all time! Counting Crows are probably my second , I’d love to see y’all react to August too.
Now check out the version from the aughts where U2 backed up Mary J. Blige singing the lead. Fire.
She slayed it!
The best line in a song is "You gave me nothing, now it's all I got". Any main who has gone through a messy breakup understands this.
Yes, August & Everything After, by Counting Crows is a MUST listen!
A&A....what a fun experience it has been to see your musical journey. I was fortunate to see many of the bands you have featured and at the time we just thought....great band. Now in hindsight ...I realize how lucky I was. An example: I first saw U2 at Madison Sq. Garden and part of that show would become Rattle and Hum. I just thought they were really good....after seeing them many many times since....I now know that I was I have been a part of a musical journey. Enjoy YOUR musical journey!!!
U2 has always been one of my favorites! This album is my favorite!! Great stuff!❤️
Entire album full of bangers.
Love is blindness and Acrobat are also lyrically and sonically beautiful.
I totally LOVED Andy's big smiles! This is a beautifully-crafted song. The lyrics and the slow musical build to, "Love is a temple...you ask me to enter, but then you make me crawl..." So much heart. (eta: another great observation by A&A...until now I never consciously noticed, "We *get* to carry each other". They're right, it should be a privilege)
My favourite U2 song.
Proud of you, A & A. As you've progressed in your musical exploration of the whole universe of popular music, not just what's out today, you've grown in appreciation of what really good music is, its diversity, its authenticity, its diverse instruments, voices and genres. You've become less judgemental and more open, even if something isn't quite your cup of tea. (A very good thing.) BTW, I suggest you give things that didn't grab you on first listen another chance, to see if over time your perspective may have changed.
And the more you can evangelize REAL music to your peer group, instead of the heavily autotuned, robotic, same-sounding, drearily unimaginable drivel of most of contemporary pop, the more power to you! Play some really good shit at any parties you host, because your peers aren't likely hearing it.
Saw them on this Achtung Baby tour, Saratoga racetrack, still one of the best concerts Ive ever seen! Bono brought people on stage to sing to and dance with! One of their best!❤
Now you please HAVE to see U2 and Mary J. Blidge do this! Simply the most amazing cover.
Their debut album, Boy, is one of the most extraordinary debut albums from any band in the history of rock/pop music. I'd check out I Will Follow and Electric Co. Pure unadulterated euphoria.
The video (out of the 3) for this song where they all are sitting "in the round" in an open studio. You can feel the expression in the lyrics and the instruments as the song goes on. And knowing the back story of what was going on in the band before/as they were trying to record this album....it hits you in the feels every time. Great great song. Fantastic album. Legendary band.
I just saw Desire a tribute to U2 on July 1st Canada day festival in Toronto and they were fire playing all the bangers. Great reaction and Peace out 🙏 ✌️ ☮️
This song is a good example of how gen xers and older millennials really thought humanity was going to unite and rise in the 90s. The music was telling us it was our time. The world was going to get better. And we were feeling it. And then....... crash. Most notably, 911. And here we are. World on fire. Lots of disappointed and jaded hearts.
It’s been a…………disappointing couple of decades, shall we say.
I remember that feeling and my acute awareness of the sentiment during a moonlit night with an old girlfriend. I felt like we were on our way to a better place, one that was all our own apart from prior generations. It all turned out to be an illusion.
@@kevinlee149 Was it an illusion? Or have we seen the natural progression of western society derailed by dark money, dark forces and tinpot strongman politics?
Simple answers to complicated problems and the continuous accumulation of wealth by a small oligarchy who are now so wealthy we’re afraid to tax them fairly.
@@Dreyno Its the human condition irrespective of society. All systems eventually breakdown and fail. New generations come and think they can change things for the better but in "fixing" one thing other issues /new issues creep in. Doesn't mean all is vain, things change but how we interact in our personal relationships is more lasting generation to generation and much less "fad" like.
Great comment. I was born and 77 and everything you said is so true.
Bono and The Edge writing for Roy Orbison with the hauntingly beautiful “She’s a Mystery to Me.’
I read an interview where The Edge said he thinks of each note as being expensive, and so he tries to "spend wisely" when it comes to playing.
I saw U2 on their first album tour of America for "Boy". $7.50. Urbana IL. I knew back then I had witnessed greatness;
The first time I heard this song when it was released, I assumed it had always been around. It feels so classic and comforting, it should have always part of my soul. Still does a bit
If I remember correctly the band was having a hard time writing and recording songs at this point and various members thought the band was going to split up.....then this song happens and they all were like....NAAAAAAA.....we arent splitting up!....and of course the song video with the slow motion video of the buffaloes running....seemed very symbolic to me...that the buffalo almost became extinct but were saved in the end as well......
As a longtime, longtime U2 fan, when this album came out, it did sound very different from their previous work, but as time passes, the "U2"ness of it became more apparent. I could write 2-3 inches of block text on why I love this band, there are many reasons. Classic song, iconic song, yes, yes, yes! By the way, having grown up watching dozens of WW2 films and tv shows, I think of "Achtung" being pronounced like 'hawk tua', hard on the 1st syllable, hard on the 't'.
i like you guys a lot. this came out when i was in high school. over the years this song has come to represent the relationship between my elderly father and i. bad times.
Probably U2's Best Song Ever!!!! My Favorite of Theirs!
I heard these guys busking in the Dandelion Market St Stephens Green Dublin back in the 1970s. They were great even back then as teenagers ☘️🇮🇪
Intimate, melancholy, chilling, haunting, . . . such an Excellent, Excellent song!
Nice description;)
This is absolutely S tier song. Insanely good
YES,, Counting Crows "August And Everything After" What a debut album!!..With incredible tracks like "Rain King",, "Sullivan Street",, Perfect Blue Buildings",, "Anna Begins",, "Round Here" & Of course "Mister Jones",, etc..etc..One of those great albums to listen to while doing stuff around the crib,, maybe on a nice long road trip or even just listening while chillin' out..In my opinion just a really strong debut album to start out with.
So Cruel is haunting. The music video for One is also a good example where less is more.
Saw them on the Achtung Baby tour incredible! Outside at Saratoga racetrack! Still one of the best concerts ever! Bono brought people on stage to sing to and dance with! Awesome!❤️
U2 wrote their music together as they crafted it- in the studio after their first record. Of course the Edge was the primary music composer and Bono the primary lyricist and vocal melodies composer. But they really knew it took all four of them.
U2's all-time greatest album, bar none. Every song is so mature and beautiful.
This song came out when I was 28. Now I'm 60 and that phrase "carry each other" really hits hard. That's what my wife and I do. We piss each other off and then we forgive and forget.
I love that it’s
“we *get to carry each other”
Not, “we *have to carry each other,” as some who cover it sing.
My favorite album! Their Zoo TV tour was amazing!!
Can. I just say the Mary j bligh version is also wonderful!
One of the greatest pop/rock songs of all time. True story: When Axle Rose heard this for the first time he broke down crying.
Hey guys! Check out their version with Mary J. Blige taking most of the lead vocals. Incredible ♥️👍
Speaking of MUST HEAR Albums,, Formed in Manchester,, England in 1982,, This album would be certified gold in the U.K. & U.S.,, James "Laid" Album..They would support,, open & tour with Artists like Neil Young & Duran Duran..A really strong album from the beginning to the very end..Also,, Their lyrics are definitely worthy of special attention..One of those albums that the more you listen to it,, The more you like/appreciate it. 🔥❤️🔥
I knew they were going to be top level even with their debut, Boy back in ‘80. Then War blew our minds and the live Under a Blood Red Sky made them one of my fave bands - and Joshua Tree was still 4 years away!
One of the best, and definitely one of the longest lived rock bands.
Best U2 album....period!
This is my favorite U2 album!!
The Zoo Tour they went on for the album was AMAZING!!!
"One" and "Mysterious Ways" were the big radio hits from Achtung Baby. PS. If you want to hear The Edge define the guitar sound of the eighties, check out "Twilight" from their debut album or "New Year's Day" from their War album.
There is a version of this song with Bono and Mary J. Blige that is incredible.
Oh what a great reaction, love seeing young folk of today react to the music that captured me in my youth in the 80s/90s, especially U2.
There is people like these 2 that haven't heard this song yet? Wow just wow....
Amazing song one of U2’s finest.
One and with or without you are simply some of the great songs in modern music history
Checkout the version with Mary. J. Blige, a rocker!
Now’s a great time to visit U2 and Johnny Cash: The Wanderer. Truly a classic. Love your reactions! Blessings from South Africa!
I love this album ,so many great songs Nice reaction