One of those perfect albums that only come along rarely. Unfortunately that left them nowhere to go but down, with most of their output after this album being utter dreck.
@@HeavyTopspin Agreed -- it's on my top 5 album list, and I still play it all the time. Pretty much any song on the album except "Bullet the Blue Sky" would be most band's all-time greatest hit, and the overall vibe is irresistible. I like some of their earlier stuff, and some of their later stuff, but none as much as this stunning album.
@@danielwebb4208 A single amazing song (One), a few okay songs, mostly "meh" songs compared to Joshua Tree, Unforgettable Fire, and War. But when you make a perfect album, there's nowhere to go but down.
@@HeavyTopspin Achtung Baby ★★★★1/2 Zooropa ★★★★ Pop ★★★★ All That You Can’t Leave Behind ★★★★ Atomic Bomb ★★★★ No Line On The Horizon ★★★★★ Songs of Innocence ★★★★★ Songs of Experience ★★★★★ 19 Grammy Awards won SINCE Joshua Tree. Bro, everyone is entitled to their own opinion but to say their output is dreck is objectively wrong. Better to just say you don’t know sh*t about music and move on with it.
This LP, Joshua Tree, was their best selling and also probably their most critically acclaimed. I think you've done their two very poppy songs of it. Where The Streets have No Name is a good one from it. You may want to try New Year's Day or Sunday Bloody Sunday, from 1983's War LP. They haven't been getting that much love from reactors, so it's good to see. Saw them live at MSG right after 9/11. A very intense show. They invited dozens of NY's first responders on the stage at one point; not a dry eye. Great band✌
THAT is spoken like someone that never lived as a teen in the early-mid 80s, when they FIRST came out and hit the dance floors and parties and yellow walkmans in cassette tape format. . The fact that they were FAMOUS and drew big crowds by then BECAUSE of their first work, made the 90s album so popular. Without the previous decade of their BEST HITS ever, they would NEVER have had the Joshua tree and Rattle and Hum successes. They got there because they were SO GOOD in the beginning. Mc Donalds still sells a LOT of burgers even though their new stuff is pure filth and 1/2 the size and quality of the original, for 20X the price ONLY because they had a previous period to GET people to like them with better products. You are confusing the chicken and the egg here.
@@TheJimprez if your going to post stuff on here at least have the decency to post facts, their first album was released in 81, the Joshua tree in 87 and rattle and hum in 88, hardly a decade of hits before was it? It was as a live act that they made their name, a relentless touring schedule gave them the fan base that put them on the global map with the Joshua tree and rattle and hum
U2 were the soul of the 80s. The lyrical brilliance & poignancy of Bono was unmatched. They really had to be appreciated live to get the full effect & power of this band though.
The Joshua Tree is not only their best selling album and, as already stated, probably their most critically acclaimed-but I would also argue that it is among the greatest rock albums of all time. I’ve seen it listed pretty highly on that list from multiple sources, and I wholeheartedly agree.
@@ProfOfHifi I find that Rattle and Hum has no solid center. It's trying to be too many things. The Joshua Tree felt very cohesive. Just my personal opinion.
It's a song about Bono being completely torn apart of being a musician and at the same time a husband to his wife Ali. A difficult task to connect those two worlds. It never gets old :)
Well you would think being a millionaire like Bono would make such a situation a bit easier, rather than writing some "woe is me" song about it...just saying.
@@CaptWalker That's the point. Instead of writing a generic love song, he expressed his true feelings at the time and wrote the lyrics to portray it. Call it the art. In my opinion, that's the reason what U2 set apart from the rest back in the 80's. Yes, he is a millionaire. Do you think it's an easy process to write and records music plus touring and so on. You would become increasingly frustrated being stuck on the road, in the studio, away from a person you love. It's a universal song that we can all relate to.
@@novah589 There are now generic because of being played ever since everywhere on the radio stations. Back in the day, it was weird due to dominance of the 80's synthesizer sound. Still masterpieces, nonetheless.The Sweetest Thing would have never fit into 'The Joshua Tree', but somehow it came out alive at the end of the 90's :) A brilliant move by the band.
The reason this song sounds like the 2000’s to you is because almost every guitar player since U2 became huge is reacting in some way to the Edge. A ton of bands (including worship bands) have adopted that dotted eighth note delay he made famous. Most modeling guitar amps and multi effects boxes have a preset that’s a nod to their sound. I think a lot of younger people listen to the bands who started a revolution and lose sight of the direction of influence.
Nothing better on the road than listening to the Joshua Tree album by U2. This group is definitely one of the best in the history of rock and roll and that sound is their distinct sound.
I'm bias of course being an Irish person but proud of U2 ....as a young child/teen and now as a 47-year-old they have been my band as well as other Irish bands too ... to grow up with this band has been unreal, going to their many concerts is a true life event and listening to their songs to help with breakups and dancing at parties they have been there for many life moments both good and bad ...
They are one of Ireland's biggest and best exports for sure. Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby are incredible albums that have always spoken powerfully to me here in the US.
Same here!! Being of Irish blood on my father's side and my dad being a huge influence on me musically growing up. He would also give the little background info on songs such as Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2( my dad has a lot of cousins still in Northern Ireland and one was shot and killed in Belfast when I was little). Great music and storytelling are two awesome results of the Irish in my humble opinion.
And I was 16. I remember bringing my recordable walkman into school because at 9 AM, 92.7 WLIR was premiering the new U2 song and I recorded it. And they played it twice - back to back.
I love U2, this group is Rock/Pop royalty and Bono, the lead singer, is so deep. Brad's interpretation of the song is pretty spot on. It's about a relationship where it hurts to be with or without the person. I have the album, The Joshua Tree, that this song is from and it is the 80s and it is amazing. React to Where The Streets Have No Name and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For! The official videos for these songs are amazing too!
The duck phone. 🤣 I read an article once where Bono said this song was about the struggle of being a married musician (married to music). U2 is an amazing live band. Their live at Red Rocks show is older, but worth a view. I'm curious what you think of their song *Mysterious Ways.*
Glad you are getting back to U2.They really are the best band ever. If you really want to get a sense of them, watch the version of their song Sunday Bloody Sunday from Rattle and Hum. Watch the intro too, it's important to the context of the song.
Still remember when this premiered--I was so excited I danced with my mom, knowing this was finally the breakout song. She has long passed now, but every time I hear this song, I think of that day and how much I loved my mom. U2 was a very indie band for years before 'The Joshua Tree'. Great album. Lucky to see them live over the years. My friends and I even brought our teens to see them just to share the joy.
This is a song that DEFINED the 80s. One of the best albums of the decade, and I don't even care for U2. Yes, this song is simple. So was Yesterday by the Beatles. 🙂🤘
U2 is a band that is always evolving, every album is an entirely different experience. Try listening to the album One, it will catch you offguard. Even his early and late albums have a distinct and unique sound. That is what places this group in a league of its own.
I can see the Smashing Pumpkins similarity in the way both bands create a soundscape for their lyrics. Quite a bit of the Pumpkins sound is ambient. I was a Pumpkins fan first and actually checked out U2 because of the lead singer’s love of U2. Lyrically, there are a few similarities as well. Both enjoy being romantic in the literary way(focused on feeling, perception, and experience) and the Pumpkins also use a fair bit of biblical allusions, though U2 uses it quite a bit more.
Cool reaction. I can honestly say this is one of those times where maybe you are both right on the meaning of the song. This definitely came out in the 80s and was a massive hit. U2 have a sound all their own. I wouldn't say you can instantly peg them as 80s, even tho most of their material came out during that period. I also could understand the Smashing Pumpkins reference, even tho at first I didn't get it. Obviously it isn't the voices, but I think its something about how the guitar has that ethereal quality in this song as in so many SP songs. U2 doesn't have all chill, mellow songs. They have plenty of rockers, but it's not in the thrasher, melt your face off way. The guitar is always a standout with U2, but it is very distinctive. Also, like many of the other GIANT bands and artists of the day like Duran Duran and INXS and Prince, you cannot fully appreciate them until you experience them live. For U2, I always refer people to their performance of "Bad" at Live Aid. It's a must see.
There are also Christian themes woven throughout many U2 songs. For instance: hands tied, body bruised, nothing left to give ....nothing left to lose - could be Christ on the cross... giving himself away (to humanity)... or to the church (which is often personified as being a female)... I've read one of their books which reveals some of the messaging behind many of their songs. Many of their songs have multiple meanings (as well).
@@heavymetal6714 The writers of their songs, (U2 themselves), SAY there are Christian themes in their songs. You have a problem with them being Christian it seems. You have a problem with the truth. You'd rather people not speak the truth, lest it interrupt your atheism, lol...
The Edge, Larry and Bono are all amazing in this song but Adam's bass guitar is the unsung hero. Although easy to play it's the driving force of the song and the tone is so good. The Joshua Tree (the album this song is on) was release in 1987.
I remember this album when it came out. The Joshua Tree was one of the great albums of the 80s that still holds up today. Where the Streets have no name and Still haven't found what I'm looking for are 2 other great songs from the album worth checking out. But really the whole album is great.
My first U2 concert was in 1984 and I'm still a giant fan. I absolutely love them. You should really check out "Pride in the Name of Love." It's about the assassination of Dr King and all these years later it's still a powerful song. Happy New Year to y'all and I look forward to our music journey!
You can really hear Brian Eno's fingerprints on this song. One of there most well known tunes. I personally lean to their earlier Post Punk era. The "War" album is brilliant.
I remember going to some friend's gig and the bass player was late. This song wasn't in their set, but everyone knew what it sounded like, and the singer knew the words, so they asked me, (a drummer), to sit on on bass, since that line is so simple. It was so fun that I got my band to work on a song called "Playground" where we all swapped instruments.
I ❤ this song! U2 was an amazing rock group from Ireland that swept over America with "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)" to name just a few.
God, I love this song. This album is just amazing-- it's one that really rewards you for listening from beginning to end and drinking in the emotions and the layers of music. Just gorgeous. And one of the greatest things about it is the timelessness of its sound.
To me this is a revolutionary song!! When this was new, I had never heard anything like this song before it. The whole song is haunting! From the sound of the Guitar, to the drumbeat and driving bass riff, and Bono’s amazing voice!! It’s still one the best songs I’ve ever heard! U2 is one of the greatest bands ever.
They're a great band, not just musically, but as humanitarians. They give back. Bono and his wife have advocated for human rights more than 40 years. It's one thing when you like a band's music, but so much better when you respect them as people. U2 stands out.
It's sweet how Brad always looks for the story behind a song and focuses on the lyrics when sometimes songs are about evoking a feeling at a moment in time or a situation. Sometimes you have to just listen and not analyse.
I was never a fan of U2 in the 80's. Then in 91 the album achtung baby came out. I was blown away!! I went out and bought every U2 album. Then in 1992 saw the Zoo TV tour in Pontiac Michigan. U2 is incredible live one of my favorite concerts I have seen.
U2 has a fairly large catalogue of really good music, that happens when you are one of the biggest bands for a couple decades, for some different vibes from them look for "Desire" "Where the streets have no name". I think a lot of their sound comes from Daniel Lanois, a very well regarded musician and record producer from Canada, he's French Canadian, it was from listening to U2 that introduced me to his music, IMO it is very good to. If you are familiar with Red Dead Redemption 2, which I'm not, much of the music in that game is his, A couple of my favourites from his album "Acadie , are "Still Water" and "The Maker"
I heartily agree with your recommendation to check out Daniel Lanois! Although its unlikely that many/ most people are familar with him.. hes excellent on many levels!
The finished product of this song is the melding of two very different visions. Daniel Lanois, the original producer, wanted a quiet, ethereal, and moody song, like the way it sounds at the outset. Steve Lilywhite, who produced U2's early records, took over later in the process and asked, "Where are the drums?" He added punch and turned up the volume. The result of the two conflicting visions is a unified masterpiece. Try to imagine the outtro without Larry Mullen's drums.
U2 was a very important band, especially in the eighties and early nineties with so many good songs that became all-time classics and almost everybody knows the music.
There’s an amazing live concert version of this where Bono (lead singer) pulls a girl from the front audience and they lay on stage, side by side while she’s mouthing along while he sings.. and more! NO DOUBT she has NEVER forgotten it- AND she has it to look back on since it was recorded concert! I cannot imagine! 😍
This is 1987, but probably written in 1985/6. This was about 10 years before Smashing Pumpkins, really. And U2 had already been around for a decade by this point. U2 is a seminal rock band who have inspired two generations of musicians, hands down.
LOL! @Brad, thank you! You hit the nail on the head with the sound of modern praise music in big churches. While watching this with one of my sons I was pointing out that I always think of U2 when I hear modern church music and he could hear it too. And then you come out and say it and we both burst out laughing.
That's because they started using Edge's technique of using 1/8th notes with 3/16th delay (echo) to create 16th notes, the delay is called dotted eighth notes which is one and a half eighth notes. It's a specific style that sounds very nice, many faith bands copied it and it got popular in the churches.
U2, Pride is about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King👍👍 U2 and BB King, When love comes to town is very upbeat with epic guitar, obvs👍👍 Happy New Year from Tipperary, Ireland 🙏
Remember when U2 hit the airwaves....so unique and just great band and songs. Really got into their Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum albums but my first song and first love by them is Sunday Bloody Sunday.
Oh you're starting to listen to my favorite band. I've seen them several times live over the years. The first time in 1985 and then the last time I saw them was around 2009. They are amazing live. They have been together since they were teenagers back in the 70s. There is so much material to cover from their albums to their live performances. Perhaps some reactions from the very beginning. Much more raw than their later stuff. Recs off those albums: I Will Follow, Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Drowning Man(one of my favs). Thanks for reacting to U2. Hope you guys have a Happy New Year.
When U2 finished their 360 Tour, their final stop was in Moncton, NB Canada at Magnetic Hill Convert site. They closed wit this song, which I listened to clearly on my deck 30 miles away!
U2 "New Year's Day" might have been more fitting for this time of year, but "With or Without You" was their first number-one hit in the United States. I've seen them in concert three times, first in 1984, then twice in 1987. When you're ready for more U2 check out "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", "Where the Streets Have No Name", "New Year's Day", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", and "The Unforgettable Fire" among others.
I've gotta be serious for once, this is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever recorded. And then U2 managed to one-up it a few years later with the song ONE. Bono is a crazy person but a genius, too.
Thank you guys from this Irish ☘️ woman in NY , happy new year to you both , could I suggest/request “when you’re gone “ or “No need to argue “by the cranberries,think you guys will love love love the vocal. 😊
This was late 80s and right when U2 was exploding in the USA. They blew up big. I remember buying The Joshua Tree on cassette and listened to it a lot.
In this episode of Brad & Lex, Brad broadcasts an inquisitive stare as if trying to taylor an identity to this sonic portrait but not without issuing out a little "side to side sway" while Lex seems to feel the musical tone, expressing this verbally as well but not without delivering her "sincere bop".
Saw U2 at a 5000 seat theater in Atlanta GA just before their War album came out & launched them into superstardom. I had never heard such lyrically poignant & mesmerizing music before. And Bono was was the embodiment of the perfect frontman. He took a note from a fan at center stage, read it, & said “I love you too.”
This album is a classic - Joshua Tree has no bad songs! My favorite is Red Hill Mining Town, which wasn't released as a single, so it's not as well known. For a treat, check out their Live Aid performance of "Bad" - they had planned to do two other songs, but due to circumstances that arose during the performance, they ended up doing an incredible extended version of an amazing song!
I have to say, when I heard this song for the first time back in 1987, I have never heard anything like it. It was so different. I still feel that way when I hear it today.
He can't live without his family when he's on the road or with them when he's missing his music life. He loves both desperately. "You give it all but I want more" refers to his family being everything to him but he still wants to be part of U2. "You give yourself away" refers to him feeling he is giving too much of himself to his musical career.
U2 are an Irish band. Their lyrics deal with love, relationships, politics and the Catholic Church. Their concerts are an experience unto themselves. Joshua Tree is one of the best selling albums of all time. Would love your reaction to a live version of Bullet the Blue Sky. Definitely a well worth rabbit hole. Songs: Pride (In the Name of Love), New Years Day, Gloria, Elevation, Until the End of the World, Ultra Violet (Light My Way).
You guys nailed the meaning being up for debate. U2 typically records instrumental parts before completing the lyrics which kind of forces the meaning to be vague, because the words must fit the existing instrumental. Bono has said that he likes that people can find different meanings in their songs because the lyrics typically are up for enterpretation.
One of the things that made this song stand out is the utilization new technology: somebody did a Star Trek "reverse the polarity" job on the guitar, turning the pickups into mics. A note strummed into a string would create a feed-back loop, creating self-perpetuating sustain...thus, the Infinite Guitar was born, creating this timeless classic.
As a huge SP fan, I completely agree with the comparison in terms of bass lines and resonance of this song and a few others from The Joshua Tree. I think Billy Corgan must have been channeling some U2 while he wrote some his songs. You can especially hear the resonance in the song Stand Inside Your Love by Smashing Pumpkins. I believe it's possible that that song is a continuation of the sound and feeling from this song. Also, Corgan uses the Mellotron in many songs; this instrument is famous because of the Beatles.
This song is everything! It feels good on one hand, and kicks you in the gut on the other. I find myself tearing up, not even knowing why... probably nostalgia. Really, like everyone else here has said, you can't go wrong with this album.
Lex I think you hit the nail on the head! Bono and his wife have been together since high school and the description you made of a relationship being complicated because you want to be with the other person but sometimes you want to do your own thing was very incite full
Saw U2 in Concert and it was Amazing!! They sound Great Live!! 💯💖👍😁🎸 I've Been Swept Away before by there songs! Great Stuff!! 💖💖💖 Sent to Lynny!! wherever she may be!! Hope Life's Treating You the Best...You Deserve it!!! 💔💖🎸
Seee...so I've heard this song a million times but now after watching you guys, you got me thinking about it..what if... There's nothing left to win because she is the ultimate prize and he already has her and nothing left to lose because he gave everything he had to get her... He has no more surprises for her because he revealed himself completely, and all his vulnerability, to get her... Just thinking out loud. You guys are awesome!
Lex is very emotionally intuitive. She is spot on with her interpretation. Men in the 70s and 80s used to understand these feelings because men often sang about them in a vulnerable and sensitive way and nobody thought them any less a man. I don't think men do that today and that's too bad because I think it limits a young man's emotional growth. "I can't live with or without you". Who hasn't felt that when deeply in love? Does it mean depression? Lex is right. It's the complex emotions we often feel when deeply in love. There are lots of conflicts in any relationship. And we've all been in relationships that have gone wrong and felt these kinds of feelings. It's a natural process of dealing with intense emotions. Of course, he is depressed but that doesn't necessarily mean "clinical depression". I don't think the same conclusions would be drawn if a woman sang those same lyrics. Relationship depression is more accepted for women but not for men. It's OK to be depressed sometimes. It's natural, even for a man. In the 70s and 80s, we understood that. "You give yourself away. My hands are tied. My body bruised. She's got me with nothing to win and nothing to lose" are lyrics meant to convey the depth of feeling. It isn't always meant to be taken so literally. He gave himself completely and how else would he feel when he loves so much but it's not reciprocated and hurts so deeply even when it's over? Those are real feeling and for many, they can relate to them and it can help them at the same time to find a way to express those turbulent emotions.
The Joshua Tree album has no weak song. It is an album that is listened on max volume laying on a floor with eyes shut. It is an essence of emotions.
One of those perfect albums that only come along rarely. Unfortunately that left them nowhere to go but down, with most of their output after this album being utter dreck.
@@HeavyTopspin Agreed -- it's on my top 5 album list, and I still play it all the time. Pretty much any song on the album except "Bullet the Blue Sky" would be most band's all-time greatest hit, and the overall vibe is irresistible. I like some of their earlier stuff, and some of their later stuff, but none as much as this stunning album.
@@HeavyTopspin Achtung Baby was a brilliant album.
@@danielwebb4208 A single amazing song (One), a few okay songs, mostly "meh" songs compared to Joshua Tree, Unforgettable Fire, and War. But when you make a perfect album, there's nowhere to go but down.
@@HeavyTopspin
Achtung Baby ★★★★1/2
Zooropa ★★★★
Pop ★★★★
All That You Can’t Leave Behind ★★★★
Atomic Bomb ★★★★
No Line On The Horizon ★★★★★
Songs of Innocence ★★★★★
Songs of Experience ★★★★★
19 Grammy Awards won SINCE Joshua Tree.
Bro, everyone is entitled to their own opinion but to say their output is dreck is objectively wrong. Better to just say you don’t know sh*t about music and move on with it.
This LP, Joshua Tree, was their best selling and also probably their most critically acclaimed. I think you've done their two very poppy songs of it. Where The Streets have No Name is a good one from it. You may want to try New Year's Day or Sunday Bloody Sunday, from 1983's War LP. They haven't been getting that much love from reactors, so it's good to see. Saw them live at MSG right after 9/11. A very intense show. They invited dozens of NY's first responders on the stage at one point; not a dry eye. Great band✌
Where the Streets have no Name is my favorite song of all times. There’s just something about it that makes me happy.
THAT is spoken like someone that never lived as a teen in the early-mid 80s, when they FIRST came out and hit the dance floors and parties and yellow walkmans in cassette tape format. . The fact that they were FAMOUS and drew big crowds by then BECAUSE of their first work, made the 90s album so popular. Without the previous decade of their BEST HITS ever, they would NEVER have had the Joshua tree and Rattle and Hum successes. They got there because they were SO GOOD in the beginning.
Mc Donalds still sells a LOT of burgers even though their new stuff is pure filth and 1/2 the size and quality of the original, for 20X the price ONLY because they had a previous period to GET people to like them with better products.
You are confusing the chicken and the egg here.
@@TheJimprez? Lol. I love their early stuff. You may have noticed that I recommended tracks off War
@@TheJimprez if your going to post stuff on here at least have the decency to post facts, their first album was released in 81, the Joshua tree in 87 and rattle and hum in 88, hardly a decade of hits before was it? It was as a live act that they made their name, a relentless touring schedule gave them the fan base that put them on the global map with the Joshua tree and rattle and hum
U2 with BB King .. "when Love comes to town" is one not to be missed
U2 were the soul of the 80s. The lyrical brilliance & poignancy of Bono was unmatched. They really had to be appreciated live to get the full effect & power of this band though.
The Joshua Tree is not only their best selling album and, as already stated, probably their most critically acclaimed-but I would also argue that it is among the greatest rock albums of all time. I’ve seen it listed pretty highly on that list from multiple sources, and I wholeheartedly agree.
Good record, i like Rattle And Hum better.
@@ProfOfHifi I find that Rattle and Hum has no solid center. It's trying to be too many things. The Joshua Tree felt very cohesive. Just my personal opinion.
Funny thing is among U2 fan polls Joshua True consistently comes in second behind Achtung Baby..... in my opinion rightfully so.
“Where the streets have no name”, “New years day”, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” are all worth a listen
Yes!!! And add “every breaking wave” acoustic as well.
I would do the Live Aid version of SBS.
It's a song about Bono being completely torn apart of being a musician and at the same time a husband to his wife Ali. A difficult task to connect those two worlds. It never gets old :)
Well you would think being a millionaire like Bono would make such a situation a bit easier, rather than writing some "woe is me" song about it...just saying.
@@CaptWalker That's the point. Instead of writing a generic love song, he expressed his true feelings at the time and wrote the lyrics to portray it. Call it the art. In my opinion, that's the reason what U2 set apart from the rest back in the 80's. Yes, he is a millionaire. Do you think it's an easy process to write and records music plus touring and so on. You would become increasingly frustrated being stuck on the road, in the studio, away from a person you love. It's a universal song that we can all relate to.
@@Mukinje Funny because this is probably their most generic song, followed by Sweetest Thing, both about Bono being a bad husband.
@@novah589 There are now generic because of being played ever since everywhere on the radio stations. Back in the day, it was weird due to dominance of the 80's synthesizer sound. Still masterpieces, nonetheless.The Sweetest Thing would have never fit into 'The Joshua Tree', but somehow it came out alive at the end of the 90's :) A brilliant move by the band.
That's true. I'm just a small town musician and even with that minimal commitment level, I've never managed to be a good husband to Bono's wife.
U2 in their prime were immense. This was off such an incredible album.
U2 is one of the most brilliant and serious bands ever. Listen to Sunday, Bloody Sunday.
The reason this song sounds like the 2000’s to you is because almost every guitar player since U2 became huge is reacting in some way to the Edge. A ton of bands (including worship bands) have adopted that dotted eighth note delay he made famous. Most modeling guitar amps and multi effects boxes have a preset that’s a nod to their sound. I think a lot of younger people listen to the bands who started a revolution and lose sight of the direction of influence.
Exactly.
U2 was so deep! Many just loved the music but I loved how much depth they had in every song.
Nothing better on the road than listening to the Joshua Tree album by U2. This group is definitely one of the best in the history of rock and roll and that sound is their distinct sound.
My favorite song on 'Joshua Tree', is "Bullet the Blue Sky". It wasn't one of the big hits off the album, but IMO it is incredible.
“Slappin’em down - $100, $200!”
P.O.D. Did a cover of that
In God's Country is pretty good too.
It conjures a lot of imagery in my head that song. Also my fav on the album
YESS!! What a killer song that is
I'm bias of course being an Irish person but proud of U2 ....as a young child/teen and now as a 47-year-old they have been my band as well as other Irish bands too ... to grow up with this band has been unreal, going to their many concerts is a true life event and listening to their songs to help with breakups and dancing at parties they have been there for many life moments both good and bad ...
They are one of Ireland's biggest and best exports for sure. Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby are incredible albums that have always spoken powerfully to me here in the US.
Thin Lizzy as well. Love them.
Im also 47. One of the first casettes i bought was the joshua tree album😎👍
Same here!! Being of Irish blood on my father's side and my dad being a huge influence on me musically growing up. He would also give the little background info on songs such as Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2( my dad has a lot of cousins still in Northern Ireland and one was shot and killed in Belfast when I was little). Great music and storytelling are two awesome results of the Irish in my humble opinion.
@Mickey Finn Wow! Who knew a drink laced with a psychoactive drug was such a pedant?
in 1987 I was 17 and now I'm thinking of those times. This song still moves me like it did the 1st time🙂. Rock on Brad & Lex
I was 15 in 1987. Great song, great band and a great album to listen to on vinyl.
I still remember getting the new album like it was yesterday,good times back then when I was 19. Hello from British Columbia 😎
@@Whateva67 Prince Albert Sask. Happy New Year @Whateva
And I was 16. I remember bringing my recordable walkman into school because at 9 AM, 92.7 WLIR was premiering the new U2 song and I recorded it. And they played it twice - back to back.
I love U2, this group is Rock/Pop royalty and Bono, the lead singer, is so deep. Brad's interpretation of the song is pretty spot on. It's about a relationship where it hurts to be with or without the person. I have the album, The Joshua Tree, that this song is from and it is the 80s and it is amazing. React to Where The Streets Have No Name and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For! The official videos for these songs are amazing too!
The duck phone. 🤣 I read an article once where Bono said this song was about the struggle of being a married musician (married to music). U2 is an amazing live band. Their live at Red Rocks show is older, but worth a view. I'm curious what you think of their song *Mysterious Ways.*
Red Rocks is my favorite performance by any band ever!!
@@dan2007kohn 💯
Glad you are getting back to U2.They really are the best band ever. If you really want to get a sense of them, watch the version of their song Sunday Bloody Sunday from Rattle and Hum. Watch the intro too, it's important to the context of the song.
Still remember when this premiered--I was so excited I danced with my mom, knowing this was finally the breakout song. She has long passed now, but every time I hear this song, I think of that day and how much I loved my mom. U2 was a very indie band for years before 'The Joshua Tree'. Great album. Lucky to see them live over the years. My friends and I even brought our teens to see them just to share the joy.
This is a song that DEFINED the 80s. One of the best albums of the decade, and I don't even care for U2.
Yes, this song is simple. So was Yesterday by the Beatles. 🙂🤘
U2 is a band that is always evolving, every album is an entirely different experience. Try listening to the album One, it will catch you offguard. Even his early and late albums have a distinct and unique sound. That is what places this group in a league of its own.
I can see the Smashing Pumpkins similarity in the way both bands create a soundscape for their lyrics. Quite a bit of the Pumpkins sound is ambient. I was a Pumpkins fan first and actually checked out U2 because of the lead singer’s love of U2. Lyrically, there are a few similarities as well. Both enjoy being romantic in the literary way(focused on feeling, perception, and experience) and the Pumpkins also use a fair bit of biblical allusions, though U2 uses it quite a bit more.
These guys were huge in the 80s and beyond.
I always play their song New years day on new years day.
Cool reaction. I can honestly say this is one of those times where maybe you are both right on the meaning of the song. This definitely came out in the 80s and was a massive hit. U2 have a sound all their own. I wouldn't say you can instantly peg them as 80s, even tho most of their material came out during that period. I also could understand the Smashing Pumpkins reference, even tho at first I didn't get it. Obviously it isn't the voices, but I think its something about how the guitar has that ethereal quality in this song as in so many SP songs. U2 doesn't have all chill, mellow songs. They have plenty of rockers, but it's not in the thrasher, melt your face off way. The guitar is always a standout with U2, but it is very distinctive. Also, like many of the other GIANT bands and artists of the day like Duran Duran and INXS and Prince, you cannot fully appreciate them until you experience them live. For U2, I always refer people to their performance of "Bad" at Live Aid. It's a must see.
strong album, made better by the producers Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno.
Such a great band with so many good songs.
There are also Christian themes woven throughout many U2 songs. For instance: hands tied, body bruised, nothing left to give ....nothing left to lose - could be Christ on the cross... giving himself away (to humanity)... or to the church (which is often personified as being a female)... I've read one of their books which reveals some of the messaging behind many of their songs. Many of their songs have multiple meanings (as well).
I’d like to listen to one u2 song without a Christian saying and explaining all the ways it could be about your religion
@@heavymetal6714 Surely there are some,...lol. Maybe take that up with the people who wrote U2's music....
@@numbers7n to you
@@heavymetal6714 The writers of their songs, (U2 themselves), SAY there are Christian themes in their songs. You have a problem with them being Christian it seems. You have a problem with the truth. You'd rather people not speak the truth, lest it interrupt your atheism, lol...
Thorn twist in your side is more telling.
I love this band. Their early music was so chill. Especially the non-radio songs.
Nothing about the album War was "chill".
The whole Joshua Tree album is awesome and a great window into the 1980’s music scene. Probably the best album to come out of the decade - IMO
The Edge, Larry and Bono are all amazing in this song but Adam's bass guitar is the unsung hero. Although easy to play it's the driving force of the song and the tone is so good. The Joshua Tree (the album this song is on) was release in 1987.
I remember this album when it came out. The Joshua Tree was one of the great albums of the 80s that still holds up today. Where the Streets have no name and Still haven't found what I'm looking for are 2 other great songs from the album worth checking out. But really the whole album is great.
My first U2 concert was in 1984 and I'm still a giant fan. I absolutely love them. You should really check out "Pride in the Name of Love." It's about the assassination of Dr King and all these years later it's still a powerful song. Happy New Year to y'all and I look forward to our music journey!
You can really hear Brian Eno's fingerprints on this song. One of there most well known tunes.
I personally lean to their earlier Post Punk era. The "War" album is brilliant.
I remember going to some friend's gig and the bass player was late. This song wasn't in their set, but everyone knew what it sounded like, and the singer knew the words, so they asked me, (a drummer), to sit on on bass, since that line is so simple. It was so fun that I got my band to work on a song called "Playground" where we all swapped instruments.
I was in college when this album was released. It was everywhere on campus, blaring out of all the dorms. Good memories.
Absolutely 80's!!!!
I ❤ this song! U2 was an amazing rock group from Ireland that swept over America with "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride (In the Name of Love)" to name just a few.
God, I love this song. This album is just amazing-- it's one that really rewards you for listening from beginning to end and drinking in the emotions and the layers of music. Just gorgeous. And one of the greatest things about it is the timelessness of its sound.
To me this is a revolutionary song!! When this was new, I had never heard anything like this song before it. The whole song is haunting! From the sound of the Guitar, to the drumbeat and driving bass riff, and Bono’s amazing voice!! It’s still one the best songs I’ve ever heard! U2 is one of the greatest bands ever.
the way you both have different feelings on this song is why music is so amazing.
I like many different types of genres. This piece is objectively nothing short of of a masterpiece. I’m not even from this time period.
They're a great band, not just musically, but as humanitarians. They give back. Bono and his wife have advocated for human rights more than 40 years.
It's one thing when you like a band's music, but so much better when you respect them as people.
U2 stands out.
Yet in our country full of people who hate those who care about less fortunate people, you can find tons of people who shit all over Bono.
This is a good song for testing out speakers. The low, rumbling bass and that high note that is held is a nice, quick check
this recording is perfect. imo this is the stairway to heaven of the 80’s
It's sweet how Brad always looks for the story behind a song and focuses on the lyrics when sometimes songs are about evoking a feeling at a moment in time or a situation. Sometimes you have to just listen and not analyse.
I was never a fan of U2 in the 80's. Then in 91 the album achtung baby came out. I was blown away!! I went out and bought every U2 album. Then in 1992 saw the Zoo TV tour in Pontiac Michigan. U2 is incredible live one of my favorite concerts I have seen.
U2 has a fairly large catalogue of really good music, that happens when you are one of the biggest bands for a couple decades, for some different vibes from them look for "Desire" "Where the streets have no name". I think a lot of their sound comes from Daniel Lanois, a very well regarded musician and record producer from Canada, he's French Canadian, it was from listening to U2 that introduced me to his music, IMO it is very good to. If you are familiar with Red Dead Redemption 2, which I'm not, much of the music in that game is his, A couple of my favourites from his album "Acadie , are "Still Water" and "The Maker"
I heartily agree with your recommendation to check out Daniel Lanois! Although its unlikely that many/ most people are familar with him.. hes excellent on many levels!
Lex, your insights into understanding yourself within a relationship are profound and very much appreciated. Brad, you're a lucky man!
Legendary song by a legendary band
The finished product of this song is the melding of two very different visions. Daniel Lanois, the original producer, wanted a quiet, ethereal, and moody song, like the way it sounds at the outset. Steve Lilywhite, who produced U2's early records, took over later in the process and asked, "Where are the drums?" He added punch and turned up the volume. The result of the two conflicting visions is a unified masterpiece. Try to imagine the outtro without Larry Mullen's drums.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written.
The driving bass & haunting sustained guitar & lyrical brilliance… a timeless gem.
U2 was a very important band, especially in the eighties and early nineties with so many good songs that became all-time classics and almost everybody knows the music.
1987
There’s an amazing live concert version of this where Bono (lead singer) pulls a girl from the front audience and they lay on stage, side by side while she’s mouthing along while he sings.. and more! NO DOUBT she has NEVER forgotten it- AND she has it to look back on since it was recorded concert! I cannot imagine! 😍
It’s relatable yes. But I promise u, kick back, close your eyes and listen again. This song is absolutely beautiful and soul touching on every level…
This is 1987, but probably written in 1985/6.
This was about 10 years before Smashing Pumpkins, really. And U2 had already been around for a decade by this point. U2 is a seminal rock band who have inspired two generations of musicians, hands down.
Sunday Bloody Sunday. Live at Red Rocks version. Just watch the whole concert.
LOL! @Brad, thank you! You hit the nail on the head with the sound of modern praise music in big churches.
While watching this with one of my sons I was pointing out that I always think of U2 when I hear modern church music and he could hear it too. And then you come out and say it and we both burst out laughing.
That's because they started using Edge's technique of using 1/8th notes with 3/16th delay (echo) to create 16th notes, the delay is called dotted eighth notes which is one and a half eighth notes. It's a specific style that sounds very nice, many faith bands copied it and it got popular in the churches.
@@douglasfrantzen3011 Interesting. My observation is that the resulting sound induces a trance-like state.
Without question, this is on my list of most beautiful songs ever!
U2, Pride is about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King👍👍
U2 and BB King, When love comes to town is very upbeat with epic guitar, obvs👍👍
Happy New Year from Tipperary, Ireland 🙏
Yes, to these, also try out live versions
❤When Love Comes to Town (R.I.P. BB)❤
Remember when U2 hit the airwaves....so unique and just great band and songs. Really got into their Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum albums but my first song and first love by them is Sunday Bloody Sunday.
U2 started life as a punk band. this is a mellow tune indeed, listen to their earlier stuff you`ll hear it..
I fell in love to this song long before I ever truly knew what love was … innocence … if only one could hold onto it as long as one can hold a grudge
Oh you're starting to listen to my favorite band. I've seen them several times live over the years. The first time in 1985 and then the last time I saw them was around 2009. They are amazing live. They have been together since they were teenagers back in the 70s. There is so much material to cover from their albums to their live performances. Perhaps some reactions from the very beginning. Much more raw than their later stuff. Recs off those albums: I Will Follow, Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Drowning Man(one of my favs). Thanks for reacting to U2. Hope you guys have a Happy New Year.
U2 "bad" " still haven't found what I'm looking for" both great songs ....or try there full live aid performance :)
Yes, definitely check them out live, this suggestion of "bad" is a good one but there's lots also
I love how you guys just bob to the music with little smiles on your faces.
34 years ago... And The Joshua Tree still one of the greatest albuns ever
When U2 finished their 360 Tour, their final stop was in Moncton, NB Canada at Magnetic Hill Convert site. They closed wit this song, which I listened to clearly on my deck 30 miles away!
Lexi u hit the nail on the head with just the music.... 👍👍👍👍👍
U2 "New Year's Day" might have been more fitting for this time of year, but "With or Without You" was their first number-one hit in the United States. I've seen them in concert three times, first in 1984, then twice in 1987. When you're ready for more U2 check out "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", "Where the Streets Have No Name", "New Year's Day", "Sunday Bloody Sunday", and "The Unforgettable Fire" among others.
U2 has a very diverse catalog. A band not afraid to explore where their talents will take them.
I've gotta be serious for once, this is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever recorded. And then U2 managed to one-up it a few years later with the song ONE. Bono is a crazy person but a genius, too.
Thank you guys from this Irish ☘️ woman in NY , happy new year to you both , could I suggest/request “when you’re gone “ or “No need to argue “by the cranberries,think you guys will love love love the vocal. 😊
This was late 80s and right when U2 was exploding in the USA. They blew up big. I remember buying The Joshua Tree on cassette and listened to it a lot.
A very moving song. I get goosebumps listening to it. U2 is one of my all time favorite bands.
Have you done New Year's Day by U2? My personal favourite. Happy New Year not only to you but to your subscribers as well. All the best for 2022!!
One of the greatest songs by one of rock's greatest bands
In this episode of Brad & Lex, Brad broadcasts an inquisitive stare as if trying to taylor an identity to this sonic portrait but not without issuing out a little "side to side sway" while Lex seems to feel the musical tone, expressing this verbally as well but not without delivering her "sincere bop".
Saw U2 at a 5000 seat theater in Atlanta GA just before their War album came out & launched them into superstardom. I had never heard such lyrically poignant & mesmerizing music before. And Bono was was the embodiment of the perfect frontman. He took a note from a fan at center stage, read it, & said “I love you too.”
I love when the bass drops at the end. One of my favourite endings to a song.
It’s impossible to not have heard some U2. They are pretty much one of the biggest bands on this planet
Running to Stand Still is Amazing. Best band of the 80s right here and great albums all the way up to now
This album is a classic - Joshua Tree has no bad songs! My favorite is Red Hill Mining Town, which wasn't released as a single, so it's not as well known. For a treat, check out their Live Aid performance of "Bad" - they had planned to do two other songs, but due to circumstances that arose during the performance, they ended up doing an incredible extended version of an amazing song!
I have to say, when I heard this song for the first time back in 1987, I have never heard anything like it. It was so different. I still feel that way when I hear it today.
Absolute masterpiece of a song.
I wasn't a big fan of U2 until I saw the film Rattle and Hum. Woke me up to how talented they are. Been a huge fan ever since.
Great u2 song. They have a unique sound and bono has a great voice. Check out "Desire" by them.
He can't live without his family when he's on the road or with them when he's missing his music life. He loves both desperately. "You give it all but I want more" refers to his family being everything to him but he still wants to be part of U2. "You give yourself away" refers to him feeling he is giving too much of himself to his musical career.
Great song. Great band. Love U2. Love you guys. Love from Portugal
U2 are an Irish band. Their lyrics deal with love, relationships, politics and the Catholic Church. Their concerts are an experience unto themselves. Joshua Tree is one of the best selling albums of all time. Would love your reaction to a live version of Bullet the Blue Sky. Definitely a well worth rabbit hole. Songs: Pride (In the Name of Love), New Years Day, Gloria, Elevation, Until the End of the World, Ultra Violet (Light My Way).
You guys nailed the meaning being up for debate. U2 typically records instrumental parts before completing the lyrics which kind of forces the meaning to be vague, because the words must fit the existing instrumental. Bono has said that he likes that people can find different meanings in their songs because the lyrics typically are up for enterpretation.
One of the things that made this song stand out is the utilization new technology: somebody did a Star Trek "reverse the polarity" job on the guitar, turning the pickups into mics. A note strummed into a string would create a feed-back loop, creating self-perpetuating sustain...thus, the Infinite Guitar was born, creating this timeless classic.
A Masterpiece 🎵🎼
I love that that’s the line that stands out to you- same, always
As a huge SP fan, I completely agree with the comparison in terms of bass lines and resonance of this song and a few others from The Joshua Tree. I think Billy Corgan must have been channeling some U2 while he wrote some his songs. You can especially hear the resonance in the song Stand Inside Your Love by Smashing Pumpkins. I believe it's possible that that song is a continuation of the sound and feeling from this song. Also, Corgan uses the Mellotron in many songs; this instrument is famous because of the Beatles.
The great Brian Eno as producer. Best there ever was in the studio.
Yes!
The song "I Will Follow" from their 1980 album Boy is good, too. "New Year's Day" is great, but others have already named numerous biggies.
This can't be your first time hearing this. This song was so big in the 80s that it spilled over into the 90s.
This song is everything! It feels good on one hand, and kicks you in the gut on the other. I find myself tearing up, not even knowing why... probably nostalgia. Really, like everyone else here has said, you can't go wrong with this album.
Lex I think you hit the nail on the head! Bono and his wife have been together since high school and the description you made of a relationship being complicated because you want to be with the other person but sometimes you want to do your own thing was very incite full
Saw U2 in Concert and it was Amazing!! They sound Great Live!! 💯💖👍😁🎸 I've Been Swept Away before by there songs! Great Stuff!! 💖💖💖 Sent to Lynny!! wherever she may be!! Hope Life's Treating You the Best...You Deserve it!!! 💔💖🎸
Seee...so I've heard this song a million times but now after watching you guys, you got me thinking about it..what if... There's nothing left to win because she is the ultimate prize and he already has her and nothing left to lose because he gave everything he had to get her... He has no more surprises for her because he revealed himself completely, and all his vulnerability, to get her... Just thinking out loud. You guys are awesome!
Lex is very emotionally intuitive. She is spot on with her interpretation. Men in the 70s and 80s used to understand these feelings because men often sang about them in a vulnerable and sensitive way and nobody thought them any less a man. I don't think men do that today and that's too bad because I think it limits a young man's emotional growth.
"I can't live with or without you". Who hasn't felt that when deeply in love? Does it mean depression? Lex is right. It's the complex emotions we often feel when deeply in love. There are lots of conflicts in any relationship. And we've all been in relationships that have gone wrong and felt these kinds of feelings. It's a natural process of dealing with intense emotions. Of course, he is depressed but that doesn't necessarily mean "clinical depression". I don't think the same conclusions would be drawn if a woman sang those same lyrics. Relationship depression is more accepted for women but not for men. It's OK to be depressed sometimes. It's natural, even for a man. In the 70s and 80s, we understood that.
"You give yourself away. My hands are tied. My body bruised. She's got me with nothing to win and nothing to lose" are lyrics meant to convey the depth of feeling. It isn't always meant to be taken so literally. He gave himself completely and how else would he feel when he loves so much but it's not reciprocated and hurts so deeply even when it's over? Those are real feeling and for many, they can relate to them and it can help them at the same time to find a way to express those turbulent emotions.