@Carolina Fantaccini It's one of those rare songs that I can listen to with eyes closed and just get swept away to another time and place. Sheer magic!
You're so right! People in this country too easily forget that Ireland has been a sharply contested country for a very long time. The Irish have endured much at the hands of others and are still here. However many emigrated to the U.S. in order to survive. As someone one quarter Irish I can comprehend and commiserate with those feelings. Moreover, like so many immigrants, the Irish were hardly welcomed here with open arms. They were forced to embrace hardships, take the worst, most menial jobs available just to survive. In Ireland, those kinds of repressions continued in their issues with the British, which led to unfortunate massacres, the rise of resistance groups and political parties like the IRA. All of that, including what the Irish encountered here, informed U2's music. I say that because it led to them exploring the U.S. while touring here and going on to produce the "Joshua Tree" album.
@@Dragonsinger71 came here to say the same, but nowhere near as eloquently. Thanks for explaining it so well to many folks who weren't around to hear about it back then on the nightly news
Oh man, old U2 is soooo much better than what they are churning out these days. This was when they were still discovering their sound and learning their craft. It was so raw and edgy.
Yup…they were the voice of a generation in the 80s. After Achtung Baby, they got full of themselves and became really pretentious. And their music suffered terribly for it.
U2 has not had the warmest welcome in the reaction world and I’m mystified. The band is terrific with some amazing songs and hugely influential. And the Edge’s ringing guitar is unmistakable. And they are spectacular live.
I think it comes from when Bono became deeply involved in geopolitical activism, and being touted as the savior of the free world. The egotism got to be a bit too much.
I'm pretty sure it's because U2 is one of those bands that needs to be listened to in chronological order so you grow with them. Otherwise, you don't get it nor feel it.
This album (War) and The Unforgettable Fire were the albums that put U2 into worldwide renown. THESE were what made U2. You talk about their later stuff, but THIS is what U2 were all about.
Jay/Amber, you'll love their "Pride (In The Name Of Love)", "Two Hearts Beat As One" and "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"!!! edit- Amber you are spot on!! Initially it was a love song from Bono to his wife, then reshaped and inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement.
@@danrumble74 oh man.. love the bass on that one! Of course not to mention the BEASTLY drums, Edge's guitar and Bono's surreal voice...ah yeah, the whole song is monster!
HIs guitar is amazing, but where Edge is really underappreciated is on his backing vocals. That high, clear sound compliments Bono's voice so well. On the chorus of "New Year's Day", Edge's voice is as important as any of the instruments and gives the chorus a soaring, hopeful, almost ethereal undertone.
One of the best songs ever written. Early U2 is amazing! These early songs always had something poignant to express when they sing. Their songs taught a generation about the world's plight that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. They sing songs that are socially conscious and make you think about more than just yourself but also makes you angry at what we do. It is emotional, but it is necessary. Understanding that U2 are Irish and at the time that they came from there was decades of violence and war happening in their country. They group up knowing the hardships of this life, watching people die unnecessarily. Their music & lyrics are derived from this world that they know. As they became a huge band their music took on a different feel, more upbeat and light hearted sounds, but their lyrics made statements. Back in the 80's it was the time of the Cold War, Reagan/Thatcher governments and monied interests. The sounds from many bands back then were ominous and dark for good reason. Music during the 80's was amazing for its ability to help a generation escape so much shit. Music & MTV taught us about the world and what was happening in it. This is why BAND AID, LIVE AID and WE ARE THE WORLD were so huge. People wanted to feel again. They wanted to be a community. We had enough of being set adrift on a selfish exploration. U2 and many other bands R.E.M, Depeche Mode and many others slapped us back into reality. It wasn't all be disco and dancing. The 70's was a big party, the 80's was the hangover.
U2's performance of their song 'Bad' at Live Aid saved my life. I watched that performance and realized someone else knew how I felt, I wasn't alone in my numbness and pain. So, I'm a fan for life. I've been lucky to see them in concert 5 times and every time was an amazing and emotional experience. They were told at Live Aid they could only perform for a certain amount of time, but of course they went over that when they performed 'Bad' and Bono jumped down from the stage and danced with a fan.
U2 is an iconic band. I was a teen when their Joshua tree album was released in the late eighties and MTV had them on heavy rotation. If you haven't done this song by them yet I recommend "With or Without You." It is a musical tour de force.
THE JOSHUA TREE WAS SUCH A LAME ALBUM IN 1987, THAT EVERYONE WITH A TASTE FOR MEDIOCRITY RACED OUT AND BOUGHT IT. I BET THOSE PEOPLE DIDN'T BUY "RATTLE AND HUM" A YEAR OR SO LATER. "RATTLE AND HUM" IS A GREAT BLUESY ROCK ALBUM, ONE OF U2's BEST. WAR & & THE UNFORGETTABLE FIRE ARE VERY COOL ALBUMS. BOY & OCTOBER ARE LOYAL FAN FAVOURITES AS WELL.
very important song for polish fans, inspiration was political transformation in Poland in 80s, bloodless battle to get out of communism, Wałęsa etc, that one is on every U2 show in Poland.
I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm still a HUGE U2 fan. In high school, my walls were literally postered with them. Their activism, their message, their ability to evolve, and seeing them live in concert is a *spiritual* experience. And I've seen them...13 times? Mocked, teased, and older and humbled... They still rock this old punker soul. Listen to "Seconds". That'll tweak your button. HAPPY NEW YEAR ✨✨✨
I'm glad you like them. I do too. I don't know why anyone be ashamed to admit they like U2. Their music is brilliant and they are unique in the music world.
Same here. Still a huge fan of theirs. I loved them in high school and still love them now. They got a bad rep later on and I wasn't a fan of their later stuff but they're still one of my favorite bands. I still listen to them and even play their songs on guitar. I'm always glad to find a long time U2 fan.
First 4 albums are U2 for me. Love those albums! The rest have some good songs here & there but nothing like the first 4. BTW, named my daughter Aislinn after The Edge's 1st wife.
i don't know.... i mean, it's in their top 5, but when you're also up against Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby? War is incredible -- their breakout album, no question -- but i think those two are better.
Remember, many songs they sing about are the Irish/ English prejudice that existed in Northern Ireland! Still exists today! It’s not just about black and white there are many other kinds of prejudice in otter countries! Being Irish, I feel their pain! But, growing up during the problems in Northern Ireland between Irish and English was a terrifying time for children living there! U2 has an awesome different sound and tries to explain what happened there and also all over the world!
You have to realize U2 is a product of Ireland in the 1970’s. It was a difficult situation and their music reflects that. The Joshua Tree album is my personal favorite.
It started for me with "I Will Follow", then "Gloria". But, "New Year's Day" and "Two Hearts Beat As One" made me a fan. Bono and Clannad together in "In A Lifetime" solidified it. "Rattle and Hum" made them legendary.
This is from the War album, just like Sunday Bloody Sunday. They sang a lot about the bombings and lives destroyed in Ireland. It is my favorite of their albums, and you can't go wrong listening to the whole album. My favorite is "Two Hearts Beat As One." Check them out at their live concert from Red Rocks.
As good as U2 is in the studio, they are just as good live. From the live album "Under a Blood Red Sky", listen to Gloria, 11 O'Clock Tick Tock, I Will Follow, and Party Girl. You will be blown away.
@@marcosis78 I have seen them 3 times. On the Unforgettable Fire tour in LA Sports Arena, on the JT tour in Giants Stadium/Brendan Byrne arena in NJ, and in Madison Square Garden around 2005.
U2 has such a dynamic sound. They are truly a gift to listen too. If you really want a treat watch the video of them playing their song "Bad" live at Live Aid 1985. It is outstanding!
I remember that event like yesterday! I lived only about an hour from Philadelphia and I seriously considered going to JFK for the US performances but I knew of no one going and I had no car and didn't want to take buses and trains alone to get there and have nobody to share the experience with on the rides back home. Watching it on TV wasn't THAT bad...
Their earlier material was very socially conscious and some of their music was dark, but so impactful. "Pride In the Name Of Love" is one you might like, about Martin Luther King Jr. "Bullet the Blue Sky" is one of my absolute favorites, and "I Will Follow" is also so great. U2 and the Cure were pretty much contemporaries, by the way. They both really got going late 70s- and into the early 80s.
Young people protesting politics - The 80's Edition. And FYI, U2 was just honored with at Kennedy Center with that highest award for arts that America offers. The show aired in December. They've been activists their entire 40 year career. Truly, truly a gift to the world.
Their first five albums were it. I had all five (Boy, October, War, The Unforgettable Fire, and The Joshua Tree). It doesn't get much better than those five. Great catalogue.
@@kbusby4824 you are point. they were so much more commercial after the joshua tree even some more commercial songs started to appear on the joshua tree. my favorite album is "war".
@@Hollingsworth2781 nothing wrong with being commercial. JT, R&H and AB were all stacked with soul and power despite the shift to more accessible music. And anyway, AB, and more specifically One, is basically the reason they didn't split, and thus the reason we've all been able to see them over the past thirty years
@@maximillianford9301 When I say commercial, I mean more simple pop tracks that are just not as good. The music became more cookie cutter and not as interesting. I just dont think that there 90's and especially their 2000 plus work was nearly as good as their stuff in the 80s.
Was wondering if you were saving this song for this day. Sensing a theme.... anyway, great song, from the early part of U2's discography. You have to hear "I Will Follow", which is a killer song. "NYD" was actually U2's very first charted hit in the US. I HOPE you will react at some point to U2's duet with the legendary BB King, "When Love Comes to Town". Also... this is early 80s, which is about the same time that bands like Depeche Mode and The Cure were starting to make names for themselves. They were at the forefront of the genre of what came to be known as "alternative" music, which often combined guitars and synths in ways that traditional rock music didn't.
Came out in 1983 the song is about Lech Walesa leader of Polish Solidarity movement an anti authoritarian anti communist social,movement using methods of civil resistance to advance causes of workers.Walesa who would later receive the Nobel Peace prize,challenged the oppressive rule of the Polish Communist government, he and others were persecuted and put in jail in 1981 when their movement was outlawed. Immediately after U2 recorded what would be their first international hit,Martial law was lifted on New Years Day
The Kinks were founded in 1963 and were one of the most influential bands of that decade. U2 was founded in 1976 and The Cure was founded in 1978. Both U2 and The Cure found their biggest success in the 1980s and early 90s with U2's The Joshua Tree being considered one of, if not the best album of the 80s.
and the cure 'disintegration ' album was their most successful one. taking us on a gothic and atmospheric journey to this day. the joshua tree was to mainstream pop like disintegration was to college radio and alternative fans. both albums influenced a genre of 90s bands that you can most definitely hear in their music and lyrics.
Happy New Years! This is early U2. They were post-punk, new wave, alternative rock. Post-punk, new wave typically has good bass guitars, good ears! Makes you dance. Also, it can be moody, melancholy (happy sad) as yall have stated. Have to remember these were the times when we were (GenXers) very young ('80s) a lot of uncertainty around the world. The Cold War, nuclear war threats. The Kinks were proto-punk. The Cure was post-punk, new wave, darkwave, Gothic rock. So yes, great ears and feel from yall. It's punk related. The Cure and U2 were the same era. 'Late '70s, '80s and '90s. Early years they were college/alternative radio darlings, then broke into mainstream later. A lot of post-punk, new wave, alternative bands were ahead of their times. Bands like The Smiths, Sioxsee and the Banshees, Blondie, The Police, Joy Division/New Order, The Clash, REM, B-52s, DEVO, The Cars, Talking Heads, etc. Also, you still hear the influences on modern bands to this day. See Bloc Party, The Killers, Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol, Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Muse, Also, U2 was always very popular . Early and later years. Late '70s, '80s, '90s and '00s. Many great songs from them. They are Rock N Roll Hall of Famers.
Some would argue that their early period up to "The Joshua Tree" was their best with exceptions here and there into the 90's, not to mention, "Beautiful Day"! 👍🏻
@@Lionize728 Some would include that work as part of the exception, so I can see you drawing the line there. I remember after R&H it was said they went into another direction with "Achtung Baby", I always liked, "Mysterious Ways" myself!👍🏻
U2 and the Cure were of the same era, releasing debut albums in 1980, and 1979 respectively. U2 were categorised with other 80’s bands Simple Minds, Big Country, and The Alarm - all of whom you should give a listen.
This was from the early 1980's. Our cable system finally added MTV in April 1983 and this was one of the first I saw on the channel. Next U2 song, their last hit from about 20 years ago: "Vertigo"
Fortunate to have seen them live in January of 1988. Their first five albums were stellar and they certainly had some great tracks after that. They were recently honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. Well deserved. Love this song. It takes me back to 1983. Their live concert at Red Rocks was the bomb.
Funny you mention that, I saw earlier today a clip from that concert for the 1st time! Their performance of "Two Hearts Beat As One" was monster man!!!
This was early 80s and this was their sound on the first few albums. Nobody else sounded like them, the guitar sound by The Edge was completely original. There were a few other bands that had that moody dark sound, Echo and the Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes were some.
They made the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and they called them, "The Band of the 80's." 1985. I saw them in Detroit on the Unforgettable Fire Tour. Wonderful.
New Year's Day and the song Sunday Bloody Sunday - both came out at the same time. I'll never forget standing on the sidewalk outside the dorm room my freshman year of undergrad in 1983 when a guy says, "I got this new EP from a band in Europe" and hits PLAY on his hand-held cassette tape player. I got to hear those two songs as I stood there stunned and listened. Amazing new sound at the time.
Their biggest influence was probably The Clash, who were the first band U2/ Bono had seen in concert. Even Bono admitted without The Clash, there wouldn’t have been a U2.
I've never brought the two together, but now that you've said it I can definitely hear the parallels between this and The Kinks. You've got a good ear Jay. This came out in 1982. And one of the things I loved about U2 was the beauty of their simplicity. No fancy guitar licks, no 87 instruments backing them. That very simple one note at a time piano, later replaced with a guitar but still being just as simplistic, then back to the piano again. It just hooked you and to say it was a very haunting sound I think would be the right way to describe it. There were a lot of Irish bands/artists that came to prominence around this time, including the Boomtown Rats, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), The Cranberries, Annie Lennox, Sinead O'Connor... The war was still very much going on over there, and most Americans didn't know it. I went to a school with an Irish girl whose family had fled because of the war, and she's the only reason I knew about it. There was very little focus on it here in the US, and these artists brought attention to it. So I don't think they all received the accolades that they should have for that reason. Sinead O'Connor wound up on everybody's shit list and pretty much killed her career on Saturday Night Live when she called out the Pope for the atrocities that had been covered up by the Catholic Church.
Can’t ever go wrong with U2! Happy New Year! This song is on the same album as Sunday Bloody Sunday; the album was called War, and is outstanding. Interesting that you connected The Cure with U2; they’re exact contemporaries. Quite different bands, but I love them both. You should do “Pictures of You” by the Cure when you get a chance, it’s great.
New Year’s Day and Sunday bloody Sunday was I believe our first introduction to U2 through MTV I’m glad y’all did New Year’s Day it happens to be one of my top three songs from U2. Pride in the name of love is a very good song about Martin Luther King Jr. and the song One, The lyrics blew me away.
This is one of my favourite tracks of theirs. There's this sort of icy darkness about this song, especially with the piano that sets the mood. Fantastic song.
Definitely my favorite U2 song. It’s the first song I ever heard of theirs. This is hands down one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Please do more U2!
For years, all the New Year's Eve parties I attended, THIS song, "New Year's Day" by U2 was what everybody wanted to hear come midnight. A perennial forevermore.
I can remember hearing this for the first time on the radio. I had never heard anything like it before. Loved it. Passionate. Driving. It took me where I had never been. Still does.
the piano sounds like orchestral pipes with all the reverb and echo. That’s what always strikes me with this one, the very deliberate plunking of that piano. And the driving bass of course.
First time I heard U2 was when they first landed in America a friend pulled up to my house with a cassette portable cassette player in the front seat and before getting to the corner of my block, he hit the play button and out came the song New Year’s Day! I couldn’t be more than 19 years old. Sound in the song blew my mind. I understand you like the leader work but this song and the sound is the sperm seed love you too for me! This is the incubus this is the corner stone for American introduction to you too please embrace it their sound was like no other and they are still mega mega creative musicians that are loved by all ages today! Happy 2023❤️☮️🙏🏻🎉
"I still haven't found what I'm looking for" is one you need to do, a long with "where the streets have no name" "Angel of Harlem" "With or without you" "When love comes to town" "Beautiful Day" so many more....
The edge has such a distinctive style to his playing. He could really set a tone to a song. He gave them a very unique sound that no one else had. U2 had a huge impact on a generation that went to HS in the early 80's. Actually, for quite a while after that I would imagine.
This group was a great group to see in concert. Way back when concerts were $25-$50 ish for pretty good seats. Bono has a heck of a voice. I think the last tour of theirs I saw was The Joshua Tree Tour. They Always closed with "40", which is a song about Psalm 40.
Thank you! I've been meaning to listen to this song all day and it was nice to do that with you guys. U2 was a huge part of my life during the 80's and 90's, and they will always have a special place in my heart. Currently listening to Bono's book "Surrender" on Audible and it's wonderful to hear more of their origin story.
The War album came out in February 1983 and this and Sunday Bloody Sunday were played non stop on MTV, back when MTV actually played music videos. PS. The Kinks started in the 60's and the Cure at about the same time as U2.
The reason this has the same vibe for as Sunday, Bloody Sunday is because they are on the same album - War. I can't remember which I heard first - this one or Sunday, but whichever one it was I immediately fell in love with the sound of the band and went out and bought the album. From that point on they became my favorite band for many, many years. They probably still are.
I drove two of their tours and they were by far, the most successful bands I had the privilege of working for. This song and Bloody Sunday were their Flagship songs of their musical entourage. Very powerful message and lovely cord progression, where the notes seem tailor made for each word and the word wouldn't sound right, if sung any other way. This song will never become outdated, but always current to each new generation.
U2 and The Cure both started in the late 70's as part of the British punk movement, like The Police. They did all have better musicianship than many of their contemporaries. New Years Day was from 1983 and was part of U2 really breaking into the US scene. I remember my older cousin going to see U2 during this tour whereas I didn't get into them until The Joshua Tree album came out in 1985. That's when they became international superstars.
Joshua Tree was 1987, but like your reminiscing. I came to "War" album a few months after its release, then I was all U2 and REM for the rest of the eighties. Amber and Jay, you guys have the best reaction channel, I think of you as my cool younger siblings. Keep up the great work!
There are definitely different eras of U2. My favorite is probably the 90s with Actung Baby, Zooropa, and Pop, but they have so many good 80s songs too. If you haven’t reacted to it yet, check out “All I Want is You”. Great song and great video too.
Generation X here. I like old and new U2. Funny you mentioned The Cure and U2. They came out around the same time late 70s. Grew out of the underground punk, new wave scene. 80s and 90s they achieved mainstream success as alternative music started gaining popularity. Music like this was advanced for its time. This is old alternative music. Same vein as Echo and the Bunnymen, REM, The Smithereens, Psychedelic Furs, The Smiths, B-52s, Devo, New Order/Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Dinosaur JR, Pixies, etc. My mom like U2 back then, too and we as kids like them. The melancholy, moody, dark feel was common in some new wave punk music and other types of music in general in those days. Wars and political unrest around the world had a lot to do with it in some ways. The bouncy dancing bass guitar 🎸 is common for new wave post-punk music. Catchy. Good observation. The Edge is on lead guitar, one of the best ever. U2 and The Cure have long careers from the late 70s til 00s. The Kinks, too, from 60s til 80s, they were kinda punky at times, so there's the influence.
You must see their clip of a concert where Bono takes a girl out of the audience and lays down on stage next to her and sings “with or without you” It is mesmerising ❤
U2 's music reflected the troubles of the late seventies and early eighties. They were representing the youth of the time in Ireland. I love the music they are so good.
I loved their work up until about 1992. Their early work was inspired and musically on fire. So much passion and drive! I will Follow, Where the streets have no name, so many!
As a rule, videos from the 80's should never be relied upon to express the intent or content of a song. You have to remember that a living room television was usually the only screen in the house. Channels were limited and most broadcasters didn't broadcast for the whole day. RADIO was the dominant delivery mechanism for music, followed by records and cassette tapes. Music videos were only created to plug songs into rotation on limited music television stations and not a lot of thought or money went into them. Always a pleasure to watch your generation listening to our generation's music through new ears. It's heart-warming.
This song came out when I was 12 and was played on college radio at night on Sundays. I recall this because I'd beg to skip Church to hear this and them. WAR is still one of my fav albums 😂😂😂 by them.
I am the same age as U2, so we kind of grew up together. Their early music is very powerful and full of angst. And it plays heavily on their Irish background.
I have been to a lot of concerts over the years and I have to say that U2 is one of the best I've ever been to. I was surprised honestly. Bono had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
one of my favorite U2 songs along with Unforgettable Fire. i know you guys like 'pop' U2, which is their newer stuff, but this is quintessential U2. no bells, no whistles. stripped down, raw. you need to go down this rabbit hole of older U2. great observation by jay. the kinks were the first wave of british bands. the cure changed the game in the 80s. There's so much of the cure you dont even know. songs like 'a forest', 'the walk', 'the love cats', 'boys dont cry','fascination street',' inbetween days','pictures of you'. back to U2, you need to stay in their 80s time to see their progression.
This is my favorite era of U2, possibly my favorite U2 song. During this era, most of their songs had some message, mostly anti-war/peace, they grew up during the political strife, and violence, in Northern Ireland. Two other songs that are on the top of my list from them, "In The Name Of Love (Pride)", and a deeper cut from the same album "I Will Follow".
"New Year's Day" was written in support of the Polish "Solidarity" movement, which fought for freedom against the communist Polish government for almost the entire 1980s, finally winning in the first free Polish election in 1989. The song's lyrics are basically saying U2 supports them and wishes they could fight alongside Solidarity. When U2 played this song in Poland in 2005, the crowd held up signs to create a huge Polish flag, which stunned the band.
Think with U2, there's the 80's music, the 90's, then the 2000 and on. I love all era's of the band. The Electric Co from Dortmund Germany 1984 is them and the audience at a super high energy level.
"In the Name of Love" by U2 is a song that you might really love! Consider reacting to it. I am sure your mom will scream "YES"--hahaha! One line that always gives me chills is, "Early morning April 4. Shots ring out in the Memphis sky. Free at last they took your life, but they could not take your pride." The song is about the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
And actually the song is very much about both MLK and Jesus. The third verse is all about MLK. Parts of earlier verses are about Jesus, “One man come in the name love.” One man come to justify, one man to overthrow.” One man betrayed with a kiss.” All those refer to Jesus. A great song all around!
U2s Josuha Tree Album is my fav. Powerful group who has a true messeage for the world thru their music. This one is about a movement for solidarity for Poland. Poland announced they would abolish martial law, coincidentally on New Year's Day, 1983. Thanx so much, Take care, Many Blessings
The Edge has such a unique style on his guitar, quite different . Bons has that voice, and is quiet, yet he gives you 100% love show. Their lyrics are usually deep, but based on life, people, religion, struggles, yet poetic. They like to give to the world, wherever help is needed. I know a couple of good bass players, with bass front and center, and if you look closely at his thumbs , you know he plays hard. The Band is LEVEL 42. Songs; LESSONS ON LOVE, SOMETHING ABOUT YOU. Mark King, the Bassist , lead vocals (shsred) plays a clean, but FUNKY Nass, with New Wave-ish , rock, pop fusion. He has a cool bass lights up, lol and sometimes fretless, has a pronounced SLAP & TICKLE Style....good to watch and learn 👌. Up tempo, good fun music Try for the Live versions, for sure. The keyboardist is a a cheeky entertainer, fun guy who sings and acts out some lyrics.
This song has always felt haunting to me, but there's also a longing in their early work. This song has a tragic inevitability about it. It's like we can't stop what's coming. All we can do is hold each other close or have hope to be together again one day. Every New Year's Day I get up early and take a drive and listen to this song.
I’m Irish proud 🍀 when I hear U2. I play this song each January 1st and think of Poland… I am so glad I was in high school when this came out. A great band all around. Adam Clayton is an amazing bass player. 🇮🇪
Proud to be Irish? One word to say to you......Jedward! U2 are an unmistakably British band with their sound & influences despite their roots, just being born in Ireland with Irish culture wouldn't have created this band!
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I really miss the old U2. A lot.
The Unforgettable Fire is still one of my all time favourite songs! ☺️
Agreed - that whole album is awesome! I also loved one of their first singles - "Gloria"
We're just getting older.
I miss them too.
@Carolina Fantaccini It's one of those rare songs that I can listen to with eyes closed and just get swept away to another time and place. Sheer magic!
It was all downhill after Joshua Tree.
Agreed all the comments here, I think they went too commercial, lost their unique "lads having fun" feel.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the greatest U2 song period. The whole album War is fantastic!
Speaking of the War Album, Drowning Man is so underrated.
100%
Couldn't agree more!
Their early music was heavily influenced by the troubles in Ireland. When it came out it hit like a ton of bricks. It was not just music it was Art.
With time and, especially in the states, people forget just how crazy that period was.
You're so right! People in this country too easily forget that Ireland has been a sharply contested country for a very long time. The Irish have endured much at the hands of others and are still here. However many emigrated to the U.S. in order to survive. As someone one quarter Irish I can comprehend and commiserate with those feelings. Moreover, like so many immigrants, the Irish were hardly welcomed here with open arms. They were forced to embrace hardships, take the worst, most menial jobs available just to survive. In Ireland, those kinds of repressions continued in their issues with the British, which led to unfortunate massacres, the rise of resistance groups and political parties like the IRA. All of that, including what the Irish encountered here, informed U2's music. I say that because it led to them exploring the U.S. while touring here and going on to produce the "Joshua Tree" album.
@@Dragonsinger71 came here to say the same, but nowhere near as eloquently. Thanks for explaining it so well to many folks who weren't around to hear about it back then on the nightly news
So well said! It is Art.
All the car bombings on the news when I was a kid… :(
Oh man, old U2 is soooo much better than what they are churning out these days. This was when they were still discovering their sound and learning their craft. It was so raw and edgy.
Agreed!
Absolutely agree. Songs like Bad, Seconds, Trash, Teampoline and the party girl, Refugee… they got so many amazing songs.
Yup…they were the voice of a generation in the 80s. After Achtung Baby, they got full of themselves and became really pretentious. And their music suffered terribly for it.
U2 has not had the warmest welcome in the reaction world and I’m mystified. The band is terrific with some amazing songs and hugely influential. And the Edge’s ringing guitar is unmistakable. And they are spectacular live.
I don’t get it either. I guess many people don’t hear the magic and spirituality that I do.🤷♂️❤️
I think it comes from when Bono became deeply involved in geopolitical activism, and being touted as the savior of the free world. The egotism got to be a bit too much.
I'm pretty sure it's because U2 is one of those bands that needs to be listened to in chronological order so you grow with them. Otherwise, you don't get it nor feel it.
@@gotham61
Exactly
The Edge 🎸👌🏽
This album (War) and The Unforgettable Fire were the albums that put U2 into worldwide renown. THESE were what made U2. You talk about their later stuff, but THIS is what U2 were all about.
The Red Rocks performance is an absolute classic.
Yup
100%
Agreed.
I 100% agree! War and The Unforgettable Fire are U2's BEST two albums imo :)
Jay/Amber, you'll love their "Pride (In The Name Of Love)", "Two Hearts Beat As One" and "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"!!!
edit- Amber you are spot on!! Initially it was a love song from Bono to his wife, then reshaped and inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement.
Thx for that request, I 2nd that motion!!!!
I like 'bullet the blue sky' in that same vein as well 🙂👍
@@danrumble74 oh man.. love the bass on that one! Of course not to mention the BEASTLY drums, Edge's guitar and Bono's surreal voice...ah yeah, the whole song is monster!
Yawn....
@@fredtello
Who are you into?
Pitbull? Lil' Wayne?
Billie Eyelash? BTS? 😂
I always give the Edge credit for being such a subtle, yet impacting guitarist completing U2's sound. Cheers....
DEFINITELY! You said it in one, Bang On!
People say he wasn't that technical, maybe he wasn't. But inovative and and creative definitely!
HIs guitar is amazing, but where Edge is really underappreciated is on his backing vocals. That high, clear sound compliments Bono's voice so well. On the chorus of "New Year's Day", Edge's voice is as important as any of the instruments and gives the chorus a soaring, hopeful, almost ethereal undertone.
His sound was heavily influenced by Keith Levene from Public Image Ltd. th-cam.com/video/ylOCIP54PIQ/w-d-xo.html
His sound is so unmistakeable. You can always tell it's him, even early on.
One of the best songs ever written. Early U2 is amazing! These early songs always had something poignant to express when they sing. Their songs taught a generation about the world's plight that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. They sing songs that are socially conscious and make you think about more than just yourself but also makes you angry at what we do. It is emotional, but it is necessary. Understanding that U2 are Irish and at the time that they came from there was decades of violence and war happening in their country. They group up knowing the hardships of this life, watching people die unnecessarily. Their music & lyrics are derived from this world that they know. As they became a huge band their music took on a different feel, more upbeat and light hearted sounds, but their lyrics made statements. Back in the 80's it was the time of the Cold War, Reagan/Thatcher governments and monied interests. The sounds from many bands back then were ominous and dark for good reason. Music during the 80's was amazing for its ability to help a generation escape so much shit. Music & MTV taught us about the world and what was happening in it. This is why BAND AID, LIVE AID and WE ARE THE WORLD were so huge. People wanted to feel again. They wanted to be a community. We had enough of being set adrift on a selfish exploration. U2 and many other bands R.E.M, Depeche Mode and many others slapped us back into reality. It wasn't all be disco and dancing. The 70's was a big party, the 80's was the hangover.
So well said and true. Bravo!
U2's performance of their song 'Bad' at Live Aid saved my life. I watched that performance and realized someone else knew how I felt, I wasn't alone in my numbness and pain. So, I'm a fan for life. I've been lucky to see them in concert 5 times and every time was an amazing and emotional experience. They were told at Live Aid they could only perform for a certain amount of time, but of course they went over that when they performed 'Bad' and Bono jumped down from the stage and danced with a fan.
U2 is an iconic band. I was a teen when their Joshua tree album was released in the late eighties and MTV had them on heavy rotation. If you haven't done this song by them yet I recommend "With or Without You." It is a musical tour de force.
That song was just now going through my mind!
Great recommendation!
THE JOSHUA TREE WAS SUCH A LAME ALBUM IN 1987, THAT EVERYONE WITH A TASTE FOR MEDIOCRITY RACED OUT AND BOUGHT IT.
I BET THOSE PEOPLE DIDN'T BUY "RATTLE AND HUM" A YEAR OR SO LATER.
"RATTLE AND HUM" IS A GREAT BLUESY ROCK ALBUM, ONE OF U2's BEST.
WAR & & THE UNFORGETTABLE FIRE ARE VERY COOL ALBUMS.
BOY & OCTOBER ARE LOYAL FAN FAVOURITES AS WELL.
One of my fave U2 songs!
@@alanstrom2221 I'm just curious, what did you think of, "Bullet The Blue Sky"? Was that an exception or was that also a disappointment for you?
very important song for polish fans, inspiration was political transformation in Poland in 80s, bloodless battle to get out of communism, Wałęsa etc, that one is on every U2 show in Poland.
This is one of my favorite U2 songs of all time. ❤️
This is my favorite U2 song. The minor mode and the sharp arrangement, the emotional depth and compelling lyrics.
And that piano melody!
Mine too!!
Pure classic
Watch the Battle of the Bulge video set to this song. Amazing.
Same!
I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm still a HUGE U2 fan. In high school, my walls were literally postered with them.
Their activism, their message, their ability to evolve, and seeing them live in concert is a *spiritual* experience. And I've seen them...13 times?
Mocked, teased, and older and humbled...
They still rock this old punker soul.
Listen to "Seconds". That'll tweak your button.
HAPPY NEW YEAR ✨✨✨
I'm glad you like them. I do too. I don't know why anyone be ashamed to admit they like U2. Their music is brilliant and they are unique in the music world.
Same here. Still a huge fan of theirs. I loved them in high school and still love them now. They got a bad rep later on and I wasn't a fan of their later stuff but they're still one of my favorite bands. I still listen to them and even play their songs on guitar. I'm always glad to find a long time U2 fan.
First 4 albums are U2 for me. Love those albums! The rest have some good songs here & there but nothing like the first 4. BTW, named my daughter Aislinn after The Edge's 1st wife.
This is by far their best album, along with Sunday Bloody Sunday are my favorite U2 songs
i don't know.... i mean, it's in their top 5, but when you're also up against Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby? War is incredible -- their breakout album, no question -- but i think those two are better.
Remember, many songs they sing about are the Irish/ English prejudice that existed in Northern Ireland! Still exists today! It’s not just about black and white there are many other kinds of prejudice in otter countries! Being Irish, I feel their pain! But, growing up during the problems in Northern Ireland between Irish and English was a terrifying time for children living there! U2 has an awesome different sound and tries to explain what happened there and also all over the world!
You have to realize U2 is a product of Ireland in the 1970’s. It was a difficult situation and their music reflects that. The Joshua Tree album is my personal favorite.
yes thats a great album, my fave.
It started for me with "I Will Follow", then "Gloria". But, "New Year's Day" and "Two Hearts Beat As One" made me a fan. Bono and Clannad together in "In A Lifetime" solidified it. "Rattle and Hum" made them legendary.
Seen them on the October tour in late March of 1982. They opened for The J. Giels Band(Freeze Frame Tour). Great show!!
Live versions of this song are also great, as you can see The Edge jumping back and forth between playing keys and guitar. Great stuff.
Yeah, the 80's wouldn't have been the same without U2. They expressed the whole undercurrent of the decade.
This is from the War album, just like Sunday Bloody Sunday. They sang a lot about the bombings and lives destroyed in Ireland. It is my favorite of their albums, and you can't go wrong listening to the whole album. My favorite is "Two Hearts Beat As One." Check them out at their live concert from Red Rocks.
Early U2 just *rocked.* Not saying their later stuff was bad, just, this is the era I vibed with.
As good as U2 is in the studio, they are just as good live. From the live album "Under a Blood Red Sky", listen to Gloria, 11 O'Clock Tick Tock, I Will Follow, and Party Girl. You will be blown away.
Totally agree, Greg.
@@kellyreiterman true.
They are AMAZING live. My wife and I seen them in Chicago twice, one was the weekend after our wedding.
Agree, one of the few bands who’s music actually sounded better live vs studio versions
@@marcosis78 I have seen them 3 times. On the Unforgettable Fire tour in LA Sports Arena, on the JT tour in Giants Stadium/Brendan Byrne arena in NJ, and in Madison Square Garden around 2005.
U2 has such a dynamic sound. They are truly a gift to listen too. If you really want a treat watch the video of them playing their song "Bad" live at Live Aid 1985. It is outstanding!
Bad is so good! 👍🏽
@@mauriciodelarosa2449 it is indeed!
Yes, I agree. Remarkable song. I also like the live version on "Rattle and Hum" too!👌
Oh yes, both are fantastic!
I remember that event like yesterday! I lived only about an hour from Philadelphia and I seriously considered going to JFK for the US performances but I knew of no one going and I had no car and didn't want to take buses and trains alone to get there and have nobody to share the experience with on the rides back home. Watching it on TV wasn't THAT bad...
Their earlier material was very socially conscious and some of their music was dark, but so impactful. "Pride In the Name Of Love" is one you might like, about Martin Luther King Jr.
"Bullet the Blue Sky" is one of my absolute favorites, and "I Will Follow" is also so great.
U2 and the Cure were pretty much contemporaries, by the way. They both really got going late 70s- and into the early 80s.
I would also add their songs “Bad”, and “All I Want Is You” as ones they might like
@@peeg100 Ohh, yes, All I Want Is You is absolutely amazing and I think they'd enjoy that orchestral swell at the end of it.
Yawn....
And, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"😊
It has often been said and I agree, "U2 is the band of the eighties"
Young people protesting politics - The 80's Edition.
And FYI, U2 was just honored with at Kennedy Center with that highest award for arts that America offers.
The show aired in December.
They've been activists their entire 40 year career.
Truly, truly a gift to the world.
They were so much better in the early days! The music was raw and simple.
Their first five albums were it. I had all five (Boy, October, War, The Unforgettable Fire, and The Joshua Tree). It doesn't get much better than those five. Great catalogue.
@@kbusby4824 you are point. they were so much more commercial after the joshua tree even some more commercial songs started to appear on the joshua tree. my favorite album is "war".
@@kbusby4824 Couldn't agree more!
@@Hollingsworth2781 nothing wrong with being commercial. JT, R&H and AB were all stacked with soul and power despite the shift to more accessible music. And anyway, AB, and more specifically One, is basically the reason they didn't split, and thus the reason we've all been able to see them over the past thirty years
@@maximillianford9301 When I say commercial, I mean more simple pop tracks that are just not as good. The music became more cookie cutter and not as interesting. I just dont think that there 90's and especially their 2000 plus work was nearly as good as their stuff in the 80s.
That chugging gutair riff is what makes this a great song
Yes!
U2 came before The Cure. After The Kinks. U2 is always address social issues. This song is about "War. "
The Cure was formed in 1976, and U2 was formed in 1979. Both bands are still active today.
U2 was also formed in 1976 when they were all in high school.
Was wondering if you were saving this song for this day. Sensing a theme.... anyway, great song, from the early part of U2's discography. You have to hear "I Will Follow", which is a killer song. "NYD" was actually U2's very first charted hit in the US. I HOPE you will react at some point to U2's duet with the legendary BB King, "When Love Comes to Town". Also... this is early 80s, which is about the same time that bands like Depeche Mode and The Cure were starting to make names for themselves. They were at the forefront of the genre of what came to be known as "alternative" music, which often combined guitars and synths in ways that traditional rock music didn't.
Came out in 1983 the song is about Lech Walesa leader of Polish Solidarity movement an anti authoritarian anti communist social,movement using methods of civil resistance to advance causes of workers.Walesa who would later receive the Nobel Peace prize,challenged the oppressive rule of the Polish Communist government, he and others were persecuted and put in jail in 1981 when their movement was outlawed. Immediately after U2 recorded what would be their first international hit,Martial law was lifted on New Years Day
The Kinks were founded in 1963 and were one of the most influential bands of that decade. U2 was founded in 1976 and The Cure was founded in 1978. Both U2 and The Cure found their biggest success in the 1980s and early 90s with U2's The Joshua Tree being considered one of, if not the best album of the 80s.
and the cure 'disintegration ' album was their most successful one. taking us on a gothic and atmospheric journey to this day. the joshua tree was to mainstream pop like disintegration was to college radio and alternative fans. both albums influenced a genre of 90s bands that you can most definitely hear in their music and lyrics.
Happy New Years!
This is early U2. They were post-punk, new wave, alternative rock. Post-punk, new wave typically has good bass guitars, good ears! Makes you dance. Also, it can be moody, melancholy (happy sad) as yall have stated. Have to remember these were the times when we were (GenXers) very young ('80s) a lot of uncertainty around the world. The Cold War, nuclear war threats.
The Kinks were proto-punk. The Cure was post-punk, new wave, darkwave, Gothic rock. So yes, great ears and feel from yall. It's punk related. The Cure and U2 were the same era. 'Late '70s, '80s and '90s. Early years they were college/alternative radio darlings, then broke into mainstream later. A lot of post-punk, new wave, alternative bands were ahead of their times. Bands like The Smiths, Sioxsee and the Banshees, Blondie, The Police, Joy Division/New Order, The Clash, REM, B-52s, DEVO, The Cars, Talking Heads, etc. Also, you still hear the influences on modern bands to this day. See Bloc Party, The Killers, Metric, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol, Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Muse,
Also, U2 was always very popular . Early and later years. Late '70s, '80s, '90s and '00s. Many great songs from them. They are Rock N Roll Hall of Famers.
As a fellow GenXer I completely and utterly concur. You nailed it.🔥🤙
Incredibly well said Sir!
If you haven't seen U2 at Red Rocks from 1983, you gotta see it. It's my favorite concert on film.
This song is from what I believe is their best album WAR. Pretty much every track is a classic.
Some would argue that their early period up to "The Joshua Tree" was their best with exceptions here and there into the 90's, not to mention, "Beautiful Day"! 👍🏻
Absolutely 👍
Totally agree !
100%. Joshua Tree and later - downhill - in general. But I know my tastes are narrow.
See I think "Achtung Baby" is 100% worthy. For me that's the line in the sand. So I guess that would include "Rattle and Hum."
@@Lionize728 Some would include that work as part of the exception, so I can see you drawing the line there. I remember after R&H it was said they went into another direction with "Achtung Baby", I always liked, "Mysterious Ways" myself!👍🏻
U2 and the Cure were of the same era, releasing debut albums in 1980, and 1979 respectively. U2 were categorised with other 80’s bands Simple Minds, Big Country, and The Alarm - all of whom you should give a listen.
This was from the early 1980's. Our cable system finally added MTV in April 1983 and this was one of the first I saw on the channel. Next U2 song, their last hit from about 20 years ago: "Vertigo"
Fortunate to have seen them live in January of 1988. Their first five albums were stellar and they certainly had some great tracks after that. They were recently honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. Well deserved. Love this song. It takes me back to 1983. Their live concert at Red Rocks was the bomb.
Funny you mention that, I saw earlier today a clip from that concert for the 1st time! Their performance of "Two Hearts Beat As One" was monster man!!!
@@louisb5563 Exactly.
Red Rocks...yes, yes and yes!
If you haven't already heard it, check out U2's song PRIDE (In the Name of Love) because it showcases Bono's wide vocal range. So powerful!!!
This was early 80s and this was their sound on the first few albums. Nobody else sounded like them, the guitar sound by The Edge was completely original. There were a few other bands that had that moody dark sound, Echo and the Bunnymen and The Teardrop Explodes were some.
The closest sound to them was Big Country from Scotland. Still U2 was totally unique and to themselves.
They made the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and they called them, "The Band of the 80's." 1985. I saw them in Detroit on the Unforgettable Fire Tour. Wonderful.
New Year's Day and the song Sunday Bloody Sunday - both came out at the same time. I'll never forget standing on the sidewalk outside the dorm room my freshman year of undergrad in 1983 when a guy says, "I got this new EP from a band in Europe" and hits PLAY on his hand-held cassette tape player. I got to hear those two songs as I stood there stunned and listened. Amazing new sound at the time.
Thanks for the reaction! U2 has been one of my favorite bands for decades - many messages and sounds. Bono has my heart. 💖
Their biggest influence was probably The Clash, who were the first band U2/ Bono had seen in concert. Even Bono admitted without The Clash, there wouldn’t have been a U2.
I've never brought the two together, but now that you've said it I can definitely hear the parallels between this and The Kinks. You've got a good ear Jay. This came out in 1982. And one of the things I loved about U2 was the beauty of their simplicity. No fancy guitar licks, no 87 instruments backing them. That very simple one note at a time piano, later replaced with a guitar but still being just as simplistic, then back to the piano again. It just hooked you and to say it was a very haunting sound I think would be the right way to describe it.
There were a lot of Irish bands/artists that came to prominence around this time, including the Boomtown Rats, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), The Cranberries, Annie Lennox, Sinead O'Connor...
The war was still very much going on over there, and most Americans didn't know it. I went to a school with an Irish girl whose family had fled because of the war, and she's the only reason I knew about it. There was very little focus on it here in the US, and these artists brought attention to it. So I don't think they all received the accolades that they should have for that reason.
Sinead O'Connor wound up on everybody's shit list and pretty much killed her career on Saturday Night Live when she called out the Pope for the atrocities that had been covered up by the Catholic Church.
Can’t ever go wrong with U2! Happy New Year! This song is on the same album as Sunday Bloody Sunday; the album was called War, and is outstanding. Interesting that you connected The Cure with U2; they’re exact contemporaries. Quite different bands, but I love them both. You should do “Pictures of You” by the Cure when you get a chance, it’s great.
Early U2 is amazing! everything up through "The Joshua Tree" was really good and full of grit, morals, and conscience!
New Year’s Day and Sunday bloody Sunday was I believe our first introduction to U2 through MTV I’m glad y’all did New Year’s Day it happens to be one of my top three songs from U2. Pride in the name of love is a very good song about Martin Luther King Jr. and the song One, The lyrics blew me away.
This is one of my favourite tracks of theirs. There's this sort of icy darkness about this song, especially with the piano that sets the mood. Fantastic song.
This is by far my favorite U2 song
Definitely my favorite U2 song. It’s the first song I ever heard of theirs. This is hands down one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Please do more U2!
For years, all the New Year's Eve parties I attended, THIS song, "New Year's Day" by U2 was what everybody wanted to hear come midnight. A perennial forevermore.
I can remember hearing this for the first time on the radio. I had never heard anything like it before. Loved it. Passionate. Driving. It took me where I had never been. Still does.
U2 did a song with BB King, "When Loves Comes to Town" that is killer. Well worth your time.
the piano sounds like orchestral pipes with all the reverb and echo. That’s what always strikes me with this one, the very deliberate plunking of that piano. And the driving bass of course.
First time I heard U2 was when they first landed in America a friend pulled up to my house with a cassette portable cassette player in the front seat and before getting to the corner of my block, he hit the play button and out came the song New Year’s Day! I couldn’t be more than 19 years old. Sound in the song blew my mind. I understand you like the leader work but this song and the sound is the sperm seed love you too for me! This is the incubus this is the corner stone for American introduction to you too please embrace it their sound was like no other and they are still mega mega creative musicians that are loved by all ages today! Happy 2023❤️☮️🙏🏻🎉
"I still haven't found what I'm looking for" is one you need to do, a long with "where the streets have no name" "Angel of Harlem" "With or without you" "When love comes to town" "Beautiful Day" so many more....
The edge has such a distinctive style to his playing. He could really set a tone to a song. He gave them a very unique sound that no one else had. U2 had a huge impact on a generation that went to HS in the early 80's. Actually, for quite a while after that I would imagine.
This waa the first U2 song I had ever heard, played on a weekly regional video countdown show. I bought the album the following week and loved it.
U2 is so cool and had unique sounds
I was in high school from '81 to 85 and MTV was just starting out and U2 was very dominant, definitely top 5 most influential bands.
This group was a great group to see in concert. Way back when concerts were $25-$50 ish for pretty good seats. Bono has a heck of a voice. I think the last tour of theirs I saw was The Joshua Tree Tour. They Always closed with "40", which is a song about Psalm 40.
One of U2's earliest hits is "Gloria". I first saw it on MTV, and have enjoyed U2 ever since.
This song could not miss on the first day of the year
Riight?!!!
Thank you! I've been meaning to listen to this song all day and it was nice to do that with you guys. U2 was a huge part of my life during the 80's and 90's, and they will always have a special place in my heart. Currently listening to Bono's book "Surrender" on Audible and it's wonderful to hear more of their origin story.
This is a tremendous U2 classic! Very few bands were in their league at the time. Truly leaders of a generation.
U2 became a household name after this song, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and I Will Follow.
They are incredible in concert
The War album came out in February 1983 and this and Sunday Bloody Sunday were played non stop on MTV, back when MTV actually played music videos. PS. The Kinks started in the 60's and the Cure at about the same time as U2.
The reason this has the same vibe for as Sunday, Bloody Sunday is because they are on the same album - War. I can't remember which I heard first - this one or Sunday, but whichever one it was I immediately fell in love with the sound of the band and went out and bought the album. From that point on they became my favorite band for many, many years. They probably still are.
I drove two of their tours and they were by far, the most successful bands I had the privilege of working for. This song and Bloody Sunday were their Flagship songs of their musical entourage. Very powerful message and lovely cord progression, where the notes seem tailor made for each word and the word wouldn't sound right, if sung any other way. This song will never become outdated, but always current to each new generation.
If a U2 song has a tone set by the guitar - then by that logic - the tone is… ON THE EDGE - AAAAHHHH!
U2 and The Cure both started in the late 70's as part of the British punk movement, like The Police. They did all have better musicianship than many of their contemporaries. New Years Day was from 1983 and was part of U2 really breaking into the US scene. I remember my older cousin going to see U2 during this tour whereas I didn't get into them until The Joshua Tree album came out in 1985. That's when they became international superstars.
Joshua Tree was 1987, but like your reminiscing. I came to "War" album a few months after its release, then I was all U2 and REM for the rest of the eighties. Amber and Jay, you guys have the best reaction channel, I think of you as my cool younger siblings. Keep up the great work!
This was the first U2 song I heard, and instantly fell in love with it.
There are definitely different eras of U2. My favorite is probably the 90s with Actung Baby, Zooropa, and Pop, but they have so many good 80s songs too. If you haven’t reacted to it yet, check out “All I Want is You”. Great song and great video too.
Generation X here. I like old and new U2. Funny you mentioned The Cure and U2. They came out around the same time late 70s. Grew out of the underground punk, new wave scene. 80s and 90s they achieved mainstream success as alternative music started gaining popularity. Music like this was advanced for its time. This is old alternative music. Same vein as Echo and the Bunnymen, REM, The Smithereens, Psychedelic Furs, The Smiths, B-52s, Devo, New Order/Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Dinosaur JR, Pixies, etc. My mom like U2 back then, too and we as kids like them. The melancholy, moody, dark feel was common in some new wave punk music and other types of music in general in those days. Wars and political unrest around the world had a lot to do with it in some ways. The bouncy dancing bass guitar 🎸 is common for new wave post-punk music. Catchy. Good observation. The Edge is on lead guitar, one of the best ever. U2 and The Cure have long careers from the late 70s til 00s. The Kinks, too, from 60s til 80s, they were kinda punky at times, so there's the influence.
You must see their clip of a concert where Bono takes a girl out of the audience and lays down on stage next to her and sings “with or without you” It is mesmerising ❤
U2 's music reflected the troubles of the late seventies and early eighties. They were representing the youth of the time in Ireland. I love the music they are so good.
I loved their work up until about 1992. Their early work was inspired and musically on fire. So much passion and drive! I will Follow, Where the streets have no name, so many!
As a rule, videos from the 80's should never be relied upon to express the intent or content of a song. You have to remember that a living room television was usually the only screen in the house. Channels were limited and most broadcasters didn't broadcast for the whole day. RADIO was the dominant delivery mechanism for music, followed by records and cassette tapes. Music videos were only created to plug songs into rotation on limited music television stations and not a lot of thought or money went into them. Always a pleasure to watch your generation listening to our generation's music through new ears. It's heart-warming.
This song came out when I was 12 and was played on college radio at night on Sundays. I recall this because I'd beg to skip Church to hear this and them. WAR is still one of my fav albums 😂😂😂 by them.
I am the same age as U2, so we kind of grew up together. Their early music is very powerful and full of angst. And it plays heavily on their Irish background.
I have been to a lot of concerts over the years and I have to say that U2 is one of the best I've ever been to. I was surprised honestly. Bono had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
I think this is their best song, love the guitar and drums, and that unmistakable 80s sound takes me right back to that time
one of my favorite U2 songs along with Unforgettable Fire. i know you guys like 'pop' U2, which is their newer stuff, but this is quintessential U2. no bells, no whistles. stripped down, raw. you need to go down this rabbit hole of older U2. great observation by jay. the kinks were the first wave of british bands. the cure changed the game in the 80s. There's so much of the cure you dont even know. songs like 'a forest', 'the walk', 'the love cats', 'boys dont cry','fascination street',' inbetween days','pictures of you'. back to U2, you need to stay in their 80s time to see their progression.
There's a reason U2 was one of the biggest bands of the 80's.
This is my favorite era of U2, possibly my favorite U2 song. During this era, most of their songs had some message, mostly anti-war/peace, they grew up during the political strife, and violence, in Northern Ireland. Two other songs that are on the top of my list from them, "In The Name Of Love (Pride)", and a deeper cut from the same album "I Will Follow".
"New Year's Day" was written in support of the Polish "Solidarity" movement, which fought for freedom against the communist Polish government for almost the entire 1980s, finally winning in the first free Polish election in 1989. The song's lyrics are basically saying U2 supports them and wishes they could fight alongside Solidarity.
When U2 played this song in Poland in 2005, the crowd held up signs to create a huge Polish flag, which stunned the band.
Think with U2, there's the 80's music, the 90's, then the 2000 and on. I love all era's of the band.
The Electric Co from Dortmund Germany 1984 is them and the audience at a super high energy level.
Thanks.. can’t get enough of U2
One of the greatest bands in history….
"In the Name of Love" by U2 is a song that you might really love! Consider reacting to it. I am sure your mom will scream "YES"--hahaha! One line that always gives me chills is, "Early morning April 4. Shots ring out in the Memphis sky. Free at last they took your life, but they could not take your pride." The song is about the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
They have reacted to it, give it a look.
And actually the song is very much about both MLK and Jesus. The third verse is all about MLK. Parts of earlier verses are about Jesus, “One man come in the name love.” One man come to justify, one man to overthrow.” One man betrayed with a kiss.” All those refer to Jesus. A great song all around!
U2s Josuha Tree Album is my fav. Powerful group who has a true messeage for the world thru their music. This one is about a movement for solidarity for Poland. Poland announced they would abolish martial law, coincidentally on New Year's Day, 1983. Thanx so much, Take care, Many Blessings
Amber was definitely feeling it 🥰😍 Early U2 is the best U2
Happy 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣!!
'New Years Day' and 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' are my all time favorite U2 songs
The Edge has such a unique style on his guitar, quite different . Bons has that voice, and is quiet, yet he gives you 100% love show. Their lyrics are usually deep, but based on life,
people, religion, struggles, yet poetic. They like to give to the world, wherever help is needed.
I know a couple of good bass
players, with bass front and center, and if you look closely at his thumbs , you know he plays hard. The Band is LEVEL 42.
Songs; LESSONS ON LOVE,
SOMETHING ABOUT YOU.
Mark King, the Bassist , lead vocals (shsred) plays a clean, but FUNKY Nass, with New Wave-ish , rock, pop fusion. He has a cool bass lights up, lol and sometimes fretless, has a pronounced SLAP & TICKLE
Style....good to watch and learn 👌. Up tempo, good fun music
Try for the Live versions, for sure. The keyboardist is a a cheeky entertainer, fun guy who sings and acts out some lyrics.
This song has always felt haunting to me, but there's also a longing in their early work. This song has a tragic inevitability about it. It's like we can't stop what's coming. All we can do is hold each other close or have hope to be together again one day. Every New Year's Day I get up early and take a drive and listen to this song.
I’m Irish proud 🍀 when I hear U2. I play this song each January 1st and think of Poland… I am so glad I was in high school when this came out. A great band all around. Adam Clayton is an amazing bass player. 🇮🇪
Proud to be Irish? One word to say to you......Jedward!
U2 are an unmistakably British band with their sound & influences despite their roots, just being born in Ireland with Irish culture wouldn't have created this band!