U2 - Community rankings - FIN - #4 Sunday Bloody Sunday, #3 - One, #2 - Bad, #1 - Where the Streets Have No Name -Spotify links, thanks to Krista4 (3 Viewers)

[Nemesis]

I need to unload more U2 tidbits:

• Did you know:  Achtung Baby condoms were distributed during the gigs of the ZOO TV Tour in 1992  ??         Link
  
• On the Zoo TV tour, Bono would call President Bush (the 1st one) from the stage. He never got through, but the White House operator got used to him & asked why he kept calling.
  
• The Zooropa Album Cover:     Highly charged electronic TV images in all of their saturated colors & fizz gave us the notion of conjuring up the sleeve of Zooropa as a kind of electronic flag. The central motif was the Astrobaby surrounded by 12 stars which imitated the European flag & tied in strongly w the album’s European roots. The design, which was made quite quickly, is a grid of images in the same manner as AB over which layers of distressed, floating text are placed. 
  
• About that "floating text" on the Zooropa cover....Ever wonder about those random words are?
  The text was comprised of the upcoming album’s track titles as they were designing the sleeve. Somehow in the rush, they managed to not to update the track list so that several songs that didn’t make the final cut were still in the embedded piece, including:   Wake Up Dead Man, Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me and If You Wear That Velvet Dress!     Link
  
• Bono has played lots of charity events with & without U2 (pun intended).....including Band Aid, Live Aid, Netaid, & various benefits for Amnesty International.
  
• In Dec 1994, Bono receives the “Free Your Mind Award” at the MTV Europe Music Awards on behalf of Amnesty International. He says “Free your mind & your ### will follow” as part of his acceptance speech, not a reference to the En Vogue song playing as he took the stage, but to the 1970 song by Funkadelic.
  
• 1995 GoldenEye: 
  Edge & Bono wrote & produced the eponymous theme song of the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, which was performed by Tina Turner.   Link
  
• But......The Goldeneye Theme was originally supposed to be released by the group Ace of Base (the pop band from Sweden), but the song was rejected by their band's mgmt.   They originally recorded their own demo song for GoldenEye in 1994, a yr after their debut album (which sold > 50 million copies worldwide). The group's American label (Arista Records), considered them 'too big' for Bond & they rejected the deal, as Arista was reportedly worried about GoldenEye flopping in the USA, & in turn damaging the group's standing. 
  The opposite happened......not only was the movie a critical & commercial success, but it U2's version of song rebooted the career of Tina Turner.
  
• Ace of Base's version of the song was re-packaged & now exist as "The Juvenile" with slightly altered lyrics. Link
  

• In 1998, U2 played a free concert in Belfast to support the Northern Ireland Peace Accord. The Protestant & Catholic leaders who negotiated the agreement joined U2 on stage to encourage passage of the referendum, which it did.
  
• In April 1998, U2 appeared on the 200th episode of The Simpsons, where Homer interrupts their concert to ask the crowd to support him for Sanitation Commissioner. Homer is taken backstage & beaten up. 
  NOTE:   The Simpsons writers wrote the episode before knowing whether members of U2 would actually participate.  The band subsequently revealed that they were big fans of the show.
  Edge declared it "1 of the best things on TV".  "In fact, it's the only thing worth watching on TV at the moment. We've been fans for a long time,".
  Bono: "People like you have reduced us to cartoons before we ever got involved w The Simpsons. I'm here to kiss Homer Simpson's bottom."
  

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Shouldve Surrendered.

Nice.  Not that one though.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Nice.  Not that one though.

Mmm. Should have spent more that two Seconds thinking about it

 

[Willy]

• Did you know:  Achtung Baby condoms were distributed during the gigs of the ZOO TV Tour in 1992  ??         Link
  
• On the Zoo TV tour, Bono would call President Bush (the 1st one) from the stage. He never got through, but the White House operator got used to him & asked why he kept calling.
  

I saw them in 1992 at Camp Randall stadium.  I don't recall the condoms.  I do remember Bono calling the White House.  

That was a great show, sadly, I went with this huge group of people and we bought a block of tickets together which meant in order to get those 20 seats next to each other, we were the furthest away from the stage I've ever experienced at a live show.  Literally the all the way across the field, opposite endzone, way up in the stands.  Even Bob Uecker would have said, Wow, horrible seats man.   

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I saw them in 1992 at Camp Randall stadium.  I don't recall the condoms.  I do remember Bono calling the White House.  

That was a great show, sadly, I went with this huge group of people and we bought a block of tickets together which meant in order to get those 20 seats next to each other, we were the furthest away from the stage I've ever experienced at a live show.  Literally the all the way across the field, opposite endzone, way up in the stands.  Even Bob Uecker would have said, Wow, horrible seats man.   

That was a great concert.  I was there too.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#16 - Ultraviolet (Light My Way) (1991)

Highest Rank - 8

Lowest Rank - 55

Where to Find it - Achtung Baby LP

Vulture.com ranking and comment -14/218 - “Ultraviolet” is the epic of the album because it is the moment of catharsis. It is the place where our heroes stand together and acknowledge the imperfections of love and each other and decide they’re going to keep moving forward together: “Baby, baby, baby, light my way.” It’s the most Mancunian (think Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets) of all of the songs on the album from a rhythmic perspective, despite the band’s claims that other tracks should claim that honor. On the other hand, the structure of the composition is larger than that: that monumental key change before the last verse, that slight downshift, and Bono’s voice just roaring. The Edge is almost a guitar machine, consistent and unstoppable, and the rhythm section is the backseat driver.

All of this is why the 2017 live application of “Ultraviolet” to women of power in current and past history just did not fit, did not work. It’s a dark and disturbed song that can’t just be shoved into a new context.

Comment - This song has such a great build up. Almost the perfect album track. It is perhaps surprising that this is the third highest ranked track from Achtung Baby, but it really is a magnificent song.

Next up, we say goodbye to another album. Will it be All I want is You from Rattle and Hum, City of Blinding Lights from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, Gloria from October, Beautiful Day from All that You Can’t Leave Behind or I Will Follow from Boy. This song would have been a walk up top 10 song, perhaps as high as #6 if it wasn’t for the #82 ranking. 

 

[zoonation]

Achtung Baby Live

found this on YouTube.  Someone has pulled their favourite live versions of each track on the album.  Sound quality is fantastic.  That EBTTRT is apparently from Paris in 2000. The guitar is incredible.  You don’t often get to hear it clean without b singing over it.  

Edit:  WGRYWH is from 2018 and is fantastic.  Zoo station from 2006 in Buenos Aires just hammers.  So cruel acoustic in Winnipeg in 2011.  

Anyway, thought it would be appreciated here. 

 

[Ghost Rider]

This one being this "low" hurts a little, as Ultraviolet is a top 5 U2 in my book.  I didn't expect top 5 out of it here, but was hoping for top 10. Oh well.  As untoppable as the studio version is, or should I say was, I think the Rose Bowl version from the 360 might be a tad better.  That live version has a bit more urgency.  Either way, amazing song. 

 

[Anarchy99]

Just curious on comments from the peanut gallery. I haven’t paid close enough attention to who posted what and what songs people really like. But it seems like there may be 20 songs that people would rank in their Top 5.

Like in the Shark Pool where people have 15 guys as their Top 5 running backs. 

I had it at 55, although Lunchbox also says it was at at #82. I assume he meant 55. Like other songs, i could rank it higher on any given day. But I’m still not off by 100 spots like some other songs. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Just curious on comments from the peanut gallery. I haven’t paid close enough attention to who posted what and what songs people really like. But it seems like there may be 20 songs that people would rank in their Top 5.

Like in the Shark Pool where people have 15 guys as their Top 5 running backs. 

In had it at 55, although Lunchbox also says it was at at #82. I assume he meant 55. Like other songs, i could rank it higher on any given day. But I’m still not off by 100 spots like some other songs. 

Somewhere between 30-55 seems about right to me.  But that’s how I feel about most of the AB songs which made it into the top-25 here.

 

[zoonation]

This one being this "low" hurts a little, as Ultraviolet is a top 5 U2 in my book.  I didn't expect top 5 out of it here, but was hoping for top 10. Oh well.  As untoppable as the studio version is, or should I say was, I think the Rose Bowl version from the 360 might be a tad better.  That live version has a bit more urgency.  Either way, amazing song. 

It was top 5 in the U2 X radio poll. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

#16 - Ultraviolet (Light My Way) (1991)

Highest Rank - 8

Lowest Rank - 55

Where to Find it - Achtung Baby LP

Vulture.com ranking and comment -14/218 - “Ultraviolet” is the epic of the album because it is the moment of catharsis. It is the place where our heroes stand together and acknowledge the imperfections of love and each other and decide they’re going to keep moving forward together: “Baby, baby, baby, light my way.” It’s the most Mancunian (think Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets) of all of the songs on the album from a rhythmic perspective, despite the band’s claims that other tracks should claim that honor. On the other hand, the structure of the composition is larger than that: that monumental key change before the last verse, that slight downshift, and Bono’s voice just roaring. The Edge is almost a guitar machine, consistent and unstoppable, and the rhythm section is the backseat driver.

All of this is why the 2017 live application of “Ultraviolet” to women of power in current and past history just did not fit, did not work. It’s a dark and disturbed song that can’t just be shoved into a new context.

Comment - This song has such a great build up. Almost the perfect album track. It is perhaps surprising that this is the third highest ranked track from Achtung Baby, but it really is a magnificent song.

Next up, we say goodbye to another album. Will it be All I want is You from Rattle and Hum, City of Blinding Lights from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, Gloria from October, Beautiful Day from All that You Can’t Leave Behind or I Will Follow from Boy. This song would have been a walk up top 10 song, perhaps as high as #6 if it wasn’t for the #82 ranking. 

A tour de force. Most other bands would kill to have a track like this, but with U2, it’s not even the best song on the album it came from.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

Huge Ultraviolet fan. Great tune. Power all the way through. Glad to see it this high, we're in pretty elite territory now.

 

[bigbottom]

Once again, I’m the outlier as this song is pretty meh for me. 

 

[Nemesis]

#16 - Ultraviolet (Light My Way) (1991)   Highest- 8    Lowest- 55    AB
V-14/218 -epic of the album b/c it is the moment of catharsis. Is the place where our heroes stand together & acknowledge imperfections of love & each other & decide they’re going to keep moving fwd together: “Baby, baby, baby, light my way.” It’s the most Mancunian (think Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets) of all of the songs on the album from a rhythmic perspective, despite the band’s claims that other tracks should claim that honor. structure of the composition is larger than that: monumental key change before the last verse, slight downshift, & Bono’s voice just roaring. Edge is a guitar machine, consistent, unstoppable, the rhythm section is the backseat driver.

All of this is why the 2017 live application of “Ultraviolet” to women of power in current & past history just did not fit, did not work. It’s a dark & disturbed song that can’t just be shoved into a new context.

Comment - This song has such a great build up. Almost the perfect album track. perhaps surprising that this is the 3rd highest ranked track fr AB, really is a magnificent song.

Songfact:    Ultraviolet's lyrics are intended to address to a lover, & imply that their dependency & relationship are threatened by some sort of personal or spiritual crisis, coupled w a sense of unease over obligations 1's partner.  Meanwhile, the song has also had religious interpretations, w a loose allusion to the Bible's Book of Job which has the tale of God serving as a lamp upon Job's head walking through the darkness ("Ultraviolet...Light my Way").  BTW:  Ultraviolet represents an unseen wavelength beyond the visible spectrum so there is a fit.

U2 had so many ideas going into AB that 1 early creation, “Ultra Violet,” wound up being split in 2.  Half of it became “The Fly,” & the other half mutated into this often-overlooked gem. Brian Eno on the song’s “helicopter-ish melancholy,” a phrase that captures both its fluttering majesty & desperation. The lyrics seem to describe a relationship, w Bono insistently repeating the word “baby” – the 1st time he’d ever sung that word on a U2 song. “There was a good deal of laughter about Bono coming out & going ‘baby.'”

Bono calls the song "a little disturbed. "There's a silence that comes to a house when no 1 can sleep' is a great line", & I can say that w all modesty because I stole it from [fiction writer] Raymond Carver. My apologies. It is an epic U2 song but again the key of it left my voice in a conversational place & allowed a different kind of lyric writing. It has almost a Motown chorus: 'Baby, baby, baby, light my way.' This was the peak, the mountain top of babies. But it disguises very dark content: 'Your love is a secret that's been passed around.' Jealousy. Infidelity. Love rears its ugly head again."

Some publications have spelled the song as "Ultra Violet (Light My Way)". The back cover of the album shows it as 2 words "ULTRA violet" in the mixed-case style of the track listing, but the inside package material of some issues of the album has it as 1 word.  In Achtung Baby's album package, "Ultraviolet" is presented next to a photograph of a crumbling Berlin building that has a Trabant parked in front of it. Link

Edge has said the song is unwieldy to play live.   On U2's Zoo TV tour (1992-1993) almost all of the numbers from AB were augmented by sequencers to fill out the sound; on UV, under-the-stage keyboard tech Des Broadberry played a sampled guitar figure in the background during Edge's solo parts.  After its last performance on ZooTV tour in Dublin, the song was retired & did not appear on any of U2's next 3 subsequent tours (PopMart, Elevation, & Vertigo).

The name Ultra Violet was also given to one of U2's improvised mid-1990s business initiatives, a joint merchandising venture w MCA Inc.'s Winterland division; the partnership soon dissolved, but not before producing several hundred thousand pairs of Bono "Fly" glasses.

Recording:   The final UV song came from 2 different demos, 1 "Ultraviolet" & an alternately arranged demo called "Light My Way".  (there was also a demo originally called "69" which eventually evolved into "Lady w the Spinning Head")    Over the course of the recording sessions, U2 added various overdubs to the song, but producer Brian Eno believed these additions negatively impacted the track. Eno aided the group in editing down the song, & he explained his assistance as such: "I'd go in & say, 'The song has gone, whatever it is you liked about this song is not there anymore. Sometimes, for example, the song would have disappeared under layers of overdubs."

Release:  n/a    (The Studio 5:30 version wasn't released as a single........but an edited 4:30 promotional version of UV was sent to radio in The Philippines, where the song's ending was cut short & the same version appears on both sides of the record).

However, UV was used in a scene at the end of the 2006 Adam Sandler movie Click, in which Sandler's character drives home from Bed, Bath & Beyond to happily see his family, & make up for the mistakes he made w his universal remote control.

It was also featured in the 2007 film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

Charts:    n/a

Lyrics:
Sometimes I feel like I don’t know
Sometimes I feel like checkin’ out
I wanna get it wrong
Can’t always be strong
And love it won’t be long             <---in the "Baby" version this whole section was originally near the end of the song

Oh sugar, don’t you cry
Oh child, wipe the tears from your eye
You know I need you to be strong
And the day is as dark as the night is long
Feel like trash, you make me feel clean
I’m in the black, can’t see or be seen

Baby, baby, baby light my way
(Alright now)
Baby, baby, baby light my way

You bury your treasure, Where it can’t be found
But your love is like a secret, That’s been passed around
There is a silence that comes to a house...Where no one can sleep
I guess it’s the price of love....I know it’s not cheap

(Oh, come on)
Baby, baby, baby light my way
(Oh come on)
Baby, baby, baby light my way

Ultraviolet love / (baby)
Ultraviolet love / (love)
Ultraviolet love / (babe)
Ultraviolet love
Oh baby, baby, baby light my way

I remember When we could sleep on stones
Now we lie together In whispers and moans
When I was all messed up..And I had opera in my head
Your love was a light bulb...Hanging over my bed        (this whole verse is great)

Baby, baby, baby light my way
(Oh come on)
Baby, baby, baby light my way

Ultraviolet love
Ultraviolet love
Ultraviolet love
Ultraviolet love

Baby, baby, baby    
Baby, baby, baby light my way   (this is repeated to the end....so i'm not going to paste them all here)

Video:    n/a
Versions / Remixes:    Note:  JML's link is from Oct 2009 Rose Bowl in California on the 360 tour (great version BTW)
UV - Studio version 5:30     During the recording of the studio version, Larry Mullen dropped a drumstick midway through. After a 3 hour debate, they decided to use the take to preserve it's spontaneity.  (a fan posted to check out 3:10 - 3:14)

UV zoo tv tour. Stockholm 1992-06-11 5:54  this is early in the tour (and before McPhisto was developed)
UV 1993-08-28  Dublin 5:48  near the end of the tour (Bono now in McPhisto character)

UV - Portugal 360 tour Oct 3 2010 - 5:11 this video lets lets you see more of the stage and video screen

UV - SNL 2009 2:38 cut short On Sep 26, 2009, U2 performed on SNL & played 3 songs.  UV was played as the group's 3rd number, as the show's end credits ran by.  Unfortunately, the video was cut off after 2:38 & the full video has never surfaced.  (& U2 fans have expressed their frustrations)  

The Killers cover of UV  for the 2011 tribute album AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered. Drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr: "I was in high school when it came out & we'd drive around in my friend's mom's car & rock that sh%% all the time. When we were asked to record a cover, 'Ultraviolet' was a unanimous choice. It's reassuring to know that we're still on the same page after all these yrs. We brought it back to its bare bones, dumbed it down a little, took it back to the rock song underneath."

When Rolling Stone ranked their Top50 U2 songs:       28

Been played live       248 times….mostly the 92/93 ZooTV.....& 360 Tour….....& then some play on the JT 2017 & 2019 tours

 

[Nemesis]

Somewhere between 30-55 seems about right to me.  But that’s how I feel about most of the AB songs which made it into the top-25 here.

I'm in the same boat.
I had UV in the 26-35 range.....it was one of the songs that i had originally  "listed" but couldn't find a spot on my Top25.   

 

[Alex P Keaton]

#94 - Like a Song (1983)

Highest Rank - 64

Lowest Rank - 138

Where to Find it - War LP

Vulture.com ranking and comment -125/218 - This feels like U2 trying to offer commentary on the state of the music business at the time — “And in leather, lace, and chains / We stake our claim / Revolution once again” — but it’s all kind of wince-inducing and unnecessarily dramatic, even for someone who was on their side. The bridge is kind of interesting, and after basically not being able to hear Larry Mullen Jr. on the previous track (“New Year’s Day”), it’s good to hear him shine here. Mostly forgettable, though.

Comment - Good album track. This seems to be the part of the run down where we either get solid album tracks that do their job or tracks that are polarizing. 

Next up, we continue eating into the album tracks on more well known albums

Just listened to War again.   Still love this song.  It moved higher up my rankings.

 

[krista4]

Once again, I’m the outlier as this song is pretty meh for me. 

Peanut gallery checking in to agree with you on this.

I've been following along for a while after @Alex P Keaton tagged me many pages ago.  First of all, this is an amazing thread, and big props to JML and Nemesis for all their work in it.  The discussion is fantastic all around.

I was an early U2 adopter who somehow lost my way with them.  It's not them; it's me.  I went all the way through The Joshua Tree, which was my favorite record to that point in my life, and then...I guess I got distracted with other stuff and trailed off in my listening.  I know very little of their post-TJT output.  But since APK and Mrs. APK are such fans, I vowed to myself at least to give a good listen to the top 50 here.   

And I've noticed that my taste seems track almost precisely to bigbottom's, oddly enough.  He also loved "A Sort of Homecoming" more than most, as do I, and doesn't get the magic of this song, as don't I. 

By the way, really loved "So Cruel," which I'm not sure I'd ever heard.  Those simple three- and four-note descents on the piano are killer, and that vocal is swoon-worthy.  (The drums are a little too up in the mix and distracting, which would be my only minor quibble.)

 

[Nemesis]

#16 - Ultraviolet (Light My Way) (1991) 
Vulture - the 2017 live application of “Ultraviolet” to women of power in current & past history just did not fit, did not work. It’s a dark & disturbed song that can’t just be shoved into a new context.

I wanted to put this in a separate post & i'm glad vulture brought it up.

The way U2 presented Ultraviolet on the 2017 JT Anniv tour seemed manipulated & manufactured where they used the giant video screens to project women throughout history. The project was called HERSTORY & each night changes were made to modify what images were shown.  Vulture is right........it just doesn't really align with the song.  Link with photos

TJT Anniv tour - Seattle 2017-05-14 - 6:09

May 12, 2017 BC Place, Vancouver - opening night of TJT Tour 2017 here's another view of it....especially the end where Bono is going on by himself & trying to get the audience to sing along....something nobody has ever heard. 
IMO, it just gets awkward as most don't seem to be following along. 

Note:  I saw them on the 2017 JT Anniv Tour in Tampa.....and I will admit, at some point when you hear all of the rants, the political digs, the video imagery that is hand picked, and all of the causes, etc.....it starts to lose its impact when every song now gets something attached to it. 
I know....I know...let me put this here before someone replies with the softball question,  "You went to a U2 concert & were shocked to hear political opinions?"      Answer:   No, but it did make me do an eyeroll.   

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Just curious on comments from the peanut gallery. I haven’t paid close enough attention to who posted what and what songs people really like. But it seems like there may be 20 songs that people would rank in their Top 5.

Like in the Shark Pool where people have 15 guys as their Top 5 running backs. 

In had it at 55, although Lunchbox also says it was at at #82. I assume he meant 55. Like other songs, i could rank it higher on any given day. But I’m still not off by 100 spots like some other songs. 

Highest Rank - 8

Lowest Rank - 55

Next up, we say goodbye to another album. Will it be All I want is You from Rattle and Hum, City of Blinding Lights from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, Gloria from October, Beautiful Day from All that You Can’t Leave Behind or I Will Follow from Boy. This song would have been a walk up top 10 song, perhaps as high as #6 if it wasn’t for the #82 ranking

Alles Klaar?

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

This one being this "low" hurts a little, as Ultraviolet is a top 5 U2 in my book.  I didn't expect top 5 out of it here, but was hoping for top 10. Oh well.  As untoppable as the studio version is, or should I say was, I think the Rose Bowl version from the 360 might be a tad better.  That live version has a bit more urgency.  Either way, amazing song. 

Somewhere between 30-55 seems about right to me.  But that’s how I feel about most of the AB songs which made it into the top-25 here.

It was top 5 in the U2 X radio poll. 

A tour de force. Most other bands would kill to have a track like this, but with U2, it’s not even the best song on the album it came from.

Huge Ultraviolet fan. Great tune. Power all the way through. Glad to see it this high, we're in pretty elite territory now.

Once again, I’m the outlier as this song is pretty meh for me. 

I'm in the same boat.
I had UV in the 26-35 range.....it was one of the songs that i had originally  "listed" but couldn't find a spot on my Top25.   

Such amazing diversity in opinion. I am at 24 and to anarchys point, you cant have them all in your top 10. I would love to have it in my top 10, but there was no room. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

The Killers cover of UV  for the 2011 tribute album AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered. Drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr: "I was in high school when it came out & we'd drive around in my friend's mom's car & rock that sh%% all the time. When we were asked to record a cover, 'Ultraviolet' was a unanimous choice. It's reassuring to know that we're still on the same page after all these yrs. We brought it back to its bare bones, dumbed it down a little, took it back to the rock song underneath."

Thats what i love about tge stuff nemesis posts. Goes in a direction  that is full of great info. Love this cover,  but i am very partial to the Killers

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Peanut gallery checking in to agree with you on this.

I've been following along for a while after @Alex P Keaton tagged me many pages ago.  First of all, this is an amazing thread, and big props to JML and Nemesis for all their work in it.  The discussion is fantastic all around.

I was an early U2 adopter who somehow lost my way with them.  It's not them; it's me.  I went all the way through The Joshua Tree, which was my favorite record to that point in my life, and then...I guess I got distracted with other stuff and trailed off in my listening.  I know very little of their post-TJT output.  But since APK and Mrs. APK are such fans, I vowed to myself at least to give a good listen to the top 50 here.   

And I've noticed that my taste seems track almost precisely to bigbottom's, oddly enough.  He also loved "A Sort of Homecoming" more than most, as do I, and doesn't get the magic of this song, as don't I. 

By the way, really loved "So Cruel," which I'm not sure I'd ever heard.  Those simple three- and four-note descents on the piano are killer, and that vocal is swoon-worthy.  (The drums are a little too up in the mix and distracting, which would be my only minor quibble.)

Thank you. I am not sure if you were the first to do these type of things, but I was half jealous, half full of admiration when you did the Beatles. I’d had the idea to do U2 for ages, but just keep putting it off. You inspired me to get off my backside and do it. 

As for U2 and their music, i guess its not unusual as they lose their fire and energy, they make up for it with a better idea of their craft. I seem to be an outlier, although not the only one, in liking many of the newer songs. 

The reason I picked U2 is their length of excellence. Most good/great bands have a 5 year period that they are forced to relive for the rest of their career. Not U2. 15-40 years of excellence depending on where you jump off. 

 

[krista4]

Thank you. I am not sure if you were the first to do these type of things, but I was half jealous, half full of admiration when you did the Beatles. I’d had the idea to do U2 for ages, but just keep putting it off. You inspired me to get off my backside and do it. 

As for U2 and their music, i guess its not unusual as they lose their fire and energy, they make up for it with a better idea of their craft. I seem to be an outlier, although not the only one, in liking many of the newer songs. 

The reason I picked U2 is their length of excellence. Most good/great bands have a 5 year period that they are forced to relive for the rest of their career. Not U2. 15-40 years of excellence depending on where you jump off. 

  Love hearing that.  I've been happy to see how many threads my initial Beatles thread ended up spawning.  I'm not necessarily personally interested in each one, but it's cool to see all the different musical styles, eras, etc. that people are passionate about.

I was serious in saying it was me, not U2, that caused me not to listen much anymore.  Don't really remember why, but just found something else new and shiny, I suppose.  I've definitely been happy to hear some of the newer stuff.  It is amazing, as you said, how they've stayed at the top of their game for such an extended period.  I saw them on the Elevation Tour in 2001, and they were fantastic.  (Someone gave me tickets, which is how I saw most shows at that time.  It's how I first saw Paul McCartney, too, when I wasn't even a Beatles fan yet!)

 

[Ghost Rider]

Such amazing diversity in opinion. I am at 24 and to anarchys point, you cant have them all in your top 10. I would love to have it in my top 10, but there was no room. 

I will post my top ones in general order when your countdown is done, but I think we have seen two of my top five thus far (Until the End of the World and Ultraviolet). I think I referred to The Unforgettable Fire as a borderline top 5 (would likely be around 6 or 7). 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#15 - City of Blinding Lights (2004)

Highest Rank - 5

Lowest Rank - 82

Where to Find it - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb LP

Vulture.com ranking and comment -20/218 - It’s U2’s best New York song, capturing their love of the city and the mythology of it. It’s one of those songs with dozens of layers of meaning, and one of the particular ones that transformed once it was in front of U2 fans — specifically New Yorker U2 fans. “Oh, you look so beautiful tonight,” is the kind of line that only Bono can get away with singing to 20,000 people and sincerely meaning from the bottom of his heart. It is about the love of a big city, and about how you can both lose and find yourself there. “Time won’t leave me as I am / But time won’t take the boy out of this man,” Bono sings. The opening chords feel like walking through New York when the snow has just started to fall. It is a moment full of optimism and hope.

Comment - My favourite U2 track of this century and I have it top 5 overall. Everything they do well is here on this track. This is ranked 20 higher than the next track of the last 20 years. Some achievement. We really are getting to the major tracks now. The #82 ranking drops this significantly. If it were at 26, this finishes 6th. Even a 54 gets it to 10th. Has shades of New Years Day in the Piano work. 

Next up, Second last track from Achtung Baby hits as this album has been decimated over the last 11 tracks from 7 down to one after tomorrow. 

 

[DocHolliday]

#15 - City of Blinding Lights (2004)

Highest Rank - 5

Lowest Rank - 82

Where to Find it - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb LP

Vulture.com ranking and comment -20/218 - It’s U2’s best New York song, capturing their love of the city and the mythology of it. It’s one of those songs with dozens of layers of meaning, and one of the particular ones that transformed once it was in front of U2 fans — specifically New Yorker U2 fans. “Oh, you look so beautiful tonight,” is the kind of line that only Bono can get away with singing to 20,000 people and sincerely meaning from the bottom of his heart. It is about the love of a big city, and about how you can both lose and find yourself there. “Time won’t leave me as I am / But time won’t take the boy out of this man,” Bono sings. The opening chords feel like walking through New York when the snow has just started to fall. It is a moment full of optimism and hope.

Comment - My favourite U2 track of this century and I have it top 5 overall. Everything they do well is here on this track. This is ranked 20 higher than the next track of the last 20 years. Some achievement. We really are getting to the major tracks now. The #82 ranking drops this significantly. If it were at 26, this finishes 6th. Even a 54 gets it to 10th. Has shades of New Years Day in the Piano work. 

Next up, Second last track from Achtung Baby hits as this album has been decimated over the last 11 tracks from 7 down to one after tomorrow. 

Easily top 5 for me as well. Just a beautiful song.  

 

[Ghost Rider]

City of Blinding Lights feels like one of those songs where I am still waiting for that one perfect version.  The slide guitar isn't as pronounced in the studio version, so I cannot side with that one, but because Bono's live voice isn't as beastly as it used to be (and it needs to be to nail a song like this), the live versions with the more pronounced slide guitar aren't as great as they could be.   Regardless, still one of their best songs of the 21st century, and it definitely feels like classic U2. 

 

[Nemesis]

My favourite U2 track of this century & I have it top 5 overall. Everything they do well is here on this track.

Easily top 5 for me as well. Just a beautiful song.

I had it at #8..............great song.  I've been known to listen to the song & then hit repeat to hear it again. 

In concert, it's gets the audience up & singing along in unison (esp during the "All... You... Look.... So Beautiful Tonight" part).

I haven't done the write up yet....But THIS is an "Edge" song & one of his best.  The way he can use a slide AS THE melody in parts of the song.   (i think i remember reading that this is an extreme challenge to play in concert as Edge has to switch from Piano to guitar w/in a fraction of a second several times......I'll see if i can find it)

(and I'd also like to understand the #82 ranking..........no judgment, just want to hear the thoughts or why it falls short in their eyes)

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Peanut gallery checking in to agree with you on this.

I've been following along for a while after @Alex P Keaton tagged me many pages ago.  First of all, this is an amazing thread, and big props to JML and Nemesis for all their work in it.  The discussion is fantastic all around.

I was an early U2 adopter who somehow lost my way with them.  It's not them; it's me.  I went all the way through The Joshua Tree, which was my favorite record to that point in my life, and then...I guess I got distracted with other stuff and trailed off in my listening.  I know very little of their post-TJT output.  But since APK and Mrs. APK are such fans, I vowed to myself at least to give a good listen to the top 50 here.   

And I've noticed that my taste seems track almost precisely to bigbottom's, oddly enough.  He also loved "A Sort of Homecoming" more than most, as do I, and doesn't get the magic of this song, as don't I. 

By the way, really loved "So Cruel," which I'm not sure I'd ever heard.  Those simple three- and four-note descents on the piano are killer, and that vocal is swoon-worthy.  (The drums are a little too up in the mix and distracting, which would be my only minor quibble.)

The mention of krista’s name actually inspired and motivated Mrs APK to do the unthinkable: She actually spent time this morning writing down her top-30 U2 song rankings.  When the time is right, I’ll share that with anyone who compiles future lists.

Note:  literally all of her current top-30 list (which could change a hundred times just today alone) are from Achtung or earlier.  Nothing post-1991.  I casually asked her about that aspect and her reply:  

 

[bigbottom]

For someone who is heavily slanted toward pre-AB U2, I think this is an incredible song. Easily top 20 for me. 

 

[Nemesis]

literally all of her current top-30 list (which could change a hundred times just today alone) are from Achtung or earlier.  Nothing post-1991.  I casually asked her about that aspect and her reply:  

Mrs APK……Stuck In a Moment She Can’t Get Out Of?

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Mrs APK……Stuck I’m a Moment She Can’t Get Out Of?

Am I allowed to use the laughing emoji?

I walked into the house this morning after playing basketball, and before saying hello or good morning she said “I made a top-30 list.  Here.”   I looked at it for 15 seconds and said “hey, they’ve done a couple albums in the past 30 years.  Don’t we have a couple of them around here somewhere?”

 

[zoonation]

U2 obviously peaked with the Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.  Zoo TV remains the greatest rock and roll show of all time.  Was just so ahead of its time, which I would suggest is a defining feature of U2 and why they have been the biggest band on earth for almost 40 years.  

But it makes me sad that people just write off everything that came afterwards.  And I think they do it without actually listening to anything but what they hear on the radio.  Which is fair enough, I guess.  

They have written some incredible tunes in that time frame and are incredible musicians.  Whether it is putting on the biggest show (which they always do) or just sit down with a guitar or a keyboard and play acoustic.  They have written songs that can play both ways, which is a testament to their craft.  Here is an acoustic version of Every Breaking Wave that speaks to what I am saying:

EBW - Acoustic

Bono is well into his 50’s here and his voice is just magic.  
 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

U2 obviously peaked with the Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.  Zoo TV remains the greatest rock and roll show of all time.  Was just so ahead of its time, which I would suggest is a defining feature of U2 and why they have been the biggest band on earth for almost 40 years.  

But it makes me sad that people just write off everything that came afterwards.  And I think they do it without actually listening to anything but what they hear on the radio.  Which is fair enough, I guess.  

They have written some incredible tunes in that time frame and are incredible musicians.  Whether it is putting on the biggest show (which they always do) or just sit down with a guitar or a keyboard and play acoustic.  They have written songs that can play both ways, which is a testament to their craft.  Here is an acoustic version of Every Breaking Wave that speaks to what I am saying:

EBW - Acoustic

Bono is well into his 50’s here and his voice is just magic.  
 

To clarify since this followed my recent posts: we listen to and enjoy a lot of post-AB U2.  Really don’t know why Beautiful Day, for example, isn’t in Mrs APK’s top-30.  Or another 4-6 songs for example.

My daughter told me recently that Crystal Ballroom is one of her favorite.  (which is awesome — I love that song and think with minor tweaks it is a top-50 U2 song)

All that said, IMO they peaked with TJT.  But they’ve made so much great music since…..

 

[Alex P Keaton]

#15 - City of Blinding Lights (2004)

Highest Rank - 5

Lowest Rank - 82

Where to Find it - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb LP

Vulture.com ranking and comment -20/218 - It’s U2’s best New York song, capturing their love of the city and the mythology of it. It’s one of those songs with dozens of layers of meaning, and one of the particular ones that transformed once it was in front of U2 fans — specifically New Yorker U2 fans. “Oh, you look so beautiful tonight,” is the kind of line that only Bono can get away with singing to 20,000 people and sincerely meaning from the bottom of his heart. It is about the love of a big city, and about how you can both lose and find yourself there. “Time won’t leave me as I am / But time won’t take the boy out of this man,” Bono sings. The opening chords feel like walking through New York when the snow has just started to fall. It is a moment full of optimism and hope.

Comment - My favourite U2 track of this century and I have it top 5 overall. Everything they do well is here on this track. This is ranked 20 higher than the next track of the last 20 years. Some achievement. We really are getting to the major tracks now. The #82 ranking drops this significantly. If it were at 26, this finishes 6th. Even a 54 gets it to 10th. Has shades of New Years Day in the Piano work. 

Next up, Second last track from Achtung Baby hits as this album has been decimated over the last 11 tracks from 7 down to one after tomorrow. 

Great song!  26th on my list but could easily be top-15 on any given day.  

 

[krista4]

#15 - City of Blinding Lights (2004)

Highest Rank - 5

Lowest Rank - 82

Has shades of New Years Day in the Piano work. 

Wow!  Had never heard this song and loved it.  Funny you mentioned New Years Day, as it hit me almost immediately how much this sounded like that.  Takes a top-tier classic and refreshes it, in a good way.

The mention of krista’s name actually inspired and motivated Mrs APK to do the unthinkable: She actually spent time this morning writing down her top-30 U2 song rankings.  

 

For someone who is heavily slanted toward pre-AB U2, I think this is an incredible song. 

  As usual, I agree with bigbottom.

 

[bigbottom]

U2 obviously peaked with the Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.  Zoo TV remains the greatest rock and roll show of all time.  Was just so ahead of its time, which I would suggest is a defining feature of U2 and why they have been the biggest band on earth for almost 40 years.  

But it makes me sad that people just write off everything that came afterwards.  And I think they do it without actually listening to anything but what they hear on the radio.  Which is fair enough, I guess.  

They have written some incredible tunes in that time frame and are incredible musicians.  Whether it is putting on the biggest show (which they always do) or just sit down with a guitar or a keyboard and play acoustic.  They have written songs that can play both ways, which is a testament to their craft.  Here is an acoustic version of Every Breaking Wave that speaks to what I am saying:

EBW - Acoustic

Bono is well into his 50’s here and his voice is just magic.  
 

I’m sorry that it makes you sad. But for me at least, great ≠ favorite.  People often connect with music through life experiences and that is what makes certain songs have special meaning. I know that’s the case for me - U2 wrote the soundtrack for my high school years. For what it’s worth, along with City of Blinding Lights, Iris and Kite are probably in my top 20 as well. But my favorites absolutely skew pre-AB. 

 

[Anarchy99]

Blinding Lights never moved me. It’s a good song and well executed, but I just never got that into it. I can’t say I ever went looking for it to listen to. I am sure I must have skipped over it on occasion when it came on. To me, it’s just another good but not spectacular song. Clearly I am in the minority in this group. 

 

[zoonation]

I’m sorry that it makes you sad. But for me at least, great ≠ favorite.  People often connect with music through life experiences and that is what makes certain songs have special meaning. I know that’s the case for me - U2 wrote the soundtrack for my high school years. For what it’s worth, along with City of Blinding Lights, Iris and Kite are probably in my top 20 as well. But my favorites absolutely skew pre-AB. 

Haha.  I was being a bit hyperbolic.  

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

6/7 years ago I did a poll.

https://forums.footballguys.com/topic/727618-what-is-the-last-great-u2-song/

Shame I cannot resurrect it.

 

[Nemesis]

#15 - City of Blinding Lights (2004)   Highest- 5    Lowest- 82      HTDAAB
V-20/218 -U2’s best NYC song, capturing their love. dozens of layers of meaning. transformed once it was in front of U2 fans. “Oh, you look so beautiful tonight,” is the kind of line that only Bono can get away w. About the love of a big city, & about how you can both lose & find yourself there. “Time won’t leave me as I am / But time won’t take the boy out of this man”. The opening chords feel like walking through NY when the snow has just started to fall. A moment full of optimism & hope.

Comment - My favorite U2 track of this century-top 5 overall. Everything they do well is here on this track. Has shades of NYD in the Piano work.  

Songfact:
U2 began work on “City of Blinding Lights” during the 1997 Pop sessions, under the song's original working title of “Scott Walker” (Adam described it as an homage to the British musician).  U2 reworked it in prep for their 2000 ATYCLB album, but the song remained unfinished when that album was released.  

Bono’s initial lyrics were inspired by his 1st trip to London w his wife, when they were teenagers, & the band’s 1st trip to NYC, in 1980. “It’s an area of Bono’s lyric writing that I really like,” Edge said. “It’s cinematic, conjuring up a place & time. NYC really brings you somewhere, a state of mind.”

Then in 2001, U2 was on their Elevation Tour when the terrorist attacks of Sept 11, 2001 occurred.  They had already played 2 nights at Madison Sq Garden in June of that yr, but decided to return to MSG for 3 nights in late October.  During those concerts, they performed "Streets" & Bono remembered seeing a bunch of blinding lights once the house lights came up.  Bono could see tears streaming down the faces of many fans & was inspired to utter the line "Oh you look so beautiful tonight".  It was this passion & emotion of the city's fans that helped him to finish the chorus of the song.  

All in all, this means it took 7 yrs for U2 to finish the song before releasing it on the 2004 HTDAAB.

Bono:  "The 1st verse is in London & the chorus is in NY". "The thing I had in mind was my 1st trip to London w [wife] Ali when we were teenagers, on the ferry & the train, walking into Piccadilly Circus & up Wardour Street & just discovering what a big city could offer you & what it could take away. And then, of course, NYC, the scene in Madison Square Garden during the Elevation tour, where the lights came on & 18,000 NY'ers were in tears, jumping up & down, & I shouted out to them, 'Oh, you look so beautiful tonight.' It is such a naive & innocent line. That's what this song is about, remembering those times. I miss you when you're not around. It's not necessarily a curse, it's that part of us that is missing. It's about recapturing a sense of wonder, being in a city, & reminding yourself that you don't have to lose your soul to gain the world."

The song distinctively begins w a low note played on guitar w heavy delay & distortion applied. The note is sustained for 10 secs as its harmonics gradually feed back. Meanwhile, Edge begins to add the pulsing rhythm guitar part w muted staccato chords underneath. After a further10 secs it is joined by lower-register guitar drones played by Edge, & a repetition of 8 descending piano notes performed by the Edge & Bono. Finally, Clayton's bass & Larry fade into the song 45 secs into the song, w producer Jacknife Lee's synthesizers, which help play part of the melody line.

During the Vertigo Tour, the piano introduction was played by Adam Clayton on a keyboard

In 2005, U2 performed COBL to close the an episode of Entourage (S2E9). The boys went to see U2 in concert at The Staples Center in LA. At the end of the song Bono gives a Happy Birthday to Kevin Dillon's character,
"Hey Johnny Drama!    Feliz Cumpleanos Amigo!"
U2 then breaks into Vertigo & the episode goes to the closing credits.  (In reality, it filmed at the April 6, 2005 U2 show in San Diego)

In 2006, the song was used in the film "Devil wears Prada" for the glamorous Paris scenes & Valentino's new collection ramp walk. (it was also on the soundtrack)  Actual movie clip when COBL used       Full length - special video

In 2008, the song got a 2nd life when Barack Obama said it was 1 of his favorites & used it during 2008 & 2012 campaign events.  U2 performed Pride & COBL at his 2009 inaugural celebration in front of the Lincoln Memorial.

In 2008, NASA used it for the 4th wake up call of STS-126. The song was played for Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough. The song was used again on 3 March 2011 for the 8th wake up call of STS-133.

In 2009, The Simpsons used the song in the parody episode "The Devil Wears Nada"; as Homer & Carl arrive in Paris.

Release:    COBL was the 3rd single from the album (the 4th in Canada), commercially released in Europe, the UK, Canada & Australia.   In the US, it was just a promotional release to radio.   (i don't know why)

3 major version of the releases contained different B-sides:
        "All Because of You" (Killahurtz Fly Mix) 05:40
        "The Fly" (Live - Manchester, Jun. 19, 1992) 04:39    +  "EBTTRT" (Live - Manchester, Jun. 19, 1992) 03:50
         3" CD Europe release:     "Out of Control" (Live - Brooklyn, NY, Nov. 22, 2004) 05:05

Charts-peaked at:      UK # 2    US:  #n/a        Canada:  #2   Ire: #8    (#1 in Spain)
This won U2 a Grammy in the Best Rock Song category.   (HTDAAB won a Grammy for Best Rock Album)

Lyrics:
Bono wrote the verse, "I've seen you walk unafraid / I've seen you in the clothes you've made / Can you see the beauty inside of me? / What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?" was written as an expression of his love for Alison, w a reflection on their life together as they grow older.

"Some pray for, others steal   / Blessings are not just for the ones who kneel"   I saw an interesting discussion where this line & the comma "," have lots of interpretations / contradiction in it.  
     1 - Some people pray (for things for themselves).....while others just steal them      OR
    2 - Some people pray for the others who steal

Bono: "The song ends w the line 'blessings are not just for the ones who kneel, luckily.' I thank God on a daily basis for endless amounts of grace & covering the cracks that I would have fallen through."

Video:  (JML's link)   It was shot over 2 days, on April 27 & 28, 2005 in Vancouver, Canada while U2 was about to kick off the 1st leg of their Vertigo tour.  It incorporates footage shot on a closed set inside GM Place as well as the actual Vancouver concert footage shot the following night.  (the venue was chosen as it was avail during the 2005 NHL lockout)

On April 27th:
      1:30pm - a local public announcement went out to U2 fans that wanted to be extras in a video as concert goers  (apparently, word got leaked before the announcement & fans started lining up even earlier)
      3:00pm - wristbands were distributed to 4000 fans
      7:00pm - fans w wristbands were let into the building (GM Place)
      8:20pm - U2 took the stage & ran through 6 renditions of “COBL”, as well as the “Hokey Pokey” & finished with a mini concert of “Vertigo,” “All Because of You,” & “Sometimes You Can’t Make it on Your Own.”

The audio for the video is the shorter "4:15 Radio Edit" version of the song, w a significant amount of crowd noise mixed in at the start.  (The studio version clocks in at 5:48)   The video was circulated for play on May 30, 2005.

Live Versions / Remixes:
COBL - NYC Nov 22, 2004 under the Brooklyn Bridge
COBL - Milan July 21, 2005
COBL - Rose Bowl - Oct 2009 360 Tour 5:21  Incredible drone footage of the Claw stage.  Filmed for the concert film U2360
COBL - Paris Dec 6, 2015  watch how they did it on the E+I tour

COBL - covered by Anthrax 6:03 Yes..... Anthrax.   Apparently, they were signed by Island Records in 1985 so they are label-mates and they are die-hard U2 fans. Read the video description.  (& check out the wall behind the lead guitarist.....or wait for the 5:45 mark)

When Rolling Stone ranked their Top50 U2 songs:  32

Been played live:      390 times…...... Not played on the 2017/2019 JT Anniv tours

 

[Nemesis]

In 2006, ESPN used "City of Blinding Lights" in their FIFA World Cup television commercials.
The piece, titled "Anthem," featured narration about the sport by Bono, which was set against a montage of children playing football across the globe & video of the band in concert.  Link

In 2010, ESPN used COBL for a 2nd time in commercials for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, causing weekly online sales of the track to double from the month prior. Link

In 2010, ESPN also used Beautiful Day , Magnificent &  Out of Control in commercials for the 2010 World Cup

(I think this is also for the 2010 World Cup....using Streets)

 

[Nemesis]

a little humor for the Seinfeld crowd Link

 

[bigbottom]

6/7 years ago I did a poll.

https://forums.footballguys.com/topic/727618-what-is-the-last-great-u2-song/

Shame I cannot resurrect it.

Interesting. I went with Iris at the time. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

#15 - City of Blinding Lights (2004)

Highest Rank - 5

Lowest Rank - 82

Where to Find it - How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb LP

Vulture.com ranking and comment -20/218 - It’s U2’s best New York song, capturing their love of the city and the mythology of it. It’s one of those songs with dozens of layers of meaning, and one of the particular ones that transformed once it was in front of U2 fans — specifically New Yorker U2 fans. “Oh, you look so beautiful tonight,” is the kind of line that only Bono can get away with singing to 20,000 people and sincerely meaning from the bottom of his heart. It is about the love of a big city, and about how you can both lose and find yourself there. “Time won’t leave me as I am / But time won’t take the boy out of this man,” Bono sings. The opening chords feel like walking through New York when the snow has just started to fall. It is a moment full of optimism and hope.

Comment - My favourite U2 track of this century and I have it top 5 overall. Everything they do well is here on this track. This is ranked 20 higher than the next track of the last 20 years. Some achievement. We really are getting to the major tracks now. The #82 ranking drops this significantly. If it were at 26, this finishes 6th. Even a 54 gets it to 10th. Has shades of New Years Day in the Piano work. 

Next up, Second last track from Achtung Baby hits as this album has been decimated over the last 11 tracks from 7 down to one after tomorrow. 

Fantastic. Draws on some of the most dynamic elements of their old sound and updates it for the 21st century. 

 

[krista4]

Takes a top-tier classic and refreshes it, in a good way.

Fantastic. Draws on some of the most dynamic elements of their old sound and updates it for the 21st century. 

 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Easily top 5 for me as well. Just a beautiful song.  

I had it at #8..............great song.  I've been known to listen to the song & then hit repeat to hear it again. 

In concert, it's gets the audience up & singing along in unison (esp during the "All... You... Look.... So Beautiful Tonight" part).

I haven't done the write up yet....But THIS is an "Edge" song & one of his best.  The way he can use a slide AS THE melody in parts of the song.   (i think i remember reading that this is an extreme challenge to play in concert as Edge has to switch from Piano to guitar w/in a fraction of a second several times......I'll see if i can find it)

(and I'd also like to understand the #82 ranking..........no judgment, just want to hear the thoughts or why it falls short in their eyes)

For someone who is heavily slanted toward pre-AB U2, I think this is an incredible song. Easily top 20 for me. 

Great song!  26th on my list but could easily be top-15 on any given day.  

Fantastic. Draws on some of the most dynamic elements of their old sound and updates it for the 21st century. 

This is all great to hear. I mean I had it at #5 cause i genuinely think its one of their best tracks. I was preparing for flak from the “only the old stuff is good” crowd NTTAWWT

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

and I'd also like to understand the #82 ranking..........no judgment, just want to hear the thoughts or why it falls short in their eyes)

Blinding Lights never moved me. It’s a good song and well executed, but I just never got that into it. I can’t say I ever went looking for it to listen to. I am sure I must have skipped over it on occasion when it came on. To me, it’s just another good but not spectacular song. Clearly I am in the minority in this group. 

This is what I was hoping for. People would come in and talk about their high and low stuff, but we aren’t all made of time. Sometimes songs bring up bad memories, sometimes you wonder what the fuss is about when everyone else raves about something. Plenty of reasons to be an outlier. Like always, I welcome it. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

The mention of krista’s name actually inspired and motivated Mrs APK to do the unthinkable: She actually spent time this morning writing down her top-30 U2 song rankings.  When the time is right, I’ll share that with anyone who compiles future lists.

Note:  literally all of her current top-30 list (which could change a hundred times just today alone) are from Achtung or earlier.  Nothing post-1991.  I casually asked her about that aspect and her reply:  

Looking forward to these lists when I ask for them. Once again as long as the minimum is 25, the maximum can be anything....even including the ones in anarchys thread