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

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Wait, those were your rankings?  I’m confused as you seem to hate the songs so I thought they were someone else’s.  Or maybe does this comes back to your saying there are some that you didn’t rank though you initially intended to rank everything that someone else did?  I think you said you were going to mention something about that.

Anything with a rank lower than 230 is mine. So yes I ranked Bang a Gong and False Prophet lower than the one tomorrow. How I felt at the time. That said, the one coming tomorrow is a stinker. 

There are many tracks I did not rank because a) it was a dodgy live recording, b) the studio quality is not worth it. There is one from the achtung baby leaks of Bono just mumbling over some jam the other guys are doing. Im not ranking that and c) i cant rank them all. 288 and I was done. 

For this exercise, i am just one of 40 rankers and now we get to comments, i am trying to be impersonal and just concentrate on the rankings, but some will have be more personal than others. #306 will illustrate that. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Like many other bands, U2 started out playing covers before they wrote their own material. Some of their early covers included . . .

- Bye, Bye, Baby (Baby Goodbye) (Four Seasons)
- Show Me The Way (Peter Frampton)
- Brown Sugar (Rolling Stones)
- Jumpin' Jack Flash (Rolling Stones)
- Johnny B. Good (Chuck Berry)
- What's Going On (Marvin Gaye)
- Anarchy In The U.K. (Sex Pistols)
- Suffragette City (David Bowie)
- Nights In White Satin (Moody Blues)
- Peaceful Easy Feeling (Eagles)

How they built a following off of that mish mosh blend of eclectic songs is a mystery. Thankfully, I have never stumbled into any of those recordings.

I have been working on my Top 100 U2 covers, and I have discovered that there are more than 100. Maybe I will rank them all, but a bunch of them are Edge Karaoke, and those to me were more comic relief to break up the first set of the Pop tour than legit performances. Decisions, decisions . . .

The new batch of songs from your list have some really good covers, and originals. Unfortunately U2 make some poor choices and sing songs they like, rather than ones they can perform well. My top ranked solo ranking is an original, but its followed closely by covers. I’m guessing maybe 10-20% of their covers are worth a damn and 50% or higher are in the bad to awful category. 

By the way, their take on Bye Bye Baby would have been based on the Bay City Rollers cover which was massive everywhere at the time U2 were starting, except the US. It incited Rollermania which i am just able to remember. The new Beatles strike again. 

 

[Gr00vus]

I can't believe you went to 288. And you should definitely go to town with the personal takes.

 

[krista4]

Anything with a rank lower than 230 is mine. So yes I ranked Bang a Gong and False Prophet lower than the one tomorrow. How I felt at the time. That said, the one coming tomorrow is a stinker. 

There are many tracks I did not rank because a) it was a dodgy live recording, b) the studio quality is not worth it. There is one from the achtung baby leaks of Bono just mumbling over some jam the other guys are doing. Im not ranking that and c) i cant rank them all. 288 and I was done. 

For this exercise, i am just one of 40 rankers and now we get to comments, i am trying to be impersonal and just concentrate on the rankings, but some will have be more personal than others. #306 will illustrate that. 

Ah, I misunderstood.  Had thought you were only rankings songs you like (as the rest of us were doing) plus anything that someone else had ranked (whether you liked it or not).

 And you should definitely go to town with the personal takes.

Agree with Gr00vus on this!

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I can't believe you went to 288. And you should definitely go to town with the personal takes.

Thanks, but this isnt about me. Its about U2. As with our first run, talking about songs 308-200 will make it sound like I hate u2 haha. One of the reasons I need to start the top half of the list at the same time. 

My personal take will be there, but not overwhelming so on most songs. #306 will be an exception

 

[Gr00vus]

Thanks, but this isnt about me. Its about U2. As with our first run, talking about songs 308-200 will make it sound like I hate u2 haha. One of the reasons I need to start the top half of the list at the same time. 

My personal take will be there, but not overwhelming so on most songs. #306 will be an exception

Other people are going to give their takes in here, you should too. That's all I'm saying.

 

[Anarchy99]

The new batch of songs from your list have some really good covers, and originals. Unfortunately U2 make some choices and sing songs they like, rather than ones they can perform well. My top ranked solo ranking is an original, but its followed closely by covers. I’m guessing maybe 10-20% of their covers are worth a damn and 50% or higher are in the bad to awful category. 

By the way, their take on Bye Bye Baby would have been based on the Bay City Rollers cover which was massive everywhere at the time U2 were starting, except the US. It incited Rollermania which i am just able to remember. The new Beatles strike again. 

I was a huge Bay City Rollers fan back in the day. I had 7 or 8 of their albums. Hard to believe they couldn't give away the original version / single of Saturday Night (didn't chart anywhere), and then they re-recorded it and it hit #1 in the States.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Ah, I misunderstood.  Had thought you were only rankings songs you like (as the rest of us were doing) plus anything that someone else had ranked (whether you liked it or not).

I say a lot of things lol.

I also said if anyone else ranked a song, so would I. As lists came trickling I realized that a bunch of songs i thought werent worth ranking were included. In a few cases there were songs that werent even on anarchys list, so were really rare. 

I ultimately had to make the decision to either rank or not rank these approximately 20 songs, which meant going back and listening 5 times and then writing an opinion. The decision was made to just get on with what i had rather than spend an extra week extending my own rankings to 308. 

I didnt want anyone else to force themselves into songs they didnt like territory. Best way to not get a list, 

 

[Gr00vus]

I didnt want anyone else to force themselves into songs they didnt like territory. Best way to not get a list, 

Oh, but you're fine with forcing people into songs they only sort of like.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I was a huge Bay City Rollers fan back in the day. I had 7 or 8 of their albums. Hard to believe they couldn't give away the original version / single of Saturday Night (didn't chart anywhere), and then they re-recorded it and it hit #1 in the States.

The Rollers, which is not unusual, had a very demanding and ruthless manager in Tam Paton. He was heavily involved in their sound, look and got rid of countless members cause they werent pretty enough. A hard job to find the right guys in Scotland lol. 

Unfortunately he was also a sexual predator and had numerous young wards in his “care”. He was one of many in the 70s british music scene that was a wrong un of the highest order. I cant recall how many of the Rollers he forced into sexual acts, but they were probably too old for him. The auditioning process would have seen this scumbag at his worst. 

 

[simey]

#307 - False Prophet 

So basic and raw. Just an anthology filler. It doesn’t show any glimpse at their potential. Just teaching them how to use their instruments really. Anyone who listens to this more than 5 times probably needs their head examined. 

They do sound raw in this. It's not bad, but it sounds like they are experimenting with their sound. At one point about a minute near the end, I hear a B-52's vibe coming through. 

 

[simey]

#150 - Daddy’s Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car

It's not a bad song, but it is a bit too electronic sounding for me, but it has a cool bassline.

 

[krista4]

JML, are you doing the two-from-the-####-end, one-from-the-good end combo only until you get to a point where there are equal numbers left of both, or are you extending it 2/1 until you're left with only the good-end songs?

(I'm asking out of curiosity and not to suggest you should do it one way or the other.)

(Though if there's a vote, I'd vote for the latter so the scrubs are out of the way earlier and then we can focus on the good stuff.)

 

[Pip's Invitation]

some will have be more personal than others. #306 will illustrate that. 

Get on Your Boots is coming! 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Even if I had ranked more songs, this never would have made my list.  When I started finally warming up to Zooropa……I heard this song again.  And was reminded of how mediocre this album is.

I ranked 80 songs and Daddy's... was not one of them. I don't have a problem with them being experimental, but this song just doesn't play to their strengths. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

JML, are you doing the two-from-the-####-end, one-from-the-good end combo only until you get to a point where there are equal numbers left of both, or are you extending it 2/1 until you're left with only the good-end songs?

(I'm asking out of curiosity and not to suggest you should do it one way or the other.)

(Though if there's a vote, I'd vote for the latter so the scrubs are out of the way earlier and then we can focus on the good stuff.)

I am not going to be mathematically anal about 2 from column a and 1 from column b etc. 

Sometimes I might do 3 in a day, sometimes 4. Maybe even 5. Just a mixture, but yes the bottom end will dominate numbers until they are gone. Most of the writing will be on 308-151 as there is a lot of new stuff. There is only one new song in the top 150, maybe 2 and it/they come up reasonably soon. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Get on Your Boots is coming! 

Not for a long time I’m afraid. 130 songs ahead of it. Its not in the top 150 so it will be awhile. Same with your song ie wont be for awhile lol. Might even do both on the same day for ####s and giggles. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#306 - New Gold Dream with Simple Minds

This is the best Simple Minds song....by a mile. You couldn’t tell from this monstrosity though. If ever an artist can ruin a song live its Jim Kerr, lead singer of Simple Minds. He is really pompous and so desperately wants to be Bono. Bono is wasted here. Simple Minds plays to huge crowds....still. His fake sincerity is just so transparent. I’ve seen them twice. Walked out the second time in their hometown of Glasgow. A few reasons why, but one of the 3 reasons is that i just cant stand him live. Thing is i love their recorded material up until 1992. The recorded version is synth pop royalty. I was reluctant to list this as it appears The Edge, Larry and Adam had nothing to do with this abomination. Still, any chance to sink the boot into Kerr and I will take it. 

Anarchy99 comment

Simple Minds opened for U2 on some of the TUF tour. On 3 occasions, Bono joined the band to close out their set. This is a Simple Minds song from the Glascow - 1985-01-05 show. Not officially released.

Total Points - 1.31

Average Points per rank - 1.31

Highest and only rank - 279

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#305 - Everybody Loves a Winner with Maria McKee

Way too bluesy for me. More a Lone Justice track. Do not like. I do understand that if someone listens to this that they may enjoy. Not me. Its produced well, but why anyone thought it was worth including on Achtung Baby is beyond me. Totally the wrong vibe. 

Anarchy99 comment

Originally recorded during the AB sessions with Lone Justice singer Maria McKee on vocals. It sat tucked away for 20 years before finally getting officially released for the 20th anniversary edition of Achtung Baby as a bonus track.

Total Points - 1.39

Average Points per rank - 1.39

Highest and only rank - 271

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#149 - North and South of the River

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 101/218 - This track, written with the Irish folk singer Christy Moore, addresses the conflict in Northern Ireland around the time of the Good Friday Agreement. It’s a protest song, it’s Bono trying to write a gospel song and sing it like Al Green, and it’s wonderful. The band only performed it live once, on an Irish TV benefit for the victims of the Omagh bombing in 1998, where they deconstructed the song and made it more U2, and, understandably, more personal.

Comment - I must be missing something and the rest of us too. Bland. Stuck on a b side. Should have never even been released. I might have to listen again a few times to see if i missed something.

Total Points - 90.55

Rankers - 7

Average Points per rank - 12.94 (Approximately an 79th rank). 

Ranks 161st on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 42

Lowest Rank - 184

Previous Rank - 215 > 149

No special version requested

Ranking Comments - Two top 50 rankings give this a massive bump in rankings from originally. Those 2 top 50 rankings were at or near the bottom of each list though. It is earnest and harmless really. There are a few versions floating around, some better than others. Lack of familiarity and the meandering nature means it takes a while to get into. Once you do its still not worth it lol.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Next up we leave the covers alone and instead move into early/demo songs for 2 tracks that were best left in the bin.

In the middle we have a newer song that takes a significant tumble from where we had it originally. This song had a specific version requested, so we will add that one in too. 

 

[Acrobat7]

Next up we leave the covers alone and instead move into early/demo songs for 2 tracks that were best left in the bin.

In the middle we have a newer song that takes a significant tumble from where we had it originally. This song had a specific version requested, so we will add that one in too. 

Looking at the rankings of Daddy‘s Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car (#150, 134/228 for me) and North And South Of The River (#149, 145/228) I start to wonder if my rankings have a shot at being the closest to the average. Is there a price for that? 

Obviously too early to tell and I already know that I will be waaaaay off with my rankings for some songs. Probably especially with ISHFWILF…

But back to North and South of the River. It is okayish but bland. It deserves its spot in the no man’s land.

 

[simey]

#149 - North and South of the River

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 101/218 - This track, written with the Irish folk singer Christy Moore, addresses the conflict in Northern Ireland around the time of the Good Friday Agreement. It’s a protest song, it’s Bono trying to write a gospel song and sing it like Al Green, and it’s wonderful. The band only performed it live once, on an Irish TV benefit for the victims of the Omagh bombing in 1998, where they deconstructed the song and made it more U2, and, understandably, more personal.

Comment - I must be missing something and the rest of us too. Bland. Stuck on a b side. Should have never even been released. I might have to listen again a few times to see if i missed something.

I'm in the "It's Ok" camp with liking this song. I think I would have a better appreciation of it if I lived in Ireland.

 

[Brony]

Looking at the rankings of Daddy‘s Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car (#150, 134/228 for me) and North And South Of The River (#149, 145/228) I start to wonder if my rankings have a shot at being the closest to the average. Is there a price for that? 

Obviously too early to tell and I already know that I will be waaaaay off with my rankings for some songs. Probably especially with ISHFWILF…

But back to North and South of the River. It is okayish but bland. It deserves its spot in the no man’s land.

Agree with okaying but bland. Nothing wrong with the song, but also nothing that interesting. 

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

#150 - Daddy’s Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car

I've always liked this song. In fact, it's my 2nd favorite on Zooropa. 

I only ranked 40 songs and only one from this album made my cut. It probably would've been in my next 30-40 songs.

 

[krista4]

#306 - New Gold Dream with Simple Minds

Woof.  We need a new thread catchphrase:  "It's bad, but it's not 'New Gold Dream' bad."

#305 - Everybody Loves a Winner with Maria McKee

While this is A Day in the Life-level good compared to the one above it, it's still pretty bad.  There is no blues to this "blues" song.  Even if they'd nailed it with the vocals - spoiler alert, they didn't - that meandering organ part is just brutal.

 

[krista4]

#149 - North and South of the River

This did not make my initial cut, and having just listened to the first minute or so again, I stand by my decision.

 

[Anarchy99]

Woof.  We need a new thread catchphrase:  "It's bad, but it's not 'New Gold Dream' bad."

While this is A Day in the Life-level good compared to the one above it, it's still pretty bad.  There is no blues to this "blues" song.  Even if they'd nailed it with the vocals - spoiler alert, they didn't - that meandering organ part is just brutal.

At least neither one has Honey in the title. 

 

[krista4]

At least neither one has Honey in the title. 

  Excellent point.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Looking at the rankings of Daddy‘s Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car (#150, 134/228 for me) and North And South Of The River (#149, 145/228) I start to wonder if my rankings have a shot at being the closest to the average. Is there a price for that? 

Obviously too early to tell and I already know that I will be waaaaay off with my rankings for some songs. Probably especially with ISHFWILF…

But back to North and South of the River. It is okayish but bland. It deserves its spot in the no man’s land.

The price is $50 to me lol. Unfortunately there is no prize. Too complicated to work out a system. I still dont understand the chalk system, well sort of. 

As for yours, the next one of yours is reasonably close, but the 2 after that are in the 30-50 range of difference.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Woof.  We need a new thread catchphrase:  "It's bad, but it's not 'New Gold Dream' bad."

I dont want to besmirch the song itself. Its highly influential with its pulsating bass and rhythm in electronic music. If you arent familiar with the recorded version and like electronic music, check it out. 

This version. Is a toilet ool

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#304 - Trevor

Another early raw one. This just does nothing except make noise. I was kinda hoping after reading the title it was some unrequited love of a guy named Trevor, but even that stupid wish fell short of expectations. A total waste of time. 

Anarchy99 comment

A demo from 1979 that evolved into Touch, which was performed 49 times from 1979-1981. Trevor was not officially released, while Touch was the B-Side to 11 O'Clock Tick Tock in 1980

Total Points - 1.41

Average Points per rank - 1.41

Highest and only rank - 268

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

 

[krista4]

#304 - Trevor

Another early raw one. This just does nothing except make noise. I was kinda hoping after reading the title it was some unrequited love of a guy named Trevor, but even that stupid wish fell short of expectations. A total waste of time. 

I liked this one enough to write myself a note on it, albeit not a very positive one:  "Harmonies really whack, early working of Touch."  I like it significantly better than the four below it, which isn't saying much.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#303 - Life on a Distant Planet

Amateur hour here. Obviously very early in their development. Not the worst, but far from the best. A similar version is coming up soon as well with a different name by a different ranker. Lost on a Silent Planet. Also referred to as Magic Carpet. Essentially the same song. 

Anarchy99 comment

Going all the way back to 1978 for this one, a demo and studio recording. It was performed 11 times from 78-80. Not officially released.

Total Points - 1.53

Average Points per rank - 1.53

Highest and only rank - 257

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#302 - Alone in the Light

Very raw. Not the worst early song ive heard from them. It has structure. It’s easy to see why it wasnt taken further.

Anarchy99 comment

Demo from 1978 when the band was called The Hype. The band originally started out called Feedback (1976-77), then The Hype (1977-78), before settling in as U2. Not officially released. It sounds like early U2 from the Boy period. Not officially released.

Total Points - 1.64

Average Points per rank - 1.64

Highest and only rank - 247

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#148 - The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)

Original Comments

Vulture.com ranking and comment -124/218 - U2 didn’t want to write a song that sounded like the Ramones, so they went in the opposite direction. But a song about the Ramones should be something you can dance to, and you cannot dance to “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone).” The lyrics are tight, the message could not possibly be more sincere, but there’s something awkward with the cadence of the lyrics which overcomplicates it unnecessarily. Also, while it’s understandable that they wanted to namecheck Joey in the title, it just comes off as trying too hard, which this band does not need to do. You’re not fronting, guys; you legitimately loved and had your life changed by punk rock — just write about it. The fans who care will figure it out, and it won’t matter to the fans that don’t.

Comment - Well written and constructed. Even more importantly after the last album well produced. I have the highest ranking here as its what U2 is supposed to be about. I get the feeling that some fans just have a problem with the overly ambitious song titles like here and Elvis etc. it’s simply a good song. Other opinions are available lol. 

Total Points - 92.25

Rankers - 7

Average Points per rank - 13.18 (Approximately a 77th rank). 

Ranks 158th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 41

Lowest Rank - 165

Previous Rank - 110 > 148

Special version requested - Busker Version. I presume this is the busker version, the ranker can PM me with the correct version if its not. 

Ranking Comments - Only 1 top 50 ranking and two others in the top 100. It takes a significant fall of about 50 spots due to the lack of attention on the newer stuff. That will be a recurrent theme as my positivity about the newer stuff will be drowned out by “Old stuff only”. Not a criticism, an observation. Classic U2 does rock. The top ranking wasn’t mine, but I was second highest. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Next up, an early version of a song that made a later album. I think its better, but we see the early version first. The other lower ranked song should actually be lower. Its that bad, but i may have been tired when I placed it this high. 

At the middle of the rankings we have an old song. It has 9 rankings, but not much enthusiasm. There is a 40 ranking though and it is this rankers top third. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

#302 - Alone in the Light

Very raw. Not the worst early song ive heard from them. It has structure. It’s easy to see why it wasnt taken further.

Anarchy99 comment

Demo from 1978 when the band was called The Hype. The band originally started out called Feedback (1976-77), then The Hype (1977-78), before settling in as U2. Not officially released. It sounds like early U2 from the Boy period. Not officially released.

Total Points - 1.64

Average Points per rank - 1.64

Highest and only rank - 247

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

I like this one.  Hadn’t heard it before!   Definitely raw, can see why they didn’t release it.  Still like it a bit though.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

Glad to see the action starting up in here 

So I'm Team Wire definitely. Came in expecting to lead the charge. Love Wire, listening to the Unforgettable Fire tonight straight through. I skipped Pride, to be honest, and sang right along on Wire the whole way.

I have it ranked 75th 

It's a good band folks. Looking forward to this.

 

[krista4]

#303 - Life on a Distant Planet

#302 - Alone in the Light

#148 - The Miracle (Of Joey Ramone)

The #### end of the countdown has already gotten into the territory of "not truly awful," which is good.  

I wanted to like the Joey Ramone song solely because of the title; alas, I did not.  Not bad or anything but just didn't scratch my musical itch.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

Submitting 121 songs felt gluttonous, frankly.

It looks like people submitted 2X that number. That gives me hope for humanity.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Submitting 121 songs felt gluttonous, frankly.

It looks like people submitted 2X that number. That gives me hope for humanity.

I counted 122. Are you another who was joking with their 122nd pick(insert other ranking at the bottom for others)?

i did 288. My outlook on humanity, or more specificly u2s catalog isnt as rosy lol. 4 people had at least 200. Several others over 150. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

The #### end of the countdown has already gotten into the territory of "not truly awful," which is good.  

Ummmmmm, about that. Just wait. Today for instance has a real piece of crap. No idea if i was just tired or what at the bottom of the rankings, but one of todays songs should have been in my bottom 4

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#301 - Glastonbury

They turned this into American Soul. Which sounds even more cynical and commerical now. I did rank this above American Soul, but others ranked American Soul while no one else ranked Glastonbury. Its basically the same song, just different words. Like a lot of songs down this end of the rankings @Anarchy99are you sure parts were reworked into Volcano. All i hear is American Soul. 

Anarchy99 comment

A new song that the band developed during soundchecks in 2010. It was played at 7 shows on the U2 360 tour, making its debut on August 6 in Turin, and last being played on August 21, 2010 in Helsinki (the version in the video). Some elements of Glastonbury were reworked into the song Volcano on 2014’s Songs of Innocence. Not officially released.

Total Points - 1.65

Average Points per rank - 1.65

Highest and only rank - 245

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#300 - Morning Child

Truly awful. A demo that goes nowhere, Bono mumbles his way though it. There are few worse tracks than this. The fact it was unreleased spares it from further discussion, but I should have ranked this lower than all but 2 or 3 of the rare/unreleased songs. I feel its a bit unfair to pick on these Achtung Baby working tapes and didnt include the worst. These should never have seen the light of day. 

Anarchy99 comment

An early version of Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses from the AB Outtakes in 1991. Bono's vocals are flat out . . . CRINGEWORTHY. Not officially released (thankfully).

Total Points - 1.68

Average Points per rank - 1.68

Highest and only rank - 242

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#299 - Nothing Feels Like this

The great riff in Until the end of the world comes from here. The rest is meandering rubbish. Again, the Acthung Baby working taoes arent meant to be finished products. Them working through material. If you think these are bad, you should dig out the ones not included. 

Anarchy99 comment

Back tho the AB Working Tapes from 1991. A partly developed song in an early form that has some elements / chords of End Of The World in certain sections. Not officially released.

Total Points - 2.08

Average Points per rank - 2.08

Highest and only rank - 221

Previous Rank - Unranked

No special version requested

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

#147 - Refugee

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 212/218 - They sound like some third-rate New Wave band trying to be relevant. This track is awful, made worse by opening side two after the graceful end on side one with “Drowning Man.” Bono would comment later, “I think it’s probably in the wrong key and is trying to be exciting and not quite pulling it off.”

Comment - This is absolutely terrible, but two of the rankers were more generous with it. Anytime someone who likes the old stuff complains about their new stuff, I would ask them to listen to Tomorrow and this one. They would of course tell me to listen to Landlady lol

Total Points - 92.48

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 10.28 (Approximately a 90th rank). 

Ranks 182nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 40

Lowest Rank - 273

Previous Rank - 189 > 147

No special version requested

Ranking Comments - Only 1 top 50 ranking and two others in the top 100. It rises over 40 spots without my anchor ranking. I made no secret that i disliked this track intensely. I actually rank it much lower than the last few ranked in the 300s. I guess some may like the primitive feral vibe,  but not my type of U2 track. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

#147 - Refugee

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 212/218 - They sound like some third-rate New Wave band trying to be relevant. This track is awful, made worse by opening side two after the graceful end on side one with “Drowning Man.” Bono would comment later, “I think it’s probably in the wrong key and is trying to be exciting and not quite pulling it off.”

Comment - This is absolutely terrible, but two of the rankers were more generous with it. Anytime someone who likes the old stuff complains about their new stuff, I would ask them to listen to Tomorrow and this one. They would of course tell me to listen to Landlady lol

Total Points - 92.48

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 10.28 (Approximately a 90th rank). 

Ranks 182nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 40

Lowest Rank - 273

Previous Rank - 189 > 147

No special version requested

Ranking Comments - Only 1 top 50 ranking and two others in the top 100. It rises over 40 spots without my anchor ranking. I made no secret that i disliked this track intensely. I actually rank it much lower than the last few ranked in the 300s. I guess some may like the primitive feral vibe,  but not my type of U2 track. 

Yeah, not a fan of this song.  It belongs low.  Another one that……I wouldn’t bother ranking even if ranking another 50+ songs……maybe 75-100+ more songs.

It’s a song that would never be made today.  Borderline offensive.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

#300 - Morning Child

Truly awful. A demo that goes nowhere, Bono mumbles his way though it. There are few worse tracks than this. The fact it was unreleased spares it from further discussion.

And yet they did release something that meets this description: Elvis Presley and America. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

#147 - Refugee

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 212/218 - They sound like some third-rate New Wave band trying to be relevant. This track is awful, made worse by opening side two after the graceful end on side one with “Drowning Man.” Bono would comment later, “I think it’s probably in the wrong key and is trying to be exciting and not quite pulling it off.”

Comment - This is absolutely terrible, but two of the rankers were more generous with it. Anytime someone who likes the old stuff complains about their new stuff, I would ask them to listen to Tomorrow and this one. They would of course tell me to listen to Landlady lol

Total Points - 92.48

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 10.28 (Approximately a 90th rank). 

Ranks 182nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 40

Lowest Rank - 273

Previous Rank - 189 > 147

No special version requested

Ranking Comments - Only 1 top 50 ranking and two others in the top 100. It rises over 40 spots without my anchor ranking. I made no secret that i disliked this track intensely. I actually rank it much lower than the last few ranked in the 300s. I guess some may like the primitive feral vibe,  but not my type of U2 track. 

I ranked it 68. I do indeed like the primitive feral vibe. It’s very much of the post-punk movement they came from, and not as distinctive as the best stuff from this era, but I’ve always enjoyed it.