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)

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Hi all,

Just back from a lengthy suspension for shenanigans (I guess) over in the Politics forum.  Have been following along in this thread during my absence and it has been really fun.  Wish I could have submitted a list but will try and pitch in with comments here and there.

Cheers,

And i bet it was for something mild, compared to the Maga trolling shenangans that gets a green light. Whatever, its just not worth engaging there. Theres no good debate, just point scoring and sniping. 

Anyway lol, U2. Hope youve enjoyed some of the rare stuff. We are yet to see anything from TJT, AB and R&H. Which album breaks its cherry first?

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(88) - > #112 - Invisible

Vulture.com ranking and comment -127/218 - “Invisible” is slick, but almost too slick — like they set out to write an Apple commercial. There’s no doubt that U2 can consistently play this tight, but they’ve squeezed the life out of the track. There needs to be some grit and space, or U2 is not interesting.

Original Comment - On some album versions of Songs of Innocence and it is in the same mindset of some of the tracks i really like there. Not everyones taste. This song is more ambitious and single released, be it via itunes and charity. This song starts like its going to be an absolute classic, I LOVE THE bono shout to open it up after the 1, 2, 3, 4 start. The bass and drumming are a stand out, but it sort of drifts along rather that exploding. Their mastery of all 4 and their skillset is evident here. The sound reminds me of City of Blinding Lights, but you knew from the start of that song it was going to be a great song and it lifted to make it so. This songs doesnt lift, but it starts with so much promise. I can see what Vulture is trying to say, but a good song is a good song. I have listened to this song the most since we started this. Always finding something more interesting. My original ranking was in the 90s. Now it probably pushes 50, but with a killer chorus it would probably be top 10. Love the vibe on it.

Total Points - 189.95

Rankers - 10

Average Points per rank - 18.99 (Approximately a 62nd rank). 

Ranks 124th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 34

Lowest Rank - 132

Previous Rank - 88 > 112

Ranking Comments - 3 top 40 rankings and 3 others in the top 100. The last 4 are just outside 100, so those who ranked it, didn’t hate it at the very least. Still sounds good, but not great. 

 

[zoonation]

And i bet it was for something mild, compared to the Maga trolling shenangans that gets a green light. Whatever, its just not worth engaging there. Theres no good debate, just point scoring and sniping. 

Anyway lol, U2. Hope youve enjoyed some of the rare stuff. We are yet to see anything from TJT, AB and R&H. Which album breaks its cherry first?

that is the exact point I was making.  That there are rarely any ideas that make it coherently to the page.  In any event, not really worth discussing.  The moderation is what it is.

Rattle and Hum and I will go with Van Dieman's Land.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(87) - > #111 - Salome

(87) - > #111 - Salome (Zooromancer Remix)

Vulture.com ranking and comment -94/218 - Recorded in Dublin, but definitely pointing toward Berlin, “Salomé” leaked in the early ’90s and either thrilled or horrified U2 fans about the future direction of the band. There’s a lot to like about the rhythms and textures (and there’s an awesome extended remix), but it wasn’t quite where U2 wanted to end up, given that it didn’t make Achtung Baby.

Comment -This is a b side that works well. Im sure its a throwaway that doesnt fit on Achtung Baby, but it has a great rhythm and hook. As the a side is one of my fave U2 tracks, it was great to play the CD Single on loop.

Total Points - 201.85

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 22.43 (Approximately a 55th rank). 

Ranks 97th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 30

Lowest Rank - 136

Previous Rank - 87 > 111

Special Version Requested - (87) - > #111 - Salome (Zooromancer Remix)

Ranking Comments - Last time this song was one ahead of Invisible and follows it exactly here. 4 top 50 rankings, 3 others in the top 100. Great to hear it again.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

(87) - > #111 - Salome

(87) - > #111 - Salome (Zooromancer Remix)

Vulture.com ranking and comment -94/218 - Recorded in Dublin, but definitely pointing toward Berlin, “Salomé” leaked in the early ’90s and either thrilled or horrified U2 fans about the future direction of the band. There’s a lot to like about the rhythms and textures (and there’s an awesome extended remix), but it wasn’t quite where U2 wanted to end up, given that it didn’t make Achtung Baby.

Comment -This is a b side that works well. Im sure its a throwaway that doesnt fit on Achtung Baby, but it has a great rhythm and hook. As the a side is one of my fave U2 tracks, it was great to play the CD Single on loop.

Total Points - 201.85

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 22.43 (Approximately a 55th rank). 

Ranks 97th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 30

Lowest Rank - 136

Previous Rank - 87 > 111

Special Version Requested - (87) - > #111 - Salome (Zooromancer Remix)

Ranking Comments - Last time this song was one ahead of Invisible and follows it exactly here. 4 top 50 rankings, 3 others in the top 100. Great to hear it again.

If I’d kept going this would have yadda yadda yadda. It’s a little repetitive but I like it well enough.

 

[krista4]

(88) - > #112 - Invisible

I had this at #77 but feel I over-ranked it.  Still like it, but it's polished to the point of being a little dull.

(87) - > #111 - Salome

My #74.  Great groove.

 

[krista4]

Oh, and welcome back zoonation!  Looking forward to your commentary.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(119) - > #110 - Last Night on Earth

Vulture.com ranking and comment -104/218 - It’s a song you want to like. The off-kilter intro is so promising, there are a handful of vivid images (“She’s at the bus stop with the News of the World and The Sun,” you can just see a club kid stuck waiting for the first bus in the morning), the chorus is solid, and the concept of the story line is interesting, but it just does not connect. It probably doesn’t help that Bono came up with the chorus at 4 a.m. on their last night in the studio. (Sound familiar?) “It was a good tune,” the Edge said. “But is it up there with ‘New Year’s Day’ or ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’? Obviously not, or we would still be playing it live.”

Original Comment - This is an attempted straight up rocker that unfortunately portends to some of their failures in the 21st century. 

Total Points - 202.80

Rankers - 10

Average Points per rank - 20.28 (Approximately a 59th rank). 

Ranks 114th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 17

Lowest Rank - 166

Previous Rank - 119 > 110

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - We have one ranking all the way up at 17, another in the 30s and 5 between 51 and 100. I bring up the rear with 166. I can see why people like it, but i just find it uninspriring and while some like harder U2, I like them pushing themselves. This diesnt. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(107) - > #109 - Original of the Species

Vulture.com ranking and comment - It was originally about Bono’s goddaughter (Edge’s daughter), then Bono changed it up so it wasn’t a song for a child, and there are some vague mumblings about maintaining innocence. It has an engaging, expansive melody, but the lyrics just do not hold up to scrutiny, and the synthetic strings are cringeworthy.

Original Comment - This is one of those songs that with further work, or perhaps less, works better. Ambitious in its direction, it just flails along instead of soaring

Total Points - 203.60

Rankers - 11

Average Points per rank - 18.51 (Approximately a 63rd rank). 

Ranks 126th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 37

Lowest Rank - 179

Previous Rank - 107 > 109

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 rankings inside the top 50, but the highest is a fairly low 37. I dont think we get one with that “low” again. 4 other rankings inside the top 100 means it performs pretty much the same as last time

 

[Pip's Invitation]

(119) - > #110 - Last Night on Earth

Vulture.com ranking and comment -104/218 - It’s a song you want to like. The off-kilter intro is so promising, there are a handful of vivid images (“She’s at the bus stop with the News of the World and The Sun,” you can just see a club kid stuck waiting for the first bus in the morning), the chorus is solid, and the concept of the story line is interesting, but it just does not connect. It probably doesn’t help that Bono came up with the chorus at 4 a.m. on their last night in the studio. (Sound familiar?) “It was a good tune,” the Edge said. “But is it up there with ‘New Year’s Day’ or ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’? Obviously not, or we would still be playing it live.”

Original Comment - This is an attempted straight up rocker that unfortunately portends to some of their failures in the 21st century. 

Total Points - 202.80

Rankers - 10

Average Points per rank - 20.28 (Approximately a 59th rank). 

Ranks 114th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 17

Lowest Rank - 166

Previous Rank - 119 > 110

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - We have one ranking all the way up at 17, another in the 30s and 5 between 51 and 100. I bring up the rear with 166. I can see why people like it, but i just find it uninspriring and while some like harder U2, I like them pushing themselves. This diesnt. 

I’m one of the 5 between 51 and 100 at 64. It probably benefits in my mind from being a rocker on an otherwise pretty flabby album. It’s mainly up where it is because I love the “you got to give it away” part.

 

[simey]

Hi all,

Just back from a lengthy suspension for shenanigans (I guess) over in the Politics forum.  Have been following along in this thread during my absence and it has been really fun.  Wish I could have submitted a list but will try and pitch in with comments here and there.

Cheers,

Hello! I was wondering (based on your sn) if you had submitted a list. You can still make a quick list of however many songs you want to rank, and chime in on where you had it ranked when the tune comes up. 

 

[krista4]

(107) - > #109 - Original of the Species

I'd love to hear from some of the higher rankers on this.  I had it at #75 but feel like it could have easily been higher.  Listening again right now I feel much more strongly about it than I did about some above it.  Of course, I'm a sucker for strings in a rock song (even if synthetic), so that does a lot for me, but I also think that it builds so beautifully to that chorus.  Tons of emotion in this song, in a good way IMO.

ETA:  What was the Vulture ranking on this, out of curiosity?  It wasn't listed above.

 

[krista4]

We were out at a bar tonight and I had to fire up my TouchTunes account to make sure nothing ####ty got played when Karaoke night (arrrghh) died down.  I did a Kinks song, then Beatles, then Television, then I told Mr krista that I wanted a U2 since I’d been listening to so much lately.

I scrolled and the first one that caught my eye was “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” so I queued it up.  Showed it to him and he said, “Well, at least you picked clearly the best U2 song.”

So score another for that one, from a non-U2 fan. 

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

I'd love to hear from some of the higher rankers on this.  I had it at #75 but feel like it could have easily been higher.  Listening again right now I feel much more strongly about it than I did about some above it.  Of course, I'm a sucker for strings in a rock song, so that does a lot for me, but I also think that it builds so beautifully to that chorus.  Tons of emotion in this song, in a good way IMO.

ETA:  What was the Vulture ranking on this, out of curiosity?  It wasn't listed above.

I'm at 39 on Original of the Species.

I find it to be a completely put together tune, from start to finish. Very sing-able. The strings, the melody, the build, the chorus are all great for me. There's one part where I feel like it might get away from them (Bono really) before "Sugar, come on, show your soul", but it comes back together nicely, particularly with the work from The Edge toward the end of the song. I really like the way The Edge finishes off the song, with Bono keeping his love and his voice under control throughout, I feel like it's just a really well produced, lovely U2 song that I'd be proud to play as an example of how "newer" U2 is pretty, pretty good.

 

[simey]

We were out at a bar tonight and I had to fire up my TouchTunes account to make sure nothing ####ty got played when Karaoke night (arrrghh) died down.  I did a Kinks song, then Beatles, then Television, then I told Mr krista that I wanted a U2 since I’d been listening to so much lately.

I scrolled and the first one that caught my eye was “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” so I queued it up.  Showed it to him and he said, “Well, at least you picked clearly the best U2 song.”

So score another for that one, from a non-U2 fan. 

I had to look up what TouchTunes is. Do you ever get in a "song war" with someone else that is putting in songs at the same time? Do your songs play consecutively or can the flow be interrupted by someone else using their TouchTunes? Am I making sense?

 

[krista4]

I had to look up what TouchTunes is. Do you ever get in a "song war" with someone else that is putting in songs at the same time? Do your songs play consecutively or can the flow be interrupted by someone else using their TouchTunes? Am I making sense?

Oh, definitely can get in song wars!  That’s when I pull out the big guns and play really long songs and, if I really want to pummel the other person into submission, I play Frankie Teardrop because it’s not only 11 minutes long but also most people hate it.  We call it “The Frankie Teardrop Treatment” and reserve it only for the worst occasions, which are usually if someone’s playing “proud to be ‘merican” type country music.

In general the songs are played in the order someone puts them in, but there’s an option where you can make your song next by paying twice as much.  I’ll use that during song wars, which usually works.  There’s only been one time when the other person must have been using it, too, so I couldn’t skip them.

One time I could see it was the guy sitting right next to me that I was warring with, so I put mine in very surreptitiously.    

 

[krista4]

I'm at 39 on Original of the Species.

I find it to be a completely put together tune, from start to finish. Very sing-able. The strings, the melody, the build, the chorus are all great for me. There's one part where I feel like it might get away from them (Bono really) before "Sugar, come on, show your soul", but it comes back together nicely, particularly with the work from The Edge toward the end of the song. I really like the way The Edge finishes off the song, with Bono keeping his love and his voice under control throughout, I feel like it's just a really well produced, lovely U2 song that I'd be proud to play as an example of how "newer" U2 is pretty, pretty good.

Great write-up!

 

[Anarchy99]

I'm at 39 on Original of the Species.

I find it to be a completely put together tune, from start to finish. Very sing-able. The strings, the melody, the build, the chorus are all great for me. There's one part where I feel like it might get away from them (Bono really) before "Sugar, come on, show your soul", but it comes back together nicely, particularly with the work from The Edge toward the end of the song. I really like the way The Edge finishes off the song, with Bono keeping his love and his voice under control throughout, I feel like it's just a really well produced, lovely U2 song that I'd be proud to play as an example of how "newer" U2 is pretty, pretty good.

I don't have much to add or comment on. I had this one ranked 107 the first time and didn't rank it the second time (didn't rank that many songs the second time). Overall, I think it is slightly better than average compared to the entirety of their catalog. But the irony here is that an 18-year-old song falls in the "new U2" category. However, it is one of their better songs from the past 20 years (my line in the sand the ATYCLB album in terms of old vs. new).

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

I don't have much to add or comment on. I had this one ranked 107 the first time and didn't rank it the second time (didn't rank that many songs the second time). Overall, I think it is slightly better than average compared to the entirety of their catalog. But the irony here is that an 18-year-old song falls in the "new U2" category. However, it is one of their better songs from the past 20 years (my line in the sand the ATYCLB album in terms of old vs. new).

Agreed. I used quotes around "newer" because it's an 18 year old song, but that would be considered on the newer end of the U2 spectrum.    I also draw the line for that designation with ATYCLB. 

 

[Brony]

(132) - > #113 - I Threw a Brick Through a Window

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 58/218 - The difference between the album version and the live version of this track is dramatic. On record, it’s interesting rhythmically, but feels lugubrious and stiff. This isn’t surprising when you learn that Larry Mullen could not get through the tempo and came back one day to find that the Edge had overdubbed the drums. But live, this track is electric and cathartic, U2 building a sonic space that others would later try to duplicate but never succeed in doing. And, more importantly, the freedom of the expanded space makes it easier to instinctively understand what story Bono was trying to tell — because that’s exactly what the song is about, an action that creates space where there was none before. It’s the story of punk rock. “I THREW A BRICK! I THREW A BRICK!” Bono would cry out back in the day, and the hair would stand up on the back of your neck.

Comment - Standard early album filler. For some reason I am the top ranking. This is the last track which dies not attract a top 100 ranking from at least one of us.

Total Points - 186.66

Rankers - 11

Average Points per rank - 16.97 (Approximately a 66th rank). 

Ranks 133rd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 22

Lowest Rank - 254

Previous Rank - 132 > 113

Ranking Comments - A 22 ranking and then 7 rankings between 51 and a 100 is a good point to start the serious end of this countdown. Every song from now until 74 has between 9 and 14 rankers. 

This is an OK song, but pretty slow and uninteresting.  If you had this in your top 25, you should probably book a flight out to Dublin Ireland, but instead of boarding the flight, just stick your ugly face in the jet engine and end it all, cause there's clearly no hope for you. 

See... wasn't that fun? 

 

[zoonation]

I'd love to hear from some of the higher rankers on this.  I had it at #75 but feel like it could have easily been higher.  Listening again right now I feel much more strongly about it than I did about some above it.  Of course, I'm a sucker for strings in a rock song, so that does a lot for me, but I also think that it builds so beautifully to that chorus.  Tons of emotion in this song, in a good way IMO.

ETA:  What was the Vulture ranking on this, out of curiosity?  It wasn't listed above.

this is such a beautiful song.  i had the chance to hear it live back on the vertigo tour in Vancouver and just remember being blown away at how good it sounded live.

i will make a list of my top 100 songs this weekend.  this is too much fun not to.  one of the things that struck me as i followed along during my unpaid vacation was how deep the catalog of this band is.  i found myself thinking "how can people rank this song so low"?  but then you look at what keeps coming and you're like, yeah, I get it.

 

[Brony]

(107) - > #109 - Original of the Species

Vulture.com ranking and comment - It was originally about Bono’s goddaughter (Edge’s daughter), then Bono changed it up so it wasn’t a song for a child, and there are some vague mumblings about maintaining innocence. It has an engaging, expansive melody, but the lyrics just do not hold up to scrutiny, and the synthetic strings are cringeworthy.

Original Comment - This is one of those songs that with further work, or perhaps less, works better. Ambitious in its direction, it just flails along instead of soaring

Total Points - 203.60

Rankers - 11

Average Points per rank - 18.51 (Approximately a 63rd rank). 

Ranks 126th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 37

Lowest Rank - 179

Previous Rank - 107 > 109

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 rankings inside the top 50, but the highest is a fairly low 37. I dont think we get one with that “low” again. 4 other rankings inside the top 100 means it performs pretty much the same as last time

Seems like the kind of song I would usually dig with that chorus, but I only found it so-so. I had it at #79.   Seems about right in hindsight. 

 

[Brony]

this is such a beautiful song.  i had the chance to hear it live back on the vertigo tour in Vancouver and just remember being blown away at how good it sounded live.

i will make a list of my top 100 songs this weekend.  this is too much fun not to.  one of the things that struck me as i followed along during my unpaid vacation was how deep the catalog of this band is.  i found myself thinking "how can people rank this song so low"?  but then you look at what keeps coming and you're like, yeah, I get it.

Yep, even on Original of the Species, that I think is a pretty good song overall... it's at 79 and in very good company on my list. 

 

[simey]

this is such a beautiful song.  i had the chance to hear it live back on the vertigo tour in Vancouver and just remember being blown away at how good it sounded live.

i will make a list of my top 100 songs this weekend.  this is too much fun not to.  one of the things that struck me as i followed along during my unpaid vacation was how deep the catalog of this band is.  i found myself thinking "how can people rank this song so low"?  but then you look at what keeps coming and you're like, yeah, I get it.

It's a nice song, and the band sounds fresh at that point in their career(s). What jumped out at me was the scar under Bono's chin in the video. I know that is irrelevant to the song, but I noticed it, and I happen to have a scar under my chin too. In the past, I have thought about the fact that I have encountered a lot of people with under the chin scars. That area must be a bullseye in falls. 

 

[krista4]

It's a nice song, and the band sounds fresh at that point in their career(s). What jumped out at me was the scar under Bono's chin in the video. I know that is irrelevant to the song, but I noticed it, and I happen to have a scar under my chin too. In the past, I have thought about the fact that I have encountered a lot of people with under the chin scars. That area must be a bullseye in falls. 

I have one, too!

 

[simey]

I have one, too!

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(112) - > #108 - Elvis Presley and America

Vulture.com ranking and comment -183/218 - If U2 had given this song any other title, it would have saved them from so much abuse. It’s easier to forgive this song as part of the experience of listening to the album in order. There, this fits into the abstract expressionism, the watercolors and charcoal sketches that coast you up to “Bad” and out to “MLK.” But the title gives the track airs it does not possess. “A jazzman could understand that piece,” Bono told Rolling Stone in 1987. No, a jazzman would ask how the hell they thought this should go on the record.

Comment - Just meanders along and feels like it goes on forever. The #10 ranking isn’t in isolation as another ranker has it at #61. Then two of us have it at #201 and #210. I am at 201. It’s just boring. Vulture says it well. We have over a dozen ranking differences of over 180, but this one is the widest. I would love to hear from the #61 and the #10 here. 

Total Points - 203.76

Rankers - 10

Average Points per rank - 20.37 (Approximately a 58th rank). 

Ranks 112th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 10

Lowest Rank - 263

Previous Rank - 108 > 112

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - A couple of big rankings of 10 and 25, as well as a 35. Big drop to only 2 others in the top 100. It really doesnt change its ranking from the first go round

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(69) - > #107 - Love is Bigger than Anything In Its Way

Vulture.com ranking and comment -Not Listed

Comment - This song almost works fantastically. Some great ideas and sounds, but not quite patched together. A modern track that no one seems to hate, or love for that matter. This is the third last track without a top 50 ranking from any of us. 

Total Points - 208.90

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 23.21 (Approximately a 54th rank). 

Ranks 89th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 24

Lowest Rank - 142

Previous Rank - 69 > 107

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 8 of the 9 entries are in the top 100, with 4 top 50s. It does take a big drop from last time, but still finishes respectfully. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(109) - > #106 - Breathe

Vulture.com ranking and comment -84/218 - On an album full of ambitious and complex songs, “Breathe” is surprising and absolutely fascinating. In this rolling, surging melody, with Bono half-singing, half-speaking, his delivery is a mixture of Nick Cave, Michael Stipe, and maybe a little Allen Ginsberg. The breathless, conversational style is matched by an equally urgent melody behind it. There’s an element of paranoia with a touch of euphoria. It could just be stream of consciousness or it could be some biblical parallel; that early morning visitor could be God, or Satan: “Man at the door says if I want to stay alive a bit longer / There’s a few things I need you to know.” But more likely it ties into the “let me in the sound” theme Bono threaded through the record — this idea that we are all people of sound, because he gets to the point where he states, “We are people born of sound / The songs are in our eyes / Gonna wear them like a crown,” and also “I’ve found grace inside a sound / And I can breathe now.”

Comment - Another track full of ideas, but its all over the shop. So frustrating. For some reason the ""JuJu Man"" lyric really bugs me. I don’t mean to bug ya. The #6 ranking is the highest we have seen to date and it’s such an outlier. The next highest is #135. As mentioned, there is a great song here potentially. Obviously the #6 ranker sees it actually

Total Points - 209.60

Rankers - 10

Average Points per rank - 20.96 (Approximately a 58th rank). 

Ranks 108th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 6

Lowest Rank - 128

Previous Rank - 109 > 106

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - The rankers seem to like it, but were it not for the #6 ranking we would have seen this a long time ago. Only a #30 to accomodate the 6 as a top 50 ranking. 7 of the other 8 rankings are top 100. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(93) - > #105 - Promenade

Vulture.com ranking and comment -136/218 - At the time, Bono was living with his wife Ali in a Martello Tower — basically a tiny castle near the ocean, renovated to include a glass roof at the top of the tower where they slept. You can hear all of this: the spiral staircase and the dizziness of young love (the two had only been married for two years, though they were teenage sweethearts); the two of them sitting at the top of their tower, watching the sun set over the seaside town. The song has the marks of loose improvisation, of ’70s-era Van Morrison — the kind of experimentation that Eno embraced strongly, paired with the kind of rhythm that Lanois loved.

Comment - Just an album filler. 

Total Points - 211.17

Rankers - 11

Average Points per rank - 19.20 (Approximately a 62nd rank). 

Ranks 122nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 10

Lowest Rank - 258

Previous Rank - 93 > 105

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 2 very high rankings of 10 and 29, as well as one other top 50 ranking. There are 5 other rankings between 80 and 100. I bring up the rear at 258. Just boring. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

The last 4 we see before we begin the top 100:are a right mixed bag. 2 real old ones, a B Side and one from the late 00s. 

 

[Brony]

(112) - > #108 - Elvis Presley and America

Vulture.com ranking and comment -183/218 - If U2 had given this song any other title, it would have saved them from so much abuse. It’s easier to forgive this song as part of the experience of listening to the album in order. There, this fits into the abstract expressionism, the watercolors and charcoal sketches that coast you up to “Bad” and out to “MLK.” But the title gives the track airs it does not possess. “A jazzman could understand that piece,” Bono told Rolling Stone in 1987. No, a jazzman would ask how the hell they thought this should go on the record.

Comment - Just meanders along and feels like it goes on forever. The #10 ranking isn’t in isolation as another ranker has it at #61. Then two of us have it at #201 and #210. I am at 201. It’s just boring. Vulture says it well. We have over a dozen ranking differences of over 180, but this one is the widest. I would love to hear from the #61 and the #10 here. 

Total Points - 203.76

Rankers - 10

Average Points per rank - 20.37 (Approximately a 58th rank). 

Ranks 112th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 10

Lowest Rank - 263

Previous Rank - 108 > 112

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - A couple of big rankings of 10 and 25, as well as a 35. Big drop to only 2 others in the top 100. It really doesnt change its ranking from the first go round

I'm the number 10.  This is 100% sentimental.

Licensed to Ill was the soundtrack to my high school life with friends.  Unforgettable Fire was the soundtrack to my personal life in HS. Must have listened to it 1000x.  Play.  Flip cassette to the other side.  Lather. Rinse. Repeat.  UF was my 2nd album by U2 that I got after Under a Blood Red Sky.  It just connected with me in my awkward, angsty teen years.  In hindsight, a strange choice, but at the time everything clicked.  The Elvis Presley song in particular was always the song I went to to recalibrate.  Any kind of issue at school or with girls - this track just got my head right again.  I have no ####ing clue why.  But, many years later, I can listen to the song and it takes me right back to 1986 and untangles any anxiety I'm going through.  Something about it is/was very meditative. 

Objectively, it's a fine song and like all of the other songs in this countdown, I totally expect others to have different rankings and it bothers me 0 that not everyone loves this song. 

Given my high school experience, I probably shouldn't rate any UF song that high.  But I'm quite happy with Elvis at #10 and some days it would probably be in my top 3.  

 

[Pip's Invitation]

(112) - > #108 - Elvis Presley and America

Vulture.com ranking and comment -183/218 - If U2 had given this song any other title, it would have saved them from so much abuse. It’s easier to forgive this song as part of the experience of listening to the album in order. There, this fits into the abstract expressionism, the watercolors and charcoal sketches that coast you up to “Bad” and out to “MLK.” But the title gives the track airs it does not possess. “A jazzman could understand that piece,” Bono told Rolling Stone in 1987. No, a jazzman would ask how the hell they thought this should go on the record.

Comment - Just meanders along and feels like it goes on forever. The #10 ranking isn’t in isolation as another ranker has it at #61. Then two of us have it at #201 and #210. I am at 201. It’s just boring. Vulture says it well. We have over a dozen ranking differences of over 180, but this one is the widest. I would love to hear from the #61 and the #10 here. 

Total Points - 203.76

Rankers - 10

Average Points per rank - 20.37 (Approximately a 58th rank). 

Ranks 112th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 10

Lowest Rank - 263

Previous Rank - 108 > 112

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - A couple of big rankings of 10 and 25, as well as a 35. Big drop to only 2 others in the top 100. It really doesnt change its ranking from the first go round

This is Exhibit A for the “U2 are full of themselves” crowd. It has no reason to exist and especially no reason to be included on an album. It accomplishes the rare feat of being boring AND indulgent.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

(93) - > #105 - Promenade

Vulture.com ranking and comment -136/218 - At the time, Bono was living with his wife Ali in a Martello Tower — basically a tiny castle near the ocean, renovated to include a glass roof at the top of the tower where they slept. You can hear all of this: the spiral staircase and the dizziness of young love (the two had only been married for two years, though they were teenage sweethearts); the two of them sitting at the top of their tower, watching the sun set over the seaside town. The song has the marks of loose improvisation, of ’70s-era Van Morrison — the kind of experimentation that Eno embraced strongly, paired with the kind of rhythm that Lanois loved.

Comment - Just an album filler. 

Total Points - 211.17

Rankers - 11

Average Points per rank - 19.20 (Approximately a 62nd rank). 

Ranks 122nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 10

Lowest Rank - 258

Previous Rank - 93 > 105

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 2 very high rankings of 10 and 29, as well as one other top 50 ranking. There are 5 other rankings between 80 and 100. I bring up the rear at 258. Just boring. 

I always got Lou Reed vibes as opposed to Van Morrison, but otherwise I think the Vulture writeup is pretty accurate. It is an album filler but it’s fine as far as that stuff goes.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I'm the number 10.  This is 100% sentimental.

Licensed to Ill was the soundtrack to my high school life with friends.  Unforgettable Fire was the soundtrack to my personal life in HS. Must have listened to it 1000x.  Play.  Flip cassette to the other side.  Lather. Rinse. Repeat.  UF was my 2nd album by U2 that I got after Under a Blood Red Sky.  It just connected with me in my awkward, angsty teen years.  In hindsight, a strange choice, but at the time everything clicked.  The Elvis Presley song in particular was always the song I went to to recalibrate.  Any kind of issue at school or with girls - this track just got my head right again.  I have no ####ing clue why.  But, many years later, I can listen to the song and it takes me right back to 1986 and untangles any anxiety I'm going through.  Something about it is/was very meditative. 

Objectively, it's a fine song and like all of the other songs in this countdown, I totally expect others to have different rankings and it bothers me 0 that not everyone loves this song. 

Given my high school experience, I probably shouldn't rate any UF song that high.  But I'm quite happy with Elvis at #10 and some days it would probably be in my top 3.  

I ####### love this openness and connection to this song, any song.  Thanks for sharing this piece of your life.

Your post is an illustration of what music does for me.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

This is Exhibit A for the “U2 are full of themselves” crowd. It has no reason to exist and especially no reason to be included on an album. It accomplishes the rare feat of being boring AND indulgent.

Respectfully disagree.  The music itself is good.  It draws me in.  The title and Bono’s style is what turns me off.  Bono is full of himself.  No doubt.  But there was a great song in here somewhere.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

(93) - > #105 - Promenade

Vulture.com ranking and comment -136/218 - At the time, Bono was living with his wife Ali in a Martello Tower — basically a tiny castle near the ocean, renovated to include a glass roof at the top of the tower where they slept. You can hear all of this: the spiral staircase and the dizziness of young love (the two had only been married for two years, though they were teenage sweethearts); the two of them sitting at the top of their tower, watching the sun set over the seaside town. The song has the marks of loose improvisation, of ’70s-era Van Morrison — the kind of experimentation that Eno embraced strongly, paired with the kind of rhythm that Lanois loved.

Comment - Just an album filler. 

Total Points - 211.17

Rankers - 11

Average Points per rank - 19.20 (Approximately a 62nd rank). 

Ranks 122nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 10

Lowest Rank - 258

Previous Rank - 93 > 105

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 2 very high rankings of 10 and 29, as well as one other top 50 ranking. There are 5 other rankings between 80 and 100. I bring up the rear at 258. Just boring. 

Just a boring song.  You nailed it.

Mrs APK loves this album.  Her favorite U2 album.  And even she finds this song forgettable at best.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

(69) - > #107 - Love is Bigger than Anything In Its Way

Vulture.com ranking and comment -Not Listed

Comment - This song almost works fantastically. Some great ideas and sounds, but not quite patched together. A modern track that no one seems to hate, or love for that matter. This is the third last track without a top 50 ranking from any of us. 

Total Points - 208.90

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 23.21 (Approximately a 54th rank). 

Ranks 89th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 24

Lowest Rank - 142

Previous Rank - 69 > 107

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 8 of the 9 entries are in the top 100, with 4 top 50s. It does take a big drop from last time, but still finishes respectfully. 

Alright…..promise it’s the only time I’ll write this in this thread…..to avoid annoying JML……but this is a pretty average Coldplay song.

 

[bigbottom]

(112) - > #108 - Elvis Presley and America

Vulture.com ranking and comment -183/218 - If U2 had given this song any other title, it would have saved them from so much abuse. It’s easier to forgive this song as part of the experience of listening to the album in order. There, this fits into the abstract expressionism, the watercolors and charcoal sketches that coast you up to “Bad” and out to “MLK.” But the title gives the track airs it does not possess. “A jazzman could understand that piece,” Bono told Rolling Stone in 1987. No, a jazzman would ask how the hell they thought this should go on the record.

Comment - Just meanders along and feels like it goes on forever. The #10 ranking isn’t in isolation as another ranker has it at #61. Then two of us have it at #201 and #210. I am at 201. It’s just boring. Vulture says it well. We have over a dozen ranking differences of over 180, but this one is the widest. I would love to hear from the #61 and the #10 here. 

Total Points - 203.76

Rankers - 10

Average Points per rank - 20.37 (Approximately a 58th rank). 

Ranks 112th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 10

Lowest Rank - 263

Previous Rank - 108 > 112

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - A couple of big rankings of 10 and 25, as well as a 35. Big drop to only 2 others in the top 100. It really doesnt change its ranking from the first go round

I’m a huge fan of old U2 and a lover of this album. And this tune still didn’t come close to making my list. 

 

[zoonation]

(69) - > #107 - Love is Bigger than Anything In Its Way

Vulture.com ranking and comment -Not Listed

Comment - This song almost works fantastically. Some great ideas and sounds, but not quite patched together. A modern track that no one seems to hate, or love for that matter. This is the third last track without a top 50 ranking from any of us. 

Total Points - 208.90

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 23.21 (Approximately a 54th rank). 

Ranks 89th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 24

Lowest Rank - 142

Previous Rank - 69 > 107

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 8 of the 9 entries are in the top 100, with 4 top 50s. It does take a big drop from last time, but still finishes respectfully. 

I like this song but don’t love it.  Won’t make my top 100. I will say though that I love the video which really contextualizes the message being conveyed in the song.  And, if you ever get to reading the comment section for the video on YouTube, you’ll see why that message still needs to be delivered, whether through song or otherwise. 

 

[krista4]

I ####### love this openness and connection to this song, any song.  Thanks for sharing this piece of your life.

Your post is an illustration of what music does for me.

  Loved that post so hard (and still don't like the song).

 

[krista4]

(69) - > #107 - Love is Bigger than Anything In Its Way

I had a lot of trouble with this one.  Sometimes I thought it was so overwrought it wouldn't even make my list, but other times it got to me so much that I ranked it as high as #72, where it finally ended up.  I'll admit that the video, which seems to play only when it's dusty around here, had a big effect on me.  Probably should be more like #100 on my list, but that's OK.  I'm curious to hear from those who had it in the top 50.

 

[krista4]

(109) - > #106 - Breathe

(93) - > #105 - Promenade

So I said to myself, "Self, those two titles sound familiar, but you don't remember the songs at all, so were they on your list?"  And self says back to me, "Why look, here they are at #85 and #92, respectively, so you must have liked them pretty well."  And then I listen again and tell myself to shut up and that self has no idea what it's talking about.

Promenade is pretty boring, and I don't remember what I liked so much about it.  Breathe is a lot more enjoyable, with some compelling bits, but quite a mess overall.  I'm OK with that at #85, but probably should have left Promenade off my list.

 

[zoonation]

So I said to myself, "Self, those two titles sound familiar, but you don't remember the songs at all, so were they on your list?"  And self says back to me, "Why look, here they are at #85 and #92, respectively, so you must have liked them pretty well."  And then I listen again and tell myself to shut up and that self has no idea what it's talking about.

Promenade is pretty boring, and I don't remember what I liked so much about it.  Breathe is a lot more enjoyable, with some compelling bits, but quite a mess overall.  I'm OK with that at #85, but probably should have left Promenade off my list.

The lyrics don’t work for me.  Edge’s guitar work is awesome (it always is) but I just don’t like listening to it that much.  Won’t make my top 100.  

Promenade is fine.  On its own you’re not going to be adding it to any playlists.  But it it works well as a component of the larger Unforgettable Fire aesthetic.  You know, back when albums were a thing.  I get why people don’t like Elvis P & America from that album as it seems rudderless, but I think it works in the context of the Album too.  I liked that song in my childhood as I could basically make up my own lyrics as there was no way to figure out what Bono was actually singing.   

 

[Mr. Mojo]

I had a lot of trouble with this one.  Sometimes I thought it was so overwrought it wouldn't even make my list, but other times it got to me so much that I ranked it as high as #72, where it finally ended up.  I'll admit that the video, which seems to play only when it's dusty around here, had a big effect on me.  Probably should be more like #100 on my list, but that's OK.  I'm curious to hear from those who had it in the top 50.

I only ranked 50 and had it at 24. Solid but not outstanding.

 

[Nemesis]

Hi folks,
I've been away from this thread for a couple of mths.  It wasn't a political timeout  , but rather:

• The original 228 countdown wore me out & i needed a little self imposed break.  Got too caught up in the "U2 rabbit hole"
  
• work/boss is in the $%#tter -  i got strongarmed into a new role that they overburdened w 200 things & I have no direct reports.  New CFO boss came from Germany & she doesn't care to help me out.  Conversations go no where & are very strained.  
  
• Medical  - I've already got a fusion in my neck (C4, 5, & 6)......& been having major problems w other areas.   3 MRIs in the last 6 mths &  6 surgical injections.  Both arms have gone numb at different times.  Stress from Work not helping.   Finally got doctor to approve an FMLA form to document/protect myself, but it doesn't register w German boss.
  
• I have been looking for a new job for past couple of yrs (esp w current work situation):    Current Mkt is ripe....had a couple of interviews over the last couple of mths.   1 of them finally went w Internal candidate.   Other 1 was interested but looks like it now has ghosted me. 
  
• Vacation - wife planned a 1 wk family trip to Iceland.  Thought I had to cancel on the rest of the family as my neck was in major flare up w right arm numb for 10+ days.   Day before, I was finally able to get it to release so i went on the trip (w heavy meds in play to keep it calm)
  

But i'm finally caught up now & hope to try to participate as much as i can.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Hi folks,
I've been away from this thread for a couple of mths.  It wasn't a political timeout  , but rather:

• The original 228 countdown wore me out & i needed a little self imposed break.  Got too caught up in the "U2 rabbit hole"
  
• work/boss is in the $%#tter -  i got strongarmed into a new role that they overburdened w 200 things & I have no direct reports.  New CFO boss came from Germany & she doesn't care to help me out.  Conversations go no where & are very strained.  
  
• Medical  - I've already got a fusion in my neck (C4, 5, & 6)......& been having major problems w other areas.   3 MRIs in the last 6 mths &  6 surgical injections.  Both arms have gone numb at different times.  Stress from Work not helping.   Finally got doctor to approve an FMLA form to document/protect myself, but it doesn't register w German boss.
  
• I have been looking for a new job for past couple of yrs (esp w current work situation):    Current Mkt is ripe....had a couple of interviews over the last couple of mths.   1 of them finally went w Internal candidate.   Other 1 was interested but looks like it now has ghosted me. 
  
• Vacation - wife planned a 1 wk family trip to Iceland.  Thought I had to cancel on the rest of the family as my neck was in major flare up w right arm numb for 10+ days.   Day before, I was finally able to get it to release so i went on the trip (w heavy meds in play to keep it calm)
  

But i'm finally caught up now & hope to try to participate as much as i can.

Welcome back……hope you are doing ok.  Job + health + stress.   Hang in there.

 

[foxco]

(112) - > #108 - Elvis Presley and America

Comment - Just meanders along and feels like it goes on forever. The #10 ranking isn’t in isolation as another ranker has it at #61. Then two of us have it at #201 and #210. I am at 201. It’s just boring. Vulture says it well. We have over a dozen ranking differences of over 180, but this one is the widest. I would love to hear from the #61 and the #10 here. 

Ranking Comments - A couple of big rankings of 10 and 25, as well as a 35. Big drop to only 2 others in the top 100. It really doesnt change its ranking from the first go round

Think I was the 35 ranking. I love this song and yet I agree with your comments that it meanders. And yet it's a beautiful meandering to me, a terrific mood song (similar to Promenade though Promenade is much shorter). It feels unfinished, underproduced, but for all its imperfections I enjoy it immensely, especially the build at the end where Bono is singing so passionately (about what, who knows I enjoy it immensely, though I can definitely see the other side of this. 

 

[Nemesis]

I'll compile some of my bullet thoughts on the past 5 or so pages:

• I submitted a list of my Top50 to JML.   It had 1 from Pop and no Zooropa........& I still stand by that after going thru them again recently.
  
• 177 Mercy:     Wow.......I had never heard this one.    How did this not get released on an album?   Hope to see it on the next album as it's got depth & melody & substance to it.
  
• 175 Red Flag Day:    Didn't make my Top50 list but i always liked this one from SoE  (for me, it's a cousin to Raised by Wolves on the SoI album)
  
• 158 13 (There is a Light):   I'm partial to the Live BBC version
  
• 109  Origin of the Species:   Didn't pay too much attention when it was released, but appreciation has grown for this song (esp from the original 228 thread).    Glad to see that many others chime in about this song too.  (probably has the most discussion posts than most of the other songs so far).  It's 1 of the few songs listed so far that made my Top50 at #43.
  
• 111  Salome:   Didn't know about this song back in the day.   Discovered it during our 228 countdown journey & it def would have made my Top100.
  

 

[Nemesis]

Welcome back……hope you are doing ok.  Job + health + stress.   Hang in there.

Thanks.   4 yrs ago, my Neurosurgeon said i had herniated C7 & needed surgery to fuse it too.    I fought thru it with an exercise program i developed & found the right chiropractor that is top notch & would put me back together when the flare ups would occur.
Now, same Neurosurgeon is NOT convinced on what is causing this as MRIs aren't conclusive. 

I am still convinced it's C7 (or Thoracic Outlet Syndrome).   So I am heading to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville in early July.  Not leaving there until they come up w a plan.

Also, Insurance can shove it up their you know what...............I started this process back on AUG 1st when my doctor tried to order MRIs.   The insurance company did everything in their power to deny it for 4 mths (even tried to cancel it on the day it was supposed to happen after approving it)