Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
U2 - Community rankings - FIN - #4 Sunday Bloody Sunday, #3 - One, #2 - Bad, #1 - Where the Streets Have No Name -Spotify links, thanks to Krista4 (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter John Maddens Lunchbox
- Start date
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
I have Ultraviolet at 10. Maybe the Edge’s best work. Big song. Huge.
The number of times he says “baby” is borderline ridiculous.
I was fortunate enough to see it played live, which was a huge request from fans for a long time. It was good not great, frankly. It’s a little tough to replicate the crispness.
Overall it’s one of their greatest songs. Not necessarily famous, although it’s pretty well known. More great than famous.
The number of times he says “baby” is borderline ridiculous.
I was fortunate enough to see it played live, which was a huge request from fans for a long time. It was good not great, frankly. It’s a little tough to replicate the crispness.
Overall it’s one of their greatest songs. Not necessarily famous, although it’s pretty well known. More great than famous.
Nemesis
Footballguy
It was the very first time that U2 had even used the word "baby" up to that time.
Nemesis
Footballguy
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).
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
Lets preview the next 5.
I have already briefly talked about our #21.
Out of our next 5, 3 are from the big 2 albums. Our total left from them will drop from 11 to 8 by the time we reach #16. Will we see Bullet the Blue Sky?
No one has had their first choice song appear on the countdown to date. That will change in the next 5 songs when our first #1ranked song sees the light of day.
Out of the #2 ranked songs we have seen Hawkmoon 269, Ultraviolet, Kite, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me and 2 #2s for City of Blinding Lights. The next 5 songs have no more #2 ranked songs, just the #1.
The song that attracts a #1 ranking has its next highest rank of #7.
There are still 3 songs to come that have a ranker that put it over #100.
I have already briefly talked about our #21.
Out of our next 5, 3 are from the big 2 albums. Our total left from them will drop from 11 to 8 by the time we reach #16. Will we see Bullet the Blue Sky?
No one has had their first choice song appear on the countdown to date. That will change in the next 5 songs when our first #1ranked song sees the light of day.
Out of the #2 ranked songs we have seen Hawkmoon 269, Ultraviolet, Kite, Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me and 2 #2s for City of Blinding Lights. The next 5 songs have no more #2 ranked songs, just the #1.
The song that attracts a #1 ranking has its next highest rank of #7.
There are still 3 songs to come that have a ranker that put it over #100.
krista4
Footballguy
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
(13) - 21 - Gloria
(13) - 21 - Gloria Under a Blood Red Sky
(13) - 21 - Gloria Remastered 2008
Vulture.com ranking and comment -11/218 - Never have so few taken on so many at one time. Here, U2 decide to shadowbox with Catholicism, Van Morrison, and Patti Smith, not minor influences on the four musicians by any means. You don’t name your song “Gloria” unless you fervently believe you have something else to add to this particular subject area. You don’t write a song named “Gloria” unless you have an innate sense of the power of your band. You don’t write a song named “Gloria” unless you think it can stand next to the other ones you’re borrowing a cup of sugar from. U2 answers in the affirmative to all of the above, crowned by a sing-along chorus at the end that is holy and ethereal. The Edge told Bill Flanagan, “‘Gloria’ is really a lyric about not being able to express what’s going on.” Maybe they didn’t know when they were putting the track together, but live? They wrote it to be a gosh darn anthem, and they pull every bit of power they can out of this one.
Original Comment - Stand out track on October, but comes to life on Under a Blood Red Sky. Has such a Driving Beat. Much to my surprise I am the only one to rank this in their top 20, with me being the top ranker. The other 3 rankings range from 21 to 37.
Total Points - 1642.50
Rankers - 30
Average Points per rank - 54.75 (Approximately a 22nd rank).
Ranks - 20th on average points per ranker
Highest Rank - 3
Lowest Rank - 65
Previous Rank - 13-21
Special Version Requested - (13) - 21 - Gloria Under a Blood Red Sky
(13) - 21 - Gloria Remastered 2008
Ranking Comments - The fact this drops surprises me, but not as much as the fact 10 people didnt even rank it. It only has one vote out of the top 50 for those who ranked it, but only 7 of those are in the 30s and 40s. In a real ranking oddity 5 of the votes placed it at exactly 20, in an almost mass bingo. The two 3 rankings drop to 8 for the next one, so while its popular its drop is cause no one would go over a cliff for this one.
(13) - 21 - Gloria Under a Blood Red Sky
(13) - 21 - Gloria Remastered 2008
Vulture.com ranking and comment -11/218 - Never have so few taken on so many at one time. Here, U2 decide to shadowbox with Catholicism, Van Morrison, and Patti Smith, not minor influences on the four musicians by any means. You don’t name your song “Gloria” unless you fervently believe you have something else to add to this particular subject area. You don’t write a song named “Gloria” unless you have an innate sense of the power of your band. You don’t write a song named “Gloria” unless you think it can stand next to the other ones you’re borrowing a cup of sugar from. U2 answers in the affirmative to all of the above, crowned by a sing-along chorus at the end that is holy and ethereal. The Edge told Bill Flanagan, “‘Gloria’ is really a lyric about not being able to express what’s going on.” Maybe they didn’t know when they were putting the track together, but live? They wrote it to be a gosh darn anthem, and they pull every bit of power they can out of this one.
Original Comment - Stand out track on October, but comes to life on Under a Blood Red Sky. Has such a Driving Beat. Much to my surprise I am the only one to rank this in their top 20, with me being the top ranker. The other 3 rankings range from 21 to 37.
Total Points - 1642.50
Rankers - 30
Average Points per rank - 54.75 (Approximately a 22nd rank).
Ranks - 20th on average points per ranker
Highest Rank - 3
Lowest Rank - 65
Previous Rank - 13-21
Special Version Requested - (13) - 21 - Gloria Under a Blood Red Sky
(13) - 21 - Gloria Remastered 2008
Ranking Comments - The fact this drops surprises me, but not as much as the fact 10 people didnt even rank it. It only has one vote out of the top 50 for those who ranked it, but only 7 of those are in the 30s and 40s. In a real ranking oddity 5 of the votes placed it at exactly 20, in an almost mass bingo. The two 3 rankings drop to 8 for the next one, so while its popular its drop is cause no one would go over a cliff for this one.
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
The next one is another from the big 2 as we start the top 20. Is it finally Bullet the Blue Sky?
Rankings wise its a weird one. Only 30 votes. But more than half of them are between 13 and 24. Its bingo number is 14, with 4 votes at that spot. In a tell, it does have 3 votes outside the top 50 which is highly unusual at this stage of the journey. Only 4 top 10 votes as well.
Rankings wise its a weird one. Only 30 votes. But more than half of them are between 13 and 24. Its bingo number is 14, with 4 votes at that spot. In a tell, it does have 3 votes outside the top 50 which is highly unusual at this stage of the journey. Only 4 top 10 votes as well.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
Gloria = 13.
First U2 song I ever heard. It was in heavy rotation on MTV when we first got cable.
Obviously it’s the best song on October. Anthemic and powerful.
I am not part of tomorrow’s bingo either because my #14 already appeared.
First U2 song I ever heard. It was in heavy rotation on MTV when we first got cable.
Obviously it’s the best song on October. Anthemic and powerful.
I am not part of tomorrow’s bingo either because my #14 already appeared.
krista4
Footballguy
Oof, this one really, really hurts.
I was one of the #3 rankings, and somehow I feel sadder to see this one come up here than I would if you had posted my #1. I think it's because I can see why my #1 might not be someone's exact cup of tea, but this song? This has everything. Quintessential early U2 in the way that it is uncontained and feels like it could go off the rails at any moment, but never does. Probably my favorite Bono vocal of any song. Fantastic bass part, catchy guitar, especially on that instrumental bridge that twists and turns in exciting and unexpected ways. Most of all, POWER. The lovely fade-in brings us almost immediately into that power; the song is so filled with it in every aspect that it seems like Bono is about to float up into the sky. In the official video, he looks like he thinks he might, too. The power is best exemplified when his vocal comes back in after the bridge. Chill-inducing. I find myself gasping at the beautiful urgency of this song, or holding my breath throughout it. And, though this might be a bad thing, that chorus is the earwormiest of earworms.
@Alex P Keaton , please note to Mrs. APK that this might be a religious song.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
:reported:
Oof, this one really, really hurts.
I was one of the #3 rankings, and somehow I feel sadder to see this one come up here than I would if you had posted my #1. I think it's because I can see why my #1 might not be someone's exact cup of tea, but this song? This has everything. Quintessential early U2 in the way that it is uncontained and feels like it could go off the rails at any moment, but never does. Probably my favorite Bono vocal of any song. Fantastic bass part, catchy guitar, especially on that instrumental bridge that twists and turns in exciting and unexpected ways. Most of all, POWER. The lovely fade-in brings us almost immediately into that power; the song is so filled with it in every aspect that it seems like Bono is about to float up into the sky. In the official video, he looks like he thinks he might, too. The power is best exemplified when his vocal comes back in after the bridge. Chill-inducing. I find myself gasping at the beautiful urgency of this song, or holding my breath throughout it. And, though this might be a bad thing, that chorus is the earwormiest of earworms.
@Alex P Keaton , please note to Mrs. APK that this might be a religious song.
Amazing song. Spot on krista. Mrs APK and I both had it at 9! The October version is good but any live version…..it’s a great song to hear live.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
Love Gloria! Have it at 28. I prefer the Under a Blood Red Sky version as well, in part because they did figure out an ending for it, but also in part because of the memories. I'm not religious, but my parents both went to Catholic school, both Irish, and I just remember identifying with this song, and thinking something like "hey, this is a band for me!" I was 12.
Could have had Gloria higher on any given day. It's definitely foundational, early U2 with a large presence. Is it a bit repetitive? Maybe. There aren't entirely that many lyrics. But they are good ones! In te domine! Gloria!
Could have had Gloria higher on any given day. It's definitely foundational, early U2 with a large presence. Is it a bit repetitive? Maybe. There aren't entirely that many lyrics. But they are good ones! In te domine! Gloria!
Nemesis
Footballguy
21 Gloria Bono knows Latin?......well, not really but enough for the song. Original release from the October album had some success in Europe (but in the US, it was mainly obscure college radio). Song took off with the aid of the MTV video of them on a Dublin barge and of course the UABRS album.
The song in concert was an 80's staple.........but was never played in the 90's or on the 2017 JT tour.
The song in concert was an 80's staple.........but was never played in the 90's or on the 2017 JT tour.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Just to be a pain (and to provide a post with absolutely no redeeming value at all) . . . it was played in Rotterdam on 1990-01-09.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
After hearing Pride (In The Name Of Love) today (which has Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders singing background vocals), it got me wondering who was bigger in the music business at the time the song was recorded . . . U2 or The Pretenders? Hynde was married to Jim Kerr, lead single of Simple Minds, who IIRC had opened for U2 on a couple of European dates in 1983.
U2 had released 3 studio albums, with War being a big seller, and the only one of the three to hit the Top 10 in the U.S. But they had no Top 40 singles in the States. Fire, New Year's Day, and Two Hearts had made the Top 10 in the UK by that point. Hard to imagine that Fire was their first of 43 Top 40 hits in the UK.
The Pretenders had 3 studio albums by then . . . and all three had hit the Top 10 in the U.S. They also had 4 Top 40 singles in the States (and 8 songs that had made the Top 40 in the UK).
Obviously from that point forward, U2 went nuclear while The Pretenders struggled to tread water. None of their albums released after that hit the U.S. Top 10 (8 albums), and they only had 2 Top 40 hits after that in America. TUF still didn't crack the Top 10 albums chart stateside, but all 10 of their albums after that did. Pride became their first Top 40 hit in the U.S. at #33, and they since charted another 16 songs after Pride).
In some ways, Pride ended up as the pivot point for both bands. In terms of musical clout, The Pretenders may have had a slight edge at the time (if not, maybe it was a tossup).
U2 had released 3 studio albums, with War being a big seller, and the only one of the three to hit the Top 10 in the U.S. But they had no Top 40 singles in the States. Fire, New Year's Day, and Two Hearts had made the Top 10 in the UK by that point. Hard to imagine that Fire was their first of 43 Top 40 hits in the UK.
The Pretenders had 3 studio albums by then . . . and all three had hit the Top 10 in the U.S. They also had 4 Top 40 singles in the States (and 8 songs that had made the Top 40 in the UK).
Obviously from that point forward, U2 went nuclear while The Pretenders struggled to tread water. None of their albums released after that hit the U.S. Top 10 (8 albums), and they only had 2 Top 40 hits after that in America. TUF still didn't crack the Top 10 albums chart stateside, but all 10 of their albums after that did. Pride became their first Top 40 hit in the U.S. at #33, and they since charted another 16 songs after Pride).
In some ways, Pride ended up as the pivot point for both bands. In terms of musical clout, The Pretenders may have had a slight edge at the time (if not, maybe it was a tossup).
Last edited:
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
(14) - 20 - The Fly
Vulture.com ranking and comment - Everything on “The Fly” is U2 Mark II: that gigantic industrial guitar loop, the deep bass, the offbeat percussion, and, of course, the Fly himself. The now-infamous retro sunglasses were the key to Bono finding the voice, both lyrically and vocally, giving him a freedom to not be “Bono” and to reach out for a different dynamic and temperament, to not have to be so earnest and heroic, but rather to slip into another persona. “The way I saw ‘The Fly’ was like a crank call from hell … but the guy likes it there,” Bono said. “Look, I gotta go,” the Fly says. “I’m running outta change.”
Original Comment - Another commercial track. Like Desire, Discoteque and a few others. Sometimes the lead single leaves me cold. Here is another that did initially. I have grown to love a few of them, and while love is the wrong word I can enjoy this one now. I was so pissed off when I heard this I didn’t buy the Achtung Baby album originally. Soon as I heard Even Better Than the Real Thing I was in like Flynn. Now I can enjoy the weirdness that is “The Fly”. It was a brave move for the band to be so adamant about this being the first single. The #5 ranking is matched by 2 in the 40s, including mine
Total Points - 1646
Rankers - 30
Average Points per rank - 54.87 (Approximately a 21st rank).
Ranks - 20th on average points per ranker
Highest Rank - 4
Lowest Rank - 67
Previous Rank - 14-20
Special Version Requested - None
Ranking Comments - I have done a 180 on this song. Originally i despised it, but ive come to enjoy it more as a statement track. It only has 4 top 10 rankings, but 17 people rank it between 11 and 24.
Vulture.com ranking and comment - Everything on “The Fly” is U2 Mark II: that gigantic industrial guitar loop, the deep bass, the offbeat percussion, and, of course, the Fly himself. The now-infamous retro sunglasses were the key to Bono finding the voice, both lyrically and vocally, giving him a freedom to not be “Bono” and to reach out for a different dynamic and temperament, to not have to be so earnest and heroic, but rather to slip into another persona. “The way I saw ‘The Fly’ was like a crank call from hell … but the guy likes it there,” Bono said. “Look, I gotta go,” the Fly says. “I’m running outta change.”
Original Comment - Another commercial track. Like Desire, Discoteque and a few others. Sometimes the lead single leaves me cold. Here is another that did initially. I have grown to love a few of them, and while love is the wrong word I can enjoy this one now. I was so pissed off when I heard this I didn’t buy the Achtung Baby album originally. Soon as I heard Even Better Than the Real Thing I was in like Flynn. Now I can enjoy the weirdness that is “The Fly”. It was a brave move for the band to be so adamant about this being the first single. The #5 ranking is matched by 2 in the 40s, including mine
Total Points - 1646
Rankers - 30
Average Points per rank - 54.87 (Approximately a 21st rank).
Ranks - 20th on average points per ranker
Highest Rank - 4
Lowest Rank - 67
Previous Rank - 14-20
Special Version Requested - None
Ranking Comments - I have done a 180 on this song. Originally i despised it, but ive come to enjoy it more as a statement track. It only has 4 top 10 rankings, but 17 people rank it between 11 and 24.
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
Next up we have another track from the big 2. Is it finally Bullet the Blue Sky?
We have 4 tracks from the big 2 albums that come from outside the top 20 last time to jump into it this time. Its one of those 4.
The bingo number for this one is 21 with 4 rankers landing it at that spot
We have 4 tracks from the big 2 albums that come from outside the top 20 last time to jump into it this time. Its one of those 4.
The bingo number for this one is 21 with 4 rankers landing it at that spot
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
It would be hilarious if Bullet was #1 after all these teasers. (I’m sure it won’t be.)
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
The Fly = 17. It sounded absolutely nothing like what they’d done before. And I was there for it. I just love the way all of its elements come together. And it’s perhaps Bono’s best use of falsetto.
I believe my #21 has already been called so tomorrow I am once again not part of the group bingo.
I believe my #21 has already been called so tomorrow I am once again not part of the group bingo.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
I'm at 14 on The Fly. Easily one of their biggest songs, and helped transform them out of the old and into the new. I agree with everything Pip wrote, especially this line in falsetto:
"Love, we shine like a burning star, we're falling from the sky, tonight"
Almost in the background, but have come to realize the importance of that lyric over the years. That's The Fly to me. It's no secret!
"Love, we shine like a burning star, we're falling from the sky, tonight"
Almost in the background, but have come to realize the importance of that lyric over the years. That's The Fly to me. It's no secret!
krista4
Footballguy
Given the number of times you've said this, and each time it is not, I'm starting to think BtBS will be #1.
Does no one read my posts!?!?!
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
Nope.
Given the number of times you've said this, and each time it is not, I'm starting to think BtBS will be #1.
Does no one read my posts!?!?!
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
I read your post about Shellac, though. Say hi to Steve for me!
(He has no idea who I am).
(He has no idea who I am).
Nemesis
Footballguy
20 The Fly As mentioned a little earlier, the song evolved from the Ultraviolet recording sessions. Edge used a Korg A3 processor and pulled out all the stops for this one: flange, wah, delay, runs. When played live, Edge has varied the guitars he’s used to play it over the yrs.
It was released a few wks in advance of the album, & was the 1st taste of the new album. In Finland, to make sure that radio stations didn’t break the date embargo on playing the new album, the album was shipped in a canister used for film typically, & it was locked with a combination lock. The record company contacted stations the day of release to let them know the combination that unlocked the lock.
US listeners who liked their U2 more jangly & sincere stayed away in droves. The song shot to #1 in the U.K. but could get no further than #61 on the US Billboard chart.
The Fly (Elevation Tour June 6, 2001) - Boston Check this 1 out w the different lead in (New verse & diff guitar riff).
Also at 5:45, Bono stage dives into the crowd (haven't seen that)
It was released a few wks in advance of the album, & was the 1st taste of the new album. In Finland, to make sure that radio stations didn’t break the date embargo on playing the new album, the album was shipped in a canister used for film typically, & it was locked with a combination lock. The record company contacted stations the day of release to let them know the combination that unlocked the lock.
US listeners who liked their U2 more jangly & sincere stayed away in droves. The song shot to #1 in the U.K. but could get no further than #61 on the US Billboard chart.
The Fly (Elevation Tour June 6, 2001) - Boston Check this 1 out w the different lead in (New verse & diff guitar riff).
Also at 5:45, Bono stage dives into the crowd (haven't seen that)
Anarchy99
Footballguy
I posted way back when about the music scene leading up to AB. There were a lot of alternative British bands that featured a similar sound that were very popular on the club scene. But 30+ years later, they long ago fell off the radar and the younger generation would not have had much exposure to those other bands.
The AB sound was way different than anything U2 had done before, but it was similar to the sound of the time. If they really wanted to max out their sales, they should have held back The Fly as a single and instead released one of the more melodic tracks on the album as the first single. However, the dissonant sound of The Fly was a statement that U2 was back but with a totally different sound.
It took people I knew almost a year to buy into the AB album. The Fly turned them off so much, they didn’t even want to listen to the rest. Then they started hearing the singles as they were released and decided the whole album was well-conceived and well-crafted. I still know people from back in the day that think The Fly is rubbish but like everything else on the AB album. Definitely a hit or miss song, for sure.
The AB sound was way different than anything U2 had done before, but it was similar to the sound of the time. If they really wanted to max out their sales, they should have held back The Fly as a single and instead released one of the more melodic tracks on the album as the first single. However, the dissonant sound of The Fly was a statement that U2 was back but with a totally different sound.
It took people I knew almost a year to buy into the AB album. The Fly turned them off so much, they didn’t even want to listen to the rest. Then they started hearing the singles as they were released and decided the whole album was well-conceived and well-crafted. I still know people from back in the day that think The Fly is rubbish but like everything else on the AB album. Definitely a hit or miss song, for sure.
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
It is time
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
(56) - 19 - Bullet the Blue Sky
(56) - 19 - Bullet the Blue Sky (Live) on Rattle and Hum
Vulture.com ranking and comment -19/218 - Bono asked the Edge to put the sound of “U.S. OUT OF EL SALVADOR” through his amplifier, and he obliged. “I wanted it to feel like hell on Earth, because from the demon seed comes the flower of fire,” Bono said. “OUTSIDE, IT’S AMERICA,” the lyrics cry, while the Edge lights his fretboard on fire. “In a locust wind / Comes a rattle and hum” — and you can almost feel that desert wind coming out of the amplifier. In concert, Bono might take it too far or wander off making no sense, but Edge and his guitar are there to make sure you remember what the song is about.
Original Comment - How good is this album that i think its among the worst 3 songs on the album. Powerful song with a lot to say. The 175 ranking really sinks it. If it was ranked 75 by the same ranker, it would be at #29 overall. I was the second lowest ranker at #52.
Total Points - 1669.65
Rankers - 30
Average Points per rank - 55.58 (Approximately a 18th rank).
Ranks - 19th on average points per ranker
Highest Rank - 4
Lowest Rank - 118
Previous Rank - 56-19
Special Version Requested - (56) - 19 - Bullet the Blue Sky (Live) on Rattle and Hum
Ranking Comments - From outside the top 50 to inside the top 20 is a momentous leap for this fan favorite. Last time we had 2 of this that didn’t like it, myself included, which meant a lower than expected rating. That seems to be corrected here. It has 7 top 10 rankings, 8 others in the top 20 and another 6 in the top 30 including 4 at exactly 21. This track still annoys me, but that seems to be a minority opinion.
(56) - 19 - Bullet the Blue Sky (Live) on Rattle and Hum
Vulture.com ranking and comment -19/218 - Bono asked the Edge to put the sound of “U.S. OUT OF EL SALVADOR” through his amplifier, and he obliged. “I wanted it to feel like hell on Earth, because from the demon seed comes the flower of fire,” Bono said. “OUTSIDE, IT’S AMERICA,” the lyrics cry, while the Edge lights his fretboard on fire. “In a locust wind / Comes a rattle and hum” — and you can almost feel that desert wind coming out of the amplifier. In concert, Bono might take it too far or wander off making no sense, but Edge and his guitar are there to make sure you remember what the song is about.
Original Comment - How good is this album that i think its among the worst 3 songs on the album. Powerful song with a lot to say. The 175 ranking really sinks it. If it was ranked 75 by the same ranker, it would be at #29 overall. I was the second lowest ranker at #52.
Total Points - 1669.65
Rankers - 30
Average Points per rank - 55.58 (Approximately a 18th rank).
Ranks - 19th on average points per ranker
Highest Rank - 4
Lowest Rank - 118
Previous Rank - 56-19
Special Version Requested - (56) - 19 - Bullet the Blue Sky (Live) on Rattle and Hum
Ranking Comments - From outside the top 50 to inside the top 20 is a momentous leap for this fan favorite. Last time we had 2 of this that didn’t like it, myself included, which meant a lower than expected rating. That seems to be corrected here. It has 7 top 10 rankings, 8 others in the top 20 and another 6 in the top 30 including 4 at exactly 21. This track still annoys me, but that seems to be a minority opinion.
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
We have 9 left from the big 2 albums and 9 from the rest of the catalog. Next up is one from the rest of the catalog.
It also has 7 top 10 rankings. It has 3 rankings at 6 and three rankings at 22. It only has 2 rankings of its 30 outside of the top 40.
It also has 7 top 10 rankings. It has 3 rankings at 6 and three rankings at 22. It only has 2 rankings of its 30 outside of the top 40.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
Bullet = 5. It’s a tremendous example of passionate hard rock. It’s too Bono-y for some but his exuberance matches Edge’s joyful noises perfectly.
simey
Footballguy
I ranked Bullet #50. I mainly put it there because of the Pip joke regarding the song. It falls somewhere from 30 to 50 for me. The song is about what Bono saw while visiting El Salvador during its Civil War, and the American involvement in the war. I think they captured the mood well. The lyrics condemn what is going on, sometimes using images from the Bible, and the music accompanies the lyrics great. Bono asked Edge to capture what he witnessed in his guitar solo, and put some "fear and loathing" into the sound. I think Edge nailed that sound. I love the thundering drums in the song.
I ranked The Fly #14. I must have been in the mood for some falsetto that day. Today I would put it somewhere between 20 and 30. My favorite parts in the song are Edge's jarring guitar, Bono's falsetto, and the drums keeping the pace through the song. I like U2s sense of adventure in trying different things.
I ranked The Fly #14. I must have been in the mood for some falsetto that day. Today I would put it somewhere between 20 and 30. My favorite parts in the song are Edge's jarring guitar, Bono's falsetto, and the drums keeping the pace through the song. I like U2s sense of adventure in trying different things.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
To take a brief sidebar, I know many of us are looking forward to songs from TJT and AB. U2 was really popular and more into album sales than singles sales. After Pride finally got them a Top 40 hit in the U.S., they ended up with 10 songs to hit the Billboard Top 40 chart over the next 10 years. Granted not the same audience, but for a comparison, overlapping a lot of that time span, Phil Collins was a song charting machine. Over a 10 and a half year span, Collins appeared on FORTY Top 40 Billboard singles . . . 18 as a solo artist, 14 with Genesis, and 8 with other artists. That's basically an average of 4 Top 40 songs a year for a decade. (The Beatles had 46 Top 40 songs in 9 years . . . although I doubt many people would slot Collins in with The Beatles.)
Gr00vus
Footballguy
Bullet the Blue Sky was 7 for me, great tune. I just love the part counting out the dollar bills - it's a fantastic blunt visceral critique of the U.S. money/power corruption that's only gotten worse since this song was made. Also one of my favorite Edge guitar tracks. Often times he gets a bit too fussy for my taste, here, he flat out lets it rip.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Yeah, this is good stuff. The dollar bills part.....and "outside its america!" is what this song is about. I love -- love -- idealistic, activist, preaching Bono. We need more people taking a stand on issues these days, real principled stands.
That said, I don't love the song and never will. It was #47 for me -- which is still a really good result for U2 rankings (!!!) -- but some of the panting and breathing is just too over the top for me. My FIL refers to this as self-indulgent Bono. Edge is definitely great on this as noted by Gr00vus and others.
Unranked by Mrs APK, which just means outside her top-30. We both enjoy the live version(s) better than TJT version.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
I'm not quite that negative on it, but The Fly was #59 on my list. What frustrates me most about this song - and frankly much of the AB album - is inconsistency of the lyrics. Some of the lyrics are fantastic IMO, such as:
It's no secret that a conscience can sometimes be a pest
It's no secret ambition bites the nails of success
Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief
All kill their inspiration and sing about the grief
Others are garbage, like:
They say a secret is something you tell one other person
So I'm telling you, child
Really? That's what you came up with Bono? And why must he throw in the word "child"?? Anyway, /rant.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Phil Collins with that many top-40 hits......just tells you how little a top-40 hit means. It's a bit like a RB in a 17-game season having 1,000 rushing yards.....
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
I'm at 37 on Bullet the Blue Sky. It's a very good song, and pretty important in the band's history. Maybe I listened to it too often, it's a little played out to me. I agree the lyrics are meaningful in a broad world sense. The Edge does a great job on this one as well.
scorchy
Footballguy
I mentioned in the earlier thread that I bought a bootleg CD of U2 Live at the Point Depot at some point in 1990 or 1991. Thirty bucks at a time when I didn't have it to spare but damn if it isn't a great recording. It was recorded on Dec 26, 1989, the first of a four-night stand in Dublin (the fan club later released a different show from a few days later). Anyway, in this particular version of Gloria, Bono introduces the band during the bridge, but uses fake names. Given the pre-internet times, I was perplexed for years.
On bass guitar, Tony O'Reilly
On guitar, Michael Smurfit
Barry McQueen on the drums
Even with the fountain of knowledge that's wikipedia, still not sure I get the joke.
Last edited:
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
You don’t like a good pant?
krista4
Footballguy
You don’t like a good pant?
Better than "slacks," I suppose. :shudder:
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
(19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming
(19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming Remastered 2009
(19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming - Wide Awake in America
Vulture.com ranking and comment -13/218 - If you weren’t sure if U2 was going to have any staying power after War, the first track of their fourth album would erase all doubt. The title of the song is absolutely truth in advertising: It sounds and feels like coming home, like that little skip in your heart when you turn into the driveway on Thanksgiving, or how your pulse soars when you see your lover’s face waiting for you. It is about surrender, return, and acceptance. It can assuage your heart in the middle of the night or as the sun rises or in the middle of a stadium with thousands of other people.
Original Comment - Great introduction for their entry into the big time. The potential was finally making strides into the mainstream. Some may have lamented the departure of Steve Lillywhite and their rawer sound on the first three albums. A lot of us enjoyed the softer and better produced side that arrived and got better after this track. I don’t think any of us would have batted an eyelid if this came in 20 spots lower. This is one of those overachieving songs that ranks higher cause no one hates it.
Total Points - 1691.5
Rankers - 30
Average Points per rank - 56.38 (Approximately a 15th rank).
Ranks - 19th on average points per ranker
Highest Rank - 3
Lowest Rank - 88
Previous Rank - 56-19
Special Version Requested - (19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming Remastered 2009
(19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming - Wide Awake in America
Ranking Comments - I still don’t get why this one has been top 20 both times, top 50 and i am all aboard. Anyway, 7 top 10 entries shows some love. Most of the rankings land between 18 and 28 though with about half landing there. I think the Wide Awake in America thing broke through in a way that Unforgettable Fire didnt. Maybe @Anarchy99 or @Nemesis might have more on that.
(19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming Remastered 2009
(19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming - Wide Awake in America
Vulture.com ranking and comment -13/218 - If you weren’t sure if U2 was going to have any staying power after War, the first track of their fourth album would erase all doubt. The title of the song is absolutely truth in advertising: It sounds and feels like coming home, like that little skip in your heart when you turn into the driveway on Thanksgiving, or how your pulse soars when you see your lover’s face waiting for you. It is about surrender, return, and acceptance. It can assuage your heart in the middle of the night or as the sun rises or in the middle of a stadium with thousands of other people.
Original Comment - Great introduction for their entry into the big time. The potential was finally making strides into the mainstream. Some may have lamented the departure of Steve Lillywhite and their rawer sound on the first three albums. A lot of us enjoyed the softer and better produced side that arrived and got better after this track. I don’t think any of us would have batted an eyelid if this came in 20 spots lower. This is one of those overachieving songs that ranks higher cause no one hates it.
Total Points - 1691.5
Rankers - 30
Average Points per rank - 56.38 (Approximately a 15th rank).
Ranks - 19th on average points per ranker
Highest Rank - 3
Lowest Rank - 88
Previous Rank - 56-19
Special Version Requested - (19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming Remastered 2009
(19) - 18 - A Sort of Homecoming - Wide Awake in America
Ranking Comments - I still don’t get why this one has been top 20 both times, top 50 and i am all aboard. Anyway, 7 top 10 entries shows some love. Most of the rankings land between 18 and 28 though with about half landing there. I think the Wide Awake in America thing broke through in a way that Unforgettable Fire didnt. Maybe @Anarchy99 or @Nemesis might have more on that.
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
Next up we see our first song ranked at #1 by someone. Given that the next ranking for this song is #7, its a surprise to break our #1 cherry with this song. Not gonna hint more than that. With 17 to go, we have 9 from AB/TJT and 8 from the rest.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Mrs APK had it at 28, I was at 31. When asked to comment she said “no, why would I have anything to say? 18 is a good ranking, I’m supportive.” She seemed annoyed by the question.
To me this song really comes down to how you feel about the UF album. For a lot of older, hard core fans UF is the album that really hooked them. (more so than, say, TJT) And this is the first song on the album…..so it was the lead in song for this new U2 sound. Mrs APK loves this whole album, and this is one of the “big 4” that make it her favorite album.
I don’t have the same attachment to UF as her, and bluntly I probably would rank this about 10-15 slots lower today. After listening to way too much U2 the past few months, UF as an album has slipped a bit.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
U2’s profile in the US was raised tremendously after Live Aid. I can’t think of a band that got a bigger boost from playing there than they did.
Wide Awake was the first thing they released after their appearance there.
Pip's Invitation
Footballguy
Homecoming = 24. It just soars and offers all the warmth your ears could need. Great album opener.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Wide Awake in America was released two months before Live Aid (and had nothing to do with America . . . the live tracks and studio tracks were recorded in the UK).
New and old fans zeroed in on the live version of Bad (an enormous improvement over the studio version). Homecoming got a bump since it was on the same EP. TUF certainly broadened the band’s horizons musically and lyrically.
IMO, Homecoming has far more depth than most of the earlier U2 catalog. More musical range, texture, subtle, and a mosaic of sound we hadn’t heard before. Bono was more emotive without screaming or shouting compared to early vocals that he tried to emphasize. TUF was a step up in musicianship from War (even though overall it wasn’t as popular).
I find it a little odd that a lot of people like songs on TUF but overall it wasn’t a huge seller. I remember buying the album when it first came out and loving it. I thought for sure the band would go to superstar status off of it . . . but that didn’t happen until TJT. TUF certainly laid the groundwork and foundation for the success of Joshua Tree.
New and old fans zeroed in on the live version of Bad (an enormous improvement over the studio version). Homecoming got a bump since it was on the same EP. TUF certainly broadened the band’s horizons musically and lyrically.
IMO, Homecoming has far more depth than most of the earlier U2 catalog. More musical range, texture, subtle, and a mosaic of sound we hadn’t heard before. Bono was more emotive without screaming or shouting compared to early vocals that he tried to emphasize. TUF was a step up in musicianship from War (even though overall it wasn’t as popular).
I find it a little odd that a lot of people like songs on TUF but overall it wasn’t a huge seller. I remember buying the album when it first came out and loving it. I thought for sure the band would go to superstar status off of it . . . but that didn’t happen until TJT. TUF certainly laid the groundwork and foundation for the success of Joshua Tree.
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
Thanks both. That timeline makes sense. Especially if Bad was on Wide Awake.
Similar threads
