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]

(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing
(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Vulture.com ranking and comment -8/218 - This was Joshua sounding the trumpets at Jericho, a clarion call, that cascading guitar riff that’s U2’s version of “Satisfaction.” It was a breathtaking leap from “Zoo Station” to “Even Better,” like being in a speeding car and realizing it isn’t going to stop any time soon. The tension in the melody is kinetic; it’s like the Edge is waving his hands around a theremin (and it has that otherwordly sound that a theremin does) with an intense, driving rhythm, dynamic and sexual.

Comment - Not a flawless note. This song is perfect for me. I really don’t get the low rankings, but then Again I don’t get everyone elses #2. Vulture nails it. To me this is the highpoint of one of the best albums of all time. I would love to hear criticism of this track, but then again maybe i dont lol. To see Acrobat, So Cruel, Ultraviolet, The Fly....Even Walk On ahead of it.....puke.

Total Points - 1838.50

Rankers - 31
Average Points per rank - 59.31 (Approximately a 14th rank).

Ranks - 17th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 1

Lowest Rank - 55

Previous Rank - 22-15

Special Version Requested - (22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Ranking Comments - Our second of 9 songs with a #1 ranking. This was ranked at #2 by me, but someone had it higher. I absolutely love the perfecto dance mix, but didnt choose it myself. Great accompanying video clip. This one has 7 top 10 entries it also has 10 rankings between 11 and 20. With 9 entries between 21 and 30, there are only 5 rankings lower, with only one outside a rankers top 40.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Next up we have our first song with over 32 votes and it has 34. Because of this volume of votes, it is surprisingly ahead of the 3 behind it. With only 14 left, we have our top 12 from last time and two others. Which one will it be?

 

[simey]

(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing

I forgot this song hasn't shown up yet. It is my lowest ranked song I have left. I ranked it #38, which isn't a bad ranking in a huge catalog of songs. I like the song a lot.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Maybe i shouldnt have done a song to clash with opening day of the NFL lol

 

[Anarchy99]

I forgot to post on the actual day, but we hit the one year anniversary of this thread.

 

[Anarchy99]

I had Even at 18. At this point, I doubt many rankers rated any of the remaining songs really low on their lists (or didn't rank them at all). A tangential take on Coca-Cola's "The Real Thing" ads. I enjoy the music, but the lyrics seem a little cheesy to me. I remember when they played it live, they flashed all sorts of stuff on screens behind them. I may be in the minority, but I thought the Zoo TV tour was overblown and in excess. Sure, I get that that was the point that they were trying to make. But I found all the add-ons, the video screens, the flashing messages, etc. distracting and IMO took away some from the music and their performance. Especially for me, I have some vision and processing issues, and my brain went on sensory overload, and I got a huge headache during the Zoo TV show I went to. By comparison, their early shows I went to on other shows really were not big on theatrics, and I got into the music more on their 80's dates. Maybe it's just me . . .

 

[Anarchy99]

Hellooooooooooooooooooooo . . . . (echo)
Anyone hereeeeeeeeeeeeeee???? . . . . (echo)

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Hellooooooooooooooooooooo . . . . (echo)
Anyone hereeeeeeeeeeeeeee???? . . . . (echo)

We are ready for some football. A Monday night party.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Even Better = 4. My favorite and highest-ranked song from AB.

It hooked me instantly and greatly helped me get into the rest of it. It was one of the songs I played often and at loud volume in college.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I was hoping to finish with a bang not a whimper lol. Will post the next few a bit more regularly

 

[Anarchy99]

I was hoping to finish with a bang not a whimper lol. Will post the next few a bit more regularly

Sadly, people stay engaged only so long. My Bowie, Zeppelin, and One Hit Wonder threads saw the same effect towards the end. Like you said, football starting probably drew people away.

 

[simey]

Sadly, people stay engaged only so long. My Bowie, Zeppelin, and One Hit Wonder threads saw the same effect towards the end. Like you said, football starting probably drew people away.

This countdown started in April, and I think some people just lose interest along the way. It also moves slow, and a lot of times there are days that go by before another song is posted, and that can lose engagement. There is also summer vacations, life in general, and now football has started. Your Led Zeppelin countdown became a slow mover and stalled, and sometimes it seemed like you kinda checked out, and in consequence your participants checked out too. Anyway, there are still people following along in here.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

(25) - 16 - The Unforgettable Fire
25-16 - The Unforgettable Fire Remastered 2009

Hello, back from a quick trip. Glad I didn't miss too many songs! I didn't have access to my rankings, but back now and ready to do this with the obviously tremendous songs that remain.

I have The Unforgettable Fire at 12. It's a masterpiece, IMO. Highly artistic, terrific vocals where he doesn't stretch it too far. I really enjoy the lyrics, especially these:

"Walk on by, walk on through, so sad to besiege your love so hang on"

And then after their interlude (not really a solo in the true sense), these:

"And if the mountains should crumble or disappear into the sea, not a tear, no, not I"

The album itself is probably my favorite U2 album, which I've mentioned in several spots, which likely resulted in a ranking boost for the song. But I don't mind. This is quintessential U2, to me. It don't get much higher than The Unforgettable Fire.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing
(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

I have Even Better than the Real Thing at 25. It's a great song, obviously. While Zoo Station is terrific IMO, it may have been a bit jarring and a turn off to long time fans. Even Better than the Real Thing, on the other hand, I think helped bring some of those folks back in (along with the next track on the album lol). I agree with the notion that there's no waste in this song. I would also propose that these lyrics right here are some of the best lyrics they ever wrote:

"We're free to fly the crimson sky, the sun won't melt our wings tonight"

All in all, a great track from an awesome album.

 

[Anarchy99]

Sadly, people stay engaged only so long. My Bowie, Zeppelin, and One Hit Wonder threads saw the same effect towards the end. Like you said, football starting probably drew people away.

This countdown started in April, and I think some people just lose interest along the way. It also moves slow, and a lot of times there are days that go by before another song is posted, and that can lose engagement. There is also summer vacations, life in general, and now football has started. Your Led Zeppelin countdown became a slow mover and stalled, and sometimes it seemed like you kinda checked out, and in consequence your participants checked out too. Anyway, there are still people following along in here.

These types of threads are tough all around. The OP will have to commit months of time. Rankers have to take some time to listen to and rank the songs. Many of the people following will comment every now and again. And some of the target audience will just want to see the final rankings to see where their faves ended up. As far as this thread goes, I was one of the original rankers and have devoted a year to participating and following along (certainly not as much time and input as several other people in here). I opted to participate because I was a U2 fan . . . not necessarily an uber fan, but I at least was familiar with most of their catalog. At the time we started, I hadn't done a deep dive into U2 for several years, so it was refreshing to hear everything all over again. But to keep at it for months and months is tough sledding. I tried to check in every day or to post or add something to the discussion. But I can still only take hearing one or two U2 songs at a time because I have been saturated with their music by now. But as JML has asked, will try to finish out strong.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing
(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Vulture.com ranking and comment -8/218 - This was Joshua sounding the trumpets at Jericho, a clarion call, that cascading guitar riff that’s U2’s version of “Satisfaction.” It was a breathtaking leap from “Zoo Station” to “Even Better,” like being in a speeding car and realizing it isn’t going to stop any time soon. The tension in the melody is kinetic; it’s like the Edge is waving his hands around a theremin (and it has that otherwordly sound that a theremin does) with an intense, driving rhythm, dynamic and sexual.

Comment - Not a flawless note. This song is perfect for me. I really don’t get the low rankings, but then Again I don’t get everyone elses #2. Vulture nails it. To me this is the highpoint of one of the best albums of all time. I would love to hear criticism of this track, but then again maybe i dont lol. To see Acrobat, So Cruel, Ultraviolet, The Fly....Even Walk On ahead of it.....puke.

Total Points - 1838.50

Rankers - 31
Average Points per rank - 59.31 (Approximately a 14th rank).

Ranks - 17th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 1

Lowest Rank - 55

Previous Rank - 22-15

Special Version Requested - (22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Ranking Comments - Our second of 9 songs with a #1 ranking. This was ranked at #2 by me, but someone had it higher. I absolutely love the perfecto dance mix, but didnt choose it myself. Great accompanying video clip. This one has 7 top 10 entries it also has 10 rankings between 11 and 20. With 9 entries between 21 and 30, there are only 5 rankings lower, with only one outside a rankers top 40.

I was the lowest at 55. Unranked by Mrs APK. It’s still a really good song, but I just don’t love it.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(24) - 14 -Mysterious Ways

Vulture.com ranking and comment -34/218 - There is so much elation in “Mysterious Ways,” the guitar riff that sounds like nothing else, Adam Clayton’s bass line rumbling and swinging and holding the band down from spinning off into the firmament, and Larry Mullen, for all his fears of where he would fit into this “new” version of U2, slotting in perfectly. And then there’s the lead singer, who turns this into a hymn of adoration to women. Bono said, “It is U2 at our funkiest. Sexy music.” He’s not wrong.

Original Comment - A noticeable sign in their development. It is another commerically attractive song, much better than WGRYWH. I cant put it near the elite, but it deserves a high ranking.

Total Points - 1884.50

Rankers - 34

Average Points per rank - 55.43 (Approximately a 19th rank).

Ranks - 19th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 3

Lowest Rank - 59

Previous Rank - 24-14

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - This is the first song with more than 32 rankers with 34. 23 top 25 entries cements this song with a solid rise in rankings. Never really been my type of U2 somg, but I dig the vibe.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

We have the top 12 left from last time and one other. Will it be the other or will one of the top 12 drop? It is the last somg with less than 33 rankers, but has an incredible votes per ranker tally.

The 22-14 area saw 5 Achtung Baby songs. The next one wont be from Achtung Baby. There is only one left, but 5 are left from Joshua Tree.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

(24) - 14 -Mysterious Ways

I'm at 16 on Mysterious Ways. Damn near a bingo, at least for how my rankings have played out.

Most U2 fans I encounter, die-hard or casual, seem to really enjoy this song. When I think back to the game show "name that tune", I think that most people could name Mysterious Ways in one or two notes. It's that memorable and unique. It's got a certain groove to it, the lyrics are remarkable, Bono doesn't try to do anything too crazy. It's just a great U2 song. Equally famous and great, IMO. I think this is my favorite part:

One day you'll look back, and you'll see, where you were held now by this love
While you could stand there
You could move on this moment
Follow this feeling

That's Mysterious Ways. It's alright!

 

[General Malaise]

(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing
(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Vulture.com ranking and comment -8/218 - This was Joshua sounding the trumpets at Jericho, a clarion call, that cascading guitar riff that’s U2’s version of “Satisfaction.” It was a breathtaking leap from “Zoo Station” to “Even Better,” like being in a speeding car and realizing it isn’t going to stop any time soon. The tension in the melody is kinetic; it’s like the Edge is waving his hands around a theremin (and it has that otherwordly sound that a theremin does) with an intense, driving rhythm, dynamic and sexual.

Comment - Not a flawless note. This song is perfect for me. I really don’t get the low rankings, but then Again I don’t get everyone elses #2. Vulture nails it. To me this is the highpoint of one of the best albums of all time. I would love to hear criticism of this track, but then again maybe i dont lol. To see Acrobat, So Cruel, Ultraviolet, The Fly....Even Walk On ahead of it.....puke.

Total Points - 1838.50

Rankers - 31
Average Points per rank - 59.31 (Approximately a 14th rank).

Ranks - 17th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 1

Lowest Rank - 55

Previous Rank - 22-15

Special Version Requested - (22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Ranking Comments - Our second of 9 songs with a #1 ranking. This was ranked at #2 by me, but someone had it higher. I absolutely love the perfecto dance mix, but didnt choose it myself. Great accompanying video clip. This one has 7 top 10 entries it also has 10 rankings between 11 and 20. With 9 entries between 21 and 30, there are only 5 rankings lower, with only one outside a rankers top 40.

My number 1. Wouldn't have ranked it this high 30 years ago when I was more of a fan, but for older GM, it's my favorite tune of theirs that I still crank up high when I hear it. It just rocks.

 

[General Malaise]

(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing
(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Vulture.com ranking and comment -8/218 - This was Joshua sounding the trumpets at Jericho, a clarion call, that cascading guitar riff that’s U2’s version of “Satisfaction.” It was a breathtaking leap from “Zoo Station” to “Even Better,” like being in a speeding car and realizing it isn’t going to stop any time soon. The tension in the melody is kinetic; it’s like the Edge is waving his hands around a theremin (and it has that otherwordly sound that a theremin does) with an intense, driving rhythm, dynamic and sexual.

Comment - Not a flawless note. This song is perfect for me. I really don’t get the low rankings, but then Again I don’t get everyone elses #2. Vulture nails it. To me this is the highpoint of one of the best albums of all time. I would love to hear criticism of this track, but then again maybe i dont lol. To see Acrobat, So Cruel, Ultraviolet, The Fly....Even Walk On ahead of it.....puke.

Total Points - 1838.50

Rankers - 31
Average Points per rank - 59.31 (Approximately a 14th rank).

Ranks - 17th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 1

Lowest Rank - 55

Previous Rank - 22-15

Special Version Requested - (22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Ranking Comments - Our second of 9 songs with a #1 ranking. This was ranked at #2 by me, but someone had it higher. I absolutely love the perfecto dance mix, but didnt choose it myself. Great accompanying video clip. This one has 7 top 10 entries it also has 10 rankings between 11 and 20. With 9 entries between 21 and 30, there are only 5 rankings lower, with only one outside a rankers top 40.

My number 1. Wouldn't have ranked it this high 30 years ago when I was more of a fan, but for older GM, it's my favorite tune of theirs that I still crank up high when I hear it. It just rocks.

Plus, you know, for a guy that is rather lackluster in the sack, it's an anthem for me.

 

[Gr00vus]

(25) - 16 - The Unforgettable Fire
25-16 - The Unforgettable Fire Remastered 2009

Vulture.com ranking and comment - U2’s fourth record was recorded in a round gothic ballroom at Slane Castle, where the band had rehearsed and fell in love with the acoustics. (“The sound is magnificent,” Bono said of the space in 2006. “If Phil Spector was going to lie in state, it would be here.”) When you listen to the album’s title track, you can feel all of this, as well as the influence of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, who took over the board this time out. It is a vast, expressive piece that bears no resemblance to traditional verse-chorus-verse rock or pop songwriting from a vocal melody standpoint. It’s one of those songs that you can absolutely feel, heart in your throat or in the pit of your stomach, but have no idea what it’s actually about. Bono himself admits that the lyrics are a sketch, but there is a strong sense of love lost and love longed for: “Stay this time,” “Come and take me away,” “Save your love / don’t push me too far.” It is an astonishing composition.

Original Comment - Introspective. The change in producer reaps rewards and gets depths out of the band that Lillywhite didn’t. I think this may be one of the songs that overachieves in the rankings. The #5 ranking pushes it higher than I would have expected, although the #91 is an anchor that holds it down.

Total Points - 1779

Rankers - 32

Average Points per rank - 55.59 (Approximately a 17th rank).

Ranks - 19th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 2

Lowest Rank - 95

Previous Rank - 25-16

Special Version Requested - 25-16 - The Unforgettable Fire Remastered 2009

Ranking Comments - As discussed its our first one with 10 top 10 entries. Very heavily ranked in the 11-20 area as well. I do think the 2 UF tracks we have seen recently are overrated, but clearly top 50 material. I wonder how many of us had them side by side?

This is my #2. Such a beautiful song. They introduced layers with the piano, strings, and synths that they really hadn't attempted this way before. It's a soundscape as much as it is a song, and that's not for everyone, but it's so well rendered here.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing
(22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Vulture.com ranking and comment -8/218 - This was Joshua sounding the trumpets at Jericho, a clarion call, that cascading guitar riff that’s U2’s version of “Satisfaction.” It was a breathtaking leap from “Zoo Station” to “Even Better,” like being in a speeding car and realizing it isn’t going to stop any time soon. The tension in the melody is kinetic; it’s like the Edge is waving his hands around a theremin (and it has that otherwordly sound that a theremin does) with an intense, driving rhythm, dynamic and sexual.

Comment - Not a flawless note. This song is perfect for me. I really don’t get the low rankings, but then Again I don’t get everyone elses #2. Vulture nails it. To me this is the highpoint of one of the best albums of all time. I would love to hear criticism of this track, but then again maybe i dont lol. To see Acrobat, So Cruel, Ultraviolet, The Fly....Even Walk On ahead of it.....puke.

Total Points - 1838.50

Rankers - 31
Average Points per rank - 59.31 (Approximately a 14th rank).

Ranks - 17th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 1

Lowest Rank - 55

Previous Rank - 22-15

Special Version Requested - (22) - 15 -Even Better Than The Real Thing Perfecto Dance Mix

Ranking Comments - Our second of 9 songs with a #1 ranking. This was ranked at #2 by me, but someone had it higher. I absolutely love the perfecto dance mix, but didnt choose it myself. Great accompanying video clip. This one has 7 top 10 entries it also has 10 rankings between 11 and 20. With 9 entries between 21 and 30, there are only 5 rankings lower, with only one outside a rankers top 40.

I was the lowest at 55. Unranked by Mrs APK. It’s still a really good song, but I just don’t love it.

I'm in the same boat. I had it at 35 (out of 40) and it's my 2nd lowest ranked song from the 8 I ranked from Achtung Baby.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

(24) - 14 -Mysterious Ways

And this is my lowest ranked from AB. My #40 out of 40.

 

[simey]

(24) - 14 -Mysterious Ways

I ranked this song #20. At one point it was my #10. I would switch this one with The Fly (#14) if I were doing the rankings today. I love the groove of this tune.

 

[krista4]

"Even Better Than the Real Thing" zoomed up my rankings to #28 after starting off in the 50s. It's a song that I appreciate more every time I listen. It doesn't "grab" me but is more of a slow burn. I really like the mood of it.

"Mysterious Ways" was my #19. I think @Grace Under Pressure captured it perfectly.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

"Even Better Than the Real Thing" zoomed up my rankings to #28 after starting off in the 50s. It's a song that I appreciate more every time I listen. It doesn't "grab" me but is more of a slow burn. I really like the mood of it.

"Mysterious Ways" was my #19. I think @Grace Under Pressure captured it perfectly.

Looking forward to your thoughts on the top 13.
I was kinda the opposite with EBTTRT. I was really disappointed with the Fly and was prepared to write U2 off. Then Mysterious Ways came out and I was on the “I don’t like your new direction” vibe. One came out and I was back in the game, but I still didnt have the album. On the very first listen of this track I “rushed” out and bought it immediately. The Fly and Mysterious Ways were still my least favourite tracks for a long time. Like GM I have Even Better very high, at #2 in fact.

Next comes the creme de la creme of U2. (We are already there), The top 13

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill
(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill Remastered (2007)

Vulture.com ranking and comment -25/218 - It’s the most spiritual song on an album where there’s no shortage, and not surprisingly; it originated from real, deep, specific loss, not a vague swirl of influences (not to diminish those in any way). The song was written after attending the Maori funeral of crew member (and PA to Bono) Greg Carroll in New Zealand, who died in a terrible motorcycle accident on a rainy night in Dublin. In the lyrics, Bono mixes Maori legend with Biblical imagery, and compares Carroll’s untimely death to the loss of Chilean folk singer Victor Jara, murdered by the Pinochet regime in 1973 — all in service of trying to make sense of the horrible loss. But the pivotal element of this song is in Bono’s heartrending vocals in the last minute and a half. It’s understandable that the band waited for a while back in 1987 before adding it to the set, and why the song mostly disappeared from live sets (except for shows in Australia or New Zealand) until the 2017 revival.

Original Comment - Such a well thought out song and produced with restraint. This could have been a bombastic single, but the emotional intent was more important. Only released in New Zealand where it went to Number 1. I don’t know why records show it was released in Australia. As a back story i was trying to find the red vinyl copy of Desire and rang a bunch of record shops. I ended up having to catch a train to North Sydney, 3 hours away from me to grab one. One Tree Hill, obviously released earlier, I must have rung about 50 stores and none had it. Some said they would have to import it from New Zealand. A guy who imported all my stuff from UK record shops in Sydney got a copy for me. It might have got a low chart placing in Australia, but it was purely from people...like me importing it from New Zealand.

Total Points - 1935.20

Rankers - 31

Average Points per rank - 62.43 (Approximately a 11th rank).

Ranks - 16th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 2

Lowest Rank - 126

Previous Rank - 18-13

Special Version Requested -(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill Remastered (2007)

Ranking Comments - Our last song from the “rest”. This masterpiece jumps 5 spots and has lots of love. 5 top 5 rankings, 8 total top 10 rankings, 20 total top 20 rankings and 28 top 30 rankings. Its lowest 3 votes are 32, 38.....fair enough, but a 126? I guess it takes all tastes, but that surprised me.

 

[Mr. Landry]

(24) - 14 -Mysterious Ways

Love this song. My son, who is anti-U2 (probably because that is all he heard in my house until he learned to control his own music) and always bags on their music (to get a rise out of me), told me yesterday, begrudgingly, that, "Mysterious Ways isn't a bad song. If I had to have a favorite U2 song, that would be it."

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

After roughly 200 songs into our countdown, with 40 rankers this time, we have the same top 12 as last time, with only 4 rankers on our first go round
Last time Beautiful Day occupied the 12 slot. Does it rise? Does something else fall back?

As an FYI, 3 of the top 12 tracks have the exact same ranking as last time. Of the remaining 9 tracks 6 drop their rankings and only 3 move up. The biggest move up is 4 spots. The biggest drop is 5 spots.

The game is afoot.

 

[krista4]

After roughly 200 songs into our countdown, with 40 rankers this time, we have the same top 12 as last time, with only 4 rankers on our first go round

I find this pretty amazing. And apologies in advance to Beautiful Day, which I really should have had much higher than #31.

 

[simey]

(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill

I ranked this song #17. I love hearing it when I drive.

 

[simey]

I find this pretty amazing. And apologies in advance to Beautiful Day, which I really should have had much higher than #31.

I ranked it #30.

 

[krista4]

I had a near-bingo with One Tree Hill being #14 on my list. I've realized from this thread that until now I knew very little about the backstories on U2 songs. Reading them has been interesting, but generally it does not affect my enjoyment of a song one way or the other. This song is a big exception, and knowing what it's about significantly heightens my appreciation of it.

I wholeheartedly agree with the statement that the song shows surprising restraint. It would be easy with such an emotional backstory for it to go slightly (or more) off the rails, but to me the emotion rings through strongly and sincerely without going at all over the top. The "raining" section near the end is obviously the most forceful emotionally, but it's so perfectly wrought and genuine that it can actually move me to tears with its beauty. Another aspect I love about how they've handled the emotion of the song is that the instrumentation is so shimmery and chimey that it sounds upbeat in many ways. If I didn't have the lyrics and context, I might assume the song was about something beautiful - and maybe it is, as it's celebrating a life while simultaneously mourning its end. The sudden near-silence just before the "oh great ocean" part is breathtaking and truly makes this sound like a prayer. A gorgeous, deeply affecting prayer.

 

[krista4]

I find this pretty amazing. And apologies in advance to Beautiful Day, which I really should have had much higher than #31.

I ranked it #30.

You and I seem to have very similar rankings on most of these songs! I guess that shouldn't be surprising.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

After roughly 200 songs into our countdown, with 40 rankers this time, we have the same top 12 as last time, with only 4 rankers on our first go round
Last time Beautiful Day occupied the 12 slot. Does it rise? Does something else fall back?

As an FYI, 3 of the top 12 tracks have the exact same ranking as last time. Of the remaining 9 tracks 6 drop their rankings and only 3 move up. The biggest move up is 4 spots. The biggest drop is 5 spots.

The game is afoot.

Wow!!!! That’s amazing!!!!

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill
(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill Remastered (2007)

I'm at 18 on One Tree Hill. I obviously ranked other songs higher, but if you told me I had to go to battle for one song on The Joshua Tree, I might pick One Tree Hill.

Such a beautiful song from beginning to end. The Edge and Larry are fantastic on this one. The way The Edge starts out the song, and then Larry joining in, it really is an amazing, almost magical song. But what really gets me are the lyrics.

I am familiar with the backstory, but the lyrics were written in such a way that it's not imperative to know about that to relate. If you've ever had to say goodbye, maybe to a mother who passed away too early, maybe to a daughter when Dad needs to go away on a trip, maybe to an old friend who you weren't sure if or when you may see again. This song is meant for you when that happens. Bono did an amazing job conveying these types of experiences though these lyrics. Especially here:

I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky
And the moon has turned red, over One Tree Hill

I'll sing along to the verge of tears on One Tree Hill. And that's why U2 is so good IMO. They evoke emotion. They bring out what it means to be alive, and sometimes that means we have to say goodbye to people we love. A beautiful, amazing, timeless, emotion-evoking song. That's One Tree Hill for me.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill
(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill Remastered (2007)

I'm at 18 on One Tree Hill. I obviously ranked other songs higher, but if you told me I had to go to battle for one song on The Joshua Tree, I might pick One Tree Hill.

Such a beautiful song from beginning to end. The Edge and Larry are fantastic on this one. The way The Edge starts out the song, and then Larry joining in, it really is an amazing, almost magical song. But what really gets me are the lyrics.

I am familiar with the backstory, but the lyrics were written in such a way that it's not imperative to know about that to relate. If you've ever had to say goodbye, maybe to a mother who passed away too early, maybe to a daughter when Dad needs to go away on a trip, maybe to an old friend who you weren't sure if or when you may see again. This song is meant for you when that happens. Bono did an amazing job conveying these types of experiences though these lyrics. Especially here:

I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky
And the moon has turned red, over One Tree Hill

I'll sing along to the verge of tears on One Tree Hill. And that's why U2 is so good IMO. They evoke emotion. They bring out what it means to be alive, and sometimes that means we have to say goodbye to people we love. A beautiful, amazing, timeless, emotion-evoking song. That's One Tree Hill for me.

Wow. You captured my thoughts on this song better than I ever could have, including tagging the lyrics that often bring tears to my eyes. My family suffered a loss recently, and this song just hits me hard now. (in a good way)

Mrs APK had it at #12, I had it at #3. It’s always been my favorite song on the album, though I don’t think it is the best one.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I had a near-bingo with One Tree Hill being #14 on my list. I've realized from this thread that until now I knew very little about the backstories on U2 songs. Reading them has been interesting, but generally it does not affect my enjoyment of a song one way or the other. This song is a big exception, and knowing what it's about significantly heightens my appreciation of it.

I wholeheartedly agree with the statement that the song shows surprising restraint. It would be easy with such an emotional backstory for it to go slightly (or more) off the rails, but to me the emotion rings through strongly and sincerely without going at all over the top. The "raining" section near the end is obviously the most forceful emotionally, but it's so perfectly wrought and genuine that it can actually move me to tears with its beauty. Another aspect I love about how they've handled the emotion of the song is that the instrumentation is so shimmery and chimey that it sounds upbeat in many ways. If I didn't have the lyrics and context, I might assume the song was about something beautiful - and maybe it is, as it's celebrating a life while simultaneously mourning its end. The sudden near-silence just before the "oh great ocean" part is breathtaking and truly makes this sound like a prayer. A gorgeous, deeply affecting prayer.

Can’t love this enough.

 

[simey]

I am familiar with the backstory, but the lyrics were written in such a way that it's not imperative to know about that to relate. If you've ever had to say goodbye, maybe to a mother who passed away too early, maybe to a daughter when Dad needs to go away on a trip, maybe to an old friend who you weren't sure if or when you may see again. This song is meant for you when that happens. Bono did an amazing job conveying these types of experiences though these lyrics. Especially here:

I'll see you again when the stars fall from the sky
And the moon has turned red, over One Tree Hill

I love hearing this song when I drive, because it makes me think of someone who is no longer here. I go into deep thought when I drive, and the flow of the music in this song , which I consider a road rhythm song, coupled with the lyrics is a journey in itself. The song has a peaceful beauty about it, and to be on the road, especially if driving alone, having this song playing is a soothing release.

I've gone into such deep thought while driving before, that when I come out of it I have forgotten for a few seconds where it is I'm going to.

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

(18)- 13 - One Tree Hill

I ranked it at 13. I believe this is my first bingo of the countdown.

I agree with simey. I love listening to this song while driving, preferably on a long road trip in the middle of nowhere. Frankly, I feel that way about the entire album. Great road trip album.

TJT was released just before my spring break of my sophomore year of college. My girlfriend (now wife) and I drove from Seattle to Desert Hot Springs, CA to visit her dad and this album played for most of the drive. We actually drove through Joshua Tree National Park on our way there.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

My family suffered a loss recently, and this song just hits me hard now. (in a good way)

First, sorry for your loss and condolences to you and your family. The examples I used in my post are real. I'm glad we have a place and a band with songs that we can share these experiences through together.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

I love hearing this song when I drive, because it makes me think of someone who is no longer here. I go into deep thought when I drive, and the flow of the music in this song , which I consider a road rhythm song, coupled with the lyrics is a journey in itself. The song has a peaceful beauty about it, and to be on the road, especially if driving alone, having this song playing is a soothing release.

Completely agree with the driving and road trip aspect of this song. My wife and I lived in Arizona for 20 years, The Joshua Tree was a staple of road trips for us (Sedona, The Mogollon Rim, Palm Springs, etc.). Thank you for bringing back those memories for me today.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

TJT was released just before my spring break of my sophomore year of college. My girlfriend (now wife) and I drove from Seattle to Desert Hot Springs, CA to visit her dad and this album played for most of the drive. We actually drove through Joshua Tree National Park on our way there.

This rules.

 

[Anarchy99]

I had Mysterious at 23. I think I like the Live in Sydney version better, but that probably has to do with the future Mrs. Edge appearing as the belly dancer. In the middle of recording Mysterious Ways in the studio, they came up with One and put Mysterious on the back burner to record One. Rumor has it that at the start of the AB sessions they had little creative juices flowing and couldn't come up with any decent new material. At one point in the early going, there were whispers of the band potentially breaking up.

I had OTH at 8 and third highest on TJT. I had renewed interest in the song after my trip to Dublin over the summer and going to the site where Greg Caroll was killed returning Bono's motorcycle back to him in the rain (on Morehampton Road) and exploring locations where TJT was written and recorded. Carroll's death rocked the band . . . Bono in particular, as he clearly had a serious case of survivor's guilt. The band utilized all sorts of new instrumentation, recording techniques, and effects to record the song. Bono's vocals were recorded in a single take, as he said he would only be able to get through the song once and would break down in any other attempts. Bono was so concerned that he would be too emotional performing the song that it did not get played live until the third leg of TJT tour. The song got a more thorough rendition in the 30th Anniversary TJT when the wounds were not as fresh. Cleveland - 2017-07-01(The unreleased version for Rattle And Hum isn't exactly chopped liver.)

The fact that U2 would memorialize someone so near and dear to them that no one else would ever have known (or really cared about) is what makes them special. Compared to their other songs about love lost, one of their many causes, or other famous people, this one is just so intimate and special that it's hard to describe it and do justice to such a magnificent effort.

 

[General Malaise]

I don't remember where I ranked One Tree Hill, but I'm pretty sure it was top 5 for me. My PMs to JML didn't transfer over, but this is one of my favorite U2 songs.

Stupid question, but what's a 'bingo'?

 

[Anarchy99]

I don't remember where I ranked One Tree Hill, but I'm pretty sure it was top 5 for me. My PMs to JML didn't transfer over, but this is one of my favorite U2 songs.

Stupid question, but what's a 'bingo'?

When your ranking matches exactly with where the song ended up on the final rankings.

 

[Brony]

I had One Tree Hill at my #4 and it's not even my top TJT track. I've mentioned earlier that I'm primarily listening to most songs for the groove, the vibe, whatever you want to call it. Nary a concern for the lyrics or the message. One Tree Hill is one of less than a handful of U2 songs that cuts deeper. It struck an emotional chord before I know the back story and remains a song that deserves a little reverence. (thanks The WB!) I think Krista and Grace did a nice job summarizing the beauty of the song and I wholeheartedly agree.

If I ever intended to have a serious funeral playlist, this song would be tops. (But I don't intend to. )

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(12) - 12 -Beautiful Day

Vulture.com ranking and comment -21/218 - It’s tempting and lazy to label this song as “U2 back to form!” when this is a shape they hadn’t previously created, exactly. But it’s also tempting and lazy to dismiss the biggest hit. They wrote an enormous, slick anthem that exploded because people connected to it. It is gigantic, with Edge-ian power chords for miles, Larry hitting the drums with insane authority, a powerful and melodic bass line, and Bono’s voice was back in its rich, all-encompassing warmth. Then there are the little moments: that “Dayyyyyy, dayyyyyy” harmonic surge after the bridge, the staccato guitar notes on the back half of the chorus, that ecstatic “Ooh-ho” from Bono before the “Touch me” line in the chorus, and the way the verses raise the energy to that explosion of excitement. “Beautiful Day” doesn’t have the same quality of complex emotion as their other large anthems; it’s just a bright and optimistic moment, and this is the right band for that job.

Original Comment - And with that, the oldest song left is One. After a barren period of alleged mediocrity they bounce back with a killer track that was easily their biggest seller of the last 20 odd years. This time we have 2 top 10 rankings and I am highest again. This would have landed at #6 if it weren’t for the two barely top 40 rankings.

Total Points - 1972.25

Rankers - 33

Average Points per rank - 59.77 (Approximately a 13th rank).

Ranks - 17th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 3

Lowest Rank - 77

Previous Rank - 12-12

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - This one has 11 top 10 rankings, a record I think so far. Only a few between 11 and 20, but 11 rankings in the 20s, with 9 between 21 and 24. Only 3 votes lower than 32. This is our last track with less than 2000 ranking points and the last one averaging less than 60 points per ranker.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I don't remember where I ranked One Tree Hill, but I'm pretty sure it was top 5 for me. My PMs to JML didn't transfer over, but this is one of my favorite U2 songs.

Stupid question, but what's a 'bingo'?

You had One Tree Hill at #2. Your 3, 4 and 5 are still to come.