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)

[Alex P Keaton]

I like the song, but I don't like the ending, which it doesn't really seem to have. It is as if someone is messing with the volume by turning it down all the way, and so you miss the end. 

I like the ending!   Have always enjoyed the fade out…..

 

[Alex P Keaton]

(154) - > #85 - Another Time Another Place

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 87/218 - One of the undersung numbers from Boy, this track is a complete thought, a fully formed composition, with all four band members performing at an equal level: Bono’s voice soars, full of promise, while Edge, Larry, and Adam mesh together like puzzle pieces. It’s wistful and innocent, earnest and heartfelt. In later interviews, Bono kind of shrugs this one off, but it’s a perfect tale of youthful lust and longing to be alone together.

Original Comment - Album filler. Interesting that three of us had it ranked in the meh territory between 155-163, while one of us had it closer to the Vulture ranking

Total Points - 285

Rankers - 12

Average Points per rank - 23.75 (Approximately a 87th rank). 

Ranks  - 52nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 8

Lowest Rank - 119

Previous Rank - 154 > 85

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - Here it is. An 8 and 17 lead the charge.. Two more in the top 50. The meat is between 64 and 119 where 8 rankers placed it. Lowest rank is 119. Last time we had 3 of the 4 of us, myself included place it well below that. I did lift it this time as it has good structure.

Mrs APK is at 8, I’m at 17.  In retrospect this would be closer to the 25-35 range for me now.  I was psychologically influenced by my daughter’s reaction to the original ranking of 154 (“what the hell is wrong with these people?”).

When asked to comment Mrs APK said “nope.”   She then said “if you don’t like the raw U2 sound, you won’t like this.”   Followed by “I also like the guitar at the end, which is the first hint we really get of Edge’s unique guitar sound.”

Daughter comment: “where else are you going to get Bono randomly breaking into Gaelic?”

I’m unapologetic about ranking songs from Boy this high.   Sometimes it is my favorite U2 album.  Other times 2nd.  Or 3rd.  But I love the raw energy of early U2.  The lack of over-production.   Feels more like live music.

 

[simey]

I like the ending!   Have always enjoyed the fade out…..

That ain't no fade out. It's a fake out! 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

(104) - > #86 - Van Diemen’s Land

Vulture.com ranking and comment -81/218 - The Edge was inspired by the story of a man who left the British army to join the Irish nationalists and write poetry, and it was that poetry that got him deported to Tasmania, known in Irish folk culture as Van Diemen’s Land. It is not a bad song, just a curiously sequenced one, and did not help U2 in service to the story they were trying to tell with the album (and, later, movie). Anywhere else, it would have made sense, but at the top it was just too precious. Sorry, Edge.

Original Comment - Edge with a rare vocal appearance. Pleasant enough and has its own charm. I’d be curious to see what #206 has to say as it’s hardly the barrel of excrement that would warrant a bottom 30 ranking. Obviously a totally different type of song. Maybe thats it. I have a soft spot for this song, although I am not the highest ranker. I first saw U2 live on Oct20 1989 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Had great seats and can remember this performance vividly. 

Total Points - 284.25

Rankers - 13

Average Points per rank - 21.87 (Approximately a 101st rank). 

Ranks  - 56th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 9

Lowest Rank - 157

Previous Rank - 104 > 86

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - Most songs from now on are likely to have a highest ranking in the top 10. This has a 9, then 2 at 28 and 29. Then we have 8 rankings between 50 and 105. Nice to see this jump a few spots, but really curious why someone thinks this merits a top 10 ranking. 

I enjoy Heartland and this one.  Both are nice songs.  But IMO we’ve seen some way way better songs drop off the list before this.  Are we just at the point where every ranker knows TJT and R&H really well, so every song gets an artificial bump due to familiarity?   Bluntly, there is some mediocre filler on R&H.

 

[krista4]

I enjoy Heartland and this one.  Both are nice songs.  But IMO we’ve seen some way way better songs drop off the list before this.  Are we just at the point where every ranker knows TJT and R&H really well, so every song gets an artificial bump due to familiarity?   Bluntly, there is some mediocre filler on R&H.

Couldn't agree more with all of this.

 

[krista4]

(154) - > #85 - Another Time Another Place

#69 on my list.  You're welcome, APK family!  Heavy heavy heavy.  I love the heaviness of it and the stompy military feel. The glide from the verses into "I'll be with you now" is my favorite section.  I just learned from the APKs that that's Gaelic at the end.  I thought it was just gibberish.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

(165) - > #87 - Heartland

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 64/218 - “Heartland” is the soundtrack to hundreds of miles of America, as seen through a tour-bus window for the first time, or through renting a car and driving through the Southwest and trying to understand this impossible, incredible place. It was written during the Joshua Tree sessions, but shelved in place of “Trip Through Your Wires,” which makes sense — but it absolutely fits here, another piece of the story of figuring out America between what you think you know and what the reality is. It is a gorgeous ode to the concept that Bono would later articulate as “America is not just a country, but an idea.” It is sweet and wistful and sounds like how it feels to drive your car on a forgotten interstate. It is not an accident that it’s the song playing in the background when U2 make their way down to the Mississippi in Rattle and Hum.

Comment - Bono let loose vocally again. Not a good thing. 

Total Points - 271.92

Rankers - 12

Average Points per rank - 22.66 (Approximately a 94th rank). 

Ranks  - 55th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 21

Lowest Rank - 253

Previous Rank - 165 > 87

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 rankings inside the top 50, 7 others between 53 and 108. Then we have way back at 253. Mine. I dont like this song lol. As is proven though, I am the outlier. 

Yeah, you have no, uh... heart.

I had it at 58. Don't like it as much as I used to, but I do think it's one of the better R&H tracks and its use in the movie was very effective. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

(104) - > #86 - Van Diemen’s Land

Vulture.com ranking and comment -81/218 - The Edge was inspired by the story of a man who left the British army to join the Irish nationalists and write poetry, and it was that poetry that got him deported to Tasmania, known in Irish folk culture as Van Diemen’s Land. It is not a bad song, just a curiously sequenced one, and did not help U2 in service to the story they were trying to tell with the album (and, later, movie). Anywhere else, it would have made sense, but at the top it was just too precious. Sorry, Edge.

Original Comment - Edge with a rare vocal appearance. Pleasant enough and has its own charm. I’d be curious to see what #206 has to say as it’s hardly the barrel of excrement that would warrant a bottom 30 ranking. Obviously a totally different type of song. Maybe thats it. I have a soft spot for this song, although I am not the highest ranker. I first saw U2 live on Oct20 1989 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Had great seats and can remember this performance vividly. 

Total Points - 284.25

Rankers - 13

Average Points per rank - 21.87 (Approximately a 101st rank). 

Ranks  - 56th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 9

Lowest Rank - 157

Previous Rank - 104 > 86

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - Most songs from now on are likely to have a highest ranking in the top 10. This has a 9, then 2 at 28 and 29. Then we have 8 rankings between 50 and 105. Nice to see this jump a few spots, but really curious why someone thinks this merits a top 10 ranking. 

It's fine, but more as a novelty/curiosity -- Edge vocal, Edge vocal as track 2 of an album that EVERYONE would be buying, almost none of the "typical U2" sound -- than as an accomplishment. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

(154) - > #85 - Another Time Another Place

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 87/218 - One of the undersung numbers from Boy, this track is a complete thought, a fully formed composition, with all four band members performing at an equal level: Bono’s voice soars, full of promise, while Edge, Larry, and Adam mesh together like puzzle pieces. It’s wistful and innocent, earnest and heartfelt. In later interviews, Bono kind of shrugs this one off, but it’s a perfect tale of youthful lust and longing to be alone together.

Original Comment - Album filler. Interesting that three of us had it ranked in the meh territory between 155-163, while one of us had it closer to the Vulture ranking

Total Points - 285

Rankers - 12

Average Points per rank - 23.75 (Approximately a 87th rank). 

Ranks  - 52nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 8

Lowest Rank - 119

Previous Rank - 154 > 85

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - Here it is. An 8 and 17 lead the charge.. Two more in the top 50. The meat is between 64 and 119 where 8 rankers placed it. Lowest rank is 119. Last time we had 3 of the 4 of us, myself included place it well below that. I did lift it this time as it has good structure.

49, and I considered putting it higher just to spite you. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I just learned from the APKs that that's Gaelic at the end.  I thought it was just gibberish.

I thought it was German! 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I thought it was German! 

So did Mrs APK!

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Yeah, you have no, uh... heart.. 

Because i dont like caterwauling? If heart was the measure of a song, then Landlady would be in the top 10. Song structure matters. Vocals matter. Singing in tune matters. Lots of the new songs have heart, much better vocals from Bono and no one gives a ####.

49, and I considered putting it higher just to spite you. 

Put it as high as you like. Where did i say i hated this? Its one of the better tracks on Boy. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Because i dont like caterwauling? If heart was the measure of a song, then Landlady would be in the top 10. Song structure matters. Vocals matter. Singing in tune matters. Lots of the new songs have heart, much better vocals from Bono and no one gives a ####.

Put it as high as you like. Where did i say i hated this? Its one of the better tracks on Boy. 

Very fair - you had it in the middle somewhere right?

I’m not sure the new songs have heart, or that they have better vocals.  They are more neatly produced.  Cleaner.  Tighter.   But a lot of them IMO lack heart.  They seem sanitized.

Flip side, we listened to Song for Someone in the car last night.  The whole family liked it, even Mrs. APK (who doesn’t even know a single song from the past 12 years).  So I really do — despite commentary to the contrary — like some newer stuff!   (Partly because of the U2 rankings which are getting me to listen to all the tracks again!)

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Lots of the new songs have heart, much better vocals from Bono and no one gives a ####.

No one cares probably because few agree with your other premises in this sentence.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Very fair - you had it in the middle somewhere right?

I’m not sure the new songs have heart, or that they have better vocals.  They are more neatly produced.  Cleaner.  Tighter.   But a lot of them IMO lack heart.  They seem sanitized.

Flip side, we listened to Song for Someone in the car last night.  The whole family liked it, even Mrs. APK (who doesn’t even know a single song from the past 12 years).  So I really do — despite commentary to the contrary — like some newer stuff!   (Partly because of the U2 rankings which are getting me to listen to all the tracks again!)

Last time I had ATAP at 158. Probably too low as I have reevaluated and moved it up to 98 this time, pretty much the top third for my list. Structurally it follows a formula that U2 do much better down the line, but if you like the rawer youthful energy aspect then I can see it deserving a higher ranking. 

The newer stuff takes filtering for sure, but imho so does the older stuff. Youth makes some songs sound better than they are, age can come with closed ears. The production issue is definitely true. Lillywhite has an approach that doesnt get cluttered with refinement, which works for a lot of people. I can imagine how obsessive the Edge is with the sound. As U2 dont rush records these days, getting it sounding right maybe takes away some of the inspiration and passion. I guess its hard when you are on take 97 for a track to still sound like you give a rats. 

The heart comment really stung. Right into the psyche that one. Anyone who really knows me, knows the truth, but ive heard it far too many times and it just hits a nerve. Im pretty unflappable, but when things attack the inner child, i can go rogue. No fault of pips invitation as its my issue, not his. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Last time I had ATAP at 158. Probably too low as I have reevaluated and moved it up to 98 this time, pretty much the top third for my list. Structurally it follows a formula that U2 do much better down the line, but if you like the rawer youthful energy aspect then I can see it deserving a higher ranking. 

The newer stuff takes filtering for sure, but imho so does the older stuff. Youth makes some songs sound better than they are, age can come with closed ears. The production issue is definitely true. Lillywhite has an approach that doesnt get cluttered with refinement, which works for a lot of people. I can imagine how obsessive the Edge is with the sound. As U2 dont rush records these days, getting it sounding right maybe takes away some of the inspiration and passion. I guess its hard when you are on take 97 for a track to still sound like you give a rats. 

The heart comment really stung. Right into the psyche that one. Anyone who really knows me, knows the truth, but ive heard it far too many times and it just hits a nerve. Im pretty unflappable, but when things attack the inner child, i can go rogue. No fault of pips invitation as its my issue, not his. 

Hey, no problem. I was being flippant and should have worded things better. Thanks again for putting this together.

 

[krista4]

Flip side, we listened to Song for Someone in the car last night.  The whole family liked it, even Mrs. APK (who doesn’t even know a single song from the past 12 years).  So I really do — despite commentary to the contrary — like some newer stuff!   (Partly because of the U2 rankings which are getting me to listen to all the tracks again!)

Spoiler alert:  that song is in my top 40.

 

[simey]

Im pretty unflappable, but when things attack the inner child, i can go rogue.

Come sit by me. I've got two shots of happy, and one shot of sad. You and your inner child (is he of drinking age?) can have the happy shots. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Last time I had ATAP at 158. Probably too low as I have reevaluated and moved it up to 98 this time, pretty much the top third for my list. Structurally it follows a formula that U2 do much better down the line, but if you like the rawer youthful energy aspect then I can see it deserving a higher ranking. 

The newer stuff takes filtering for sure, but imho so does the older stuff. Youth makes some songs sound better than they are, age can come with closed ears. The production issue is definitely true. Lillywhite has an approach that doesnt get cluttered with refinement, which works for a lot of people. I can imagine how obsessive the Edge is with the sound. As U2 dont rush records these days, getting it sounding right maybe takes away some of the inspiration and passion. I guess its hard when you are on take 97 for a track to still sound like you give a rats. 

The heart comment really stung. Right into the psyche that one. Anyone who really knows me, knows the truth, but ive heard it far too many times and it just hits a nerve. Im pretty unflappable, but when things attack the inner child, i can go rogue. No fault of pips invitation as its my issue, not his. 

Good stuff in here JML.  This whole thread is awesome, and I love to hear any authentic thoughts from the crowd.  

 

[simey]

And I've been knocking, but no one answers    
And I've been knocking, most of the day
And I've been calling, oh HEY HEY JOHNNY
Can't you come oooooout to play    

 

[Anarchy99]

And I've been knocking, but no one answers    
And I've been knocking, most of the day
And I've been calling, oh HEY HEY JOHNNY
Can't you come oooooout to play    

You can never have enough Elton John lyrics in a U2 thread. Never. Even if your garden is empty.

 

[simey]

You can never have enough Elton John lyrics in a U2 thread. Never. Even if your garden is empty.

Bang a Gong (Get it On) - U2 featuring Elton John

 

[The Dreaded Marco]

Would love to hear from 19 on this.  I was at 77, could easily have been 15 slots lower or 20-30 slots higher depending on the day.  It’s a really good song, but bluntly, I’ve always hated the line “in the shadows, boy meets man.”

I am the 19. 
 

I only ranked 40 songs and this is the first to show up in the countdown. 
 

After my top 10, which I meticulously rated in the order I wanted, I used more tiers. So on a given day Twilight might drop for me, but not past the mid-20s. 

Absolutely LOVE Twilight. I had it at 25. The Edge’s guitar arrangement on this is phenomenal and like many U2 songs, Adam’s bass line assumes almost a lead part. Bono’s vocal melody conveys a sense of urgency and passion that fits the song’s slow build to its crescendo at the simple yet amazing guitar solo. And the vocal harmony at the end of the “boy meets man” segment is *chef’s kiss* good.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Right, sorry i gut busy. Sorry for the little meltdown the other day. Nothing to do with my absence lol. 

I try to do this daily, but families and all

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(52) - > #84 - In a Little While

Vulture.com ranking and comment -90/218 - Bono sings this in a desperate, tattered voice. The term “whiskey-soaked” is such a cliché, except in this case it happens to be 100 percent accurate: He had been drinking all night, got two hours of sleep, and came in and improvised the lyrics and the melody. He even works in a Van Morrison reference, to boot.

Comment - Nice album track. Bono gets a bit carried away, but thankfully that isnt a criteria. This is another one that isn’t really loved by anyone, but not hated either. 

Total Points - 287.3

Rankers - 14

Average Points per rank - 20.52 (Approximately a 110th rank). 

Ranks  - 59th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 29

Lowest Rank - 154

Previous Rank - 52 > 84

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - The 29 is a bit of an outlier as is the lowest ranking of 154. In between we have 12 rankings from 38 to 99. Its a nice little song. I thought it was way too high last time, probably still is.

 

[krista4]

Right, sorry i gut busy. Sorry for the little meltdown the other day. Nothing to do with my absence lol. 

I try to do this daily, but families and all

Glad you’re back!

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(84) - > #83 - Song for Someone

Vulture.com ranking and comment -130/218 - Another song for the young Alison Stewart, aka Ali Hewson. In the introductions to the song on the Innocence and Experience tour, Bono would often speak about her encouragement to the young Paul Hewson and his music career — that his songs didn’t need to be perfect, but they needed to be. Bono’s voice starts out quietly, but quickly becomes impassioned at the chorus. It feels like you’ve walked into the middle of a conversation.

Original Comment - Why anyone thinks this is the best or second best song on this underrated album befuddles me. Is it the Woody Harrelson video? But hey ho, here we are. I am really enjoying this album. Maybe this song is a slow burner that takes awhile to sink in. I am over 10 listens and I’m still not feeling it. I have this song considerably lower than everyone else. Im as out of tune with“traditional” U2 fans thinking as much as Bono on Wire. 

Total Points - 296.15

Rankers - 13

Average Points per rank - 22.78 (Approximately a 93rd rank). 

Ranks  - 50th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 16

Lowest Rank - 197

Previous Rank - 84 > 83

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 top 50 entries, followed by only 4 other top 100 entries and the last 5 over 100. The 4 high rankings throw it in roughly the same spot as last time. I still dont get the attraction to this song...maybe its the simplicity

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(63) - > #82 - I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

Vulture.com ranking and comment -109/218 - From the sacred to the mundane, with the classic line, “The right to appear ridiculous is something I hold dear.”

Orginal Comment - This song does its job, but it just seems too smart and clever. There is nothing wrong with the first 5 tracks on album, ####### Get on Your Boots is the 6th song lol. Just a lack of direction. The songs are there sitting unfulfilled

Total Points - 297.50

Rankers - 14

Average Points per rank - 21.25 (Approximately a 106th rank). 

Ranks  - 58th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 24

Lowest Rank - 169

Previous Rank - 63 > 82

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 entries between 24 and 33. 6 others in the top 100. I am surprised it has 4 very high entries, but the song isnt far from being a really good one. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I still have to update the OP

For the next 3, 2 are within the last decade and one is a rare one from the 80s. We only have 5 songs left that ranked over 100 last time. All 3 next are in that group. 

One of the songs will have the highest group ranking we have seen to date. This song ranks 57th overall on a per ranker basis. Because it only has 9 rankers we see it next up. We dont see a song rank higher on a per ranker basis until #64

 

[bigbottom]

(84) - > #83 - Song for Someone

Vulture.com ranking and comment -130/218 - Another song for the young Alison Stewart, aka Ali Hewson. In the introductions to the song on the Innocence and Experience tour, Bono would often speak about her encouragement to the young Paul Hewson and his music career — that his songs didn’t need to be perfect, but they needed to be. Bono’s voice starts out quietly, but quickly becomes impassioned at the chorus. It feels like you’ve walked into the middle of a conversation.

Original Comment - Why anyone thinks this is the best or second best song on this underrated album befuddles me. Is it the Woody Harrelson video? But hey ho, here we are. I am really enjoying this album. Maybe this song is a slow burner that takes awhile to sink in. I am over 10 listens and I’m still not feeling it. I have this song considerably lower than everyone else. Im as out of tune with“traditional” U2 fans thinking as much as Bono on Wire. 

Total Points - 296.15

Rankers - 13

Average Points per rank - 22.78 (Approximately a 93rd rank). 

Ranks  - 50th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 16

Lowest Rank - 197

Previous Rank - 84 > 83

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 top 50 entries, followed by only 4 other top 100 entries and the last 5 over 100. The 4 high rankings throw it in roughly the same spot as last time. I still dont get the attraction to this song...maybe its the simplicity

#53 on my list. For me, most really good U2 songs are good because of what each member brings to the arrangement. A true ensemble effort that becomes greater than the sum of its parts. But this song is all Bono for me. A fantastic melody sung beautifully. It’s as simple as that. 

 

[simey]

(52) - > #84 - In a Little While

I was reading some of the comments on youtube, and almost all of them were about Joey Ramone. Apparently, this is the last song he listened to before he died. I looked it up, and below is some of what I read.

On his deathbed, the last song that Joey listened to was U2’s iconic song ‘In a Little While’ which was featured in their tenth studio album ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind.’ During one of his interviews, U2 frontman Bono revealed that Joey Ramone’s family told him about this and expressed his feelings.

Moreover, The Dictators’ frontman Andy Shernoff witnessed this moment as he was in the hospital room with Ramone. As Shernoff recalled in an interview, Ramone’s brother put the song in a boom box, and Ramone breathed his last breath when the song ended. 

“Regarding anecdotes, forever etched in my brain is being in the hospital room with Joey Ramone on the day he passed away. He was lying unconscious in his bed when his brother put a U2 song called ‘In A Little While’ in a boom box he kept in the room. The lyrics go ‘in a little while, this hurt will hurt no more.' The song ended and he literally breathed his last breath. I watched his skin turn from pink to white as his heart stopped pumping blood. It was an unforgettable, transcendent experience.”

 

[simey]

(84) - > #83 - Song for Someone

I like this song. Bono sounds good, and I like the lyrics.

 

[simey]

(63) - > #82 - I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

This is the first I've heard this tune. I like the bridge in it. I also like when the title of the song is sung.

 

[Brony]

(84) - > #83 - Song for Someone

Vulture.com ranking and comment -130/218 - Another song for the young Alison Stewart, aka Ali Hewson. In the introductions to the song on the Innocence and Experience tour, Bono would often speak about her encouragement to the young Paul Hewson and his music career — that his songs didn’t need to be perfect, but they needed to be. Bono’s voice starts out quietly, but quickly becomes impassioned at the chorus. It feels like you’ve walked into the middle of a conversation.

Original Comment - Why anyone thinks this is the best or second best song on this underrated album befuddles me. Is it the Woody Harrelson video? But hey ho, here we are. I am really enjoying this album. Maybe this song is a slow burner that takes awhile to sink in. I am over 10 listens and I’m still not feeling it. I have this song considerably lower than everyone else. Im as out of tune with“traditional” U2 fans thinking as much as Bono on Wire. 

Total Points - 296.15

Rankers - 13

Average Points per rank - 22.78 (Approximately a 93rd rank). 

Ranks  - 50th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 16

Lowest Rank - 197

Previous Rank - 84 > 83

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 top 50 entries, followed by only 4 other top 100 entries and the last 5 over 100. The 4 high rankings throw it in roughly the same spot as last time. I still dont get the attraction to this song...maybe its the simplicity

I'm a fan of this one.   Have it at 16.  I did my rankings such a long time ago that I'm often have no idea where I put some of these songs, but when I saw this posted, I figured I had it around 20 or 25.  

I'm pretty open minded about the new albums, and even though they don't rate nearly as high in my book as the earlier stuff, I do think there are a few standout songs and this is one of them.   it's a pretty simple song - not a lot to dissect.  I just enjoy the chorus and it plays to Bono's strengths really well. 

 

[Brony]

(63) - > #82 - I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

Vulture.com ranking and comment -109/218 - From the sacred to the mundane, with the classic line, “The right to appear ridiculous is something I hold dear.”

Orginal Comment - This song does its job, but it just seems too smart and clever. There is nothing wrong with the first 5 tracks on album, ####### Get on Your Boots is the 6th song lol. Just a lack of direction. The songs are there sitting unfulfilled

Total Points - 297.50

Rankers - 14

Average Points per rank - 21.25 (Approximately a 106th rank). 

Ranks  - 58th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 24

Lowest Rank - 169

Previous Rank - 63 > 82

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 entries between 24 and 33. 6 others in the top 100. I am surprised it has 4 very high entries, but the song isnt far from being a really good one. 

meh.  It's my 111.  Don't hate it, but it doesn't do much for me.  

 

[krista4]

(52) - > #84 - In a Little While

Ugh, my list gets killed today!  Had this one at #45, which I guess makes me one of the highest rankers.  The simple guitar melody from the top draws me completely in.  It reminds me of another song (not U2), but I've never been able to put my finger on it.  I really like Bono's imperfect vocals on the verses.  He sounds fully passionate about this song.  And I love the uh-hoo-oo-oo-oo-hoo parts.

 

[krista4]

(84) - > #83 - Song for Someone

#32 on my "final" list and sometimes in my top 25.    Maybe if I'd known there was a Woody Harrelson video I would have ranked it lower.    But as it is, it's a near-perfect song for me.  Love the lyrics ("a face not spoiled by beauty" is a great line), love the structure, love how Bono absolutely kills it.  A particular favorite moment for me is ~0:40 when the harmonies come in, and then another big moment several seconds later with the build into the chorus.  The instrumentation moving into the outro is another highlight, as is the absolutely perfect ending.  

Really there's just nothing I don't love here.

 

[krista4]

(63) - > #82 - I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

Another near-bingo for me, as I had this one at #80.  Fun song, and I like when Bono struggles for those high notes.  All of the percussion is my favorite part of the song; the lyrics are my least favorite.  Probably could have dropped this one a little, but I do enjoy it.

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

(52) - > #84 - In a Little While

Vulture.com ranking and comment -90/218 - Bono sings this in a desperate, tattered voice. The term “whiskey-soaked” is such a cliché, except in this case it happens to be 100 percent accurate: He had been drinking all night, got two hours of sleep, and came in and improvised the lyrics and the melody. He even works in a Van Morrison reference, to boot.

Comment - Nice album track. Bono gets a bit carried away, but thankfully that isnt a criteria. This is another one that isn’t really loved by anyone, but not hated either. 

Total Points - 287.3

Rankers - 14

Average Points per rank - 20.52 (Approximately a 110th rank). 

Ranks  - 59th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 29

Lowest Rank - 154

Previous Rank - 52 > 84

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - The 29 is a bit of an outlier as is the lowest ranking of 154. In between we have 12 rankings from 38 to 99. Its a nice little song. I thought it was way too high last time, probably still is.

I'm at 57 on In a Little While. I'm quite inclined to sing right along with this one. Memorable intro, Bono wails a bit but nothing too crazy, and I enjoy the ending as well. "Slow down my beating heart, slowly, slowly love".

I agree with "it's a nice little song", it's easy on the ears, the production sounds good. Count me in with In a Little While. 

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

(84) - > #83 - Song for Someone

Vulture.com ranking and comment -130/218 - Another song for the young Alison Stewart, aka Ali Hewson. In the introductions to the song on the Innocence and Experience tour, Bono would often speak about her encouragement to the young Paul Hewson and his music career — that his songs didn’t need to be perfect, but they needed to be. Bono’s voice starts out quietly, but quickly becomes impassioned at the chorus. It feels like you’ve walked into the middle of a conversation.

Original Comment - Why anyone thinks this is the best or second best song on this underrated album befuddles me. Is it the Woody Harrelson video? But hey ho, here we are. I am really enjoying this album. Maybe this song is a slow burner that takes awhile to sink in. I am over 10 listens and I’m still not feeling it. I have this song considerably lower than everyone else. Im as out of tune with“traditional” U2 fans thinking as much as Bono on Wire. 

Total Points - 296.15

Rankers - 13

Average Points per rank - 22.78 (Approximately a 93rd rank). 

Ranks  - 50th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 16

Lowest Rank - 197

Previous Rank - 84 > 83

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 top 50 entries, followed by only 4 other top 100 entries and the last 5 over 100. The 4 high rankings throw it in roughly the same spot as last time. I still dont get the attraction to this song...maybe its the simplicity

I didn't rank this song, but having heard it more often recently on Sirius XM I probably should have. It's good.

 

[foxco]

Ugh, my list gets killed today!  Had this one at #45, which I guess makes me one of the highest rankers.  The simple guitar melody from the top draws me completely in.  It reminds me of another song (not U2), but I've never been able to put my finger on it.  I really like Bono's imperfect vocals on the verses.  He sounds fully passionate about this song.  And I love the uh-hoo-oo-oo-oo-hoo parts.

This is better than I remember it. Didn't rank it in my 75 but I probably would have put it in the late 50's-60's maybe. It's pretty good. The album is terrific. 

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

(63) - > #82 - I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight

Vulture.com ranking and comment -109/218 - From the sacred to the mundane, with the classic line, “The right to appear ridiculous is something I hold dear.”

Orginal Comment - This song does its job, but it just seems too smart and clever. There is nothing wrong with the first 5 tracks on album, ####### Get on Your Boots is the 6th song lol. Just a lack of direction. The songs are there sitting unfulfilled

Total Points - 297.50

Rankers - 14

Average Points per rank - 21.25 (Approximately a 106th rank). 

Ranks  - 58th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 24

Lowest Rank - 169

Previous Rank - 63 > 82

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 4 entries between 24 and 33. 6 others in the top 100. I am surprised it has 4 very high entries, but the song isnt far from being a really good one. 

I am the high ranker on I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight. In retrospect it may be a tad high, there's a song or two lower that I would move in front of it in retrospect. But I'm pleased to be the high ranker on this one. Here goes.

When Unknown Caller transitions into I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight, with Edge "ringing those bells", it's a great intro. Not good, great.

This one has a big anthem feel to it. When he goes into "It's not a hill it's a mountain" and "Baby, baby, baby, I know I'm not alone", and Edge does his thing with his small solo right after that, it's classic U2. I remember thinking "Yes. This is it. They've done it again!"

Here's what I recommend. Please listen to Unknown Caller (at least from Edge's solo at the end) and I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight back to back, to get the full appreciation of the intro. The album flow there is a boost to the song, IMO.

Then, please watch David Letterman: U2's I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight . Watch the crowd reaction. If you've seen U2, you know the connection. They did it with this one. I just watched the video again. I ####### love this song.

 

[krista4]

Then, please watch David Letterman: U2's I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight . Watch the crowd reaction. If you've seen U2, you know the connection. They did it with this one. I just watched the video again. I ####### love this song.

Phenomenal performance; thanks for posting that.  Lucky audience!!

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Ugh, my list gets killed today!  Had this one at #45, which I guess makes me one of the highest rankers.  The simple guitar melody from the top draws me completely in.  It reminds me of another song (not U2), but I've never been able to put my finger on it.  I really like Bono's imperfect vocals on the verses.  He sounds fully passionate about this song.  And I love the uh-hoo-oo-oo-oo-hoo parts.

This is great stuff.  Also a big fan of In a Little While.  Think I was at 38.  Bono is amazing.  So glad he was sleep deprived and likely hung over.  It gives a rawness and emotion to the song.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(117) - > #81 - Love Comes Tumbling

Vulture.com ranking and comment -201/218 - From the outtake pile for The Unforgettable Fire, resurrected for various B-sides and the EP. It’s certainly atmospheric, and an interesting waypost on the upcoming journey to Death Valley.

Original Comment - Just a nice B side. Harmless and gentle

Total Points - 298.88

Rankers - 12

Average Points per rank - 24.91 (Approximately a 84th rank). 

Ranks  - 50th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 21

Lowest Rank - 205

Previous Rank - 117 > 81

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 6 rankings in the top 50. 3 others in the top 100. The 4 high rankings of 21, 25, 25 and 31 lift this significantly higher than anyone would have thought possible

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(120) - > #80 - Crystal Ballroom

Vulture.com ranking and comment - 47/218 - The most important song on the album … gets left off the album, is only available as a bonus track on the vinyl release, and is only played three times on tour. “The Crystal Ballroom” is about the place where Bono’s parents met and used to go dancing, and where, later, U2 played as a young band. The song is written from the perspective of that young Bono imagining his parents, specifically his mother, dancing together and watching him play. “Everyone’s here with me tonight / Everyone but you” is heartbreaking.

Original Comment - I love the approach they took with a few tracks on this album, despite this only being on the vinyl version. Almost synth pop. I was expecting it to break out into franz ferdinands outsiders any minute. For me thats high praise. I have this rated over 100 places higher than the second highest and its my highest rated song to date. I adore this song and am much more in line with Vulture

Total Points - 300.75

Rankers - 9

Average Points per rank - 33.42 (Approximately a 56th rank). 

Ranks  - 42nd on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 10

Lowest Rank - 93

Previous Rank - 120 > 80

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - This is the first song we have seen that has every ranking inside the top 100. There are only 9 people who ranked this, with the 10 by far the highest. There are 6 rankings between 32 and 54, which lifts its average ranking the highest we have seen to date. That won’t get exceeded until #64. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

(38) - > 79 - You’re The Best Thing

Vulture.com ranking and comment - Not Listed

Original Comment - This track is the last to fall from the last 3 albums. As the newest album left “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” how much longer can you last? Regarding this track, As much as i gave Bono #### early on about his vocal extravagances he nails this magnificiently. His voice has become more pure and refined with age. A beautiful understated song. Not only is there my #26 ranking, there is a #36 ranking dragging this into the top 40. 

Total Points - 303.45

Rankers - 11

Average Points per rank - 27.59 (Approximately a 73rd rank). 

Ranks  - 47th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 22

Lowest Rank - 161

Previous Rank - 38 > 79

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - We have a 22 and 23 here and then 8 rankings between 41 and 78. I originally thought this was ranked in the 140s, but I made a mistake. It was ranked very high last time at 38 and drops over 40 spots, purely on a lack of rankers. 

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I mistakenly thought all 3 songs today were previously over 100. Only 2 were. 

This appears to be the section where most of this nest songs are from this century and are being grouped together. 5 of the 6 are from this century and the other one isn’t that far off. The next 3 are all well regarded by people who like them. Two jump a little bit higher and one drops out of the top 50. After this batch of 5, we only have 8 left that were released in a year starting with 2. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

(117) - > #81 - Love Comes Tumbling

Vulture.com ranking and comment -201/218 - From the outtake pile for The Unforgettable Fire, resurrected for various B-sides and the EP. It’s certainly atmospheric, and an interesting waypost on the upcoming journey to Death Valley.

Original Comment - Just a nice B side. Harmless and gentle

Total Points - 298.88

Rankers - 12

Average Points per rank - 24.91 (Approximately a 84th rank). 

Ranks  - 50th on average points per ranker

Highest Rank - 21

Lowest Rank - 205

Previous Rank - 117 > 81

Special Version Requested - None

Ranking Comments - 6 rankings in the top 50. 3 others in the top 100. The 4 high rankings of 21, 25, 25 and 31 lift this significantly higher than anyone would have thought possible

I am the 31. It is an incredible arrangement that deserved to be on TUF over about half the tracks. The ringing guitar line, the punchy bass interjections that Adam makes at times and the wordless harmonies at the end are all extremely compelling for me. Vulture’s ranking and comments make no sense.

 

[krista4]

No hits to my list today!  Woot.