U2 burst onto the scene at the onset of the '80s with a majestic, uplifting, earnest approach and a unique textural sound that endeared them to fans and critics alike. They spent the rest of the decade growing up in public, solidifying their status as post-punk icons, marrying the good intentions of old-school alternative rock with the epic sonic scale of classic '70s rockers, never sounding less than totally original and never pausing for a hits compilation--until 1998. BEST OF offers a good representation of the complex body of work that made the band a legend.
Fittingly, the album begins with the debut's "I Will Follow," a statement of commitment to pursuing truth and spirituality despite continual and inevitable misgivings. "Desire" mates Bono's lyrical fervor with a modified Bo Diddley beat to fine effect. New world meets old on the bluesy B.B. King collaboration "When Love Comes to Town." Closing things out, "All I Want is You" shows the moody, reflective side of the band, giving Bono a chance to croon and the rest of the band to exhibit the understated side of their instrumental might.
U2: Bono (vocals, guitar); The Edge (guitar, keyboards, vocals); Adam Clayton (bass); Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums).
Additional personnel includes: B.B. King (vocals, guitar); Una O'Kane, Nicola Cleary, Aengus O'Connor, Nicholas Milne (strings); The Memphis Horns (horns); Paul Barrett (piano, keyboards); Billy Preston (Hammond organ, background vocals); Joey Miskulin (organ); Brian Eno (synthesizer); Benmont Tench (keyboards); Ms. Bobbye Hall (percussion); Rebecca Evans Russell, Phyllis Duncan, Helen Duncan, Edna Wright, Maxine Waters, Julia Waters (background vocals). Producers: Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Steve Lillywhite, Jimmy Iovine. Engineers include: Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Paul Thomas.
- Format: Vinyl, 2 LP
- Genre: Rock, Pop
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Track Listing:
A1 Pride (In The Name Of Love)
A2 New Year's Day
A3 With Or Without You
A4 I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
B1 Sunday Bloody Sunday
B2 Bad
B3 Where The Streets Have No Name
B4 I Will Follow
C1 The Unforgettable Fire
C2 Sweetest Thing (The Single Mix)
C3 Desire
C4 When Loves Comes To Town
D1 Angel Of Harlem
D2 All I Want Is You
D3 One Tree Hill
D4 October