War: U2 (1983)
U2 changed with War. It is the moment the band became overtly political. Whereas their previous works focused on the spiritual and youth, War made them activists. U2 wanted to be the Clash. In 1983, they made the first foray into their hero’s territory.
The Joshua Tree: U2 (1987)
U2 loves America. The Joshua Tree is part rock album and part sociological examination of the U.S. The album portrays the band’s love of America, but also criticizes some elements of the country. It is America through the eyes of four Irishmen. The Joshua Tree is as close to social science as music can become.
Actung Baby: U2 (1991)
U2 can be pretentious. This pretentiousness almost ended their career. In 1991, U2 reinvigorated themselves in Berlin and released Actung Baby. The four decided to embrace celebrity culture, consumerism, and lightened up. The end result is a brilliant reinvention that embraced alternative rock, classic rock, industrial, and Euro influences.
All That You Can’t Leave Behind: U2 (2000)
Once again, U2 had to reinvent itself. The “Discotheque” video from 1997 nearly destroyed the band. Refusing to destroy themselves, U2 returned to their 80s form with All That You Can’t Leave Behind. With the album’s release, Bono claimed U2 was reapplying for “best band in the world.”
No Line on the Horizon: U2 (2009)
After experiencing wild success in the 2000s with their return to form, U2 experimented again in 2009. No Line on the Horizon incorporated Middle Eastern influences into the record, which sold “only” five million copies. The band was disappointed with album sales which may indicate another “return to form” in the offing.
U2 changed with War. It is the moment the band became overtly political. Whereas their previous works focused on the spiritual and youth, War made them activists. U2 wanted to be the Clash. In 1983, they made the first foray into their hero’s territory.
The Joshua Tree: U2 (1987)
U2 loves America. The Joshua Tree is part rock album and part sociological examination of the U.S. The album portrays the band’s love of America, but also criticizes some elements of the country. It is America through the eyes of four Irishmen. The Joshua Tree is as close to social science as music can become.
Actung Baby: U2 (1991)
U2 can be pretentious. This pretentiousness almost ended their career. In 1991, U2 reinvigorated themselves in Berlin and released Actung Baby. The four decided to embrace celebrity culture, consumerism, and lightened up. The end result is a brilliant reinvention that embraced alternative rock, classic rock, industrial, and Euro influences.
All That You Can’t Leave Behind: U2 (2000)
Once again, U2 had to reinvent itself. The “Discotheque” video from 1997 nearly destroyed the band. Refusing to destroy themselves, U2 returned to their 80s form with All That You Can’t Leave Behind. With the album’s release, Bono claimed U2 was reapplying for “best band in the world.”
No Line on the Horizon: U2 (2009)
After experiencing wild success in the 2000s with their return to form, U2 experimented again in 2009. No Line on the Horizon incorporated Middle Eastern influences into the record, which sold “only” five million copies. The band was disappointed with album sales which may indicate another “return to form” in the offing.
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