War

Really encapsulates the frustration of a Sunday.

Not really usual to release a masterpiece with your third record. Even more uncommon is producing after that another four masterpieces in a row, each of them better than the last one. That's how you become an iconic band for the ages I guess

Oh dear am I developing a soft spot for U2🤢

There was a time when believing THIS was the best U2 album was a hill I wanted to die on. This was before I knew the band members had names like Bono or The Edge. Before I realized that U2 was a thinly disguised Christian Rock band. And maybe the fact that this one seems to lean more towards the political scope of things made all the difference. But the truth is, I didn't bother to pay much attention to the lyrics back when this album wowed me (although I did enjoy the song about prostitution, this band is always better when they're not trying to save the world). What I was drawn to really - and still am - were Larry Mullen Jr's drums. Those still stand out, even more than whatever The Edge is trying to do. No matter what Bono wants to sing about, it's Mullen and The Edge who remind us that this is a rock band. There isn't one skippable song here. So yeah, I still ride hard for this album. It still reminds me of just being able to put on an album and listen to it completely without thinking about the personalities of the band members who wrote and recorded the songs. Mostly it reminds me that sometimes we're better off not knowing everything about our heroes. That I didn't always believe Bono was a jackass (I didn't mind him going all MacPhisto during the Zoo TV tour, it was when he discovered SnapChat filters during a concert in 2018 that seemed a little too creepy to me). It's interesting that what finally made U2 jump the shark was giving every iTunes customer a free copy of their new album (people forget, it's not like you had to have the album, it was just there in your iTunes library available to download for free if you really wanted it). Maybe U2 just hung around too long as Bono continued to think he had all of the answers and believed he was the chosen one. But damn if this album doesn't still slap. It's my second favorite U2 album behind Achtung Baby.

i remember listening to this on broken headphones, plugged into my walkman, in the garage, when i was 16, trying to cut weight for a high school wrestling meet weigh-in the next morning. it’s amazing how particular music instantly bonds to memories like that.

Not feeling it.

U2 is my favorite band! I know the lyrics to every song.

This album was U2 at its creative best, taking on important social messages and driving a creative original sound. The first three songs are as good an opening threesome as on any album on the 1001. The originality on this album was repackaged ad nauseam in their albums that followed. They made a shit-whack of money from this album but that amount is trivial compared to the amounts they made from their subsequent unoriginal albums. Bono now hangs out with the world's elites at Davos. Did I forget to mention that I was impressed? This album is so good that it makes it a glaring testament to how far they have fallen.

80s U2 is the good U2. End of discussion.

U2 were at their peak at this time, with Edge’s scratchy guitar upfront, which reminds me a bit of Andy Gill of Gang of 4 at times. Even a song like “2 Hearts”, which I remember as a smooth radio hit, sounds “Edgy”. “New Years Day” is my favorite U2 song with its haunting piano and rhythm guitar throughout. Many of the supporting songs, like “Seconds” or “The Refugee” are strong, with decent hooks and instrumentation. “40” points us in the direction of the adult stadium rock around the corner.

it's okay, gets boring quickly

Torn between 4 and 5 on this one, only because a few tracks don't live up to the lofty heights of tracks like "New Year's Day" and "Two Hearts Beat as One". Maybe that's unfair? Bono's voice is at its insistent, pleading peak, and the instrumentals have a level of craft and production that make them timeless despite losing a bit of their punk edge. They've evolved a lot since then, and they had to, but I kind of miss this version of the band.

I’d only heard Bloody Sunday before but I this album was great. I was initially going to give it a 4 as I didn’t like Bono’s vocals on a few tracks but it grew on me as I gave it a few more listens. I really enjoyed the drum and guitar sounds and I’m exited to hear more U2 on this list.

Like REM, I don’t really have a problem with what U2 was, it’s what they became that doesn’t work for me. This is a good rock record.

At the time of War’s release, U2 were still being placed under the post-punk banner. That was fitting for albums like Boy, but with War, the band was already reaching for something grander. U2 were becoming a protest band, maybe even a spiritual band, and with that maturity and growing acclaim came a bolder sound. Despite being unhappy with the reception from October, the band stood by their punk influences, but U2 aren’t known today for their restraint. That journey began with this album, which sees them experimenting with all kinds of new ideas. Whether it be the background vocalists present on songs like Surrender or Red Light, or a violin carrying the rhythm on Sunday Bloody Sunday, U2 simply wanted more. Bono’s lyrics were also getting better, trading out feelings of youthful vigor in favor of more worldly visions, which suited his impassioned singing style even better than it did for tales of boyhood. The first half is stacked with fan favorites and live staples, with New Year’s Day being the album highlight, a sign of what the band would be capable of in following albums. Even with their turn toward anthems, Side A ends with Drowning Man, a song that still feels unique in the band’s catalog, and one of my favorite vocal performances from Bono ever. That said, Side B is why I keep returning to the album year after year. Surrender and Two Hearts Beat as One are some of their most underrated material, ending with “40”, a somber finale that went on to close out their live shows for years and years. If there’s a misstep, it’s maybe The Refugee, which feels a little unfinished in comparison to some of the other tracks on here. Even that’s easy to forgive thanks to Larry Mullen’s thundering drumming. U2 is a fun band to track because you can really see their progression from album to album, and this was where that trend really first showed itself. A personal favorite, and a must listen.

This album has Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day which are excellent songs. The other songs on the album are fine, but mostly forgettable. As a result, I'd listen to those songs separately from the album for the most part.

Turns out I own this, although barely know it. The last post-punk one before they merged with Eno/UNESCO, with a sound somewhere between Echo And The Bunnymen and The Psychedelic Furs. The live "Under A Blood Red Sky" captures this era well if you're interested. New Years Day is great, much of the rest could be anyone of that period

I’ve always thought U2 was an overly self serious band who people who don’t really like music say is their favourite band. This album didn’t do anything to disabuse me of that opinion, but I can’t say I hated it. I haven’t totally closed my mind to the possibility that I might like one of U2s albums but it’s not this one. 2.3

I’m not a big U2 fan, but this was good, bloody good!

Still holds its power. Three all-time, first rank cuts – "Bloody Sunday," "New Years' Day," "Two Hearts" – in three distinct registers (rousing martial anthem; contemplative mid-paced rocker; ebullient pop love song), plus the psalmically prayerful (maybe one means prayerfully psalmic) spiritual "40," which is one of a kind, and sacralized one's attachment to this record and this band at the time and remains quite capable of moving. Anyone who saw them close a concert with this in the '80s, sending the audience out into the night singing in unison will know its power. All the other cuts are distinct and additive, most notably "Drowning Man," and "Surrender." A potential knock it that it's a record best heard in cold, grey seasons. One is tempted to ask when U2 got cynical toward us? Or is that one got cynical toward U2 first. One is content to be secret and exult with this today, recalling the purest affinities of one's musical youth. One never gets one's earliest loves, no, not when they were this passionate and authentic and near magically come to life.

U2 War A month or so ago I officially declared that - had displaced The Joshua Tree as my favorite U2 album. It appears its reign was destined to be short. My college roommate listened to U2’s War album a lot so I felt like I knew what to expect. Today when I listened I was blown away at the youthful exuberance, the incredible talent and the strong Irish influences! Bono’s passion! That drummer mesmerizes me! Has Two Hearts always been this fucking perfect?! Could there be a more perfect way to end the album than the gorgeous 40? Yeah I remembered the hits but I guess I had become an apathetic listener. This album brought those songs back to life in a way that i had not expected. War is really special and today’s listen makes me love U2 all over again. My indisputable favorite!

Under a blood red sky A crowd has gathered in black and white Arms entwined, the chosen few The newspapers says Say it's true And we can break through Though torn in two We can be one I will begin again Good album. Not one skippable track, and you could put it on repeat for a week and not ever get tired of New Years Day. 5/5

5 stars. When they were a great band.

This was my favorite U2 record throughout my angstier years, and while time, maturation, and perspective have led to its ranking being bumped down one peg, it'll always hold a special place in my (still quite angsty) heart.

Raw and powerful. This was U2 before Bono got a little too preachy and full of himself. This is an important chapter in the soundtrack of my life.

Outstanding rock

1st listen (I think), though I’ve heard several tracks from this many a time. Most Irish-ish sounding album from U2 I’ve heard, especially in “Sunday Bloody Sunday” & “Drowning Man”. While Joshua Tree is probably #1 for me, Bono’s vocals in this album might be unparalleled (among U2 albums I mean, don’t get excited) Also loved the “How long to sing this song?” callback to “Sunday Bloody Sunday” in the final track. HL: “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, “New Year’s Day”, “Like a Song…”, “The Refugee”, “40”

Didn't know U2 was nice like this. First track "Sunday Bloody Sunday" sounds like "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga lol. I liked this.

This was one of the clutch of first CDs I ever listened to back in my early teens. Sticky Fingers - avert your eyes, Simon - August by Eric Clapton, maybe some 80’s Tina Turner, and a forgotten few others were in this bunch of exciting shiny discs heard on my dad’s big headphones. I was disappointed when I listened to this, as I only recognised the two big hits, and didn’t think the rest rocked. Three and a half decades on: this rocks. Listening to New Year’s Day brought a mini-epiphany: the guitar-hero blah-blah about The Edge has a kernel of choppy, post-punk, precision-strike truth to it. Second micro-revelation: Adam Clayton’s baselines do a lot of the heavy-lifting on the tunes. Some middling tunes could’ve been dropped for a leaner record, but I chomped through this without break.

What if U2 before they became insufferable? Turns out it's pretty fuckin' good!

U2 at their first peak, in this case post-punk, new wave.

Before they became parodies of themselves they were a decent band

2 hearts beat as one, New years day and like a song... Really Catchy songs. rest were also pretty good. Never Really Listened to this type of music but has sparked an interest in genre.

Listening to the album is one sitting is probably a mistake. All the songs start to sound the same after a while. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Years Eve" are great, but the rest of the album does nothing to distinguish itself from those two, awesome songs.

2.6 A few good tunes. Looking at U2 as a whole I thought of Dave Chappelles bit “How can you care about anything when you know every goddamn thing?” Maybe if U2 did a few less protest/cause songs they wouldn't seem so preachy to me. The Edge gets his fair share of credit in the guitar world and deservingly so.

U2 just doesn't do it for me. There were actually some pretty good songs on this album which made it tolerable.

Poorly timed, messily composed and badly sung. Which is a shame because the messages in the songs are really poignant. I really don't understand why people like U2...

Fine. Hasn't changed my opinion of U2. A little 'thin' on production, some catchy-ish songs, but mostly water off the ducks back. Neither here nor there. Not amazing, not awful. Fine. 2/5

U2 are boring

Two notable things about U2's *War*: first you have its couple of absolutely iconic "political" hits "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day", plus a couple of other great bangers after them. And secondly, people have now forgotten about that, but U2 were still kind of considered as a post-punk band at the time, and *War*, coming off at the tail end of said early post-punk period in the Irish band's career, definitely has a distinctive sort of energy and freshness going on for itself. One that would soon disappear for more grandiose or less spontaneous endeavors. And this for better of for worse. Guess I have a question in my mind here. And that question is: what if *War* was U2's best album after all? I can already hear cries of protest, but if you think of it, the more you're away from the punk explosion in the timeline of rock music, the more U2 albums gave lots of munitions to the band's haters. "Pompous", "Stilted", "Unnecessarily sentimental" were the words written on those bullets. Maybe the real "war" had not truly started by 1983. And this is coming from someone who really likes *Achtung Baby*, for instance. Was the band playing on *War* still immune to those sorts of bullets. Your guess is as good as mine. But I'd tend to say it was. Also, let's be honest for one second here. What was offered to fans of glorious rock in 1983, apart from REM's *Murmur*? Violent Femmes were great but were all about acoustic guitars. New Order were already exploring a more synthetic approach. Wipers were virtually unknown and far too punk and abrasive for broad tastes anyway. And Echo And The Bunny men were deep into their *Porcupine* transitory period, and not yet winning the hearts they would win with *Ocean Rain*. So who was left standing among the rubble (at least in the British Isles)? Yep, you get it now. F*cking U2. All of this explains my near-perfect grade, I imagine... 4.5/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums, rounded up to 5. 9.5/10 for more general purposes (5 + 4.5) Number of albums left to review: around a hundred, as I've gone over the 1000 line and this generator is including albums from all editions of the book Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 443 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 262 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 321

Amazing, loved it.

I think that LCD Soundsystem pulled a lot of inspiration from U2 because I just kept thinking "this sounds like LCD Soundsystem" throughout the whole album. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day are such classics and the rest of the album is just solid. I really enjoy this album. I've been diving into post-punk a lot this year so it's fun giving this album another listen and recognizing the influence it has had. This is one of the albums that I feel like really deserves a place on this list.

This is such a fantastic album. I think what's probably overstated and generally recognized by everyone is Bono's voice and lyrics. They're perfectly matched for the deep level and importance of these songs. Also, The Edge's guitar style. That palm muted progression sound on the high strings is so cool and unique. Those 2 factors together really make the sound of this record so unique. What is understated is how deep and moving the bass lines are. They're really moving kind of all over the place and keep everything grounded. It's a perfect marriage for Bono's style of playing. What really blew me away though are the drums on this record, they honestly sound similar to Grateful Dead in some songs. Very deep and heavy. I was really vibing with those. The lyrics and meaning in each song are probably what push this to the next level for me. I love that it starts with Sunday Bloody Sunday and ends with "40," which is a really cool reprise and call for peace. Having lived in Northern Ireland and known people who were directly affected by the Omagh Bombings and the Troubles as a whole, really give this record a lot of meaning for me personally. This is a great record and one worth revisiting often.

Two five-star albums in a row on this project. What have I done to be so blessed to have Metallica and U2 back-to-back, and no Brit-pop or disco anywhere in sight (for two days)? Anyway, I loved this album when I first really listened to it about a decade after it's release (even though I kind of grew up on it because I was born in '80 and my parents loved this one). I still love it the more I know about the state of Ireland in 1980. Great lyrics, amazing hooks, and great drums. It's a great album.

As excellent as I expected it to be. Five stars and it's going in my Tidal library.

It’s easily the best thing they ever did. 10/10 bangers front to back.

I’m not a huge U2 fan, but I have to admit that parts of this album are sick. An album like this could easily sound dated, but it doesn’t. The politics are woven in seamlessly in a way that makes the songs sound like songs and not like musical manifestos. I dig it.

Listened through twice. Favorites were "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "New Year's Day", "Drowning Man", and "40"

It feels raw, like the energy of early Clash records but steadier. U2 kinda does their own thing; this being from '83 blows my mind. There’s a driving rhythm, and the vocals balance on the edge (see what I did there) of defiance and vulnerability. It's music that holds tension. Excellent listen.

„New Year‘s Day“ ist ein genialer Song der Epos und Wave verbindet. „Sunday Bloody Sunday“ ist ein Song für die Ewigkeit und zeigt, dass sich Freiheit niemals auf ewig unterdrücken lässt. „40“ mit I will Sing, Sing a new Song ist eine unvergessliche Zeile. Insgesamt ist das Album musikalisch, textlich und stilistisch ein Juwel und ein Meilenstein der 80er 😊.

Maybe the cornerstone album of an incredible 5 album run in the 1980s. SBS & NYD launched U2 into a different realm in the music world at the time. Probably deserves a 4.75 based on some of my prior rankings, but due to its significance in my teen years, I’ll give it the extra .25.

This is a beautiful album and U2 is a beautiful band. Bono is such an amazing song writer and Edge is a great guitarist. They work so well together to create beautiful, thought provoking and important music. This album brings to light so much sadness and tragedy, and they don't shy away from events that happened. Yet they advocate for change and being better humans in a way that makes the music uplifting and hopeful. They are also unique and focus on their strengths and don't try to emulate anyone else or be anything they aren't.

U2 has a sound that's all their own. This doesn't feel like it came out of the 80s. Really loved it...deep, impactful lyrics, emotional vocals, rockin' instruments. It hit me in my feels. Enjoyed every song.

Man, it’s a shame that they’ll never be able to make music with this type of energy and fire, rooted in struggle, anger, and hope for the future. Got too big, and that fire dies.

I love this album. It came out during formative years of my own life and I have fond memories of listening to each track, slowly digesting the lyrics. The whole album has a way of making protest music that sneaks past your defenses and pulls you into re-imagining the world around you with hope. It is hard to believe it is 40 years old because the music and themes are still so relevant. And I am always amazed at how hook-filled guitars and great vocals are so elevated by a totally locked in rhythm section. A real gem.

Still great. So much energy. And the Edge’s guitar still sounds unique, remarkable.

I knew some of these songs already, but this was my first time hearing the album. It's fantastic. I love how angular it is, and how weird it gets at times. Interesting to hear which sounds they continued to develop and which ones they left behind. Brilliant.

ill be with you agaaaaain

First and best!

Iconic. Wonderful

Man I missed out a lot by not listening to the earlier albums of U2. This is a great album with Seconds or New Year's Day as my favourite tracks. The rhythm group are the heart of U2 as you can hear here pretty well. I think it's even better than The Joshua Tree at some points.

How weird that this is the first album suggested for me. Brings back memories of my 13-year-old self, sitting in the back seat of the family car on long road trips staring out the window and listening to this cassette, flipping it over and over again on my Walkman. Excellent album!

Yes, please. Take me straight back to high school. Every song still hits, but \"I threw a Brick through a Window\" feels different. I remember skipping it due to the no hook, no catchy lyrics, no direction of the melody nature. But listening now, it feels like a joyful track of boys musically discovering who they are. Nice to revisit.

Cool album.

own

It’s been one of my favorites for years 🤍

I’m not a fan of U2, but it’s difficult to deny how great their early records are. I’d not heard this for a long time, but it still sounds great and doesn’t suffer from the usual production that dates so many 80s albums. Anyroad, great stuff.

There is no weak song here. All of them are excellent to great to all-time classic.

An album that was part of my Jr High soundtrack

Some real classics. This album starts out with the familiar sounds of Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Years Day which anyone who has listened to the radio in the last 40 years will recognize instantly. But the Deep tracks on the B side are where the real brilliance shines through.

What a perfect album! It contains only hits and is still deeply rooted in post punk. I love it!

Descubrir a U2 marcha atrás a partir de Unforgettable Fire fue todo un viaje. Puede que este sea el más completo de esos tres (Boy, October y War) aunque tenga mejor recuerdo de canciones sueltas de los otros dos. Casi "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "New Year's Day", "Like a Song...", "The Refugee", "Two Hearts Beat as One", "Red Light", "Surrender" y "40". Espectacular.

Had a really good time with this album Would definitely buy it!

No wonder U2 got so popular. This album is amazing. I love the production, especially how demanding those drums sound, like I'm right next to the drummer

I like really don't wanna be one of those people that like U2 but you can't ignore their power. This album rules. Start to finish. Super post punk, angry at the world, cool guitars and drums.

Amazing album, no filler - every track is timeless

ok i’m glad I wasn’t just hallucinating that they had at least one good album in their discography

Love it

A classic favorite

Great listen. "New Year's Day" is awesome, and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is also great.

Joshua Tree is great but this is the moment they became U2.

that was awesome

bonkers for Bono 🙌🏻 a lot of these are classics and the whole deal is a major throwback to my middle school boombox

Old School sur U2

Spectacular album; yes, even outside of the huge hits of "New Years Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday". Crazy to think that this album doesn't crack in the top 3 (IMO) of their best releases. People will generally hate on U2 but don't realize how deep their work is and this album proves it. 9/10.

This is U2’s best album, and not just because “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day” are on it. There’s an immediacy of emotion here that’s not present on much of their later work.

Yuh

In my opinion, WAR was the most complete U2 album prior to the release of THE JOSHUA TREE. Favorite songs "Sunday Bloody Sunday", "Seconds", "New Year's Day", "Drowning Man", "The Refugee" , and "Two Hearts Beat As One". The music is not only interesting sounding for the time, but manages to increase audio production quality without losing any urgency or vitality. A more interesting album to me than The Clash's LONDON CALLING.

I've never been a big fan of U2, but I've always dug their hits. This is a fantastic album and the Edge has some pretty fantastic guitar work. Would love to hear him play some disco.

Tremendous

One of my favorites of all time.

Ich habe das Album noch nie komplett gehört. Wie kommt das. Ein Meisterwerk. Der Beginn für weitere Meisterwerke.

OK, I give this 5 stars, as the album made such a big impression at the time, and moreover, the three hit singles still sound just as good as ever, and I still much Iike the sound, especially the drums.

Por Sunday Bloody Sunday un 5. no conocía más canciones.

Such a great album

Looks like I've still got one more U2 album to catch up on from this list but so far I think this is one of my favourites. Faves: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, The Refugee, Two Hearts Beat As One.

Anthemic and passionate. It's an iconic album whatever you think of Bono.

Não sou tão fan da banda mas o disco é bom

great classic u2 album, can see why they had great success. and has some powerful lyrics especially sunday bloody sunday

9/10 New years Day is one of the best post punk songs I've heard. I like U2 and this album has a few just awesome songs. 6-20-2024