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

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.

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.

Oh dear am I developing a soft spot for U2🤢

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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”

Outstanding rock

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.

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.

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.

5 stars. When they were a great band.

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

Before they became parodies of themselves they were a decent band

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

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

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.

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.

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

Fantastic

I usually saw that Joshua Tree and Achtung are 1 & 2 when it comes to U2, but War is probably as good as at least Achtung. The obvious three; Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Years Day & Two Hearts are obviously brilliant but Surrender is a really low key underrated u2 hem. Seconds is excellent and 40 is a great tune too. This has to be a Low/Mid 5. It's outstanding

Such a great album - my favourite U2 album by far. Sunday Bloody Sunday makes me want to run through a wall. Adam and The Edge sound sp amazing on this disc. Can’t give it anything but the full appreciation.

Ok I already thought this was my favorite U2 album but it's even better than I thought. Bass + drums are the MVP here, esp the drums. Gorramn.

U2 was my favorite band for many years, and this era is just spectacular. They were one of the best post punk bands, and it's because of them I learned a bit about Irish religion & politics. Sharp songs & lyrics. Excellent. I hope we get to hear Boy & October since they feel like part of an early U2 trifecta. 5 stars.

One of the greatest albums ever!!

This is quintessential alternative. Bono's energy and passion raise many of these from songs into anthems. When Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day were first introduced, it was impossible to not be captivated. Beyond those two, the album is still filled with nearly all engaging tracks, ballads ("40"), more ethereal ("Drowning Man") and driving ("Like a Song", "Two Hearts"). Very enjoyable.

meh. way too underrated.

A great album, one of U2's best. For me the stand-out tracks are "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day", but I also like "Drowning Man" and "40".

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

Ooooooh. 2 U2 albums in 4 days. Am (a little) too young to have been into "early" U2 - am very much the Achtung Baby / Zooropa era, but all the signs are there. Easy to say in hindsight, but this was clearly a band hitting their groove with the key elements falling into place - Larry's heavy beat, Edge jangling away........ top notch album, and they were only getting better from here.

Loved it then. Love it now

Pretty great! I liked almost every song to my Spotify playlist. “Red Light” is a cool song! The instrumentation and composition of just about every song is very deliberate and interesting (particularly the guitar riffs). I will definitely re-listen sometime! Also the album cover is very striking and memorable.

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!

Watching this band leave the stage one-by-one as a crowd of 20,000 continues to sing, "How long to sing this song," is the most religious experience I've ever had. So many layers on this record, musically and lyrically, and from guys in their early, early twenties. Babies. I love it.

Excellent! The last track transported me to the Joshua Tree concert. The connection to an arena full of strangers was profound.

Are the first few seconds of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day" iconic or what? Although I never owned this album, it is the one that introduced me to U2 and the one that I probably think of as THE iconic U2 album, even more so than Joshua Tree. Listening to it today was brilliant, and I think I appreciate it more now than I did then.

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.

Against all better judgement I loved this

I listened to a lot of U2's singles as a teenager and into my twenties, but the only album of there's that I've listened to in its entirety before today was Achtung Baby, which I love. My favorite U2 songs have always been from The Unforgettable Fire through the previously mentioned Achtung Baby, but I'll also admit that I think that "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" is a banger. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this album, since the singles off this album aren't the U2 songs that I typically gravitate towards. However, getting to listen to this album at a deeper level really made me discover a new appreciation for some of U2's songs that I wasn't the biggest fan of in the past. I never realized that "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" had such a militaristic sound to it; the time signature, drums, and guitars give it a feel like a battle hymn. Ironically though, the lyrics are not militaristic, and instead issue a plea to ordinary people to take a stand in their communities and demand an end to sectarian violence. Also, I'd never really given much thought to the lyric "when fact is fiction and TV reality," but it's almost a nice bit of foreshadowing for the criticisms against media that U2 would use as a theme for their Zoo TV tour in the 90's. The thing that's really stuck with me the most after listening to this album, is the piano and guitar on "New Year's Day." The piano melody is so haunting, and it really evokes a feeling of a gray morning on January 1, when the air is cold, wet, and filled with the lingering stench and smoke of fireworks. The scratching, distorted guitar manages to heighten the beauty of the piano's melody, but also further deepen the sense of unease. Lyrically, I think this song points out that even though New Year's Day is a day that's supposed to symbolize rebirth and hope, it can actually be kind of crummy, as it means the end of the holiday season, and a return to life's regular routines. On a grander scale, even though the calendar starts anew, the same wars still wage, and multiple injustices inflict suffering on countless people. SInce I spent so much time writing about those two songs, I'll briefly mention a couple of other songs that I really liked: I loved the bass line on "Seconds," and the message about how quickly and on a grand scale that life can be snuffed out in our modern world. "Two Hearts Beat As One" was fantastic as well, with it's powerful chorus and great guitar playing. Overall, this was a fantastic album, and it gave me a new appreciation for this era of U2's music, which before now was not really my taste. I loved the political and social messages in the lyrics, and the instrumentation is great, as U2 starts to shift away from their earlier post-punk sound, and more towards their very own unique brand of "pop arena rock" that they've built a solid career on.

Despite featuring Bono, it is still very good. I didn't want to like it, but couldn't help myself.

Die jaren 80 U2 sound is echt zo te gek! Toen ze nog echt passie in hun muziek gooide en Bono er nog niet als Clown Bassie uitzag. Geweldig album!

For a period U2 were sensational. They showed promise on their first two albums, with tracks like I Will Follow, Electric Co., Gloria. On War the quality was at another level, there isn’t a poor song to be found. I remember hearing New Years Day for the first time, it floored me and I became a massive fan. This was rock music, but it was different, yes it had some clear influences but the sound was so fresh, urgent and passionate and their star was on the rise.

Top

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

I love U2’s early stuff. Their debut is a desert island record for me. Great songs on this one. Some that I had been tired of due to severe overplay on MS radio but nice to listen to the whole thing with a fresh ear

So many gems! Easy 5 from me.

This one has been the most my style so far. I love the vocals, and the guitar, the whole vibe is great. I've listened to it at least 3-4 times

Great album!!!

I have never taking the time to listen to U2 and I am so sorry I haven’t. favorite listen so far.

excellent, better than I remember it being!

I didn’t know I was a U2 fan, but this album changed my mind!

Forgot how powerful this album is. Nothing else sounded quite like it when it came out. What they did after sounds tame by comparison.

This album is from 1983, yet it still feels contextually appropriate.

I LOVED IT, bloody sunday and two hearts bleed as one

It's always nice to revisit an album i listened to so much when i was younger. I think that with age i have come to experience music differently, nonetheless i still enjoy this album very much. Bono's voice will always be iconic to me.

My discovery of how much I enjoy U2 is one of the more unexpected byproducts of this exercise so far. This is, once again, a complete album with great songs, songwriting, arrangements, etc. Hats off to them for exceeding expectations again. Favorite track: Like a Song...

meg kell hallgatnom mégegyszer nem tudom miért nem hallgattam eddig U2-t

I’m 13 again, the year this album came out. Hiding from my chaotic home life at a friend’s house, listening to this album on repeat.

Jeg er ked af at annoncere at den rocks 🤷 lyder pisse godt

Really good listen, old U2

Banger album

When I was a young man and first heard "War" I didn't know what I was listening to and even being educated by but I knew I loved it. As an older man, I still find meaning in these songs that are delivered with such devotion and emotion. Every song feels like a live version. It's just a damn great album.

We have to stop war fr

Have always loved this one

I love this album so much I have it on vinyl. God Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Years Day, Two hearts beat as one, Surrender… so many amazing and important songs, songs of my late teen years. I forever thank my ex for amplifying my love for U2.

Classic

A lot of people bitch about U2 and rag on them, but I am not one of those people. I grew up listening to their music, and I unabashedly like them. Their songs slap. The music is beautiful, the lyrics give you something deeper, something more profound than the average "oh baby I love you" crap a lot of other artists churn out, and they have a higher sense of self-awareness and purpose than other acts do. This album is a cornerstone of their persona as a band and it showcases the way they use music to bring attention to important socio-political issues. I like these lads, and this is one of the most important albums in their discography. It’s also the crucial creative juncture before they reached critical mass and became too formulaic. It's a good listen, I like it a lot and I recommend people take off their shitty "it's so cool to bash on U2" blinders so they can give this album an earnest listen.

J'adore u2 vraiment super créatif Un genre en soi 5

U2 at their best before selling out

This album deserves 5 stars for Sunday bloody Sunday alone!

Classic

The best early album. They all shine

Album 237 of 1001 US - War Rating : 5 / 5 (Rounded Up) Favorite Tracks: Sunday Bloody Sunday / New Year's Day Great album. Not sure it is their best. I feel it is about a 4.5 on my scale but will round up. Is a fine listen, all the way through.

I’m just in a good fucking mood this morning. And listening to this vehemently anti-war album on the day the news broke that the biggest fucking war criminal on the planet finally kicked it is very cathartic. I’ve also maybe had a bit too much coffee. FUCK YEAH! Rest In Piss Kissinger

First time hearing this. Absolutely incredible. Honestly this could've come out any decade afterwards and still sound amazing and fresh.

First of all, wow! I didn’t know this album was around since ‘83! This rock sound was 20 years ahead of time! Great listening, sounds modern, even today! Solid 5

One of my favorite from U2

It’s been a long time. I forgot how good they used to be. This album holds up. This is why the band got famous in the first place. This deserves a comeback. It’s easily the best thing they ever did. 10/10 bangers front to back. Every song was regularly played on the radio in NYC back in the day.

- Was under the assumption that U2 was a lame band but this kinda bangs - Insane guitar work - Has an 80s sound but with some great creative edge - Honestly my favorite album we've gotten in a while

The cover adds at least half a star

I love this album! The music is arranged so well, and I just love the U2 sound. Almost no notes.

I love utah

Bono marry me pls

Fantastic album, high point of early U2

Young and raw! Brought back college days.

Glorious

In one's own experience, this was a matter of right record at the right time in the right economy and glimpses of right music videos. Or right frontman striking right pose/attitude with the right edgy guitar riffs at right state of adolescence. The net effects was several essential songs – you'll know the ones – for the high school sophomore with some sense – dim, yes, but undeniably awakening – of political consciousness and (more to the point) that music could (and probably should) be more than, you know, Van Halen or Led Zeppelin or Jimmy Buffett (which some fellow dudes were getting into). No mistaking or forgetting the power of this band (Edge's edges, Mullen's martial pounding, Bono's high-minded exhortations [later to become way too much so]). "New Year's Day" and "40" remain all-time faves (the latter perhaps the greatest closing track of any record ever), righteous songs of solace in troubled times, while "Two Hearts" shows U2 could elevate in more secular (even danceable) ways. A landmark effort and strong contender for album of the decade and easily one of the best of the century. With them playing Vegas now for a month plus, one wonders just how such earnest and humble beginnings could lead to such excess and cynicism. Still, the music holds up excellently well.

Every U2 album is 5 stars.

I’ve been U2-adjacent for most of my life, and Sunday Bloody Sunday has been a favourite of mine since Paramore covered them years back. Such a solid record.

Always

clear, impressive, powerful and loud. the early u2, great!

So it's 1983. U2 was one of a dozen bands I was interested in at the time. But if you had told me they were the ones who would end up being the biggest band in the world, I wouldn't have believed you. Their talent was fierce and undeniable, but they seemed like they would always be somewhat on the fringe. Contrasted with the brightness and fluff of early 80s music, U2 simply didn't fit. There's an earnestness and straightforwardness to their sound and their lyrics, born out of punk, that's incredibly disarming. This iteration of their sound lacks the ambiguity of post-punk and the frivolity that came with a lot of MTV-friendly music. It's unabashedly political, urgent in its execution, and lyrically powerful, with substance and heart. It's also incredibly catchy and engaging, anthemic even at times. And quite simply, thanks to the power and the fury of Larry Mullen Jr. and The Edge, it also really rocks. People criticize Bono for his earnestness, but this is the heart of what makes U2 continue to be relevant now, the stuff of all great music. It's music that sears itself into your consciousness and retains its fire, even 40 years on. Why make music, if you can't make music with meaning? This is in a lot of ways a transitional album. It retains some of the rawness of Boy and October, but with flashes of creativity that reveal a desire in the band to move into new musical territory. This album was an important one in my house. They made better, more polished and adventurous albums as the years would go on. But War is a brushfire of an album that stands among the band's finest works. I also just have to say, I’m so grateful that I was around to watch U2 grow and develop as a band. You can like them or hate them, but they're undeniably a generational talent that massively influenced the way much of how rock music would sound moving forward. But there’s still no one else out there quite like them. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorites): New Year's Day, 40, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Like a Song..., Drowning Man, Seconds, Surrender, The Refugee, Red Light

Een intro met snoeiharde drums en vanaf daar zit je meteen geramd. Geef je iets wat je kent automatisch hogere punten? Maar je kunt er niet omheen dat zoiets als dit gewoon muzikaal, creatief, technisch en emotioneel beter in elkaar zit dan 95% van wat er zoal in deze lijst langskomt. Het onstijgt bovendien de periode dat het gemaakt is. Hoe dan ook, de heren van U2 laten weer eens horen wat ze waard zijn. Strak, lyrisch, met dat enigzins ijle geluid dat zo goed past bij schraal winterweer.

Great!

I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this. It was on constant rotation in my Walkman in high school. I forgive their Christian, pre-Good Friday earnestness and still love most of the songs.