War

Iconic songs that i think where nice. Hard album to rate in my opinion. Think its a weak 4 but better than a strong 3. Wasnt sure what to think of u2 due to the amount of stories i heard of them but this album is nice. Wouldnt be mad if someone played this during a carride

cool album. Reminds me of the U2 cds in the barn over the summer

Passionate. Steve Lilywhite did a great job on the production. Everything's crystal clear and punchy as fuck.

Chez Buddy Bagarre

really like sunday bloody sunday!!! i’ve listened to some u2, this is really groovy…will be adding to the playlist seconds is goated i really like this style of muskc

A more straightforward rock sound than I would expect from U2. I enjoyed this more than I expected. I felt like they were leaning into a formula - sharp, heavy drums, overdriven guitar and melodic vocals. On a couple songs it felt a bit played out but the majority of the album felt like the tracks flowed together to create an intense and cohesive feel.

Anotha fire u2 album

U2というバンド名は知っていたけど、アルバムは生まれて初めて聞いた。 ポストパンクの次を提示しているというような感じ。今聞いてもダサくない音像。

U2's first foray into political music did not disappoint. Up there with Rage Against The Machine as protest music goes. For someone who's only heard of U2's biggest hits, I enjoyed this deeper dive into their music. The lyricism paints a picture of what the political climate of the 1980s in Europe was like. The music as a whole leans a little more punky than previous U2 songs, but not in a bad way

Somehow I'd forgotten the days when U2 were actually good. For the hits alone, this has to be a better than average album. I know they ended up bloated and rotten, like a long-dead fish that has floated to the surface full of corpse gases, but this is before any of that happened. New Year's Day has been sampled so heavily that it hurts, and Sunday Bloody Sunday is probably my favourite U2 song. I'm going with four stars.

Toujours excellent U2

It sounds like what you imagine it would sounds like.

solid 4

Me ha gustado más de lo que creía

I guess this is in the meantime one of the classic albums of pop/rock from the last 50 years. And I guess it will continue to be so.

Obviously a well known album - but one that I didn't really know. I liked the brightness of the sound. It still doesn't sound dated to me; U2 were ahead of their time.

Idk where my notes go but u liked this album great for tripping or meditating

I’m not a big U2 fan but I like this album more than I usually like their music???

Enjoyable

Drowning man New year's day

The best one from U2 on this list I've heard Will I listen to again: 30%

Much better than I ever gave U2 credit for; however, still some clangers/filler tracks alongside some real gems.

I really liked it, it reminds me of the type of music my old friend listens to. Very nice album

Sunday Bloody Sunday - 4/5 Seconds - 3.5/5 New Year's Day - 5/5 Like A Song - 5/5 Drowning Man - 4/5 The Refugee - 5/5 Two Hears Beat As One - 5/5 Red Light - 4/5 Surrender - 3.5/5 "40" - 3/5

So earnest! U2 has weirdly been on my mind/algorithm lately, I suppose for "New Year's Day." This album meant a lot to me as a broody teen, but seems a bit much to this broody adult. But I do think they meant every little shriek and pant. I am liking the deep cuts like "Surrender" and "Seconds." I want to work up a bossa nova duet version of "Two Hearts Beat as One."

While I long ago lost interest in their new material, War is one of a handful of early U2 releases I go back to, a reminder of what I liked so much about them in the first place. They were essentially a post-punk band with a global political conscience playing spirited songs that were alternately atmospheric, taut and anthemic and helped define the 80s. Case in point are the immortal “New Year’s Day,” which sounds today like a Cold War anthem, and the fascinating “Red Light,” an abstract mix of dub, soul and trumpet over a marching rhythm. This album isn’t entirely on the same level as that, but it’s filled with urgent passion and interesting sonic textures.

I don't understand how U2 can be simultaneously an immensely popular band and also so easy for people to hate on. But this album whips.

Man, I remember when this was their breakthrough record and that looked like it would be their peak. Never thought they'd reach Rolling Stones level of fame, but I also stopped listening to this band after Rattle and Hum. Still, this is probably the record of theirs to hear. Also, "Seconds" always sounded like a Police song to me.

I’ve always wanted to listen to a bit more U2, I love a lot of songs from later albums but had never done a discography deep dive. The album started off very strong with Sunday Bloody Sunday, which I’d heard of but never given a listen before. Seconds then brought it down a bit, but I didn’t actively dislike the song. New Year’s Day and Like a Song were highlights for me! Like a song especially brought the vibes back up pacewise. In the second half of the album, Two Hearts beat as one was one I really liked. Surrender and 40 were good closers. Not my favourites off the album, but I can definitely understand why these are here musically! Surrender especially had some great musical moments. I enjoyed the guitar work and drums in this album. I feel there’s U2 songs that are better, but I also understand this is decently early in the discography, and let’s face it, not every song can be Where the Streets have no Name. This was a fun little foray into early U2 and I’m glad I did it! 4/5 ⭐️ Favourites: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day, Like a Song Least favourites: Seconds, Red light 2/1001

Ainda bem que o album se chama war porque realmente com a primeira faixa não dava para ter outro nome… Até agora a percussão parece sempre tipo tarola e caixa, estamos num rancho entranho? Adorei o detalhe na seconds em que a letra é fall rise and mas só se percebe direito o “fall” achei bem interessante Acho que não perecebi nada da letra “like a song” Drowning man começa com harmónicos na guitarra amoooo The Refugee fica com o refrão bué chiclete no cérebro Two hearts beat as one - poético Red Light - o solo de guitarra e um trompete a entrar do nadíssima ahahahaha e somehow não ficou estranho Não sei se ouvia este álbum por escolha própria, i mean a vibe é fixolas rock e cenas mas nao sei bem porquê não achei nada demais

War - U2 (1983) Sunday bloody sunday eia bem letra pesada, faz sentido o album chamar se war Ok ainda nem a meio do album tou mas literal, letras do caralho, super importantes, a flr da guerra da irlanda do norte entre 1960 e 1990 (fui procurar ta obviamente nao sabia de nd disto akaka) A capa do album é literal UMA CRIANÇA, E O ALBUM FALA DE GUERRA E AS CRIANÇAS COITADAS METIDAS NA GUERRA O PA 😭 Trompete bem inesperado na red light, gostei No geral o pa, letras do caralho, no entanto a nível musical tp rock ya fixe adoro mas não houve nenhum solinho de guitarra que me conquistasse, nembuma música que me deixasse tp WOWWWWWWW, um 3,5*

I’ve struggled with U2 this entire project, but this one just clicked for me, usually the U2 sound is good for about 4-5 songs then just kind drones on and sounds the same for an entire albums worth of content. This one felt unique enough song by song to be enjoyable, enough so to where it makes me ponder about revisiting U2 albums I got incredibly early on in the project.

begendim

This was a solid album to me. I think I expected worse just based on years of hearing U2 bashing when I was younger. I thought I would dislike this album, but it had great energy. Kind of reminded me of the rock music you would hear in church - kind of larger than life sounded.

You're old and you have a sore neck simply from turning your head too much the night before. Thankfully this isn't a headbanging album or you'd be done for.

My favorite U2 song is in this album: New Year's Day.

Great album but U2 has never really been my thing. Either way one of the strongest albums.

Based on the two U2 albums I have had on this list; War and Achtung Baby, I think that U2 is a singles band that make albums. But the singles are really good. So good that this gets a 4 off the strength of Sunday, Bloody Sunday and New Years Day.

Not too shabby. Generally pleasant to listen to and a few songs that I recognized.

NEWSFLASH….. I like a U2 album.

Sunday Bloody Sunday is a generational opener my GOD

Early U2 is fun and with a unique sound. Some songs sound of their time while others are timeless.

fav song: Surrender

Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day. This album has some of the most famous and classic U2 songs. Very nice.

Hearing 70s influence and trend setting for 90s

It was a pretty good album, i like the message behind the songs and the stories told

Never loved U2, but this album contains some of their most classic songs. A little something for everyone.

Wow, they are so young! I can't believe how many of these songs I know from the radio. I am familiar with U2, but have never jammed them before. They have so many hits from this album! New Year's Day was a great song to jam this close to the New Year. I am only off by two days! The drumming on this album is impressive.

Solid

Parempi kuin odotin ja U2:n parhaat biisit onkin näköjään tällä levyllä. 3,75/5.

This was surprisingly good. I didn't care for U2 most of my life, of course I knew some singles, but they sound young and fresh on this. I liked it.

Me impressionou. U2 é uma daquelas bandas que geral sempre fala mal, uma espécie de dogpile nos caras, e eu particularmente não os conhecia até ouvir esse disco. Ouvi com a mente aberta e acabei gostando bastante até. Disco bom, gostei dos vocais, bem suplicantes e melodramáticos. Às vezes acabam sendo demais, em uma faixa ou outra os berros ficam irritantes. Mas a banda sempre se sustenta através de uma sonoridade e produção bem limpas e agradáveis. O álbum tem uma introdução fantástica com suas três primeiras faixas. Na metade ele dá uma levíssima desandada com algumas canções vagantes, mas nada que retire o seu mérito. 4/5

I understand why people like U2.

Some great tracks on here. U2 before they became all w4nky

Eine der ganz großen Bands mit denen ich mich nie ernsthaft befasst habe. Fand aber noch nichts schlecht von dem, was ich gehört habe. Auch dieses Album war gut!

Sehr starker Einstieg, aber Richtung Ende flacht das Album (für mich durchaus überraschend) ziemlich ab. Es rettet sich gerade noch auf schwache 4 Sterne.

Joah ein Klassiker und natürlich gut, aber mein Geschmack ist es nicht, war es auch nie. 3,5 Sterne, in dubio pro reo aufgerundet.

I think I prefer this to achtung baby. A bit more raw, less reverb noodling from the Edge, Bono sounding a little more emotional, and the songwriting topics obviously much closer to their hearts. I think the lack of polish to it carries the message better than it might have if this were released in a later phase of their work. Obviously the two singles are a hallmark of it, but also enjoyed both ‘drowning man’ and ‘two hearts beat as one’.

A much better album than I remembered. Very good.o

Great album. Very different from previous u2 albums. Sunday Bloody Sunday is a real highlight

U2 was floating around and if I am honest wasn't really my thing until I saw Rattle and Hum at Grossmont Theater. Suddenly Joshua Tree songs that had dominated the radio for months/years took on new meaning and my love grew. This is a solid album. Sunday Bloody Sunday is an incredible opener and "40" a great closer. While solid, I don't often reach for this album - I would happily put it on at any time. 4/5

Pretty good, and I enjoyed this more than I expected. Maybe sounds a bit samey at times. I’m thinking a 3.5, but I’ll round up.

favorite tracks: - new year’s day - like a song… - two hearts beat as one

I think U2 is one of the best rock bands of all time. And this is their first "great" album. But it's got more filler than I recall. It's only got two great songs ("Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day"). But I like "Two Hears Beat as One" and "40". I considered just giving this three stars, but there's a couple of things that make me round up to a four. The 80s were a great period for fun pop, but for rock, it was so so. It wouldn't be long before big hair music was a thing (ugh). (At least there was U2, R.E.M., Metallica, and a few others). And two, I like "40" a lot. Some of that is because of the live EP, "Sunday Bloody Sunday", but regardless. Rounding up to 4.

A slice of potent political post-punk that pointed to the widescreen future of the band and helped cement them in the rock pantheon.

Love the guitars and drums on this album. A nice reminder of how good early U2 music was. Favorite songs: Two Hearts Beat As One, Drowning Man, New Year's Day

I was just thinking it had been a long time since I had U2. And lo and behold! This is my preferred style of U2. The early stuff is primo. The drums are crispy, Edge’s guitar is unreal. Bono still sounds like an insufferable dork but it’s more palatable because he’s young and passionate. Production unrivaled. Love this album.

Not bad dont really liek u2 but like the more post punk side and the song 40 is awesome

Honestly pretty great, much better than I expected for whatever reason.

I’m not a U2 fan but this is a spectacular album.

Works great as an album, and not diminished by lack of pop singles like other great U2 songs.

Well structured, not the best U2 album but enjoyed it low 4

Classic era U2. Unrefined, raw, relevant.

This made of a very strange listening experience for me. I went with the unshakable knowledge that I did not like U2. I'd even listened to the holy relic The Joshua Tree and found it to be a pretty mild ride. But then I put War on and it sounds nothing like the other U2 records I've endured. Genre wise its more tailored to me with some post-punk and even some campy bits of new wave - they are great in these temporary modes. Its passionate, focused and nicely detailed. Its energetic without being particularly stadium worthy, suited to more of a medium sized venue. Bono has a really unique voice which is an acquired taste but I love all the elaborate, strange directions it shoots off in on this LP - he is really quite unpredictable.

Das ist mal ein Klassiker

𝘞𝘢𝘳 captures U2 at a moment of urgency and conviction. The album replaces the dreamlike sound of their early work with sharp guitars, martial drums and an unmistakable sense of confrontation. Rather than using politics as imagery, the songs express how real-world conflict shapes ordinary lives. 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘺 directly reflects on the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in Derry, voicing shock and exhaustion at the cycle of violence rather than taking a side. 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳’𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘺 looks outward toward Europe, inspired by the Solidarność movement in Poland and the hope that collective resistance could lead to change. What makes the album striking is that the intensity doesn’t come from anger alone, but from a feeling of moral pressure — as if the band had no choice but to turn turmoil into sound. It’s forceful, emotional and focused, while still grounded in melody.

Despite the entity that they became, having never heard this before this was a reminder of the band they once were. Not ashamed to say that I really liked it. Has a nice 80’s production and feel to it, and I found it thoroughly enjoyable.

После первого прослушивания подумалось, что вполне стандартный альбом "U2", не противный, но и не выдающийся. После второго зашло лучше. Слушал потихоньку, когда готовил и музыка показалась довольно приятным фоном. 6,5 из 10.

Never attached listened to U2 properly just had a lot of questionable feelings about anyone who would call themselves “the edge” but this was a pleasant surprise. Nice post punk twang mixed with more contemporary stadium rock vocals. Favourite track: New Years Day

First half was very good, then The Refugee ruined the vibe. By the time of last two songs the vibe was restored, I liked it again. Would be 3.5 I guess

Some legendary tracks on this and the rest aren’t bad either.

Not half bad. Overall decent, but not particularly compelling.

Belter of an album trails off in the second half but with better production could've been a classic

sits somewhere in the valley between "bland and inoffensive pop rock" and "exceptionally listenable". the thematic throughline of "war is bad 😔✌️"--from a time when that was cutting edge protest music--feels like like it would age and come off cringey but it's just so earnest and i think a little charming? even outside the hits the album does seem inspired, at least in the pretty strong first half. i adored Sunday Bloody Sunday in high school, and i still dig it, but at this point i think my favorites are Drowning Man, maybe New Year's Day. all in all like a solid 3.50001

Prob the coolest U2 album to me

So great, Sunday Bloody Sunday kicks it off perfectly and I love the guitar instrumentation

I feel like I owe U2 an apology but I refuse to allow Bono in the room while I deliver it already in collection (but had not listened past the singles)

Great album and includes a few of their best songs. It's thematically important and makes it for a great listen. I will keep it in rotation

I'm not actually a huge U2 fan, and had been expecting to give it a low-ish score. But I do think the album is very listenable and don't just want to fall prey to the "U2 are bad actually" mindvirus.

anthemic urgent

Sunday Bloody Sunday als Hit, New Years Day noch gut, sonst plätschert das Album etwas

Great album from before they disappeared up their own ass…I think “New Year’s Day” is my favorite U2 song but “Sunday, Bloody Sunday” and “Two Hearts Beat as One” are great songs as well. This is the only one of their albums I’m really familiar with, but I think it’s a classic…I really like Bono’s voice and some of the tunes but was never inspired to get deep into them.

so good

I'm kind of ambivalent on U2 (and Bono) overall, although they are one of the very, very few big-name acts that I've seen live (it might *only* be them and KISS - neither of those would've been my first choice). War (the album) is alright - I'm rating it four stars but its grip on the fourth one is a little loose. Highlight is "New Year's Day."

Great Album - some new tracks for me I was pleasantly surprised by.

No dobra, to jest tak, że po latach zacząłem doceniać. Sekcja robi tu wspaniałe rzeczy

Loved this when it came out. It’s held up fairly well.

Good album but it was overplayed back in the eighties

Solid album. I started listening to these guys from Boy, and I like their earliest stuff the best. My guess is most people like their later work, but I began to lose interest as they became more mainstream, which started with this album. A worthy addition to this list… I Wouldn’t kick it out of bed, but not my favorite.

I have a mixed relationship with U2 , loved this album and Boy and enjoy the early stuff more , however seen then twice first in 1981 (Sheffield) Lyceum ) but went to see the support band ( comsat angels ) but didn’t play , saw again at Glastonbury and wanted to dislike but they were amazing . Great album , that works and is great post punk rock

While this isn’t their first album or their most popular it does very like the first time we’re seeing the band that will become a global phenomenon.

Still strong. The scratchy guitar, the yelpy and stretched (if sometimes histrionic) vocals, and wow, the drums. Some very good songs, and only a few that can be skipped. They were really coming into their own with this one. I can see why earnest melodramatic me really liked U2

I just feel nothing about U2. I guess this was pretty good? Didn’t listen to the lyrics too much. Lightest of 4s.

A big commercial breakthrough album for U2. It has several outstanding songs -- Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Two Hearts Beat as One. The music had not yet become too bombastic. Really good record.

3.9 The first U2 album I think I've enjoyed. Feels like pretentious, less stadium poppy than their later outings. Still a bit on the poppy side, and not sure I could ever love it, but appreciate it for what it is.

2 connues Bien

Listening to War felt like finding a missing piece of the puzzle to the U2 mythos. I understand the bad rep Bono et al get for throwing soft punches from Achtung Baby on. I also get that people generally disliked the band’s preachy showmanship and ill conceived marketing gimmicks. But I never really understood why U2 caught so much flack for this where other outfits had trod the same ground to far less critical disdain. However, having listened to War it all makes sense. U2 used to be electric. Bono once sang with inscrutable conviction. Sunday Bloody Sunday is preachy; but it’s also sung with such intensity and desperation that you’re compelled to follow its singer through the journey this album takes its listeners on. What followed a very strong statement about the pointlessness and hopelessness of War was a more watered down version of that message until Bono and the boys started hawking iPods to songs about the perils of modernism. U2 are a good band, with a lot of good songs, but many will rightly mourn the band that War set them up to become. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is another one I looked forward to getting. I haven't listened to a lot of U2 outside of the biggest hits. This is early U2, and I can hear a lot of the foundations of their later work. Sunday Bloody Sunday - 10/10. Iconic drum fill to start it off, young Bono has a great voice. I am familiar with the "Bloody Sunday" protests, one of the reasons why my generation can't solve the Irish Troubles. The cry for peace and understanding is deep in my heart. Seconds - 8/10. Early U2 has a very unique, simple sound (not a bad thing). Another song calling for understanding and peace, in this case against Nuclear War. New Year's Day - 10/10. Such an incredible opening. This song never gets old. The keyboard work is phenomenal, the vocals are haunting, and the guitar is iconic. Like A Song - 8/10. The opening drums sound like someone pounding on a door, which fits well with the theme of the album. Young Bono still crying out for peace. "Angry words won't stop a fight." So very true. Drowning Man - 8/10. Very much a change in feel from the first part of the album. The repetition in the lyrics makes sense thematically here. The Refugee - 7/10. Not the sound I'm used to from U2. Good but not as good as the rest of the album. Thematically it fits, though. Two Hearts Beat As One - 7/10. I like the introduction. Good melody, not as thematic with the rest of the album. Red Light - 8/10. I can hear some of the foundations of later U2 in this song. Surrender - 7/10. Great guitar tone, good vocals, solid song. 40 - 9/10. This would be a 7, but in the context of closing this particular album with a song this peaceful, it is elevated. Overall Rating - 4/5.

A solid dad rock album. Like sinking tins on a summer day, entertaining and (musically) unchallenging. Not one for the history books IMO, but after a bit of background reading I can appreciate the politics that informed the album.

Before U2/Bono got all pretentious. Solid rock ‘n roll album.

U2 have been around so long I forget sometimes that they are an "80s band", but you hear that influence all over this record; moments where they sound like a New Wave band, where they sound like The Clash! Great band work on this record: driving drums, compelling guitar lines, and Bono's voice is top-notch as always

Trying to be objective and not let my opinion of Bono Influence my opinion of this album. We listened to early U2 a lot in the 80s and it has good nostalgic memories which you cannot look past. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Years Day are both fantastic songs. There a number of decent tracks throughout. Surrender is probably the standout track. I would actually listen to this again. 4 stars

I don't know why I expected to dislike this - I was wrong! Give me that politics!

i love U2 but this album starts very strong and then slowly fades and impresses less on side two. Four stars

Favorite Track: Sunday Bloody Sunday

I’m pretty familiar with U2 but despite that this is my first time listening to a full album. I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would.

Very good. I know people think that U2’s earliest albums were their best, but I don’t think this is as good, varied, or nuanced as The Joshua Tree. It’s a bit too much of one sound and approach. Very good, but not great. A 4.

Yeah it’s good ig

Better than I imagined, definitely better than their later stuff

This album got me to not absolutely hate U2. Which has been a prejudice I have held strongly since they forced themselves on my Apple Music feed as a kid. but this album is soooooo much better than achtung baby, which is such a tragedy to say... because though im not a music aficionado, I know one thing. I hate U2. but this album is slowly converting me. and I don't like that. solid 4.

U2 goes pretty hard. I disregard the iTunes fiasco hate. This one has a few bangers and excellent drums. 4* Highlights: Sunday Bloody Sunday (what an album opener), New Year’s Day (that hook!)

🗯 Glory be these days of U2, before Bono thought he was Jesus Christ and their unforgivable crimes of sound and tech became unforgivable. I used to like U2. Now I can barely stand the thought of them, let alone own up to liking then, So when this came up, I cringed — and then immediately remembered why their early days were undeniable. War is raw, righteous, and rattles in all the right places with purpose. It kicks off with Sunday Bloody Sunday, one of the greatest openers in rock — that militaristic snare, that rallying cry, that sheer conviction. New Year’s Day still sounds dangerous, The Edge’s guitar shimmering like cold light over the battlefield. Seconds and The Refugee are killer too — urgent, propulsive, the sound of a band with something to prove. There’s even a trumpet cameo on Red Light that hints at the experimentation to come. The drums throughout? Gloriously untreated and real — a reminder that before the gloss, before the sunglasses and self-parody, U2 were a post-punk band with grit in their teeth and fire in their bellies. They mattered. It’s just a bit sad to think an album like War exists in the same discography as Songs of Innocence and the other crap. Verdict: Essential (preaching with passion, not pretension) For fans of: Echo & The Bunnymen, The Clash, early Simple Minds, drums that actually sound like drums

Some decent songs Can see why they're massive

Surprised by how new wave-y the earlier discography of U2 seems to be. You can hear Adam Clayton's chuggy bass lines and compressed, treble-y bass tone taking a lot of inspiration from Peter Hook of Joy Division, for example. I prefer U2's later stuff (Joshua Tree is an all-timer) but it's a shame U2 seems to have fallen from stardom as far as they have. The album's a bit hit and miss with its tracks, but otherwise a great listen. fav tracks: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Two Hearts Beat As One

Clear why they're famous. It's hard to ignore Bono's behavior in later years, but these were the golden days of U2.

Antes que se puedan, tenían su brillo y valor, luego...la pudricion

Listened to it twice, expecting it to go up from a 4 to a 5. Instead it nearly went down to a 3. Felt like it drifted a bit. A low 4.

Probably a 3.5 but these plucky underdogs need all the help they can get

nice

As a young man who enjoyed Achtung Baby (my first U2 album), I went and explored their back catalog and somehow convinced myself that I didn't like War, and I haven't listened to it since. What the heck? It's a great album. It has a wonderful rawness that caught me by surprise, despite being familiar with Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day, of course. The Edge's guitar never sounded so good. Maybe I wasn't ready for it back then? Who knows. (Side note: I was also caught off guard by the similarities to The Clash on this album. I haven't heard that talked about before. But it's definitely there.)

This is a very good album with some legit classics. When I listen to it, I feel like it's maybe the last album U2 made before they fully transitioned from post-punk to whatever amalgam they became of rock/pop/etc. And, I won't lie, I like their next 3 albums better.

3.5/5 - The first 3 tracks and "40" drive the album. I tried to imagine listening to this for the first time, beyond the familiarity of the 2 big hits, and I think it's a way above average early 80s rock record and it shows where U2 was headed. Rounding up because naming yourself The Edge and then becoming a superstar is a badass move.

I always thought Bono was a bozo but I think that was because I only knew U2 during the “one, two, three, catorce” era. This album was surprisingly awesome and I get why U2 were so popular.

Sunday Bloody Sunday, and New Years Day are still great songs. I didn't recognize anything else on the album. Musically, the instrumentation is great, guitar work is iconic. I really like how the drums come in to start the album off, it really sets the tone on the whole album, drums were really good throughout, and Bono's vocals are always recognizable.

The drums go crazy on this album. Liked it way more than I thought I would Favorite Songs: Sunday Bloody Sunday, Drowning Man

This is #day429 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… this is the 1325th day of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, my home country, where I'm based. I've always liked early U2, particularly October and this one. Sure, Joshua and Achtung are the band's masterpieces (and, as I've mentioned before, I've got a soft spot for How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, my first U2 record from my teenage years). Still, there's something about those early albums: youth, romance, rebellion... "New Year’s Day" is one of my favorite songs by the band. Also, the cover art is one of the most iconic out there. This is a 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day430.

Et jevnt bra album fra U2. Trekkes opp av låtene «Sunday, bloody Sunday», «40» og mesterverket «New Year’s Day».

Of their popular hits, Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day are two of the better ones. Sunday Bloody Sunday makes a solid opener and statement piece; New Year's Day is just a fun, propulsive jam of a song with a simple, but iconic bass line. Like a Song... is a jam as well. Fat bass line on Two Hearts Beat As One -- I can get down with it. Surrender sounds a bit like a Police song with the shimmering guitars, fat bass, and layering. While this isn't something I would go out of my way for, this was a very solid album. The hits are huge and deserving of their place in the spotlight and the rest of the album is enjoyable -- especially the more upbeat / propulsive songs. This falls in at a low 4 for me.

As much as I like U2 I am not fully sure I have listened to this album all the way through. It had some really great parts but some pretty low parts. One really weird 80s synthpop sounding song was really random. Sunday bloody Sunday is such a banger of an opener. And New years day is also incredibly good

Sunday Bloody Sunday is a classic. New Years Day always sounded like it inspired the Smiths. Jam of a song. I think I like U2

A lot more diversity on this album than the 2 Songs I previously knew ha

I really liked War and i don't know if I'm shocked to say that or not. Considering i have now made it to 600 albums, i definitely think that the album to hit that milestone should definitely be a good one and this one more than delivered on that promise. Every song here was enjoyable and catchy no matter which vibe it had, from relaxing and playful to more pump up anthems which you would expect from an album that is literally called War. I also think that this is yet another album that got it's length just right, not too long, not too short. I don't have many bad things to say about it, Its just a really good album and worthy of being my 600th album. Best Song: Sunday Bloody Sunday Worst Song: The Refugee

Ensimmäinen levy, mikä löytyy omasta hyllystä. Tätä ei oo hirveästi viimeiseen kolmeenkymmeneen (!) vuoteen tullut kuunneltua, mutta muistijälki tästä oli, ja se vei 90-luvun alkuun. Ihan ok levy. Suosikkibiisejäni on edelleen avausraita ”Sunday Blood Sunday”, ”New Years Day” ja ”40”.

Classic U2 rock sound. Rebellious spirit against social injustices presented as lyrical romantic martyrdom

458/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

love

I've never been a big U2 fan, but this album has always worked for me somehow.

#40 may be one of the most underrated great songs of all time.

Ni chaud ni froid de U2 de manière générale mais je reconnais que cet album est bon, même très bon ! Ça me réconforte un peu avec ce groupe

U2, c’est Joshua Tree. Le reste de leur carrière était une tentative d’accoter ce chef d’oeuvre. Les singles ici sont bien, j’ai toujours aimé beaucoup New Years Day. Le reste sonne vraiment de son temps, très 80s. Interessant mais pas d’écoutes répétées.

Politisk arena rock. tidligt alternativ rock fordi det blander noget punk med rockens energier. overall super godt, kan sgu godt lide lyden af U2

The first big album from U2 that truly made them mainstream. “Sunday, Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day” are just two of the iconic songs from this collection that you are forced to sing along with. Catchy beats and Bono’s unique singing make this one a pleasure to listen to. Not quite the perfect album in my opinion to receive a “5” rating, but this is no slouch either. I hadn’t listened to it in a while and I’m glad this one made the rounds to be reviewed.

Like most, Sunday Bloody Sunday was my introduction to U2. The marching rhythm of the snare drum, heavy bass line, Bono shouting his message on stage waving that huge white flag in the video. 10 year old me was too young to understand any of this, but damn it he had my attention. I was in from the first tap of that snare. This is the type of song you feel, U2 was delivering their message and demanded your attention. You feel a little bit of a punk soul on this track. I really like the beginning of the album Seconds keeps the heart of Sunday Bloody Sunday and introduces a bit of rhythm, then New Year's day gives us a beautiful soaring chorus, Like a song returns us back to Bonos angsty vocals but this time kick drum takes the lead. Really nicely composed set of songs. Rest of the album is really good as well, I was happy to be reminded how great a song Two Hearts is. Is Bono a pretentious douchebag? Yes, he is. Is U2 insufferable, yes, they are. I'm not a U2 fan for the most part, I like them fine. But they can write a hell of a song, and in this case they wrote a great album.

Great album.

I've probably listened to this album 15-20 times straight through. U2 is one of my favorite bands, but this album is not one of the top couple favorites for me. Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Years Day and 40 are all good and in the normal concert rotation. Two Hearts Beat as One is probably my other favorite from here. This definitely has the early U2 vibe where the rhythm section drives most of the song. You can hear the punk/Ramones influence here still

I'll start by saying I love this album - it's just not quite in the S-tier of U2 for me so I can't quite justify 5 stars. However - the highs are very high in terms of their overall discography. New Year's Day is certainly on my personal greatest hits album, and Like a Song and Drowning Man have always been massive favorites of mine that have never gotten the same level of attention. The guitar work and harmonics on the latter are like nothing else they've really ever done and are just stunning. I love the way this sits at sort of the transitional period between the more raw post-punk energy of Boy/October and the more anthemic Unforgettable Fire/Joshua Tree era. Perhaps the sociopolitical themes here are more pronounced than any other U2 album, even for a band known for their public activism. A few songs that are more forgettable than others that probably hold this back from getting into the top tier for me, but still a personal favorite.

I'm not totally sure why I wanted so badly to hate U2. I'm also not sure why I expected to. I had to really, REALLY fight my bias on this one. The reality is, these boys cooked here. Maybe it pisses me off because it has that 80s tendency to lean ever closer to radio-pop. But they're still talking about strong stuff, and the music itself really works. So, I'm sorry, Bono. I would also apologize to the Edge, but Jesus fucking christ that's a stupid name, so, no.

solid rock, I see why older folks enjoy U2. Bono‘s voice still annoys me though.

Pretty decent album, ‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ I knew but most the others were totally new to me

Huh. I’d never actually listened to a U2 album before this, probably due at least in part to having been a very contrarian grudge-ready fourteen years old when they did that stunt where they forced their new album onto everyone’s iPhone whether or not they had any interest in it or indeed knew who these U2 people even were yet. This is pretty good stuff though. I’d go back to it for sure. I’ll probably keep slamming that skip button out of spite whenever a Songs of Innocence number turns up in my life, but I won’t hold it against the band’s prior work anymore. Hearts and minds were changed today. That’s why we do this project I guess

Nice to remember what U2 was like in the before times. Great songwriting, distinctive sound, sincere and political in a way that I actually believe.

Full disclosure: I'm not a U2 fan at all. I respect what they do, but they just don't appeal to me. That said, this album rocks! Solid and a different sound for the 80s. I'm impressed.

U2 has a distinct, classic sound that absolutely earns them a spot on the 1001 albums list, even if it’s not really my style. ‘Two Hearts Beat as One’ and ‘Like a Song’ stand out enough for me to give it 4 stars. 8/10.

We all know that U2 have great albums, this was not one I had heard before and I was a little surprised and how rough and angular it was - it's a world away from The Joshua Tree. I still really enjoyed it though.

Tho is my u2

1. Sunday bloody sunday, only one of album I'm already aware of. Super cool to listen right after I've finished reading Say Nothing, can hear the angst I read about in the book. 2. Really liked new years day Like this album released right

Great anthems, cool hints of their layer art pop

The moment the guitars harden to approximate a peel of machine gun fire 40-seconds into “Sunday Bloody Sunday” is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the most uplifting, edifying and powerful in the history of guitar music. It’ll bring a tear to my eye, even standing shoulder to shoulder on a commuter train – but always a tear that’s quickly followed by the usual guilt one experiences when they realise they’re enjoying U2. A sensation of “Bono, what the fuck man?” that marks the complicated status of attempting to enjoy U2 in 2025. By now they’ve been a lot. The sort of band Patrick Bateman is taken to by his boring friends; the sort of band that adds their albums to your iTunes account pro-Bono (with eternal credit to Sinead for that joke); the sort of band you half notice as being on the soundtrack of a sports highlights programme for the past ten years. They’re still U2, of course. The biggest band on the planet … but they’re also all that other shite too. Anyway, to War. This record was never done justice by the speakers in Dave’s Renault Megane. Across “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, “New Years Day”, “Like a song…” The Edge absolutely soars. Indeed, across the record, he and Bono feel locked into something special, a precious alchemy reminiscent of then-contemporaries Morrissey and Marr – a mercurial pair who were also grounded by an ultra competent and modest rhythm section. And as it is so often with The Smiths too, the best songs on War feel like a proper band effort. It’s a U2 I feel I’ve never known (the one I know is that of Partridge: “How’s Bono?”; “How’s The Edge?; “How’s Adam Clayton?”; “How’s … the drummer?”). And it’s very, very good. War has obvious stand out tracks, but the record doesn’t suffer for their appearance. There’s no real filler (though a couple – “Two Hearts Beat As One” especially – must have been strong floor fillers once upon a time) … just a young and hungry band wanting to say something and doing it with electrifying clarity. There’s a reason they’re the biggest band in the world, after all. And it isn’t because Bono is a pain in the arse.

3.5

U2 at their best. I know they're easy to clown on especially when they had that album automatically downloaded on everyone's phone... but this album is incredible

170925 18:55 4

“Sunday Bloody Sunday” was definitely my favorite of the album. Nice beats.

Don't listen to the haters, this is a great record. Sure, not every song is perfection, but the ones that are more than make up for it. This album is the same age as me and it has better staying power than I'd ever hope to have.

Bra album! Gillade det mer än vad jag trodde jag skulle göra honestly :p

Ah, 1983, j'avais treize ans. L'âge ingrat par excellence, l'âge des premières clopes en cachette, des premiers émois maladroits et surtout, l'âge où la musique commence à vous pétrir le cerveau pour ne plus jamais en sortir. Cette année-là, un disque en particulier a laissé une marque indélébile sur le papier peint à fleurs de ma chambre d'ado. Un disque au titre aussi simple que définitif : "War". Et les auteurs de cette petite bombe n'étaient autres que quatre Irlandais qui allaient, pour le meilleur et pour le pire, marquer au fer rouge les décennies à venir : U2. Je me souviens encore de la claque monumentale que fut la découverte de "Sunday Bloody Sunday". Ce roulement de caisse claire, sec comme un coup de trique, cette guitare qui sonne comme une sirène d'alarme, et cette voix... cette voix de Bono, pas encore le messie à lunettes de soleil qu'on connaît, mais un jeune type de 22 ans qui gueule sa rage et son incompréhension face à la violence aveugle. "I can't believe the news today". Nous non plus, on n'y croyait pas. On sentait l'urgence, la sincérité d'un groupe qui ne jouait pas. "War" c'est un disque qui vous chope par le col et ne vous lâche plus. Il y a une tension palpable du début à la fin, une électricité dans l'air qui rend l'écoute intense, presque éprouvante. La production de Steve Lillywhite est rêche, sans fioritures, il a su capter le son d'un groupe en état de siège, un son martial, presque brutal. La basse d'Adam Clayton est tellurique, la batterie de Larry Mullen Jr. est une machine de guerre et la guitare de The Edge... ah, The Edge. Ce type a inventé un son à lui tout seul avec trois fois rien. Ses arpèges cristallins, ses échos qui se perdent dans l'infini, c'est la bande-son parfaite de l'apocalypse imminente. L'album est un champ de bataille. Des hymnes à gueuler à s'en péter les cordes vocales comme "New Year's Day", avec son piano glacial et sa ligne de basse inoubliable, aux charges plus frontales comme "Seconds", où The Edge prend le micro pour nous parler de la menace nucléaire. C'est un disque qui ne baisse jamais la garde, qui vous regarde droit dans les yeux. Et putain, qu'est-ce que ça faisait du bien à une époque où la pop commençait à se poudrer le nez et à enfiler des épaulettes. Alors pourquoi 4 sur 5 et pas la note maximale ? Eh bien, comme sur tout front, il y a des moments où la ligne faiblit. L'album est un monolithe, mais un monolithe avec quelques fissures. Des titres comme "Red Light" ou "Surrender" (qui s'appelait à l'origine "4th of July", comme pour bien enfoncer le clou) manquent un peu de la puissance évocatrice du reste. On sent le groupe qui cherche à varier les plaisirs, avec des cuivres sur "Red Light" par exemple, mais ça tombe un peu à plat, comme un soufflé qui n'aurait pas pris. C'est pas mauvais, loin de là, mais face à des monuments comme "Sunday Bloody Sunday" ou "New Year's Day", ça fait pâle figure. Et puis il y a "40", alors là, je sais que je vais me faire des ennemis. Cette psalmodie biblique qui clôt l'album, devenue un incontournable de leurs concerts, m'a toujours un peu laissé sur ma faim. C'est le moment où le U2 prêcheur, le U2 donneur de leçons, commence à pointer le bout de son nez. Cette tendance à vouloir nous unir dans une grande communion mystique, c'est un truc qui, avec le temps, a fini par me gonfler sévèrement. Sur "War", ça passe encore, c'est la conclusion un peu naïve d'un album coup de poing. Mais on sent déjà poindre le Bono qui, quelques années plus tard, nous expliquera comment sauver le monde entre deux jets privés. Mais ne boudons pas notre plaisir. "War" reste un album essentiel. Un cri de rage et d'espoir lancé à la face d'un monde qui partait en couilles. C'est le disque qui a fait de U2 un groupe qui compte, un groupe capable de remplir des stades sans pour autant perdre son âme. Du moins, pas encore. Pour le gamin de 13 ans que j'étais, ce fut une révélation. Un disque qui disait qu'on pouvait être jeune, en colère, et que la musique pouvait être une arme. Et rien que pour ça, il mérite sa place au panthéon. Même avec ses quelques petites faiblesses, "War" reste un témoignage puissant, un disque qui, quarante ans plus tard, n'a rien perdu de sa pertinence ni de son urgence. C'est un classique, un vrai.

Finalmente l'ho ascoltato tutto, è da almeno un anno che ho la cassetta lì. Bello bello

It's alright 7/10

It was surprisingly good

Heard too often

Good

Best Song: New Years Day It's a good album. New Years Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday were both bangers. The back half is a bit weak though. 4/5.

A very good record which features a pretty interesting sound for U2.

Pretty good. Sad they fell off.

Liked Joshua tree better. Still good

We've had bad U2 so long people forget we used to have good U2.

Enjoyable

Good album, no song was offensive to me. Mastering was OK. Enjoyable album, some songs I already knew.

top 3: - sunday bloody sunday - new year’s day - like a song … special mention: - drowning man

Another large blind spot, only really aware of their singles. The podcast 'Are u talking U2 to me' helped open my mind about them. This album starts really strong, really crisp sound to everything. Some weaker songs but more enjoyable than I thought! 4 Heard before? Just the singles Owned: Yes. 8/1001, 9/41 (21%) Will I get? Maybe

I have a soft spot for U2. I've been a fan since I first heard "Pride (In the Name of Love)." They've produced at least two undeniable masterpieces (Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby), but they also have several albums that are near-masterpieces and WAR is definitely one of them. U2 creates such a unique and original soundscape that I feel it is often unmatched by other bands from the same era. This record is solid from start to finish, never overstaying its welcome with a 42 minute runtime. Fantastic listen.

U2’s breakthrough album. The overall sound and guitar work are great - Edge is already a master at using ambient reverbs and stacking guitar parts in an engaging way. Bono has an incredible voice. The album sounds rich and full without sounding overproduced and without any of the instrumentation crowding other parts out. Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day, Two Hearts Beat As One, and Surrender are probably the best songs on the album. Other notables include Like A Song and 40.

way better than expected! this was really cool!

I never heard U2 before, but both of my parents love them. And this album was such a pleasant listen. Sometimes it felt a bit repetitive and slow, but other times I was really enjoying the music. The opening song Sunday Bloody Sunday was my favourite and it gave the album a good starting vibe and mostly the album never lost that charm. I would rate this album 3.8/5

A real classic from U2. The hits on this one are timeless, the stuff in between has it’s moments, but definitely not their best imo. Still love it regardless

theres no way. i might like u2

I thought I’d like this album more. There’s songs I could listen to on repeat for days and others that I don’t connect as much with overall.

Say what you will about u2 (and people do say things) you can't take away their back catalog. Especially their 80s run. Earnest - fine. Self serious - sure. But effective. Especially to my teenage ears - and mind. I try to listen to the albums that I didn't just know but memorized - like flip the tape over and over and over - and over. I can't ever escape that. I can't listen with fresh ears. But what I do know. What you can't fake. This album still moves me. Nostalgia? Maybe. I don't care. Even though I know it's coming the solo on NYD still gets me, the initial snare hit on SBS, the groove of Seconds, the textures production of Drowning Man hints of things to come. Bass really enters the picture here. Part of the pack no more. 4+

Solid

oh yeah

Good album, and one I feel like I need to relisten to a couple more times. Some great protest songs, and just an overall enjoyable album to listen to.

Pretty decent

Not as much to my taste as Achtung, but some good diamonds in the rough here: "Sunday Bloody Sunday" "Two Hearts Beat as One" "New Years Day" "40" Favorite lyric: "I waited patiently for the Lord/He inclined and heard my cry/He lift me up out of the pit/Out of the miry clay/ I will sing, sing a new song/I will sing, sing a new song/ How long to sing this song?/How long must we sing this song? How long, how long, how long/How long to sing this song?"

Back in the days i was a dedicated follower of u2. Their second album October struck me bij lighning. Still does. But War is nearly as good.

This was great - deeply nostalgic in places, fantastic songs. I can forgive U2 for their stupid iTunes stunt because of this.

Almost a 5 for me. Stands the test of time

scale: 1 - instaskip, 2-meh can be skipped/reaches point to skip, 3 -nothing wrong/easy listen/not seeking out, 4 - would listen to again, 5 - must listen Sunday Bloody Sunday- 7/5 Seconds-3 New Years Day-5 Like A Song- 4 Drowning Man-3 The Refugee-2 Two Heats Beat as One-4 Red Light-3 Surrender-3 40-4

01) Sunday Bloody Sunday - 10,0 02) Seconds - 8,5 03) New Year's Day - 10,0 04) Like a Song... - 8,5 05) Drowning Man - 8,5 06) The Refugee - 8,0 07) Two Hearts Beat as One - 8,5 08) Red Light - 8,5 09) Surrender - 8,5 10) 40 - 8,5 TOTAL: 8,75 (88/100) Current ranking: 82/642

scale: 1 - skipping if heard it again/actually skipped it 2- meh can be skipped/reaches point to skip 3 -nothing wrong/easy listen/not seeking out 4 - would listen to again 5 - must listen Sunday Bloody Sunday - 5 Seconds - 3 New Year's Day - 5 Like a Song - 4 Drowning Man - 3 The Refugee - 2 liked what they were trying Two Hearts Beat as One - 3 Red Light - 3 Surrender - 3 40 - 4 3.5/5 some all-time greats and enough other to stay above water

U2 has a distinct, classic sound that absolutely earns them a spot on the 1001 albums list, even if it’s not really my style. ‘Two Hearts Beat as One’ and ‘Like a Song’ stand out enough for me to give it 4 stars. 8/10.

yeah it was good

This album has quite a punky vibe to it which I didn't expect and also a rawness. There are some catchy tracks here and I think Bono is a highlight on vocals. The drum sound is really loud and heavy which I enjoyed and there's some really cool guitar licks throughout. I have to say that I've had two albums from U2 now and I've really enjoyed both of them. I feel like U2 are a band that get an unfair bit of hate but I'm now a fan, and I think they're bloody great.

Awesome album from iconic band

thoughts: a bit all over the place genre-wise but unmistakably U2 in both intent and execution. the two big hits are still standouts four decades later, but even little groovy tracks like “the refugee” and the sincerity of “40” work in the context of the album songs: “sunday bloody sunday”, “the refugee”, “40” rating: 8.2/10

Old memories

Defining album of a defining band !

as raw, mushy, touchy, vibrant, and warm as the living heart pumping blood to veins and arteries

The title is apt because musically, this album is very good, but Bono’s histrionic vocals are sometimes at odds with what his band mates are doing. The first half is very solid, but the album loses its way around halfway though; track 6 “The Refugee” is still one of U2’s worst songs. Fortunately, “War” finishes really strongly with “Surrender” and “40”. One of U2’s best albums, only let down by a few moments of pretentious self indulgence. It’s U2 though; it’s what they do.

Looking back on my past U2 reviews, I have, on both occasions, given reluctant praise to Bono and co., enjoying the big hits especially. It's no different here. Surely 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday' is their best song. Alongside the singles, 'Drowning Man' is very interesting indeed, and is pretty aligned to Blue Nile ambient, mood-pop, and as a result I thought this track really excellent. Whilst never dipping below the hurdle of decent quality, things certainly do tail off in the second half. I find 'Two Hearts', 'Red Light' and 'Surrender' a little characterless. Although '40' is a nice ditty to close out. The album has some great moments. I was going to award it a three, but if I had discovered this by an obscure band I think I'd be rather impressed into low 4 territory. So that's fair.

The bass lines are so groovy. Thoroughly enjoyed this especially as someone who plays bass.

War was the album where U2 stopped being just another band and became a movement. It laid the foundation for their dominance throughout the '80s and beyond.

Okay, see, yesterday was Coldplay, and today is the band that whips Coldplay’s ass and tells it to stop being such a copycat whinerbaby. Fuckin U2 in 1982 was unstoppable.

Really liked this. Some excellent parts (e.g. Drowning Man), others were a bit shouty and repetitive, but I suppose the album name is "War" so what did I expect?

Those snare cracks to open up the album. Iconic. “Two Hearts Beat as One” is the hidden gem here. "Surrender" is also a strong track. Not having heard some of these deep cuts in a while, they're pretty fun. This is the first truly big U2 album, in terms of viewpoint and commercial reception. Also the album where Edge relies the least on his delay pedals. It’s worth hearing. FOUR STARS

War was released the year before I started high school and being an album that straddles genres, it appealed to most people with otherwise differing opinions on music. As a result, I listened to this album a lot in my formative music years, maybe too much? I think that most people would agree that War is not U2’s best album, it is their first really good album. Their decision to rock a little harder and faster, while also changing the rhythms to be a little more dance-like, veers the band into what we’d now call pop-punk or power-pop territory. These production decisions, executed by the growing talent of some remarkable musicians started the band down the path toward superstardom. So, the album was important for U2, with better more influential albums to follow. This is a selection I would love to discuss with the author, but I digress. Given how much I listened to this album in my teens, it had been awhile since I’d listed to it all the way through. Sure, I continued to listen to many of the tracks, there are several that would become U2 mainstays, just not the entire album. What struck me most during this process, is that I started my listen grooving with the music, but by the end it all started to seem a little “samey”. At least until the final track “40”, which end things solidly. War is a very good, in not great record, from an obviously important band. I like it, I just don’t love it. As my partner pointed out while we were listening, it would be more enjoyable is you listened 20ish minutes at a time. For me it is a 3.5* record, which means I will have a decision to make at the end of the day. In practice, which direction I fall is mood-dependent. It is a Friday and I’m headed on vacation next week, plus there is a lot of nostalgia, which bodes well for the band. This is important for Bono and gang because where end up landing, writing thoughts that nobody else will read, is obviously a make of break moment for the band.

3 great songs with the others being decent. Extra star for the message

Love me some U2! Top 3 bands of all time!!

Was sceptical, but actually a really nice album for a listen.

I was expecting this album to be more raw and unpolished since it was released in 1983, but it sounded like the U2 I am familiar with. It's all there already. Edge, the strong heavy rhythm section and Bono were playing music like no one else in the early 1980's. I can see why this album is on the list. It's way ahead of its time, it's vastly different then anything else being released then, and this kind of sets up U2 for the rest of their career. Original album from an original band. 4/5

Great tunes and lyrics, thx!

lustig wie man ein album neu hören kann: in den gehörgängen wird das erwartet, was bereits in der jugend tausendfach gehört wurde - und ein remastering macht ein neues album daraus.

Here's U2 coming into their own with confidence and energy.

Okay I actually liked this a good bit more than I expected! Starts off really strong and even though the back half isn't as much my taste, it's still pretty good.

Really enjoyable! A solid album all the way through that has a great core idea but switches it up enough not to be boring. I really enjoy Bono going hard as hell on this album, especially compared to their other efforts. I listened to this three times today.

All really distinctive sounding tracks and it doesn't feel like a rock record from the early 1980s, it feels more modern than that.

One of the first albums I ever bought. I was deeply into anything that wasn't just love songs and this went head on into politics, conflict and social injustice. Was and conflict run through every track, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" being the hit that caused me to buy it but there's not a dud track on the album. "Seconds" and "Like a Song..." probably resonate the most with me. They have that martial, pounding beat, filled in with a sharp and jagged guitar. It feels punk, but it feels polished. I don't think this was their first album, but for me this is when U2 starts. They became very polished after this, still socially relevant, but not as raw (which I love). This is a must have.

This could have been a fantastic album. But is isn't, it is way too varying in quality. Let's be clear: the highlights of this album are possibly some of the best music of the eighties. Yes, 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' is a fantastic song. But it completely bleaches next to 'New Year's Day'. That is such a fantastic song! There are a couple more very strong songs on this album, but also some very weak ones. Lowlight is definitely 'Red light'. You gotta be kidding... It's horrible. The beginning sounds like a Mylene Farmer song, not exactly what you expect on a U2-album. It could - and should - have been a fantastic album. Nevertheless, this is an album that proves how good of a band U2 could be. Didn't mention it, but this is probably The Edge at his best.

Strong album of good post punk pop rock.

U2 logró, al menos con este disco, hacer un clásico atemporal. Escuché tantas veces en la radio Sunday Bloody Sunday que en mi cabeza era algo super actual y no del '83. Luego de escuchar esas canciones que ya tienes en tu ADN sale con cosas super lindas como los loops de batería en "Like a Song..." y la voz de Bono en Red lights que me sorprendió muchísimo. Si pudiera ponerle 4.5 lo haría, sorry.

Sunday Bloody Sunday, Seconds and New Year's Day are all great but some of the album tracks sound like odd facsimilies. Is The Refugee thek trying to be Talking Heads (I'm sure Eno would have done a better job producing it) and is Red Light about Jesus or Bono's attempt to rewrite Roxanne by The Police.

Easy to listen to

Um disco que ainda apresenta um som bastante cru, notado principalmente pela cadência militar da bateria. Excelente trabalho de guitarras, que se destacam, mas sem tirar a força do conjunto da banda. Um ótimo disco!

I guess many years before I was born U2 used to release really strong albums like Boy, October and War. Who knew! War U2's third album is a solid Rock N Roll album with exceptional production. Not a boring track to be found. Don't bother looking there are none. Truly one of those albums that I believe would appeal to just about all Rock fans. There's nothing not to like and heaps to love.

Good album, a bit dated now though

Fav: Surrender Least Fav: The Refugee U2 hate is boring and should only apply to their iTunes album

Pretty great album, few awesome hits I was familiar with but it was nice hearing lots of songs off this album I had not heard before.

Guess I like U2

War, what is it good for? A great listening experience. SBS and New Year's Day are phenomenal.

early 80’s post-punk with a political edge to it. solid effort from one of ireland’s top musical exports.

Great album, classic

I still feel this is the best U2 album, by far.

That was fun

Never listened to this album from beginning to end. Solid Rock album

Solid album, never heard this one in its entirety. Can’t believe this is over 40 years old!

Not my favorite U2 album , has a couple of radio hits but ‘Like a Song’ is an underrated banger

Love the rawness of this. U2 would be very polished later in their career. This is a young U2 with a lot to say.

It's not that I don't see where the U2 haters are coming from - Bono's messiah complex, the wheels coming off circa Pop, that automatic iTunes download, yada yada yada. But Sunday Bloody Sunday is still a remarkable sounding record, and this whole album reminds you why U2 became big enough to get on our collective nerves in the first place.

Escuchar este disco me lleva a los 90. A los no comment de La2. Y a una época en la que U2 importaba. Bono está muy enfadado y grita su enfado en cada tema.

4 estrelas pq tem dois hits porrada - e determinou de vez o som da banda

Really good album, it has the sound that to me a lot of the 2010s rock music (poorly) emulated. My favorite U2 album

I know Bono is a wanker and everyone hates U2 for their album autodownload thing, but old U2 is just undeniably epic to me. I love the passion in Bono's voice, the guitars, and the rough, unfinished sound of this album. It's not my favourite, but it's a great one.

Great

It’s hard for me to say anything nice about U2, but War is actually a very listenable album. There are a few great tracks here, and the energy throughout keeps things moving. I guess early U2 is something I can digest a lot easier.

U2's second best album. Good album with no skips!

Political and energetic.

More punk-adjacent than I expected

Furious and political. Still very relevant IMO.

Aquest és un àlbum que ja havia escoltat, no sencer però algunes de ses seves cançons si, ja que és un dels grups preferits dels meus pares. Així que top, a mes, es un álbum molt reivindicatiu amb la guerra i tal.

I would say that this is the first of the brilliant run of U2 albums. Ones that follow this I think are better but this one definitely starts the ball rolling and it doesn’t let up till Zooropa. Then unfortunately, in my opinion the quality starts to dwindle. Anyway, this is a fantastic album and I just love 40 at the end.

Stands up OK, but only just.

Probably kinda biased since my dad really likes U2. This album was chill. Reminds me of songs I listened to growing up. The political climate right now while listening to it is… yeah.

Pre-Achtung Baby U2 is better than post-Achtung Baby U2

Takova oddechovka, cekal jsem to horsi.

Meu primeiro album do U2. Não me impressionou muito, porém, tem uma bela sonoridade e algumas músicas muito boas.

Some bangers. Some filler. We're supposed to love U2, but I just like U2. Four stars for the quality of the strongest songs.

I had listened to this record back in high school, during my formative years (music taste wise). It's a solid record altogether, with undeniable hits such as Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day. As a full length U2 project, this is my second favorite, behind Achtung Baby (one of my favorite records ever), but I can't deny that revisiting War has been a very pleasing experience. U2 rocked.

Best U2 that I’ve heard

There are times when I can be convinced that Sunday Bloody Sunday is the greatest opening track in rock history. It's a shame that latter day U2 can't figure out how to write anything half as good as even the least impressive songs on War.

86/100. A great album. Classy, grounded, and powerful. It carries a strong sense of urgency while still feeling refined. I've always appreciated the band's sound, and aside from The Joshua Tree, this stands as their best work.

Genuinely a very beautiful album, sounds ethereal

One of my favorite U2 albums. It was more direct, overall rawer and harder than the older ones, and political during a time of great uncertainty and fear of war.

Nostalgia trip, Mom listened to this a lot.

Love the political messaging, really urgent and direct album. Wailing lyrics ebbs frustration and so does the almost sympathetic production? Idk how else to describe it, but there is a powerful and uniting sound across the whole record. There’s a sense of community and rallying, more accessible than that of, for example, Rage Against The Machine. Storytelling also emotive and direct. The last song, 40, is a really great ending, a call to arms, a question of how long will the messages of the record have to be spread until War ends? Thought that was a nice touch, especially with the metaphors of the ‘song’ ending both figuratively and physically. All in all, the album is brilliant and really hit me in an emotional place. Also perfectly concise at 42 minutes and 10 songs, a great collection of killer material.

decent, low 4

Sunday Bloody Sunday is my favorite U2 song and really the only song of theirs I enjoy. I am so glad the album began with it, unfortunately nothing else quite comes to that level. However, I enjoyed this album way more than I thought I would, its rock music with a message, and they do it well. It does overstay its welcome a bit, but man, I cant fault them for the quality they put out. Pretty good entry.

Pretty good! Kind of peters out as it goes in but the highs are pretty high!

I prefer their 90s records, but this one is okay too

Another that might not warrant so high a rating as it got based on the pure musicality, but lands some solid nostalgia points.

Know a lot of people hate U2 and I always felt like it was a bit wrong to like them, but fuck it I really liked this album and their sound in general.

4 - yeah, it's good.

Good album but not Joshua tree

Amazing opening song, super political album but great

After hating U2 for years and giving actung baby a 2 previously on this list, I've come to realize I don't hate U2. I hate later U2. This is some good shit.

No private session used for this one. I have listen to this album a lot in the past, but who hasn't? Once U2 got big it was a great one to go back to for more U2.

Good album

Sunday Bloody Sunday 4 Seconds 3.4 New Year's Day 4.3 Like a Song… 3.6 Drowning Man 3.5 The Refugee 3.3 Two Hearts Beats as One 3.4 Red Light 3.4 Surrender 3.3 40 3 Score: 3.52

They should’ve made this the U2 album automatically downloaded in apple music a decade ago

U2's "War" is a raw post-punk album propelled by Mullen's formidable drumming and tracks infused with profound anger, yearning, and despair. Although the Edge's signature guitar sound is present, it frequently takes a backseat role to the driving rhythms of the percussion and bass. The album also hints at the band's gradual shift towards a more anthem-like sound. I particularly appreciated the balance between political songs, exemplified by "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and heartfelt tracks that explore human connection, such as "Two Hearts Beat As One." Furthermore, the album features one of my personal favorite U2 tracks, "New Year's Day." Overall, "War" stands out as one of the band's finest albums in their discography

I liked it

The first track off this album, gotta be my fav track by this band. Not a big U2 fan, rarely listen to them but when "Sunday Bloody Sunday" comes on, i love it. Cool album. I know that this album is legendary. I'll rate it 4-stars.

Liked it far more than when it was originally released.