Reviews (page 5 of 11)
Personally, I'm not a big fan of U2's first 3 albums. I'm more into the ones that came after "Unforgettable Fire". But there's no denying that "War" is a great album. Sunday Bloody Sunday is an iconic song. 4 stars is fair.
Pretty good! Nice vibes, good drums!
Really starting to firmly believe that I’d have more of an appreciation for U2 if I was born in the early 80s. On the fence between a three and four with this one. Always enjoy lyrics that are a direct response to issues going on around the world, and I should expect nothing less from Bono, but that doesn’t mean it makes for the best music. Going with a four because I came back and listened to this one again over the weekend and enjoyed it more the second time.
If it wasn't for Sunday, Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day, this would be a mediocre three star album. I do think those two songs elevate this to a four, but I'm not sure if it's because they're good or just recognizable.
Great opening song and pretty consistently good after that. 4 syars or B+.
WOO A BAND I LIKE YAY Sunday Bloody Sunday: 5/5 gosh I love this song Seconds: I like the intro. The bass line is cool though. Little repetitive but I quite like it. 3/5 New Year's Day: yeah 5/5 Like A Song: Pretty good! I like the drums a lot on this album, really stand out to me on this song. 4/5 Drowning Man: 3/5 a little slower and less drums so I don't like it as much but still good! The Refugee: Kinda funky. My least favourite so far though. 2/5 Two Hearts Beat As One: wow another song that I know and like 5/5 Red Light: Pretty good, not my favourite but wow brass instruments. I do like it so 3/5 Surrender: Alright song yeah. The guitar sounds cool. 3/5 "40": A little slower. Nice. 4/5 Overall, 4/5
Lori- 7.5 Mike- 7 Michael- 6.5 Miles- 7 Cole- 7
Before this band sucked and Bono’s ego ruined it all. Not great, but pretty solid.
Nice to hear that again, after so many years.
It’s difficult to separate the 2025 reputation of U2 (both good and bad) and set yourself in the headspace of 1983 U2, but I damn well tried for this one. The contrast with their more contemporary work is immediately apparent—while still well produced, there’s just a bit less polish over the whole thing. The sound’s not quite as lush. Listened to: walking in Flatbush. Favorite tracks: Red Light, “40”, Sunday Bloody Sunday
нормалек, но есть у них песни и покруче.
My first impression of U2 was in 2014 when they put their album on everyone’s ipod/iphone. I never listened to their early stuff which got them their notoriety. This album questions the actions of war. Waking up to crazy news about people dying so close to home, and how to react. Acknowledging that you don’t have the answer to a conflict, but know that something has to give. The drawn out words give it a sense of sadness and frustration. I like the album overall.
Bono may have huffed too many of his own farts in the interim, but it's clear he's genuine enough that he doesn't know he's pompous. This album is unsubtle but morally sound, so no complaints there. I'm familiar with the hits, I don't think I've ever listened to it through, so there are some surprises. I'm surprised by how much seconds sounds like the talking heads. I'm surprised at the variety of sounds. I'm surprised how...80s some of those sounds are. I'm surprised at the production - seems flatter than I recall from hearing these songs on the radio, and I'm listening to spotify's 2008 remaster. I'm surprised that I enjoyed the full run.
Daleko da je ovo od ne znam top 10 ili 20 post punk albuma ali ovaj šarm i mladenačku energiju poslje nisu imali
Muy bueno
U2's first three albums (this being the third of those) are much simpler than the albums that followed. Of the three this is by far the best and after Achtung Baby my second favorite U2 album. The Edge's simple guitar complements the bass and drums rather than the opposite being true for most rock albums. U2's strength has always been their rhythm section of Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr and this album shows that wonderfully
Bono plz
I liked this more than I expected to - certainly better than the other U2 album I listened to for this project. Sunday Bloody Sunday 3.5
I do not like U2, I always found them pretentious but not in a good way. But this is very good
God, Bono sucks so hard
The album was a classic, powerful and meaningful songs that have lasted the test of time. Ive never been a huge fan of U2 but this album is a winner.
I haven't liked some of their other albums, but this one is actually pretty good. It's got a lot of propulsive energy to it. 3.5 rounded up.
At times stunning for its sound.. it’s like they reinvented what a rock anthem can sound like and expanded the genre into new social areas. There are few weaker moments but the ambition is pretty breathtaking when it works musically
Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Years Day are hits, rest of the album unremarkable but ok.
Literally the only album by U2 I find listenable
Two all time classics and then a handful of decent tracks
Surprisingly into this one
3-4
Jlassiskt. Mycket känsla.
a very easy listen and really enjoyed it. Will definitely listen again.
The music and vocals on this album are terrific, even with the overall theme.
Classic U2 sound. Many great songs on here and good transition from one sound to another.
With albums like this, where the big songs are so firmly ingrained in the consciousness, it's best to assess them based on the lesser known tracks. This one delivers, with tracks like "Red Light" and "Like a Song..." standing up pretty well against the big boys. I can't recall ever sitting with this one as a whole, but it's been quite the pleasant surprise.
Classic, one of my faves by U2
U2’s War (1983) is where they stop sounding like just another post-punk band and start becoming U2. Right from the start, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” sets the tone with that militaristic drumbeat and those biting, almost accusatory lyrics. It’s not just a protest song..it feels like a battle cry. “New Year’s Day” follows, and it’s easily one of their best songs, combining The Edge’s icy guitar style. This is U2 at their most intense and uncompromising, and it still holds up because it sounds like a band that actually has something to say.
I love Bono's voice and the Edge's atmospheric guitar sound. Great listening.
Sunday Bloody Sunday New Year's Day Two Hearts Beat As One
Such a powerful album. Starting off strong with Sunday Bloody Sunday, this album is solid from start to finish.
One thing I have gotten out of doing this 1001 albums generator is a little more respect for U2. I still don’t love them, but at least I see they have some decent records
I saw U2 twice, at the start and at the end of their October tour, still one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. Listening back to this again reminds me of the sheer energy and excitement they had and why me and my mates loved them so much. I wore out my videotape of Under a Blood Red Sky!
> The Beatles
U2's *War*, released on February 28, 1983, is a landmark album in the band's career, marking their transition from post-punk upstarts to politically conscious rock icons. Produced by Steve Lillywhite and recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, the album is noted for its raw energy, thematic depth, and sonic ambition. Below is an in-depth review focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with its pros and cons. --- ## **Themes and Lyrics** **Political Consciousness** *War* is U2's first overtly political album, reflecting the turbulent global landscape of the early 1980s. The title itself encapsulates the physical and emotional toll of conflict. Songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" address the Bloody Sunday massacre in Northern Ireland with stark imagery and a universal anti-violence message. Its refrain—"How long must we sing this song?"—is a poignant cry against sectarian violence[1][2][5]. "New Year’s Day" was inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement and juxtaposes personal longing with political struggle. Similarly, "Seconds" critiques nuclear proliferation during the Cold War era, warning of catastrophic consequences from small acts of fanaticism[2][5]. The lyrics throughout the album balance despair with hope, offering a vision of redemption amid chaos. **Personal and Emotional Depth** While *War* is primarily political, it also explores personal themes. Tracks like "Two Hearts Beat as One" delve into romantic love with a sense of urgency, while "Drowning Man" offers spiritual solace. The closing track, "40," draws from Psalm 40 in the Bible, blending faith with a sense of yearning for peace[1][5]. --- ## **Musical Style** **Harder Edges** Musically, *War* is harsher and more aggressive than U2's earlier albums (*Boy* and *October*). Larry Mullen Jr.'s militaristic drumming on "Sunday Bloody Sunday" sets a combative tone, while The Edge's guitar work combines sharp riffs with atmospheric textures. Adam Clayton's basslines anchor tracks like "New Year’s Day," giving them a propulsive drive[1][3]. The band experiments with diverse elements: background vocals on "Surrender," violin on "Sunday Bloody Sunday," and reggae-inspired rhythms on "The Refugee." These innovations showcase their evolving sound while retaining their post-punk roots[1][3]. **Anthemic Quality** The album features some of U2's most enduring anthems. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year’s Day" are live staples that highlight Bono's impassioned vocals and The Edge's melodic sensibilities. Even lesser-known tracks like "Like a Song..." carry anthemic weight with their fervent delivery[3][5]. --- ## **Production** Steve Lillywhite's production emphasizes clarity and dynamics, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing the others. The album avoids the murky sound that plagued some early '80s rock records. Tracks like "Drowning Man" benefit from a spacious mix that highlights Bono's emotive vocals and The Edge's delicate guitar lines[4][5]. However, some critics have noted that the production occasionally lacks warmth or depth compared to later U2 releases like *The Joshua Tree*. For instance, "The Refugee" feels underdeveloped both sonically and structurally[1][4]. --- ## **Influence** *War* was a commercial breakthrough for U2, becoming their first UK number-one album and earning gold certification in the United States. It knocked Michael Jackson's *Thriller* off the UK charts—a testament to its immediate impact[1][5]. Critically acclaimed upon release, it has since been recognized as one of U2's defining works. The album solidified U2's reputation as a socially conscious band willing to tackle global issues through music. Its themes of conflict and reconciliation resonated deeply during the Cold War era and continue to feel relevant today. Songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" remain iconic protest anthems that have inspired countless artists[1][3]. --- ## **Pros** 1. **Lyrical Depth**: The album addresses complex issues like war, love, faith, and nuclear anxiety with intelligence and emotional resonance. 2. **Musical Diversity**: From militant drumbeats to tender ballads, *War* showcases U2’s ability to blend aggression with introspection. 3. **Anthemic Power**: Tracks like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year’s Day" are timeless classics that capture both personal and political struggles. 4. **Focused Production**: Steve Lillywhite’s crisp production enhances the band’s raw energy while maintaining clarity. 5. **Cultural Impact**: *War* elevated U2 from cult favorites to global stars and set the stage for their later masterpieces. --- ## **Cons** 1. **Uneven Second Half**: While Side A is packed with standout tracks, Side B feels less cohesive. Songs like "The Refugee" lack the polish of the album’s highlights. 2. **Occasional Overreach**: Some tracks attempt grandiosity but fall short due to underdeveloped arrangements or ideas. 3. **Limited Warmth in Production**: While clear and dynamic, the production can feel sterile compared to U2’s later work. 4. **Polarizing Reception Among Punks**: Some critics accused U2 of abandoning their post-punk roots for mainstream appeal. --- ## **Conclusion** *War* is a pivotal album in U2’s discography that bridges their post-punk beginnings with their evolution into stadium rock giants. Its combination of political urgency, musical innovation, and anthemic power makes it one of their most compelling works. While not without flaws—such as uneven pacing—it remains a bold statement that captures both the turmoil of its time and universal themes of conflict and hope. For fans of socially conscious rock or those seeking an entry point into U2’s catalog, *War* is essential listening—a testament to the band’s ambition and artistry at this formative stage in their career.
Great album. The one that got me loving U2 early on before fame caught them. Lots of different styles on here
4/5
Forgot how much I liked U2 (basic 4 lyfe)
I wish I had bigger speakers.
Just about gets a four, although to be honest it's mainly because the 80s are unfairly punished on here when they are clearly the best decade.
Great record with a couple of my favorite U2 songs.
I took a break from this for about 40 days. This was a great album to fire me back up. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” is by far the highlight, but the whole thing is solid. This one is special.
Side one is great. It's overtly political, written in the middle of the Troubles, and is a direct criticism of the British government at the time. It makes a statement that is sincere but not preachy. It has a forceful anger that really sells the message. Side two is solid, but not nearly as strong. Still a great album.
Really enjoyed this as a whole. Need a second listen
U2 get bad press but I liked this admittedly its a little over long and drifts off towards the end but Sunday Bloody sunday what an opener.
First listen I was at a five, relisten brought back to a strong four. Great drums, great guitar
LOL. I wrote a review for Boy instead of War because it's the same kid on the cover. Love this album, but I really don't think it's aged well probably because it's peak over-the-top earnest Bono - which has become very hard to take over the years. Some great work by Adam Clayton on this album.
Very solid, Sunday Bloody Sunday is the cherry on top. 4.2
Globally a good album, pleasant to listen and some nice hit in it.
Liked way more than expected, will listen again
Sure U2 are thier own meme at this point and for good reason. Which is to say this is basically their peak. Sure I love Achtung Baby as much as any gen x er, but this group had SOUL a decade earlier
when they were interesting
Rating: 8.5/10 An album that showcases the best attributes of the band while having consistently great songwriting throughout. This might be their best album, we will see.
This one is big nostalgia for me. I wore out at cassette at 13 when it came out. I haven’t heard it in over 40 years. It’s still killer. Political lyrics, fantastically constructed songs, The Edge’s sharp guitar playing. I’m not a fan of later U2 when they became “the biggest band in the world,” but you can see why they broke through with this album. Bono’s bombastic vocals are too overwrought for me, so it’s bringing it down to 4.5 stars.
My period of listening to U2 was Joshua Tree through Achtung Baby. This is from before that time and makes me want to spend a little more time with the early records.
This is very good - it's really well mixed, hits really hard and clearly.
I didn't really like U2 very much, but I liked this more than I thought I would. It was sort of repetitive, but not necessarily in a bad way.
High 4 star. Autchung Baby might be a better album, but I sort of prefer this younger, scappier version of U2.
Russ hates U2 more than he hates Pearl Jam so haven't listened to them in forever. Enjoyed this more than I expected - the familiar hits (the opening song, New Years Day, Two Hearts Beat as 1), plus punkier deeper cuts (Seconds, Like a Song.) Only Refugee and the meandering '40' felt like lulls/misses.
U2? You mean the U2 so well-versed in producing spineless, reverb-laden guitar sounds that fit right into a Shell promotion?? Making some real gritty, passionate music with some actual - excuse me, I have to go there - Edge??? Colour me impressed.
Sunday Bloody Sunday is incredible. A lot of the songs range from ok to good. Love the concept and it feels honest for a U2 album. 3.8
For as much as I'm not a fan of U2, I can't deny how much I enjoyed this. Those first three tracks are fire and the rest of the album is great too. It's pretty timeless. I can't believe some of these songs are 40 some years old.
Undeniably god music. Talented group even if they’re not my go-to
sometimes you need to stop hating on pop rock bands, especially when you are listening to something that they created before they became pop. I usually hates protest songs, but the songs are just beautifully written by bono and the edge, so i think that the reason that people hates pop rock bands is just because their songs are more accessible. so they become popular. (see: Chris Martin.) i shall give it a four, because i am a melody-first and vocal-first listener.
Die Zerrissenheit Irlands wird thematisiert. Sunday Bloody Sunday - Salomé könnte so viel davon erzählen - schrecklich.. Gibt es noch Hoffnung, wird im Neuen Jahr alles besser (New year's day). Like a song..mega. The Refugee verlässt die gewohnten Songmuster - speziell, kämpferisch. Im 2. Teil fällt die Spannung deutlich ab.
Amazing highs, and pretty good lows. No stinkers. Interesting how an album so specifically about a point in time turns out timeless, unfortunately.
Pretty decent like the sounds and lyrics for sure yep
Amazing energy and vibes, instrumentally leans forward and the vocals just bring it together so well. I dig it. I just fw the energy so much.
Pretty awesome
very good
Very good album about touchy subjects 4/5
Better than I expected, had never really listened to U2 other than their big songs but this was very enjoyable
Best tracks: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day, Seconds
I haven't gone this far back in U2's back catalogue before but I enjoyed this. The production is great, especially the drumming which reminds me a bit of Joy Division - it gives the album a coldness that suits the political subject matter of some of the tracks. Taking a star off because although there were no skippable tracks, after the first 3 none really stood out to me as special.
good album. took me way back to the original release...
Good album, liked seconds and Drowning Man.
No soy muy fan de U2 pero acepto que me gustó mucho este trabajo, está cargado de mucha emoción y acordes memorables
(I couldn't finish Ella Fitzgerald - The Gershwin Songbook, too long for my 74min daily listening average in 2024) Man this actually really clicked, 9/10, perfect length too I find, I love concise albums. Antiwar Songs remain important unfortunately and nothing feels dated, I appreciate the positivity in Two Hearts Beat As One, which seems to have been an unpopular stance even then (old fashioned?) if I am understanding correctly. I knew Sunday Bloody Sunday before but New Year's Day and Like A Song are new favorites.
Day364 - say what you want about u2 but there’s only a handful of bands that have made arguably great music for over forty years and this was the beginning
The singles are great, and I can definitely see myself listening to it enough to learn the rest.
An album dominated by 2 of its opening 3 tracks. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New year's day. 40 years on they are still monumental. The rest of the album still holds it's own all these years later as well. Some of the bass lines on the album are pushed right to the front of production which drive the songs along. Refugee however reminds me of Adam and the Ants. Entertaining but a slightly odd fit to the rest of the album.
Mamma spilte dette albumet (og U2 generelt) ganske mye da jeg var liten, så jeg er kanskje litt partisk her. Selvom alle sangene ikke klaffer like mye, er jeg så mektig betatt av den rå, tidlige U2-sounden, at jeg bare blir helt revet med. Digger all den tunge perkusjonen og den hektiske Bono-vokalen. Beste sanger: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day og The Refugee
Poignant politically charged album that still sounds good.
Probably the best I've heard from U2, but I'm not a straight white man so I'm just not the target audience. 🤷🏻♀️
If you want to know why U2 are global superstars, listen to The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby. If you want to know why those were so radical for them and understand the rawness that appealed to early fans, and their political heart, listen to this.
Jetzt versteh ich die Boomer. Wenn ich in den 90ern dreizig Jahre alt gewesen wäre, hätt ich "Young Sexy Bono" auch hot gefunden. Das Album ist auch gut, 4 Sterne
Excellent, I absolutely enjoyed it.
I'm too young to have much nostalgia for U2. My biggest cultural moment with the band was when Songs of Innocence was automatically included with all new iPhones, and people were upset that it was impossible to delete. That was the last time, in my opinion, that U2 had much cultural relevance. The only other times I've heard about U2 in the last 10 years was their nostalgia driven Sphere residency in Las Vegas. Earlier in this project, I listened to The Joshua Tree, and didn't really like it. It was generally a sleepy rock album without much to go on. It bordered on a 1, save a few decent songs. War, on the other hand, is a much better album. Nostalgia around U2 must be from this album. Outside of a few Bono-isms, like on The Refugee, this album sets the template for future pop-rock. I can see a clear influence on Coldplay, Radiohead, and other UK rock bands. While the album isn't perfect, it shows me why U2 was a force in the music world. Best Songs: Seconds, Surrender Worst Songs: The Refugee
Had some great songs on it, turns out in their post-punk era they were pretty on point. Shame about the later stuff.
U2 is a band that I kind of like and kind of don’t like. I would have liked to have seen them live though. That said they were huge and this album got them big. Sunday Bloody Sunday video on mtv of them performing at red rocks is a classic.
A great album. Good songs, music, lyrics.
Enjoyed very much! 4/5
Nice
4 out of 5. I liked this album years ago in high school, so there's some nostalgia here.
A very strong and consistent album. Not a bad song on it. The Edge’s guitar playing shines, as does Bono’s singing, but it’s Larry Mullen’s drumming that’s the real star. This is the point where U2’s sound headed for the stratosphere from an arena perspective, but also based on the subject matter, they were hitting big grandiose topics for a small Irish band. The other thing is, they were still a raw rock band, not yet the annoyingly famous band pushing albums to your phone. That makes this one endearing and a borderline classic (4.5).
A great sound to just listen to and zone out
Great stuff. Drums sound heavy and snappy. Everyone brings it.
Still sounds fresh
Best U2 album
I like U2 but I’m not a rabid fan. I knew the “hits” from this, but not the other tracks. This is a really good record. “40” is a standout track.
The Good: Who doesn’t appreciate an acronym for a band’s name? The Bad: Such a negative album title… or was “conflict” already taken? The Ugly: the obvious child-abuse as the poor kid had to get a bloody lip in order to be immortalized on this album cover… When this album came out, I was into totally different music, as were most of my friends, so aside from the usual suspects on this album, it was a pleasure listening to this album with virgin ears. Though U2 eventually turned into a carnival act, not of the good kind, this was prime stuff! Really enjoyed the album, and will play it several more times before the year is through. A solid 4*!!!
This has aged pretty well. Great album
Never having voluntarily listened to a complete album by U2, I was pleasantly surprised. At its best I can hear a touch of Led Zeppelin in there. 4/5
Before U2 had completely sold out, they sounded pretty good. That said, since probably before they dropped Zooropa, they pandered to the mainstream so hard that their authenticity got lost along the way, jumping the shark with adding their album to everyone's iphone! Anyhow, the drums here are ace, driving and full of life. Guitars are great. And Bono as at peak. The band still had rebellious lyrics and some of these songs about the Troubles and the need for freedom and sovereignty are hitting pretty hard right now once again. Wish they could have stayed on this trajectory.
Wow. I never would've remembered this. Either I'm forgetful or War is forgettable but this is a good album!
Muy buen disco de U2. Lo que más me ha gustado de ellos, más rockero, grandes guitarras y arreglos.
U2 has always had a very unique sound. Great bass and drums with atmospheric washy guitars and awesome vocals. Good stuff!
This album was the make it, or break it, point for U2. Obviously, they made it.
Most of my experience with U2 comes from greatest hits albums, and I never felt the need to explore much further. But War surprised me. It’s rawer, less polished than I expected, with The Edge’s characteristic guitar effects stripped back considerably. This pared-down approach gives the album a gritty energy, with the songs carrying a certain urgency. I’m not sure what U2’s current reputation is, but back in school, they were often treated as something of a joke. Bono was “that guy who wore sunglasses indoors” (later explained by his glaucoma), and there was always that joke about, “Well, stop clapping then.” Despite all that, I’ve always liked them. They’ve built up an impressive catalogue, and hearing the deeper cuts on War reinforces just how good they can be. Standout Track: The Refugee Score: 4/5
The hits are amazing, deeper cuts okay.
the lightest 4 stars from me. Good protest music, some iconic songs are frontloaded onto here, tapers off a bit in the back.
This is tricky for me because I did like you too when they were raw and punky and just starting out. By this time they were beginning to be self aggrandising, self-aware and self proclaimed Saviours of the free world. Which is offputting. However, these are great rock tunes and I seem to know the words to every single one. The all reaching tentacles of world domination. In my mind this is a solid 3.5 so I don’t really know which way to go. If I forget who they are and base it solely on the easiness of the experience then it’s pretty high.
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" is one of my favorite U2 songs. This album was first my introduction to U2. I always enjoy listening to this album.
This album was an important one to high-school me. I was already introduced to U2 — a classmate/guitarist had discovered Boy and October, so we were ahead of the curve with these guys in the US when this was released. It was miles beyond the first two albums, in terms of the songwriting, vocals, performances, production... they took a major leap here. The highlights are most certainly 5-star material, and as a concept/statement, this album also earns top ratings. But, I'll say, on this listen, I tired of Bono's overuse of his "high-emotion" register, and for that, it falls short of the 5. It's a great record, and the best material here is timeless.
I still love this album. Love the raw youth and love The Edge's guitar.
I guess U2 were a half decent rock band before they started to believe their own hype and became “the biggest band in the world”.
Me pasó algo que no esperaba escuchando este disco. Antes me encantaba, ahora me dio un poco igual. Tiene grandes temas, pero siento que ya no me voló la cabeza tanto como antes. Como sea, no mal disco. Lo volveré a escuchar en unas semanas a ver qué tal, pero le perdí un poco el gusto.
Damn this was good. It took me back to when I first listened to The Stone Roses for some reason. Better than Joshua Tree? I don't know, but I liked it the same, if not more.
Couple skips but overall this album hits hard. I don’t like U2 but have to concede there’s something here.
Just another great U2 album....altho not their very best, without this one there may not be more.
Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day are classics - a high 4 but not quite a 5 for the album.
4-
Nice album, gets me back to my infancy, hearing it on the car with my father.
This isn't my favorite U2 album (I prefer Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby), but it's still really good. It has a couple of very recognizable singles that hold up very well to this day.
super good instrumentals and sunday bloody sunday is a CLASSIC. his voice is okay i just really like the instrumentals in the aongs
I'm familiar with U2.
Solid; the hits still hit.
Actually never heard Sunday Bloody Sunday before - good song
If it wasn’t for Bono’s yowls, gun to my head, I would not believe this is U2. War is fucking incredible!! Obviously, I knew “Sunday Bloody Sunday” was an amazing song, but the rest of this record is truly an underrated post-punk masterpiece. “New Year’s Day” is an understandable single, as well, but I think “Like A Song…” and “The Refugee” are arguably the standout tracks here. Honestly, I don’t think there’s a bad song on War. I do think I could nit-pick: “Seconds” feels underdeveloped, “Red Light” is a bit all over the place, “Drowning Man” and “’40’” foreshadow what U2 would eventually become and while neither of them are bad songs, that does make them hard listens. But those are nit-picks. Front-to-back, this is really, really, really great post-punk. Musically, not the best the genre has to offer, but definitely noteworthy nonetheless. The thing that elevates War, though, is its themes. I think the heavy political lyrics are what pushes War over the line. Mixed with the melancholic vibe of the effects-pedaled guitar and driving rhythm groove, the focus on stories about how war divides people, families, and lovers really tie it all together and give it a lot of power. Ironically, this would become one of the band’s biggest issues, as Bono became more of a neoliberal political figurehead than a true activist, or even spokesman. But on War, before all that, it works, and it’s the most effective part of the record. Strangely, my biggest gripe with War is also about Bono. Now, on other U2 albums, I’ve mostly been able to dismiss Bono’s vocal styles, because I’ve been able to dismiss U2 as nothing but fine but forgettable stadium rock for your parents to enjoy. On War, that is not the vibe at all, at least not musically, yet Bono is still doing Bono, still yowling and extending the note for days. I’m a bit torn on if I actually like it or not, though. On the one hand, it is what makes U2 distinct from other post-punk bands, and it does give the political lyrics the weight they deserve (especially because the political themes wouldn’t exist without Bono behind them). On the other hand, it really makes a cool post-punk groove suddenly very uncool, and he does start to get on my nerves quickly. I’d also say he’s very one-note. The great thing about War is that it shows that U2 were *not* a one-note band, but they became one over time; unfortunately, War shows that the Bono isn’t really able to diversify his singing to match a vibe, no matter how slight the difference may be. Sure, I can nit-pick the songs, but even the bad songs on War aren’t the issue with a different singer. It’s just Bono. Thankfully, War so good, it makes me able to tolerate Bono. And maybe if I can learn to even start to like Bono, I can see War moving up my rankings. But I know how I feel about Bono, so I won’t get my hopes up any time soon.
Great U2 album.
I’m generally not a U2 fan, but this was a good album.
Goed album! Ik houd van dit soort oude muziek! Had af en toe wel het idee dat ik naar 5 dezelfde nummers aan het luisteren was
U2 tulee mieleen vaan papananaaman legendaarinen suomen kielen junttius -video ja lainaus: "toi kuulostaa joltain homojen hykermältä, uuuuu kakkonen 💁🏼♀️💅🏼" // kuuntelen albumin mielelläni uudestaan
I knew one song but this album rolled along very well.
The snare is the star
A solid performance with a strong theme and social commentary.
U2 was probably a breath of fresh air for everyone who hated hair metal. Say what you will about him, but Bono is arguably a GOAT-tier lead vocalist.
i’ve always held a bit of a grudge against u2 ever since they downloaded that shitty song onto everyone’s itunes, but this was actually quite good. u win this round bono…… highlights: sunday bloody sunday, new year’s day, like a song…, surrender (apr 10 2026)
I have never been a Bono fan, but this actually wasn't bad. I liked him in Sing 2 - don't laugh -- and it made me want to listen their music more. Glad to have taken a listen to this older album.
This was the best I've heard from U2. 4.
Pretty much peak U2. All of the talent and creativity without the excessive polish and commercial fluff.
Honestly, one of their most consistent albums so far. I think Joshua Tree has higher highs, but this one is better throughout. Also it's got New Year's Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday 👍
Good
Classic rock classic songs love it
Classic reminder of the bangers my Dad had on cassette tape growing up.
I’m have never been a U2 fan since I was accosted by their album on my first iPod Touch circa 2010….but I liked the vibes today— perfect fall driving playlist to get me fired up about politics and guitars
I could go the rest of my life without hearing Bloody Sunday again … but as someone who’s never really gotten into U2 much, it was a decent listen. Some really excellent guitar work!
So I used to get so annoyed with Bono. He seems so damn arrogant so I couldn’t stand his voice. Over time I started to change that mindset. I still will never turn on U2 but they have some amazing songs. I also have read some amazing things they do for charity’s. I still don’t love the vibe he gives off as a performer but his voice has some tone that is very calming! I still always think of a rooftop performance no matter what with them!
Pretty good
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would
i'm really not a fan of u2 in general, partially because it was force-fed to me growing up and also because i find their typical output to be pretentious and, quite frankly, uninteresting (yeah, even their good stuff). this album is a bit of an exception for me. this album has an aggressiveness and rawness that i find a lot of their other music lacks. it has energy and doesn't bore me to pieces. is it my favorite album of all time? no. but as far as a band i am generally uninterested in goes, it's pretty good.
Sunday Bloody Sunday is definitely one of the best album openers on this project so far. I remember hearing it on the radio all the time at work. You know how when you hear a song too often, you kind of forget how great it is and how it made you feel when you first heard it? Well, it's been years since I really listened to it, as well as New Year's Day (just two songs later), and both songs just really swept me away today. Those may be the best songs, but the whole album really lingers in the landscape of those first few tracks, with just as much emotional sincerity. Really enjoyed this.
Third album of iconic group U2, War, start with the well known song and hit `Sunday Bloody Sunday`. The album is very good, overall has great dynamics and hits like `Sunday Bloody Sunday` or `New Year's Day` are impressive classic in the music which would catch any ear to listen more carefully.
original songs and styke
-this is really solid. i honestly don’t think any of the songs were bad or even uninteresting. I don’t really know that much about U2 but this makes me want to listen to more of their 80s albums at the very least -Favorites are Sunday Bloody Sunday, Drowning Man, and The Refugee
I hated this band as a kid. 15 years old and Bono was just a PITA. As I’ve aged, their early work just hits different. This is 3.75 but give it 4 just for the composition.
Yes, this is better than U2's later stuff. Yes, Bono is a massive twat. At least he had the decency to be talented first.
Another hell of an album from U2. They were really something at the beginning of the 80s. And War is more consistent than Joshua Tree (another huge hit from the 80s).
Sure it's quite Bono, but you can't deny the music is quite decent.
Fuck bono is a whiney bastard “Every time I clap my hands, a child dies in Africa” 👏👏👏👏 WELL STOP FUCKING DOING IT Album actually went alright tho, drums and bass go pretty hard
U2 is cool!
Some great songs, others less impressive
I guess this is how I discover I don’t hate U2? Would be a 4/5
Another really good album from U2. Similar complaints to Joshua Tree where the songs I knew or knew of were great but the rest of the album wasn’t able to match it. Good listen, and I did enjoy it more as an album than Joshua Tree. Standouts: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day, Like A Song…, and Two Hearts Beat As One.
My second favorite U2 album. Not quite perfection, but they’re approaching it. 4.5/5
A great early outing for the future massive hit. Two bangers and a bunch of other songs that don’t get too much air time, but are still quality. This is good, heartfelt music. Genuine passion in here. Enjoyed it. 4/5
Cool stuff! Weirdly XTC inspired? Which surprised me but then I found out it’s the same producer so maybe that’s why.
Another album (indeed, another U2 album) where I went in willing the whole to do justice to the highlights - in this case, Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day, which still sound as vital as the day I first heard them. So, is there enough depth of quality to call this a great album? Eh, maybe. I like the hypnotic rhythms of Seconds and Drowning Man and The Refugee - they all fit in very snugly with the ‘war’ theme. Bit of filler towards the end, but I guess I can let that slide. 3.5 / 4
Post-punk era U2 at their very best! Stadium ambitions clearly beginning to show through. Absolutely love this album, they really captured the insane range young Bono had. It's called "War" because it feels like going to war every time I have to defend this band to my fellow millennials post-iTunes incident, but defend them I must. Gets a 4 instead of a 5 because Red Light absolutely sucks
Ok. Here’s where I admit I secretly love most of the early U2 catalog, and this one is the top of the list. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Years Day alone make this a great one; total rock anthems. Shortly after this they will start to believe their own hype and it’s a fast ride downhill, but this stands up.
U2's War is a powerful exploration of conflict, both personal and political. The album's opener, "Sunday Bloody Sunday," sets a haunting tone with its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics, addressing the violence in Northern Ireland. Tracks like "New Year's Day" showcase the band's ability to blend anthemic rock with socially conscious themes, making it both a rallying cry and a deeply emotional experience. The production is raw yet polished, allowing Bono's vocals to shine while the Edge's signature guitar work adds depth and urgency. Songs like "Two Hearts Beat as One" and "Surrender" highlight the band's commitment to love amidst chaos, creating a compelling contrast. While some tracks may feel slightly repetitive, War remains a landmark album that captures the spirit of its time. It's a must-listen for both U2 fans and newcomers alike, proving that music can be a powerful vehicle for change.
Wow. The difference in sound between this and The Joshua Tree is actually insane. I had no idea that this is what U2 was earlier in their career. But you know what? I like it. War is a pretty good album. I think I liked The Joshua Tree more, but this one's also a solid album. The sound is much closer to something like a post-punk album, largely in part due to The Edge's guitar sound not being fully established at this point. The writing has a political focus, making this a pretty interesting listen lyrically. Not every song is great, but the one's that are are pretty good. The album does start with it's strongest outing, "Sunday Bloody Sunday," but other songs like "New Year's Day" are also solid. Overall, I still have a pretty high opinion of U2. I know, right? I prefer The Joshua Tree, but I could honestly see someone else feeling differently. That's the neat thing about music opinions. They're all subjective, and that's good. 4/5.
Wow, this was better than I remember.
War is an incredibly powerful album. Its songs are anthemic, capturing the era in which they were released while retaining a timeless quality. As a kid, U2 felt almost magical to me. I didn't fully grasp the meaning of their songs, but I loved their music and the emotions it evoked. Now, as an adult, the themes are clearer, yet the same enigmatic feeling still washes over me. While the impact of the band members on the music world is well-documented, every listen to this album reveals something new to appreciate. This time, I found myself drawn to lesser-known tracks like "Seconds" and "Drowning Man," while still being captivated by the iconic hits "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day." The trumpet work and backing vocals on "Red Light" add a unique dimension to the album that continues to surprise me. "Surrender" and "40" provide a perfect, powerful conclusion to the album. I'm consistently impressed by the roomy drum sound and gritty recording, which I wouldn’t change for anything. Steve Lillywhite’s production captures U2’s youthful energy brilliantly, cementing his reputation as a legendary producer. This is another album I’m glad is on the list, and even though I'm familiar with it, I feel a deeper connection to it today. 4.5
Not a huge U2 fan, but this one has some hits and I feel nostalgia with some of these songs. Back when MTV played videos... The last time I actually listened to U2 was the album Joshua Tree when I was driving through Joshua Tree. Good times. I really like Like a Song... Nice guitar work and rhythm on it. I've never heard it before, but it is probably my favorite "deep cut" on here. Actually, Red Light is dope, too. This turned out to be a great album. I guess I've always just hated on U2 for no reason, or without really listening to their catalog. Call it Bono's douchebaggery, or just my own ignorance. It reminds me of how, when I was younger, I caught myself repeating the line "communism looks good on paper." Then, I actually read the Communist Manifesto, and I realized communism looks terrible on paper. Same thing for U2, but opposite. Their albums are really good. Solid 4 on this one.
As soon as I saw the cover, in my head I began hearing the machine gun snare followed by the keening, dissonant strains of the opening song--a classic intro that sets the mood perfectly for the subject of the song. (Side note, in looking up my following recommendation I discovered that John Lennon did a song also by the name of Sunday Bloody Sunday, worth a listen. But my recommendation is: if you haven't yet heard Richard Cheese's version of U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday, and you are in the mood to laugh while feeling like a bad person, check it out). This is a younger, more energetic U2, reminiscent of the Clash in that danceable punky sound, but with prettier singing. I already knew and liked several songs from the album and enjoyed hearing the others.
Jaysus they've put the feckin' War album on the list! U2 are one of my favorite all time bands. I really got into them somewhere around the age of 11 or 12 so I was really glad to see this album pop up. I own all U2 albums up to How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. This album is really the early energetic sound of U2 as they are still finding their way a bit before really diving into all the different guitar effects and drums machines that came in the mid 90s. And before the killer.album that is Joshua Tree. Sunday Bloody Sunday is such a landmark song with such a recognizable drum beat. They really painted a picture of the troubles in Ireland. Boni is such a great storyteller in that song and in general...his autobiography Surrender is available on Spotify also and is a good listen. Other standouts.on this album are Seconds, New Years Day, and Two Heats Beat As One (which was actually on a playlist during my daughter's home birth). I am probably biased but I think maybe 2 or 3 other U2 albums belong in this list.
Sunday Bloody Sunday is iconic. The rest of the album is good.
It's popular to dunk on U2 nowadays and for good reason. Big thanks to this challenge for making me go back to their early catalogue and finding out what made them so huge in the first place. This is great. Obviously I had known the two evergreens before, Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day and I always liked them (especially the latter for its piano sounds), but it was great to listen to them in the context of a full album. My new favorite though is Like A Song... - the drums make this song, the patterns Larry Mullen Jr goes through are simply amazing. He's an incredible and underrated drummer (have you heard that anecdote that he complained the metronome was dragging and it turned out it was.. by 0.6 sec? superhuman time feeling). This song also features some great singing from Bono - it's imperfect, not polished, he sometimes seems to go out of tune but damn it's powerful and expressive! I also liked how the last song "40" is a psalm and makes a reference to the first track ("how long must we sing the song?"). I don't think I ever realized that U2 is kinda a Christian rock band. Some of the songs in between are less strong which makes it a 4/5 instead of a 5, but it's still a great album! I am definitely going to give it more time in the future.
Bono
Not a bad album at all.
More familiar bops. Also led onto more aussie favourites
Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day were the only memorable ones. Still Rockin nonetheless
It was a decent listen. Didn't add anything to liked songs or any of my playlists but it was fine. I dont really listen to much rock so I dont have alot to compare it too.
Back to back u2 albums - not complaining though Fave tracks: Sunday Bloody Sunday - narrowly beats Zombie by the Cranberries as my favorite song from the fairly niche genre of ‘songs about the troubles’ New Year’s Day - sounds like The Cure The Drowning Man A more interesting album than Joshua Tree but maybe less consistent
I am by no means a U2 fan - I’ve lived around them too much to not feel them overplayed - but this record is a rather good one. Besides the gorgeous production - song wise - from the opener which is still evocative and powerful both musically and lyrically, to New Years Day - which is equally poignant - it starts VERY strong and maintains the quality throughout most. It kind of tapers towards the end of Side B but by then you’ve gotten most of the meat from the record that you forgive it. They are not lauded for nothing I guess.
Shades of the Police and Mana. I feel like I have this bias against U2 for being smarmy but I can totally see how this was a major rock album in the early 1980s.
I forget how good this album is. I think I like it better than the Joshua Tree because it is less produced. They were just a good rock band at this time and not superstars. I’ve had this album for close to 30 years and I probably haven’t listened to it in 20. Quite a pity. I’ll be getting it back into the rotation!
Great album with a couple of massive tracks
Undeniably a very good album by a bunch of lads in their creative prime. They will keep reinventing and innovating throughout their career, but this is a very good album.
Not a big fan of the band but hard to deny the quality of the album.
Might be the best U2 album I have listened to.
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" pazzesca, il resto meno
I saw U2 in about 1988 or 1989 at the Sydney entertainment centre, with BB King as support. Now I really went for B B King. And after his excellent set I sat and thought ‘do I want to see U2?’ I thought about balancing a very early start, the cost of the ticket and my interest in U2. In the end I figured they’d do Angel of Harlem and When Love goes to town with B B. So I stayed. And they were incredible. It was just before the huge arena tours. So it was just the four of them, some lights and stage presence. So while their later stuff maybe shows a band who have run out of ideas, the stuff they did in the first half of their career - maybe the album after rattle and hum was the end of this - is really great. This is the first I think of the really great U2 stuff. The first album showed promise but it starts to coalesce here. Perhaps one of the best second albums of all time. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Disclaimer - excuse my brief inability to be unemotional and detached here. After hearing Sunday Bloody Sunday & New Years Day for the first time in maybe a decade, I needed a few days to compose myself and write this. Like most Generation Xers (‘65-’80) here, I won’t see straight or be on objective and reliable rater on this (or several u2 albums). They have 5-6 extremely popular albums that will flood our brains with nostalgia hormones, emotional memories, triggers both good and bad. And many stories. Such cool music. Serious musos will get smug about the poser frontman. The rest of us may blubber with joy, recall at least 2 loves/crushes, life defining parties and moments, or simply attempt to sing a bad falsetto with arms outstretched, eyes closed, imagining ourselves at a stadium show. You see, we felt powerful, political, all-knowing and eternally invincible when this music came out. We were teenagers, their music both shaped and described the vibe, emotions and epochs of our lives. So we will forever be teens when this comes on the radio. In Gen Z terms - U2 music is akin to “Core Memories” in Inside Out. In Boomer / Bladerunner terms - all replicants would have favourite U2 songs and memories. Its that ubiquitous. It’s so, so good to hear this after all these years. Wow. That felt good, nostalgia 💭 (•_•) \^o^/ (*＾-＾*） :-) Indeed, I waited a few days. Calmed down. Listened again and wrote this. Its perhaps not a fulsome 5 after all. But it does so sumptuously cast that stadium filling spell. And the mass 80s mood. But there are gaps in the album. Style changes. Some long stretches feel self indulgent now, but still, they don't depart from a strict adherence to their signature sound. Oddly, I had never noticed Bono “do” sound and vocals like Robert Smith of The Cure on “Drowning Man” or “40” . I don't have the full u2 back catalogue. But flicking through, there must b 4-6 essential albums. And many of us I know absolutely every second of at least one album. For me its Achtung Baby. SUMMING UP Lovely nostalgia. Two amazing definitive tracks. A bit indulgent after that. A reminder to listen to our most treasured albums more. The joy of the familiar. Wow. and l’m only 50 ish Time for an 80's party ? Definitely enjoyed it. And resolved to make a play list of the very best 80s albums. And pull out my CDs and listen to those faves too.
My first ever concert was U2 - Unforgettable Fire in 1984 at the 3000 capacity Apollo Basketball stadium. Only a year after War was released, 6 songs from the album on the setlist (40, New Year's Day, Seconds, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Surrender, Two Hearts Beat as One) and they all still hold up. Great concert. I fell off the U2 bandwagon a few albums later and haven't listened to them for years. No hesitation in putting this on though, some iconic songs from a band still sounding raw.
Larry Mullend Jr hit the drums like it was a military parade. This was a pretty bare bones and raw U2 album.
Couldn't believe we were getting another U2 album but this was unbelievably okay. Production wasnt completely pristine and Bono actually seemed a bit angry and emotional about what he was singing instead of just smug. The songs were largely decent too! There was a bit of the blandness starting to seep in on a few tracks, it would seem they focused on these bits for their following albums and ignored the decent bits. Its by no means perfect but it's a solid 3.5, completely unexpected.
fire album, timeless
Good album. I was stuck in a late 90s/early 00s U2 perspective where songs like "Vertigo" and others, as well as the widespread use in commercials, muddied my opinion of the band. I really liked this one--great vocals, solid songwriting, and really nice arrangements/production. ****
I was living in Dublin when the first 2 U2 albums were released, so I've listened to this a couple thousand times. 4 stars, only because I'm a wee bit tired of it hehe
Very good album by U2 from the early 1980s post-punk era. At that time this album sounded something different and unique, the messages are good and musically they have matured a lot since their earlier sound. They were probably the most creative during this time, though overall I prefer the more polished sound of their lat 1980s/1990s albums. The first three songs are killer and I slightly prefer the first half of the album but overall it is strong. 4.5 stars from me.
What’s it good for?
I kinda get why U2 blew up. This is a pretty good album, despite being able to hear the nascent cringe of their later years laying dormant, ready to burst forth.
Solid album by U2
I spent a lot of time listening to this record and the two before it back when they were released. I think this is a great album, with some really interesting songs and heartfelt singing. I love "Boy" but this record shows the band had matured a lot and they had become better musicians, better songwriters, better singers.
I've never been the biggest U2 fan but this was objectively pretty good. I always associated them with the 90s, but they made some pretty good tracks here in the 80s that definitely would have made some waves in either decade. Sunday Bloody Sunday sounds like a song straight out of the late 90s, which is really impressive and I loved it. Guitar mixing here feels unique especially on Like A Song... . I think it does drag a bit, but "being good in the 80s" point brings it up a bit. I initially applied the British Tax bringing it down to a 3, before being informed they're Irish, so top of the morning to these laddys you get a 4. Favorites are Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Like A Song..., and Surrender
Prior to this I had not heard an entire U2 album besides the one Apple “gifted” everyone. Really good stadium rock. Sunday Bloody Sunday is probably my favorite U2 song. Other favorite tracks were New Year’s Day, Like A Song…, The Refugee, and Surrender.
great but not achtung baby
Classic album
One that I know well. New Year's Day was the chart single that made me a fan of U2 at the time, and I was soon borrowing War (on vinyl, of course) from my friend, like you did then. I still really love lots of the tracks - Like A Song is my favourite; a burst of pop melody and aggression that would fit in on my now favourite U2 album, October. I prefer the single edits of both Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day: they don't need the extra verses and howls. Maybe all U2 really needed all these years was a critical friend/editor? Either way, they definitely went too far down the "world saviours" route at some point. But that was in the future. Here, they're still pretty heart-rending, and only a tiny bit pretentious. Musically, the band sound great, and this justifiably springboarded them to huge success. I only wish I'd seen them on tour at this point. "40" is a gem, even though it's probably responsible for many Coldplay-like imitations. Will always be fond of this.
Sunday Bloody Sunday, 1983.
The themes behind the album are also heavily related to the book I'm reading about The Troubles and this album hit in a hard way after reading all this book.
This was a pretty mellow listen, but delivered some good vocal and guitar harmonies and was pretty consistent
Classic U2 - i like the "old" sound, overall not consistent enough for me for 5 stars
Strong album. New Year's Day is probably my favourite song.
A couple of monster songs and I'm quite content with the rest as well.
Still not a big U2 fan but it hit right tonight
Rock de U2. Dos megahits. Un 4.
Recording quality not all that but some good tracks.
This is my last U2 album of the project, and the earliest from their career - it's fun to hear them not sound like the established U2 template on some of these tracks! Fave tracks - "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day" are the ones I've heard the most before, and they are both bangers to be fair. "The Refugee" from the tracks I was less familiar with!
Crazy to think about how confrontational and hard U2 could get compared to what they are now. This is a great album with only a couple of down tracks for me. Sunday Bloody Sunday is an incredible opener and New Years Day is a classic.
An important album!
U2 doing post punk with a militaristic feel. Whilst 2000s + U2 may be the most MOR band imaginable, this is powerful, interesting and even a little edgy (and bonoy, claytony, and larry mullen jr.y, obviously). Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: New Years Day Date listened: 26/06/24
Der letzte Klassiker. Leider schlecht aufgenommen - und noch schlechter im remaster 😩
They popularized rock music that didn’t swing - there was virtually no remnant of the rhythm and blues component of rock. Nice layers, very atmospheric, thoughtful lyrics, ultra-sincere and anthemic.
Not my favorite U2 album, but it's got some good songs.
I'm not a U2 hater like the rest of my generation, but I was still surprised with this one. Lots of great stuff.
The Edge’s distinctive guitar sound, and the rest of the band make the album as powerful now as it was when I first discovered it
A great classic. Has aged slightly and I don’t love it as much as I used to.
Sunday Bloody Sunday was written to be played live, so it's not a surprise this song really took off after it was played live at Red Rocks. This isn't the "motivational speaker talking about what a great day it is and we can all get through it if we try hard enough" U2 that is seen two decades from this album. There is nothing wrong with that version of U2, but this is the more political voice of the band. Both sides of this album are pretty well balanced. There are three songs on each side that are really great. I do like the drums at the start of Like a Song... as well. This is the most consistent U2 album of the 1980's, if you ask me, but I still think The Joshua Tree is the better album. I have to be in a different mood to listen to this album, just because it is so political, and it is a bit too heavy for me at times. Great album though and certainly worth a listen for those who have not heard 1980's U2 prior to The Joshua Tree. This is the album to own if you want to understand U2 in the early 80's.
Love Sunday Bloody Sunday
One of u2s best albums, full of post punk bangers
I can dig it
The timing of Sunday Bloody brought us U2. They stuck around for some reason. It's fine.
Good U2
Thematically cohesive. A time capsule. Beautiful.
Really good Album sometimes I cant pick between this one and joshua tree. Only one mehhh song but the strong start with mt favorite U2 song Sunday Bloody Sunday makes you stay tunned as this song is powerful and simply insanly good. They dont do albums like this anymore.
I don't like Bono, but I do like this album
Un clásico de U2
Not their best album but still good end to end
I came in assuming this was overhyped, but I found myself bobbing my head the whole way through. Sunday Bloody Sunday may be suffering in my estimation from overexposure, but New Year's Day is excellent and happy to have heard Drowning Man. Not one true clunker in the bunch.
I had never heard this one front to back before. I dig the how new wave they were at the beginning, I feel like they often try to get back to this a bit in their post 2000s work.
Favorite Track: Drowning Man other picks: Sunday Bloody Sunday, Like a Song
As someone who doesn't consider themselves a U2 fan by any means, I actually really enjoyed the album. I often overlooked U2, and this may be a starter for me to listen to more of their stuff.
U2 are, without doubt, a fine rock band. Some absolute classics on here that still sound powerful and fresh today. I admire the fact that they didn't take the easy option in terms of content - they really went for what they believed in. And I had forgotten how great Like a Song is! It's honestly an amazing track - how it races along. Some tracks get a little lost in themselves, and maybe lose the listener a bit along the way. But really, this is a great album.
I bought this one and played it lots! Side A is great, love it. Side B not as good, apart from Two Hearts. Bono really finding (and using) his voice, he had plenty to say! Still has the raw energy (Like A Song x) but you can hear their sound developing. Global stardom awaits! Favourite songs: the first four and Two Hearts Beat As One.
Before this I’d only listened to The Joshua Tree and their big hits. This album has a grittier sound which I didn’t know U2 had in their discography. Bono’s voice is brilliant. Lyrics are good, obviously quite political - I would’ve preferred the topic to mix up a bit but the music was great so it didn’t matter. ‘War’ didn’t have a bad track. Each song felt varied enough while still feeling cohesive as an album. Closing track “40” sounded a lot like their mellower later stuff - foreshadowing perhaps? Great album overall, and didn’t overstay its welcome at 42 minutes long. Favourite track: New Year’s Day
I liked this album more than The Joshua Tree. The band had a lot of cool rhythm going on. Bono's vocals were great and the lyrics felt like they had a cohesive viewpoint.
Growing up in the Irish Catholic Northeast US in the late 70s / Early 80s your family did a lot of 'looking across the pond back home'. The Irish music we had been exposed to through our parents was the tradidtional 'jigs and reels'. I remember my brother coming home from a concert at a small community college riding a high over the great Irish band he just saw called U2. When WAR came out in '83 with its very anti-war and pro peace in the Irish isles themed album we felt heard and seen as distant cousins. U2 and Bono in particular have changed over and over many times to the point they can be nauseating some 40+ years after they hit the US shores, but WAR is such a neat, perfect album that would be difficult to reproduce in these times. 5/5
Listening to this album now, it is interesting to me just how deviated U2 was from the typical music scene of 1982/1983. This album is labeled as post-punk, and that is pretty much true, but as a whole, it sounds incredibly progressive for the 80s and sets them apart from what most other bands were doing around this time. I do regard this as the album that pretty much put U2 on the map for the first time, put them on the road to super-stardom, and and generally began people associating them with this general sound; I think songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day" are synonymous with the U2 sound and these hits definitely informed their later works. And while it is a great album, I don't think it's necessarily their best. This lands at about a 3.5 for me, but rounding up.
I'd like to listen to this album more. Maybe a 5.
Good songs but there was just something… off about the recordings. Maybe too much compression making it sound more like pop instead of rock songs?
I actually first listened to this album three days ago, for comparison against another U2 album on this list, ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND. Weird that this album shows up so soon after this one, but whatever. I don't wanna talk about ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND too much, since I already reviewed it, except to say this: that album felt disingenious, which I can attribute largely to the "arena rock" sheen over everything. No matter how good it **can** sound in parts, it comes across as a little plastic, without even the irony of their 90's albums to justify it. On WAR, however, it's all post-punk. Raw, energetic, and **angry**. So damn angry. New Year's Day and Sunday ain't no beautiful day. And that's what makes WAR so engaging and relistenable. You can feel real easily how much they believed in these songs. It's not my favorite of U2's sounds—hello, THE JOSHUA TREE—but it's sure as hell worth your time regardless. Now hopefully this is the start of a trend and my grouo actually does get THE JOSHUA TREE three days later. Please, Randomizer? Pretty please?
I'd heard some early U2 before this, but this album really caught me off guard by how nice it sounds.
I can finally give a solid 4 for the first time in a bit. I don’t think this album ever quite gets up to the territory of being a 5, but regardless, this album just glides from start to finish. Never a dull moment; maybe a few lulls here and there, or one or two songs that didn’t quite click right with me, but there’s not really a moment fully wasted throughout all 42 minutes of this album. Bono’s vocals are fine, and occasionally great, but what really anchors this album is the stellar guitar work and the masterful percussion. It’s just a good time – good lyrics, good vocals, strong instrumentation and just a delightful listen from start to finish. Very highly recommended 4.
The U2 sound was fully developed on War, and the result is a great record kicking off a great run off albums culminating in The Joshua Tree.
U2 fully knew who they were at this point - even though it’s definitely their harshest and least delay-filled album. It’s no wonder they became one of the biggest rock bands ever, when they could produce material like this. Especially Side A is completely without flaw - Side B is not as instantly recognizable and catchy, but War is a classic nonetheless.
Hyvää musiikkia..Nouruuden riemu..
Very good
Very good album with lots of raw feeling.
Solid U2 before Bono was a douche
Classic U2 from a time they did not annoy me
Never really dug deep into U2's discography outside of the massive hits. This is politically charged and consistently powerful & raw throughout. Plus, you're probably doing something right if you knock 'Thriller' off the top of the charts!
Gunfire drums, screaming guitars, relavant lyrics and melodies that stay in your ear all day long. This is what the "WAR"-album is about and it´s why U2 became rock-superstars! With "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year´s Day" it contains two eternal rock-anthems! Some weaker numbers cost it the fifth star for me. 4,5
Actually, this could be the time to start whining about what has become of U2. But that would take away from their early recordings, even their Zooropa phase. So much brilliant idiosyncratic music to hail from them, every one of those records so peculiar U2, each of them delivered with passion, vision, aspiration. War is nothing but that, a passionate statement, political to the point of bland, but all forgiven by attitude and delivery. No full five, that is left to another one of theirs...
favorites: new year's day, the refugee, two hearts beat as one red light was biggest pleasant surprise, surrender is awesome, maybe my new favorite? 8/10 this album has a lot of great songs, no complete duds least favorite song(s) - drowning man
Great album. Track one is great, track two was pretty bad, but then it picked back up. The songs mesh together to tell one big story.
Sunday Bloody Sunday! What a great song. It really encapsulates the frustration of a Sunday, doesn't it? You wake up in the morning, you've got to read all the Sunday papers, the kids are running round, you've got to mow the lawn, wash the car, and you think Sunday, bloody Sunday! 4.0
I’ve never been a U2 fan, but this album will make me listen to them a little more.
If I listen to Bono's voice too long it starts to grate on me, but it's hard to deny that this is an incredible album. Couple of duds on the back half, but overall this was outstanding.
Great band, classic album
I’ve always loved The Joshua Tree, but I never listened to War outside of the singles. Awesome album, aggressive drum sound
This is not at all what I expected, but I really like it. I'm not sure where I got this impression from, but for some reason I always thought that U2 were like the Coldplay of the 80s (not that there's anything wrong with that, I love Coldplay!). But this is definitely a lot more punchy and politically charged than I was expecting, and I am absolutely here for it.
Impulsives Album mit beeindruckenden Texten.
Before they head got up they ass. Height of their powers, pushing their limits. I always wonder if they even thought about Mike Scott and big music (Like did willie and waylon think about david allan coe?) or just made a prime example with the drums in the stairwell. Like all the best rock and roll : they have a little violence little peace little wistfulness, little sex, little Jesus.
Good shit. Suena como soda stereo a ratos. Me gusta el sonido que tiene, muuuucho más que su periodo 90ero.
2024/04/19 News just came that Israel launched missiles at Iran. Gazans and Ukranians getting slaughtered and bombed daily. It's a good album, just wish it wasn't so... timely.
Early U2 is their best period - we worth a listen
A great cover. I haven't heard this music for a long time. Some tracks should be better represented in my playlists. 4/5
I can see the influence of this album. '83
Thoughts before listening: I used to always say I didn't like U2. They were too over the top and showy, and I just think the late 90s/early 00s was a bad era for them despite their massive popularity. That being said, I have started coming around on their 80s output and can understand why people are obsessed with them. This will be my first time listening to this album as a whole, and I am excited to listen to it. Review: "Sunday Bloody Sunday" opens this album followed soon after with "New Years Day", and both are highlights in U2's career. Even when I was largely dismissing the band, I recognized these as great anthemic songs. Other songs I am enjoying include "Two Hearts Beat As One", "Red Light" (especially the horns), and "Surrender". This album has often been cited as U2's most rock album, and there is a certain propulsion to these songs that proves this to be true. I am enjoying the Edge's guitar throughout and Bono sounds great as well. I still think the Joshua tree is their masterpiece, but this is a more enjoyable listen than their later more popular period. 4-stars.
The band has gelled into the "classic" 1980s U2 sound. To me, this sound includes chiming guitars, martial-sounding drums, big choruses, and lyrics influenced by world politics and religion. Compared to Boy and October, Bono's vocals are more melodic and smooth. His vocals on “New Year’s Day” and “40” are particularly passionate. The Edge continues his innovative guitar work while Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. hold the songs together with their work on bass and drums. Lyrically, the album goes full circle. On first track “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, Bono stridently asks “How long must we sing this song?” at the outset. On the final song “40” (based on a psalm) he plaintively sings: “I will sing, sing a new song” and following up with “How long to sing this song”. These lyrics showcase one of the themes of the album about the importance of overcoming adversity and religion’s role in that quest. As on their previous release October, the band continues to incorporate new sounds into their songs. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “Drowning Man” incorporate electric violin into their musical bed. Female backing vocals and trumpet both feature on “Red Light”. Female backing vocals reappear on “Like a Song…” and “Surrender”. Although the production is a bit dated and "of-the-'80s", this is U2's most confident release so far. Highlights: “Sunday Bloody Sunday”, “Seconds”, “New Year’s Day”, “40”
New wave post punk U2 is the most powerful U2, but not the most U2 U2. It's like you can see the greatness coming, and not have the greatness shoved down your throat.
2024-04-04...
U2 was cooking with this one! Pleasantly suprised
Kool första u2 ja gillar
I’m surprised that I has never fully listened to War before, it then again U2 is one of those bands I like just fine, appreciate many of their songs, but never was a true fan. Of course, Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day are amazing songs, but they were the only ones to move me - the score is on the strength and importance of those two songs alone.
U2 had more of a distinct post-punk sound back in the early '80s, which is certainly evident on this release. Where I am biased, I much prefer the post-punk influences rather than the arena rock sound that they would begin to pursue later into the '80s, but there's still some traces of that "big music" on War. Truthfully, this has some of U2's strongest songwriting out of the other releases I've heard (The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby), and I believe they lost some magic when they brought Eno on for production. This is the first time I've ever been disappointed in Eno, but we'll let it slide. This is U2 at their most interesting: better rhythms, better dynamics, better ingredients. I'm surprised that they had an incredibly tight album in them! And it never happened again.
It was good
Wow, U2 were interesting once.
U2 before they signed a binding contract with an evil witch from the bog. Hard to believe that the same guys who wrote "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day" would go on to install irremovable malware on everybody's phones and commit tax fraud 30 years later. This is better than "The Joshua Tree" in my humble opinion.
I knew we'd see U2 eventually. I used to be a massive U2 fan but over the years I've grown kinda sick of them. After they forced their album onto my iPhone, I took a long break from them. But I have to admit that old U2 is pretty solid. Even the songs I didn't know were enjoyable.