War

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.

76

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.

U2 was never not cool. I became too cool for U2. I was wrong. This album is great and this band rules.

My father loved U2 so I am familiar with most of their work. I believe I have this one on vinyl have have probably listened to it once. I am looking forward to this. I didn't mind it, but not in love with it.

Out of the gate one of the best 3 openers of all time. Punk tinge, frantic early 80s rock. Stayed outside of the tropes of the Era that are passe. For me, their later work has always tinged my opinions of the band. Damn, these early albums can really do it though.

U2 came out when I was too busy with my kids to pay attention. I feel like I missed something.

I'm not a U" fan - but this album is really good.

Several strong songs but a lot of average ones too.

❤️ This is the album where U2 figured out how to be who they are! “40” is still a great closing song, perfect in concert too!

Strong opening with Sunday Bloody Sunday: a marching beat that could send someone to war or unite people in protest. Overall an album of clear sound and vision, driving drums & bass. Some songs are less attention-grabbing but it's generally quite a satisfying album for this U2 dabbler.

4.4 stars rounded down. Full of bangers and the closest U2 ever got to punk. Dark and angry but ends on the light and Psalm "40." "Red Light" and "Surrender" are forgettable. Almost every track is worth while.

I can tell this is an objectively good album, but it’s just not my taste. I enjoyed listening to it but wouldn’t go out of my way to do so.

War has become a bit of an outlier when you look at U2's grander discography, but it's one of their strongest sounds. It's raw and gritty, intense and aggressive but still intimate, and it's very earnest. I guess that's a quality that U2's music has always had. It also has a level of authenticity that was somewhat lost in the band's latter work. The U2 that we know today has evolved significantly and while they're still the rightful icons that they are (what can I say, I have a soft spot for the group), it's nice to go back to this sound. You end up missing it after some time. Save for a few middling tracks after New Year's Day, this is a solid record. Standouts are Seconds, New Year's Day, The Refugee and 40.

Sunday Bloody Sunday is the star of the show by far

Good songs although I don't listen to it now, it was good when it first came out

A much more listenable version of U2 than what they became in the last 25 years or so.

It's very U2

While Boy and October are fan darlings, It is with "War" when the world started to understand U2's musical proposition. This album has a couple of bangers from early U2. In fact, "New Year's Day" is my favorite U2 song to date. As an album, it has ups and downs. It seems that there's some filler by mid-album, but it rises again with the last 2 songs. Sonically speaking, it was still a soft post-punk, still melancholic, but not too outrageous. I kind of like it.

Starts off super strong with Sunday Bloody Sunday. I wouldn't say any of the other songs reach that height but it's still good music. U2 has been around forever and this was definitely one of the records that helped put them on the map.

Not their best but close

U2 started really hitting their stride on this one. Solid effort!

Solid album with songs from my teen years into my 20s. So nostalgic. At least four great songs from my perspective, a few that are really good and none that are bad.

I was not expecting to enjoy this but ita a great album

Surprisingly melodic and good

Mye skarptromme, tydelig preget av sin tid. Poesi i pen og litt bråkete innpakking.

U2 is one of the most influential and iconic bands of all time, so when I saw we had this album I was excited. In my opinion, there are better albums but it’s likely because I didn’t know many of these songs. Still a great album, many hits.

Saw U2 live in concert several times in the early 80's and they still are one of my favorite all-time live bands that I've seen. Great early album all around.

Good and very 80s

Perhaps I treated U2 harshly.

Very good

Solid album!

Excellent album, with outstanding themes and political references. Also, some parts are not as good, it loses force at the end.

Glorious album. My gateway into U2's journey. Signature drums, guitar, bass and voice. A sound is formed with greater clarity and purpose. Although not yet up there with the Crown's jewels, it's definitely a must listen.

Good. Might listen again.

I've never given U2 a chance before this album but I can see why they've had so much commercial success. A real timeless rock sound. Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day and Like a Song were my favorites but the back half is just as good.

This was my gateway to U2 and I love it

Ok

A pivotal album in my music life.

U2 was prolific in the 80s, releasing 6 albums. While "The Joshua Tree" is probably the album that put U2 on the mainstream map in 1987, "War" (1983) has more of a less produced, alt-rock/new wave vibe. "War" produced a couple big hits and is generally a decent album. Sure, it's easy to dunk on U2 but sometimes you have to give the devil his due.

Great travel music

Can't beat early U2. Some great hits and the rest of the album is pretty darn good.

I had never listened to War by U2 before today, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Compared to some of the band’s more popular albums, this one felt different—less about big, polished hits and more focused on raw, powerful songs with real meaning. Favourite Song: Sunday Bloody Sunday – an intense, anthemic track that perfectly captures the album’s emotional and political core. Least Favourite: Honestly, I enjoyed every track—nothing felt out of place or skippable. Album Artwork: A striking and iconic cover that sets the tone for the album’s serious, urgent message. War proves that U2’s strength lies not just in stadium-ready singles, but in their ability to craft music that speaks to something deeper.

U2 is band people seems to love or hate, not a lot of in between. The album begins with social unrest and civil war and ends with beauty, love, and peace. This tour had the Red Rocks video that sparked a life long obsession with the venue for a lot of kids across the U.S., myself included.

Turns out they are pretty good

An album I know almost ever song on and I one don't think I have listened to more than a couple times over 30 years ago.

Some classics, but bonos sincere yelping can grate in this much later context

Iconic start.

Sunday Bloody Sunday - classic song, not much can be said other than it is great Seconds - this song has a nice beat. Very simple in its lyrics, but portrays the message effectively. The rhythm of the singer is a little off in some parts. Very disappointed by the bridge, when you go down you’re supposed to come back louder, otherwise it pointless, and it sounds flat. It becomes less flat in the outro, which it was more like this for the rest of the song. New Year’s Day - definitely the best song in the album so far if not in the album. This one is not flat. Out of the two classics in this album this one beats Sunday Bloody Sunday. I like how at points in the song it feels like he is struggling to say the words. Like a Song… i like the drums at the beginning but the rest of the song is kinda flat. I’m not sure what it is because it has all the pieces of a hard rock song, but it just isn’t hard. Drowning Man - very flat if the rest of the album is like this then I am giving it a 3 The Refugee - this really turns things around. This song is very fun, and it has emotion. The opposite of flat. Two Hearts Beat As One - now they have found their winning streak because I am not bored anymore. This song rocks. Red Light - this one continues the winning streak. This one is a hard or fast, but it is still engaging, and very much not flat. Surrender - this one is very rock opera-ish where the jams are powerful, but slower and drawn out. This song is a party man. 40 - this was is slower and laid back, but it is still very good. This has some nice emotion to it, and it is a nice way to close the album. Overall, they have great songs, and other than when they are too flat they are pretty good. This is a low 4 stars

LP

This was really good!

I don’t know why it’s so hard for me to get into U2 it’s just really hard for me to love but I still think it’s well made - 7/10

Classic album with some classic songs, very good music production etc. The problem is I just never seem to want to listen to U2, I've listen to all there albums multiple times just as a passion music lover not for the desire to hear it. I have Irish blood too!! Oh well.. I me it's a 3.5.

Not a U2 fan. This was better then I expected. I'm not going to re-listen but I'm glad I listened to it.

Never been a big U2 fan and when I saw this album came out in 1983 I was worried. But it rocks. Really enjoyable album.

3.6 - Enjoyed this, think I was surprised that it was better than I expected

I'd give it 4 for Sunday Bloody Sunday alone. That said I think I started too generously with Peter Frampton, and now my scale is a bit fucked. This is Suzie btw, I'm not sure what I've done with my name...

I liked it more than I thought I would.

Some years ago, I likely wouldn’t have wanted to listen to this. Now, I actually enjoyed this record a lot. Has some very nice melodies and catchy tunes that aren’t overbearing. Maybe I’m a bit of a U2 fan now.

Alltaf gott að fá smá U2. Þetta er hrikalega smooth plata og jafnvel hjálpar henni að eini hittarinn er upphafslagið sem er svo hrikalega gott og setur tóninn. Jafnvel vanmetin plata ef hægt er að segja það um U2. U2 er samt minnar kynslóðar Eagles þannig ef ég væri pönkari myndi ég hata þá :) en ég er bara ekki hater. <3

Ekki besta plata U2, en fjári skemmtileg samt. New Years Day finnst mér eitt af þeirra allra bestu lögum, þar sem skörðóttur gítarleikur Edge nýtur sín vel. Sunday bloody Sunday stendur alltaf fyrir sínu, en er orðið pínu slitið af ofspilun. Hins vegar eru þarna minna spilaðar perlur eins og Seconds, um kjarnorkuvá X-kynslóðarinnar og hið gullfallega "40". Ótrúlega flott albúmm kóver setur svo punktinn yfir i-ið. Stórfyrirtækið U2 er svo fyrirbæri út af fyrir sig. Búnir að halda út fjórir saman í 48 ár, frá því þeir voru 15 ára,, sem hlýtur að gera Adam, Larry og Edge heimsmeistara í umburðarlyndi og þolinmæði.

Older U2 is best U2

U2's third album sees them take a more political stance against the musical backdrop of a strong rhythm section and a more aggressive approach by the Edge on guitar. These songs have an urgency to them and take a lot from their new wave predecessors (listen to The Refugee for a good example). There are some really beautiful moments that hint at their development to come that hit its apex with 'The Joshua Tree.' The closing track is exquisitely vocally layered and brings the themes of the album into focus with a meditation on Psalm 40.

Bono at his snarling, passionate best in an album which pulsates with idealism and calls for peace. An urgent album which showcases the band’s talents.

I mean, look. It’s U2. They’re four very talented musicians. Two of them have silly names. They were cool at their peak and now are a Vegas legacy act. I tried to listen to this while forgetting that and taking this at face value. I think I did ok with that. There’s a lot to like here. Some real creativity and artistry. A little bit of weirdness. Really well defined sound, something they’ve always been known for. Overall I enjoyed this. It’s a reminder that U2 actually did produce some great music at one point, and it makes me want to listen to “The Joshua Tree” again for the first time in a long, long time. Fun fact: I managed to squeeze it in on the same day Green Day’s “Saviors” released so that’s an accomplishment. Standout tracks: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day, Drowning Man, The Refugee

This album starts off so strong and ends like on a fizzle. But it’s a great album.

An excellent album from a time before their inflated sense of self-importance ruined their later works.

I've often said U2 is a greatest hits band for me, but after listening to this album for the first time in forever, I think its just that I prefer angry U2.

Primer día de nuevo hábito de Freshhhquitos.

4.5

Я долго не мог уловить эмоцию, которую несёт этот альбом. Что-то меня сбивало с толку, возможно отсутствие какого-то явного музыкального сгущения красок. Понятное дело, что если Боно с Эджем решили назвать альбом "Война", то он будет про войну и, наверняка, конкретнее, против неё. Тревожно слегка, может даже тяжело. Оно не успокаивает тебя, не пытается говорить, что война скоро закончится. Оно ставит тебя перед фактом. Это отличается от той же песни Peace on Earth, которая нам попадалась.

In the name of love One

I had this on tape when it first came out. I haven't listened to it in YEARS. I'd forgotten just how great this album is. Vocals, guitar, bass and drums, great song writing and tight production. This could be played live in a small club or a stadium and be brilliant in either as it's pretty unadorned. I wouldn't be embarrassed to listen to this in public. Would I want it preloaded on an iPod though?

Second favorite U2 album. Incredible lyrics, storytelling, melodies. 4/5!

Like most artist....I like the early stuff way more than the later albums. This is a good album.

THumbs UP

not bad. rawer than expected.

Drowning Man is good.

Good listen, solid rock. Not a 5* though but close.

Voilà enfin un son qui me correspond un peu plus ! Cet album me semble parfaitement intemporel.

Bloody Sunday slaps. How long? Slaps forever. Seconds? Slaps New Year’s Day slaps. Like a Song sounds like a song. Can’t win them all. Red Light slaps. I’ve got the boogie. Love love love love love. TRUMPET! Staccato! Notes are accented and separated. My old neighbor Billy would love this shit. I think. Everything is intense with him. Dude can read a book and recite it word for word back. Had that savant ‘tism. I hope he’s doing well. Fuck yeah Billy! Red Light’s for you! Surrender is ok but I’m ready to end the album. I’m hopped up on Mountain Dew and Bono boy is winding down. “40” is a good smokin song. BUT WHAT SONG ISNT AMIRITE? Slow vibes. One step up from sad boy lofi. Dad rock ballad. Solid album.

I enjoyed the high energy and forward momentum the songs had, awesome utilization for drums and repetitive guitar for that forward energy feeling.

Surprised at how enjoyable this is so far. Some of the non hits definitely blend together, but it makes the really good songs stand out above the rest. Highlights: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day, Two Hearts Beat as One

Some really cool songs especially the first which C likes. Pretty cool

This is a great one. Sunday Bloody Sunday is an all-time rock classic. Still, I think this isn't even the greatest U2 album.

This is an awesome album. Listening to it, you can hear the roots of U2. Although it’s their third album I feel like this is the beginning for me, the next 5-7 albums (depending on my mood) take this formula and build on it and the eventuate into one of the biggest bands is history. I know that U2 is almost Christian rock and that Bono can be a bit of a dick, but this is an awesome album and delivers some great social messages and a very politically unsettling time. Love it!

Ó gamla góða U2 sem var síkvartandi yfir yfirvöldum og hálfvitum.

My favorite song was, “Sunday Bloody Sunday”. I like U2, so it wasn’t a horrible listening experience.

Old one

Been a long time since I listened to the whole thing. Still just as good

Decent album, this was the first time I heard it in it's entirety.

It is wild to think how well this combines political messages and rock.

It’s a good album again how much I hate Bono. Honestly it’s well put together and only like two songs aren’t worth listening.

Un album curieusement excellent contrairement à celui que Bono et ses joyeux singes ont enregistré sur la Tour Eiffel pendant que je faisais visiter Paris à Louis Bodin.

Je vais mettre 4 mais le coeur n'y est pas vraiment, l'album est porté par Sunday Bloody Sunday. Plus que quelques semaines de souffrance dans ce générateur de malheur et toujours pas de trace de Linkin Park

It’s no Joshua tree, but still a great album

Fijn album met een paar klassiekers erop. Het valt in eerste instantie niet eens op dat het vroege 80s is, totdat halverwege een nummer opduikt dat niet had misstaan op een willekeurige 80s Britse zeikplaat. Maar het is bijna een dissonant, want verder staan er goede U2 liedjes op, en we horen nog niet het zoetsappige overgeproduceerde geluid van de latere albums. Ik denk dat dit samen met de Joshua Tree de hoogtijdagen van U2 weergeeft.

I wouldn't say I'm a U2 fan, but I like some of their songs. This album had some good ones, Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Years Eve particularly.

3.65

I can see why others like it, but it's not me cup of tea

3.5 stars. It’s good, but Bono’s singing is best in smaller doses for me. Good guitarist, but record feels a little over-produced. Standouts are the bookends.

I like this sound of U2. Better than their later stuff.

40 and Sunday Bloody Sunday 👍

Sunday is great the rest is pretty good

Как ни странно, в целом мне понравилось. Без каких-то откровений, но с удовольствием послушала весь альбом

лучше боба дилана

Bono is annoying, but U2 is generally pretty good. Not my favorite album of theirs, but it starts strong and is cohesive throughout. It starts to drag as it goes on but ends strongly with “40.” The singles are the best songs on here. It’s a 3.5/5 but I’m rounding up.

Classic...not the best front to back but has a lot of amazing songs. 4.5/5

Good U2 Album. Has Bloody Sunday on it

Love U2, this was a great album Top Songs: Sunday Bloody Sunday, Like a Song…

Meglepően jó, a coldplaz legalább annzira másolta őket mint a rádiófejeket KEKW

There's a hell of a lot of youthful energy on this album. A lot of post-punk/post-new wave elements in the instrumentation which I enjoy. Probably my favourite guitar and bass playing of the U2 albums I've heard. It feels like they were still experimenting a lot, and some of it is really interesting (The Refugee, Red Light), but not all of it hits. I like a lot of it though. I didn't think there were any really weak tracks, but some don't feel fully realised. Overall a pretty strong album.

u2 is just going to be like, baseline standard 3 stars automatically. p sure I like this album though, but it's been like. 15 years since i last listened to it yeah! it's u2! u2 is always going to be a 2-4 star. never gonna be awful, never going to be the best thing I've ever heard

I went in with low expectations but this was pretty enjoyable. I knew a lot of the first half already and it didn't overstay its welcome.

Epic

A really good album. I enjoyed the Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day the most.

Aldrig förstått varför de "heter" Bono och the Edge. Det är så töntigt. Opassande ett rockband. #1 klassiker. Mycket bra! #2 ej hört förut. Bra! #3 klassiker. Bra! #4 ej hört. Svagare, men inte dåligt. Mer intetsägande. #5 ej hört. Bra #6 ej hört. Svagare. #7 ej hört. Sådär. #8 ej hört, sådär. #9 ej hört, men riktigt bra! Kul! #10 ej hört, fin. Bra. Överlag mycket hög kvalitet. En del riktigt bra låtar. Några sådär. Tycker nog skivan förtjänar en fyra, även om jag nog inte kommer återkomma till den så mycket.

Kvalitetsskiva

I was ready to be done with U2 after I got joshua tree but I had totally forgotten about this album. While I think the quality steadily declines after new years day, that song and sunday bloody sunday are both really good. The rest kinda just blurs together into the usual U2 sounds for me. Still better than their new stuff at least.

Yeah I’ll give this one another listen in the future.

Eerste nummer blijft een krachtig nummer! Rest van het album ook gewoon echt goed, aantal opgeslagen. Muzikaal goed, echt wel eigen sound wat ik nice vind. Toch 4 sterren want hoewel ik het erg nice vind, geen wow factor. Would buy!

ja eerste nummer meteen geweldig natuurkijk. Dus dacht al meteen van oeh zou dit m’n eerste album met 5 sterren worden. De rest van de nummers kende ik niet, maar waren wel allemaal echt goed ook! Dus denk dat ik het album een 4,5 geef!!

U2 I like them better than most of those post punk bands. Sunday Bloody Sunday is a great song and New years Day is good too. Liked the droney bgvs in 40. Rest of album was ok. 3.5

I hadn't heard "40" before, but I really liked it. A nice surprise on this album.

Fantastic album. The last of phase one of U2. You can hear some of the transition from post punk in some of the songs. Listen to the less popular songs a few times and you will enjoy this album to the full

Really solid album. 4/5

I need to listen and digest some more, but I enjoyed what I heard, especially the first three tracks.

War is the worst thing in the world. This album isn't too bad though.

Nice and varied album

Suprised in a good way

This is OG U2. It sounded fresh in 2004 when I listened to it in 2003 as a kid. It still sounds fresh in 2023.

Oh my gosh I like (some) U2.

flat, easy to get lost while working and listening. Does have an amped up undertone.

The blinking cover art on Apple Music is terrifying -- but the music is good.

Impressions: It was an okay punk-new wave album at the beginning but as it progressed, I have grown fond of it. Favorite Tracks: Drowning Man, The Refugee, Red Light, Surrender Rating: 4/5

Boomer rock

U2 during their great years.

I liked the trumpet in Red Light.

Enjoyed it. After years of not really giving U2 a chance because everyone in my high school loved them and I fell they were overplayed… this is a pretty good album. Unique music for 1983 when the album dropped. Some great songs, some medium songs but none that felt mailed in. Great bass, guitar and drums. And Bono was Bono. 4.5⭐️s.

4. Thought I didn't like U2, but really enjoyed listening to this album!

8/10 Great album. Amazing opener, obviously, stays consistently good throughout. Solid U2 album, something to remember when you're listening to that God awful iTunes album that they made a while back.

Classical and good

Still holds up musically with superior drums, guitar and piano. Massively creative and lyrically meaningful even today. Some of their best.

okay but anyone hear that straw moving through plastic McDonald’s cupcover sound? In Sunday Bloody Sunday? Somewhere around 1:31-1:41. And from then on a few more times actually. You really discover new things with this 1001 albums list. Who knew U2 loved McDonald’s cups so much.

8/10 If you asked me if I liked u2 before this, I would have told you “mostly no”, but c”mon, this album slaps. It’s atmospheric and rocking, things that don’t so often go together outside of shoegaze. Bono, though, annoying lyrically, shout-sings with passion, and The Edge, though in no ways flashy, has quite a distinctive right hand. This album is a bit punky new wave, which is really perhaps their sweet spot. But haven’t listened to a lot of them before.

Tror ikke jeg har hørt den her før, men de numre jeg kender fra den er klart nogen af mine yndlings U2 numre, og det lød ret råt på en ret fed måde. Tror den her plade fik mig til at forstå lidt mere hvorfor nogen mennesker gider være kæmpe U2 fans.

Surprisingly sincere. Red Light, Surrender, and "40" are new standouts.

Solid entry into the U2 vault. There’s a reason they’ve been around as long as they have.

Classic album, rate U2 and this take me back to their best

Love Sunday Bloody Sunday. A heavy record for sure.

‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’ is a great fucking song!

I've always bought into the "U2 bad because Bono annoying" hype, but actually this album is class. Maybe it's my Irish bias but this album is varied, informative and passionate at heart. Will definitely be putting more U2 on in the future as a result

U2 before they were fucked

Forget whatever you think of U2 now in the 2020s and recall them here with youthful fire and fury and cracking early 1980s indie-rock. Side 2 is surprisingly pop and lighter with a soulful and affectionate vibe. I love that it replaced Thriller at No.1 in the UK! Not as universal as Jacko, but still a gem of an album.

The two singles slap, especially New Year's Day, but the second half of the album dips in quality. Nevertheless, it's ordinary U2 sound, can't go wrong with that.

Good rock album with a great first half. The second half teeters off on the upbeat instrumental energy.

What amazes me the most about this album is how mature it sounds for such a young band. Iconic tracks kick off the album but it fades a bit on the back half.

A month ago, I hadn’t listened to a single U2 album in full. Now I’ve heard three of their albums in the span of a month, which makes me think that they may be a bit too over-exposed on this list However, if there was one U2 album you had to hear before you died, I think it should be this one Favourite tracks: Sunday Bloody Sunday, Seconds, New Year’s Day, The Refugee, Surrender

Now with Coconuts!

Never listened to this besides the hits. Has some interesting tracks, but not sure it's for me.

I'm pretty sure this is the first U2 album I owned. I think I was a sophomore in high school. I had heard some of their songs before and liked them, and this album amped up my fandom. I enjoyed a lot of their albums and music for several years to follow, saw them in concert my senior year in high school when they were touring to promote The Unforgettable Fire, and liked them into my college years. My musical tastes and interests diverted away from them for a while, and for a long time, I barely listened to them. Hearing this album again after so many years brings me back and reminds me how much I do like their music. Also reminds me how much I admire and love the Edge's guitar playing. I find his style to be very much his own: it's signature to him, innovative, and always draws me in. One of my favorite rock guitarists.

Cool, toen U2 nog enige urgentie bevatte! Twijfel tussen 3 of 4 sterren...

Eigenlijk 3,5 ster, maar een paar erg mooie nummers geven de doorslag.

Not bad I liked it the best and the lyrics are pretty good not bad 👌

It's a good album, bookended by two massive singles. It's hard to make a strong argument against it, honestly. The biggest complaint I have is that it's just a lot of what you expect from U2 and very little that stands out aside from those two singles. It's good... but it's not great. And it's definitely not their best. Still worth 4 stars, though.

Great album, I like Edge’s raw guitar sound here

i kinda get it now😅

Good album. A lot of hits in there.

Var decent

Enjoyed this - felt like I heard a different side to U2 with some of the deeper cut tracks here.

Flera klassiska låtar. Når inte riktigt ända fram.

the only thing i know about U2 is that their album was preloaded on the first iphone or something like that. this was pretty good though!

It’s hard to imagine now but there was a time when U2 was a supercool hipster alternative band.

World's biggest christian rock band smash another one out of the park.

4/5

Separating this U2 from the U2 we know of today... This U2 was a breath of fresh air and like catching lightning in a bottle. They came out swinging with their sonic assault and their political lyrics (things that people weren't really talking about during the Reagan/Thatcher era). This album -- along with Boy -- gave them a reputation among the alternative/new wave crowd of the 80s. So much so that they were spoken of in hushed tones. Great album with alternative rock standards.

U2 is a really great band! I have heard some of these songs before and I just love the genre.

U2 are a polarizing group, but when I listen to something like "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" or "New Year's Day" all the usual criticisms seem to melt away. This is a lean, tight record with a big sound.

Lovely. Far preferable to later work.

nice 4*

Zu Beginn klingt alles genau wie „Bloody Sunday“, was jetzt nicht die schlimmste Sache der Welt ist. Dann kommt „Drowning Man“ und die Sache wird interessant. Schwache 4, die sich aber bestimmt festigt beim wiederholten Hören. In den 5er Bereich kommt’s auf keinen Fall.

In U2's discography, War is the band at a crossroads. This album captures the raw energy from their early "punk" days right as they were transforming into the arena-rock behemoths they came to be. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day are classics, but tracks like Two Hearts Beat as One or Like A Song... shouldn't be ignored either. There are a few songs on War that I don't really care for. Yet another album I wish I could give 4.5 stars to. It's a great album, it just doesn't quite hit the heights of their follow-ups.

I think U2 are overrated. But this is a pretty good album.

My favorite U2 album is the one that follows this one, The Unforgettable Fire, but this one is very good as well. A bit more raw and rough around the edges, but clear that this was a band to be reckoned with. 4 stars.

Average, bit bland

I first listened to War in the early 90s as I tried to catch up on albums from U2 prior to The Joshua Tree. War is a good album. I gave all of the tracks 3 stars or more, individually. I have some all-time favorite tracks from U2 on this album including "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "40". "New Year's Day", "Seconds" and "Two Hearts Beat as One" are favorites from this album. War feels a little uneven in its energy. U2 often draws me in with engaging lyrics, and sounds that draw me in, but the uneven War as a whole gets 4 stars.