War

U2 has always been non-appealing to me. Plenty of cool tracks but something doesn't click to me. War defines this quite well, almost perfectly.

Another album I've had in my collection for years. I despise the bands modern output, their devolution has been horrific since the 80's. This one however is still rather good album, I like the soundscapes on it and especially the boxy drum sound. It's not all pure gold, there are some 80's stinkers on the album, but for the most part it's pretty enjoyable.

Wow, this might be their best album. I’ve always been ride-or-die for The Unforgettable Fire (and yeah, I’ll still give that one 5 stars when I get to it) but this one is just so consistently high quality throughout. The Edge’s jagged, almost funk guitar technique (though the music is far from funk) just propels you across the entire runtime. Wow, great listen. Must-listen #99.

Helt okej album men gör mig less att detta är det som blir populärt från tiden

6.5/10 My first ever U2 album, and actually a pleasant surprise. I had no idea they had done politically credible post-punk, which this is. The band is tight. Best: New Year’s Day

1.) Surrender 2.) Sunday Bloody Sunday 3.) Seconds Sounds 80s. Liked way more than I thought. Would listen again. Vocals are thin in the right way - doesn’t feel overly produced even while listening to the remaster 2008 version. Guitar and bass go crazy would recommend listening to anyone wanting to learn.

This is the worst band ever and this album is terrible if I could give it 0 stars I would!

U2 is boring

Classic U2 sound. Many great songs on here and good transition from one sound to another.

Appreciate Sunday Bloody Sunday & anti-war themes

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.

It's okay.

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

alapvetően eddig a U2 is a kellemes csalódások közé tartozik, és ez az album is teljesen hallgatható. az achtung baby viszont SOKKAL jobb volt ennél, azóval hármas lesz csak.

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

Great stuff here for sure, but U2 isn’t doing it for me. The different things they’re doing to define their sound and make them unique start feeling pretty hallow after a few tunes. Bono wailing, Edge syncopated rhythm, SMASHING the offbeat snare, reverb etc. Looking back at some of the records we’ve had like Joni and Neil, they have a unique sound that feels more authentic.

Bloody Sunday rocks and the rest is just a lot of u2

IMO, U2s first legit album and their best work until Joshua Tree Ive mentioned U Talkin’ U2 TO Me before in these comments. The Scotts pushed me to listen to the U2 catalog in the early 2020s. I didnt become a super fan, but if anyone is looking for an excuse to laugh their way through the discography, check it out Lots of hits here, but there are 2 or 3 tracks that go under the radar. Seconds, Two Hearts and Surrender are phenomenal. Love U2s punky sound that they pretty much abandoned by JT

Don't hate it, don't love it. Alot of pretty good, not great songs, by my taste. Sunday Bloody Sunday and Surrender are the only two that stand out - I'll probably come back to these. Refugee is a really, really tough listen. I guess if I want an edgier (no pun intended) punk-ish sound, I'm not looking to U2 to give that to me. I went back to Joshua Tree again, and stand by my defense of them and that album. It's a little more cookie cutter, but it gives me what I'm looking for from Bono and the boys. I know Achtung Baby is supposed to be one of their fan favorites - looking forward to giving that a try someday.

U2 just fails to capture my attention, maybe its how classic their sound has become after all these years and how many immitators there have been but i find few songs that make me intrigued

Takie to dość przeciętne. Bono ma kawał głosu, ale nigdy do końca nie rozumiałam fenomenu U2. Na plus kilka mocniejszych kawałków, które wychodzą poza klasyczny rock, ale całość nie zachwyca. 6/10

It's just not my type of music.

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!

Trochę lepsze, niż Joshua Tree dla mnie. Mniej zawodzenia, więcej konkretów i solidnego przekazu. Wciąż U2 to nie jest zespół dla mnie.

I thought this album would be something. Something good or terrible but I didn't expect this boring lame-ass music. After this I see myself siding with the War to bring down U2.

> The Beatles

A lot of how we experience music is based on things we cant always control, like our stress levels, sleep levels, open-mindedness at the time. Whatever it is for me today, this one is feeling like a chore.

I really only listened to U2 greatest hits, don’t know the albums but this is a strong album, big opener.

Don’t really like u2, not that I think there a bad band just so into themselves and overrated musicians

Jotenkin iän karttuessa opin enemmän tykkäämään U2:sta. New year’s day on hieno styge. SBS puolstaan vähän menettänyt tehoaan ainakin mun kohdalla 3/5

Teknisestihän tää on ihan ok mut U2 on vaan tylsä bändi. 2/5

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

I’m not opposed to bombast or pomposity. I like a lot of bombastic and pompous things. More than your average person, I expect. But I think that my tolerance for bombast and pomposity ends right before U2 begins.

it's always in one ear and out the other with me and U2. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day" are fine enough, but nothing else on War comes anywhere close to those two songs in terms of memorability or intrigue. it feels like a heavily sanitized version of post-punk, always hinting at the things which make that style so interesting, but never embracing them. it's far from being as insufferable as a lot of their (even more sanitized) later work is, but there's still nothing for me to write home about. light 5/10.

This is amazing still. Listened on vinyl

4/5

Clowning on U2 is a popular thing to do, but they are incredible musicians.

I wanted to like this more than I did, which is a shame because 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' is such a good song. 3/5

No thank you

Fuck Bono.

Ganska meh, inte så intressant

I knew some of these of course. Quite enjoyed the album and listened to it multiple times, but there are better U2 albums.

Loved this!!

Fine. Didn’t know much about early U2, and this wasn’t fully expected

Forgot how much I liked U2 (basic 4 lyfe)

Well this album remember me of my childhood as my father is a huge U2 fan he used to listen to this album all the time and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" has a special place in my heart and also because of the meaning behind the lyrics which is a really sad story but I also remember "New Year's Day" at every New Year Eve which is also a really good memory so for me this album is incredibleeeee.

Mom's favorite band Sunday bloody sunday certified classic of course

The best part of this album is when Spotify shuffled from it to tears for fears.

Havent listened to it in a while. Still awesome. Standouts songs: The Refugee Two Hearts Beat as One Surrender

I found that rather dull. They just sound like a boring version of the cure

I wish I had bigger speakers.

не зашло

Didn’t think I would like this but I appreciated a lot of the complex, layered instrumentation. I was reminded of The Cure at various points, but with more grit. The lyrics are poignant and many of them still apply today to various conflicts around the world. There’s an interesting mix of punk and new wave influence, and I have some new appreciation for U2, having only really known their pop hits in the 90s and 2000s.

Punk and rock - I like the raw vocals of U2 - Not my favorite album from them

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.

A good but not great album. 3 killer tracks. The rest are meh.... There's better U2 albums

I like this album rather well for offerings by U2, but my favorite still remains Joshua Tree.

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.

It's fine. As rock goes, a bit dull, but listenable. Meh out of 10.

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

10 завораживающих историй про ужасы войны, которые вам стоит услышать. Третий студийный альбом U2 - лучшее что я слышал за последний месяц. С первых киков и до последнего рифа слушателя погружают в военный сеттинг: песни начинаются с барабанов, напоминающих марширующих солдат, дилэй на гитаре создает звуви, похожие на сирену, а голос фронтмена группы пробирает до мурашек своей молодой энергией и харизмой, но в первую очередь лирикой и историей. Каждая песня рассказывает про человека в военное время: про ошеломляющие новости в Sunday Bloody Sunday, про расставание в New Year’s Day, про обращение к богу в прекрасной 40 и т.д. Примечателен этот альбом тем, что каждый найдет себе в нем любимую песню, которая надолго запомнится в плейлисте. Альбом затрагивает до ужаса знакомые постсоветскому человеку темы, и даже по сей день, спустя почти 42 года с момента выхода, песни не устарели, а лишь приобрели новые краски, новую аудиторию и новые реалии, в которых протест стал еще более яркой силой народного духа. Мирные и добрые 5/5.

Nope, don't like this album at all, or any U2 besides a couple of songs everything sucks...

First song, yes! Others, meh.

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.

Has Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day, my two fave U2 songs. I didn't care too much about the rest though. Still solid album!

3.75

I’ve always found U2 to be such a weird band. Bono always gives off the energy of someone who thinks he’s a god. He’s certainly done well for himself, but I’ve generally found U2 to be one of those bands that releases a handful of bangers and then a boatload of boredom. This album is exactly in line with that expectation too. Sunday Bloody Sunday is a great song, and I understand how it thematically sets the context of the album being about The Troubles, but that doesn’t stop the rest of the tracks being fairly dull. Overall, it’s an ok album, but it certainly didn’t make me change my mind about U2.

First listen I was at a five, relisten brought back to a strong four. Great drums, great guitar

True maturity as an Irish person is acknowledging that U2 have written some absolute bangers while maintaining that Bono is a bollix.

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.

Like a Song is a great example of what is annoying about 80s U2. It's a decent ish garagey rocker but Bono' super serious 'we mean it, man' caterwauling all over it doesn't add depth to it, it goes too far the other way and detracts. That aspect really took hold on this album and was less evident on their previous two records. Which is a shame because yeah I get the Gang of Four similarities at this time. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Years Day do manage to rise above this... But only just. They are still great songs however. Red Light is also pretty interesting, and in some ways quite unlike any other U2 song, with the female vocals refrain and the trumpet. 40 is a nice song to finish on. Overall, it's a decent album but definitely not without it's flaws. Boy is a far better exemplar of this early era of U2 and I would have included it over this. Ahahahahah, kudos to the reviewer who invoked Alan Partridge and left it at that.

Pretty good.

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.

Try as I might I just cannot get into U2. For me there are 2 great songs here and the rest are a struggle to get through. I tried. Honestly I did

Very low 3. It’s a kind rating.

The opening to Sunday Bloody Sunday kills. The singles on this album are very potent. This is a really tight, strident sonic package. Drowning Man is not my cup of tea though.

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

U2 remains U2

U2 were my absolute favourite band when I was in high school (in the 80s, when it was still cool to like U2). All their early albums are classics to me.

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.

War was released the year that I was born and "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day" were perpetually on MTV and corporate radio. Post-punk informed by Irish politics, but with enough pop sheen to become the background music of a generation. U2 sounds like late career The Clash flirting with dub reggae and slashing, angular guitar or Gang of Four without the Marxist critique and art school situationism. New Year's Day sounds more like the Cure and Echo and the Bunnymen, all bleakly romantic "blood red skies" and "beginning again." All the other songs tend to blend together it the crash of stadium rock produced percussion, and lacerating guitars, buried bass and Bono's voice. Drowning Man is quieter, chiming guitars and strings, Bono voice goes swoops between raspy belting and falsetto. The Refugee all frenetic tribal drumming and staccato vocals, Red Light is a trumpet and Kid Creole's backing vocalists the Coconuts. Surrender is surprisingly good and catchy. 40 a light melody with haunting harmonies is the shortest song on the entire album.

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.

Not my favorite U2 album, but some good tracks. Didn't hate it but probably wouldn't listen again outside of the hits.

This was the first album/songs I had heard by U2. I was pleasantly surprised.

This is very good - it's really well mixed, hits really hard and clearly.

The only thing I know about U2 is how they hijacked all of our iphones one day with their album

In 2025 this album was a bit of a disappointment. As a kid I felt like U2 was the most popular band in the world, all the way up through the early 00s culminating with me finally go to see them on the Elevation tour. That was really cool a great show. Now I'm not sure what changed but I can't imagine why they got to be almost universally liked--or I at least had that opinion. Nothing else but maybe Coldplay or Taylor Swift have reached what I feel was such mainstream popularity. This album had the 3 main radio songs, but the rest kind of suck for someone hearing them for the first time in 25. It is what it is I suppose. I think some of it is the conflicting ideology in Sunday Bloody Sunday and some of the others. It takes away from the authenticity IMO, as of activism is only a day job. I'm guessing other U2 albums will be here, and I think I'll like them a bit better. Favorite track "Two hearts beat as one" 3/5

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.

Meio inconstante, se tirar os hits

Interesting that this album knocked Michael Jackson from the top of the chart in the UK -- it was a dose of angst and realism to contrast his pop and polish. This reminds me of the grunge movement about a decade later, where Nirvana/etc were there to contrast Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul, C+C Music Factory, etc. I love the two popular songs from the album: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day. The rest is OK.

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.

Middle fingers up to U2. Just another waste of time from this overrated shit band.

These guys are from England and who gives a shit

yawn

One is always a highlight for this album but the rest is average.

Again??? This album is better than the one yesterday but still boring..

This is better than I expected. I didn't like Joshua Tree and I'm usually underwhelmed by U2, but this is a well-produced album with a tight sound. "Seconds" made a lovely bridge between "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day".

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. 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!" A massacre? I'm not playing that again. Anyway, this wasn't too bad really. It isn't quite peak banger era U2, but nor is it peak stab-yourself-repeatedly-in-the-ear era U2.

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.

Decent for a U2 album.

New Years Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday are great. The rest is unremarkable.

Undeniably god music. Talented group even if they’re not my go-to

It's not my style. I recognized a few songs. Now really bad, but not for me. U2 sounds too dreary for me.

More "general rock". A few familiar songs probably heard a lot on the radio. Dont hate it, but not a fan.

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.

Wish I could do a 2 ½. It was good not great.

I liked it more than I thought I would, but I wouldn't relisten.

It's okay :)

Not a fan of U2. I would probably give 3 stars if this wasn’t the 3rd U2 album I had to listen to on this list. I never thought I listen to 1, and while I was surprised that I didn’t hate the band, I don’t need to hear this much U2. Fix the list.

Feels like a nice blend of 80s pop and rock. I understand it’s mass appeal. Maybe it’s the production style (because I have this problem with a lot of 80s music — particularly the British stuff), but I find Bono’s voice grating.

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.

sunday bloody sunday baut uuuuhuere uuf. kenni halt aber dass rhythm section soo tight isch hani nüm gwüsst. ok de song isch z lang. fühlt sich ah wie 7 minute. seconds noniiie ghört. new years day kenni glaub, hit? da isch afoch rock. ussert dass the edgelord nonig delay parts spielt isch s instrumental nöd mega U2 findi. es lauft gad alles uf es herts 2 use. find nüt genial. the refugee isch etz chli spezieller. cooli trömmeli. 40 schöön. schööne bass.

sunday bloody sunday kenni zumindest vom name? ahh jaa glaub scho? iwie gfalltmer d drum bass nöd? ja finds recht langwilig bis jz okee cools solo bi new year's day! ja das wär sicher es album zum uf de text lose. bin aber echt z fest uf de schnurre. drowning man het chli öppis cinematischs gha jo vlt isch das au pech aber han jz d lyrics woni bis jz gseh han nüt crazy gfunde, aber vlt isch das für die damalig ziit speziell gsi? jo kei ahnig alles isch mega fest ok gsi, vlt wärs bimene 2. mal lose besser?

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

Pretty decent 3/5

Boring but not bad. All U2 albums following this one are bad, though.

Just a great album. Anger, sound, and the swagger of youth. They made few better albums and this was the last of their raw, unproduced sound. I listened to this about 8 times yesterday for old time's sake. As an aside, there are actual bass lines on early U2 rather than du du du du root notes.

good, punkier and less delay/echo heavy than i would normally associate with U2. certain moments like in the refugee elevate the whole thing and make it much better than just an 80s rock album im not sure what it is about U2 that prevents me loving them like I can an REM or Smiths from the same period. but hey, maybe liking is enough

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.

I understand the importance of the political (anti political?) tone for this album. The songs relating to the state of Europe and the world are important. Unfortunately the music just doesn't vibe with me. 80s pop/rock just isn't my dig. Solid concept

Good album, not my typical music style tho. Enjoyed particularly New Year's Day, Two hearts beat as one, and Refugee. Liked the trumpet moment in Red Light too. At about 4:20 of surrender it sounds like they're saying I'll sigma sigma song. 3.7/5

Pretty classic album. But it weighs heavily on Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day. The rest of the album was a bit meh.

I don’t know why I hate U2 so much. Idk if it’s the way it’s recorded or the musical tone or vocal tone but this album pisses me off!! No thank you!! (Bloody Sunday is a good song tho)

3.5/5

A U2 album I didn’t know existed. Admittedly I haven’t listened to a lot of U2. Surprised how much I enjoyed this. My knowledge of u2 is more focused around “beautiful day” and preloaded albums on Apple devices, so this was a lot more interesting than that. Some of it almost sounded like the cure which I didn’t expect.

I remember going to my brother’s bedroom and listening to this and Boy on his record player. Great memories for great music. U2 was able to develop as a group - which is something that does not happen these days. This album has great socially conscious lyrics (which I did not totally get at the time), great music, and an incredibly tight band that can play the hell out of their instruments. This is still a fantastic album that gave us a glimpse of the great music that was yet to come. New Year’s Day and Sunday Bloody Sunday are 4 stars alone and with the addition of Seconds and Two Hearts Bear As One you have a phenomenal album.

A couple of the songs were very good, the rest just ok.

Pretty awesome

very good

Two solid tracks and fillers.

Pretentious shit

Very good album about touchy subjects 4/5

This was good but not what I would play on my own

The first U2 album I got into.

U2 is not my favorite, but I do appreciate how others may really like this album.

Most overrated band ever. I like Sunday Bloody Sunday though.

U2 isn't as bad as people who hate on them like to say. And they aren't as good as people who love them believe. This album is good, and they picked the singles well.

Better than I expected, had never really listened to U2 other than their big songs but this was very enjoyable

Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day are great, haven’t listened them in a long time. The rest of the album is alright, but man was I bored in the second half.

Not memorable, not that bad either.

Classic. Lot of good songs

*Unpopular opinion warning*. I hate U2, always have. I go out of my way to avoid their music, although I know a lot of their songs having heard my uncle listen to them a lot. Being a guitarist I find The Edge's riffs uninspiring, repetitive and boring. I'm not a fan of Bono, his voice or his lyrics. This album is no exception, I listened to it all, but I got bored rather quickly. I saw another review which sums it ups for me: "I’ve always thought U2 was an overly self serious band who people who don’t really like music say is their favourite band."

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.

How come they were able to create two such amazing songs as Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day and then for the rest of the album give us such forgettable songs? Surrender and 40 are the best of the rest

My favorite U2 album. Liked original mor raw sound

good album. took me way back to the original release...

I’m not sure if I previously listened to the whole. It contains some of their most famous songs. U2 always delivered a great balance between pop and rock, political and personal. Some of the less popular songs that I enjoyed were seconds, 40 (fairly popular) and refugee

Not for me, but understand why its on the list

I forgot how many great songs existed on this album. 40 has always been one of my favorites from U2 and such a nice take on a psalm. Felt like this was the beginning on Edge coming into his own with the guitar.

Such a classic album that is up there for best album of all time

I think this was the first legit U2 album I've listened to before. It was incredible. Loved the overall feel of this album. Goes from very much in your face, pounding, antagonistic in the beginning to a more hopeful, mellow sounding in the second half. The drums really carry this album and drive it forward. Edge's guitar is a great layer on top to add spice along with Bono's vocals. Clayton on bass helped add to the march-like feeling. Lyrics were poignant and powerful. Really, really good body of work, especially for only a third album from a band.

I don't think this is U2's best album but I do think this album is what began setting them apart from other groups. Drowning Man, Seconds, Like a Song, and 40 are excellent. Love the way they begin weaving in their own stories and backgrounds into their music-with lyrics and music. I didn't discover this album until a few years after its release but it made an impression on me then & has remained

Not bad. Interesting lack of The Edge’s stereotypical wankery, at its best when the Celtic influence comes forward and Bono channels some Cranberry. Drowning Man good, otherwise quite normal 80’s rock

nah

Good album, liked seconds and Drowning Man.

A banger. Brought right back to senior year of HS

No soy muy fan de U2 pero acepto que me gustó mucho este trabajo, está cargado de mucha emoción y acordes memorables

- Another masterpiece. This album punches you in the face from the jump and never really lets up. This is the good U2. -

Positivt överraskad, bra album

I told my son that my recollection was that this wasn't one of U2's best albums. It had been years since I'd listened to "War." I may have been right that this is a middle-of-the-pack U2 album, at most. But it's still spectacular. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" starts the disc with a wallop, and it introduced U2 to the wider American rock/pop audience. And "40" is as good a concert-ending totemic anthem as their is. "War" signified the last time that U2 could be regarded as largely an under-the-radar, post-punk alternative rock band.

Give this more than a few Seconds of your time.

Sunday Bloody Sunday //

This is old U2. I like old U2. "War" is their best album. This is my review.

(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.

DNL

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.

Only really know their big hits, but this album is a doozy

Kanske deras bästa album.

Have been listening to this for more than half my life; therefore, hard to be objective. Regardless, it's five stars from me.

Excellent record, there's a great balance throughout, definitely an album to listen to front to back

Well, I initially loved a lot of LilyWhite’s production, some of it has not aged well. More importantly, though it’s clear listening to this album the Bono can’t write a melody for the life of him, and his voice is not much to speak of either. I think his main skill is his desire to try to be seen as a pop culture figurehead but I think that’s only in his mind. Drum is just OK and pretty much all the same.

Underwhelming

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.

They are good

On the short list of bands with consistently great and innovative guitar riffs (These guys, Muse, the Stones, Hendrix (of course)…other thoughts?). The Edge earns his name and, I think, totally floats this band and makes them something more than the other(wise) straight-ahead rock bands of the last 40 years. Put me in as a middling member of the U2 movement.

U2 is a huge gap in my musical knowledge. I know the hits because they were everywhere but I’m. It sure if I’ve ever heard an entire U2 album before listening to this one. Two of my favourite U2 songs are on this- Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day. The rest of the album was solid and I can totally appreciate them as a band- some of their anthemic songs are so good. Was great to hear a younger version of the band on this. Good album.

A bit repetitive but pretty decent overall

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

Koselig musikk, men fester seg ikke for min del. Favoritt: sunday blood sunday

2.5

See, kids? I told you U2 used to make great music about important things!

Poignant politically charged album that still sounds good.

Peak U2. All killer, no filler.

Classic.

Probably the best I've heard from U2, but I'm not a straight white man so I'm just not the target audience. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Not good.

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.

A mish mash of an album that doesn't quite pull together. Two crackin' singles though.

I blame these guys for Coldplay…. But seriously, with every U2 album I’ve ever listened to, there’s always too much filler and not enough killer. ‘War’ is no different. Everyone knows the hits off this album. The rest of it…it’s fine, good even, but forgettable in comparison to the big songs. They’re an awesome singles band U2, and a great stadium act, but their albums as a whole are just generally not that satisfying.

“New Year’s Day” is awesome and the rest is underwhelming.

I know this one, and I don’t like it

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

Sunday bloody sunday ziemlich cool. Ansonsten solide.

Schwer zu bewerten. War ganz okay, bin aber kein großer Fan von U2. Sunday, Bloody Sunday ist ein Klassiker und auch generell eins der bekanntesten und wichtigsten Anti-Kriegs-Alben. Aber für meinen Geschmack 3 Sterne. Songs der Playlist hinzugefügt: Keine

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

Wow, this is for sure the most I’ve liked U2. I always found Bono rather annoying and was pushed over the edge when they forced their way onto my iPhone in 2013. But this has some cool elements. I respect the political themes and am shocked to hear them sounding vaguely new wave. Not bad at all.

Had some great songs on it, turns out in their post-punk era they were pretty on point. Shame about the later stuff.

Tonal dissonance given the subject matter but some good songs. Back when U2 made decent stuff. Dark and heavy but also easy to listen to

few good moments but the back-end of the album really lost my attention

Hello 1983!

I have a soft spot for Sunday Bloody Sunday because my brother showed me how to play the riff and it was the first time I realised you could arpeggiate chords to make a riff. I also like New Year's Day for its obvious Bunnymen influence. But overall it's all a bit earnest and simplistic.

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.

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

I wish I could give this 1 star but parts of it are ok. The guitar on Sunday Bloody Sunday is pretty cool. The guitar overall is alright. Bono is insufferable. music: hated. (⌐■_■)

Maybe I was in a weird mood or something but I found myself enjoying this more than I’ve enjoyed U2 in the last. Don’t know if I enjoyed it to a 3 Star level, but I know I gave the Joshua Tree a 2. So I’ll bump this, as a document of The Day I Enjoyed U2.

Solid U2, lots of fire in the belly. Not huge by any means.

Not U2s best album but still has some good hits

When metal albums come up, record on here often just mention how much they can't stand the genre. I struggle to understand what they mean. Then I get U2. A band for people with no personality. A band for people think they are into music but only listen to the most generic radio friendly, chosen by record executives garbage. A band for people who now say their favorite genre is Indy. I literally don't get what anyone sees in this trash. I did make it all the way through. But now I'm in a bad mood and have a headache.

Best Song: Sunday Bloody Sunday. A nice, simple song with a catchy, singalong chorus. This is where U2 belongs. The drums are really the star here. Worst Song: The Refugee. Bono cannot pull off the punk energy t hat this song demands. Overall: Apart from the opening track, woefully boring. The definition of safe rock. Music for malls.

Every song so far has been annoying. Did not enjoy this album 1/5

A great album. Good songs, music, lyrics.

Amazing, loved it.

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

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

alveg fínt en ég efast um að ég nenni að hlusta á þetta aftur.

Two strong singles but everything else sounded “same-y.”

I was excited for this but it's quite plodding. More foot tap than stirring. SBS and NYD save it

Enjoyed very much! 4/5

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

6.5/10 With two exceptions the songs aren't quite there yet. Highlights: Sunday Bloody Sunday New Year's Day

ничего не впечатлило

Nice

The drums stand out, not quite the dynamics of the Pixies, but have power nonetheless. The rest is preachy and hardly vital. Not for me. Is it for anyone? I really can’t tell. ‘Drowning Man,' perhaps, but even this I most likely won't have on rotation.

geprobeerd... maar helaas het heeft niet geholpen... sorry voor de fans maar dit is echt een plaat van dertien in een dozijn... jaren tachtig gezwollen muziek en teksten... dezelfde saaie stem altijd van de republiek Bono... pfff

My least favorite album in the Boy-October-War triptych isn't necessarily due to the songs themselves, but rather because of the shrill and dry production by Steve Lillywhite. And I really don't think there's enough talk about the horrible production on this album. Especially the sound of the drums sounds completely crap. I can still hardly play this album all the way through without getting a slight headache. I played this album again and what is striking - and I noticed this about other Lillywhite productions from the same period - is that the sound has a rather narrow image, flattened, tinny and shows little to no dynamics. It seems that the up-tempo songs (singles) were meant to be able to sound loud on a transistor radio on the beach of Farawayistan - a trick that DJs do use when their system is capped (due to noise pollution): turn up the highs a lot. Some decent songs on here though, with Surrender as highlight

It's never going to be my cup of tea, and sometimes it's hard to look past the outsize personality of their front man - but they evidently had something cooking here.

очень крикливо и не запомнилось :(

4 out of 5. I liked this album years ago in high school, so there's some nostalgia here.

Decent U2 album, not the era of U2 that I am a fan of, some songs lack melody in my opinion

Too punk for me, borderline metal it is. But I'm sure I'll vibe w their more toned down songs when I'm in da mood for it.

Not my favourite U2. Not awful. Just not my favourite.

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).

Eh, I like Sunday Bloody Sunday but the rest is a bit meh

A great sound to just listen to and zone out

He escuchado este disco por lo menos dos veces antes en mis intentos previos de seguir la lista y siempre llego a la misma conclusión: Un disco de Post-Punk inspirado por actos como The Cure, pero diluido hasta transformarse en una bastardización de lo que alguna vez fue. "The edge" aporta poco o nada a las pistas y ciertamente ese título no debería pertenecerle. La mejor canción de todo el LP es "Sunday Bloody Sunday". Rezo por el día en que el mundo deje de considerar a U2 como una banda buena. Sus presentaciones en vivo podrán ser buenas, pero su todos sus tracks suenan como la misma canción radial, es una pérdida de tiempo y hasta recursos. Sálteselo si quiere.

Great stuff. Drums sound heavy and snappy. Everyone brings it.

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

Still sounds fresh

Best U2 album

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

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

I just don't really get it. It's alright but nothing special. I've tried U2 many times and they just do not click with me. 😕

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

Another album I have in my collection, I think I got it around the same time as Johsua Tree was released and ended up liking it more. Then came Rattle 'n Hum and Achtung Baby and I couldn't be bothered anymore. This album has the good goth-ish post-punk whiney pop sound that I like, they didn't like what was going on and said so in an annoyed manner. Funny and naive, but also pretty and kind of interesting music. New Year's Day is the best U2 song.

It's not my taste and I would like more sounds

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.

Some good stuff at first, but peters out into the bland, average U2 fodder.

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

3.3

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!

“Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day” are pretty much as good as it gets. “Seconds” is a pretty close second. Well, third. But it's the second track, sandwiched between those icons. So an incredibly dynamic, powerful, and emotional three-track start to “War.” Kind of an early U2 staple (see “The Joshua Tree”). Like “Joshua Tree,” “War” never quite hits those heights again. Unlike “Joshua Tree,” the rest is more consistent, and still often packs that emotional punch that makes the start stand out so much.

I get excited for Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day and not much else.

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

Muy buen disco de U2. Lo que más me ha gustado de ellos, más rockero, grandes guitarras y arreglos.

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

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

U2 has always had a very unique sound. Great bass and drums with atmospheric washy guitars and awesome vocals. Good stuff!

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

#401. U2 is one of the two most overrated popular bands that I don't understand the most [along with Bon Jovi]. Why is it that people seem to like this? And then, separate from their mediocre hair salon music, they're all insufferable twats too. What is it that I'm not seeing here, surely I'm just missing something that everyone else sees. 2/5: dumb Song added to playlist: New Year's Day I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link

No staying power. Feels dated

This album was the make it, or break it, point for U2. Obviously, they made it.

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

It was ok, I’m not a massive fan of U2 trying to be political

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

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.

Fine

Wow I actually enjoyed a U2 album 3.5

the lightest 4 stars from me. Good protest music, some iconic songs are frontloaded onto here, tapers off a bit in the back.

My best friend at York (Old York) introduced me to this. Indelible memories. The pre-hat Edge, the pre-arena anthemic Bono, the driving rhythm, the pure energy was captivating, post-punk flexing its skinny little arms and staring down any attempt to marginalize it.

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

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

I still love this album. Love the raw youth and love The Edge's guitar.

I'm still not a fan of U2 but War is probably better than most of what we've had from them. Looking back at my review history I gave the other three entries 2/5 and offered some abuse of Bono in 2 of 3 reviews, I'm quite proud of that tbf, but maybe this one scrapes a 3 because it's a little more original and interesting. New Year's Day is really good, I like Two Hearts Beat As One, nothing annoyed me or turned me off as being really bad, so that's the best they can do as far as I'm concerned.

Definitely an improvement on the other U2 albums we've had, particularly the more recent one. It's less generic pop rock and has a bit more depth to it. Sunday Bloody Sunday (aside from encapsulating the frustration of a Sunday  ) is a strong opener, the rest is good but not quite as memorable as that. I think it's a comfortable 3, one that I will come back to, but not quite a 4.