U2 - Songs of Surrender (2023)
U2: The Legendary Irish Rock Band
U2 is one of the most influential rock bands in history, known for their anthemic sound, socially conscious lyrics, and electrifying live performances. Formed in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland, the band consists of Bono (vocals), The Edge (guitar, keyboards), Adam Clayton (bass), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). Over the decades, U2 has sold more than 170 million records worldwide, won 22 Grammy Awards, and left an indelible mark on rock music and culture.
Band Biography
U2 was formed when a group of teenagers at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin decided to combine their musical talents. Initially called “Feedback,” they later renamed themselves U2. Their debut album, Boy (1980), gained attention with hits like I Will Follow, but it was The Joshua Tree (1987) that propelled them to global superstardom. The band is known for blending post-punk energy with melodic rock, often integrating political and social commentary into their lyrics.
Their musical evolution spans experimental electronic sounds (Achtung Baby), arena-filling anthems (Beautiful Day), and politically charged works (War, Rattle and Hum). U2 is also recognized for their humanitarian work, especially Bono’s activism against poverty and AIDS in Africa.
Members’ Biographies
Bono (Paul David Hewson) – Lead Vocals, Primary Lyricist
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Early Life: Born May 10, 1960, in Dublin, Bono grew up in the suburb of Finglas. He lost his father at a young age, which influenced much of his reflective songwriting.
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Studies: Attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School, where he met the other band members. He later briefly studied Philosophy at Gonzaga College but focused on music full-time.
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Family: Married to Ali Hewson (née Alison Stewart) since 1982.
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Kids: Four children – Jordan, Eve, Elijah, and John Abraham.
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Fun Facts:
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His stage name “Bono” comes from the Irish phrase “Bónó Vox”, meaning “good voice.”
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He is known for always wearing sunglasses, citing light sensitivity.
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Trivia: Bono is a co-founder of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
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Did You Know: Bono has appeared in cameo roles in films like “Across the Universe” (2007) and voiced characters in animations.
The Edge (David Howell Evans) – Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
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Early Life: Born August 8, 1961, in Barking, England, moved to Dublin at age 6. His nickname comes from his "edgy" guitar style.
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Studies: Attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School. He showed early interest in sound engineering and music technology.
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Family: Married Morleigh Steinberg, a dancer and choreographer.
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Kids: Two children – Sian and Levi.
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Fun Facts:
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Known for his signature delay-heavy guitar riffs.
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Is a lifelong fan of technology and audio equipment.
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Trivia: The Edge has collaborated with artists like Mike Oldfield and Natalie Imbruglia.
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Did You Know: He co-wrote several songs for other artists and produced albums, including some for Irish singer Damien Rice.
Adam Clayton – Bass Guitar
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Early Life: Born March 13, 1960, in Chinnor, Oxfordshire, England. Moved to Dublin in his youth.
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Studies: Attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School. Known for his reserved personality and dedication to the band.
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Family: Married twice; current wife is Nadine Labaki.
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Kids: No children publicly documented.
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Fun Facts:
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Known for minimalist basslines that define U2’s sound.
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Passionate collector of classic cars and fine wines.
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Trivia: Adam has occasionally acted in films and TV shows in small roles.
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Did You Know: He has a private vineyard in Italy where he produces a small batch of wine.
Larry Mullen Jr. – Drums, Percussion
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Early Life: Born October 31, 1961, in Dublin, Larry famously posted a notice at school to recruit members for a new band, which led to U2’s formation.
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Studies: Attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School; began drumming at age 11.
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Family: Married Ann Acheson, later divorced. Married Michelle Foulon in 2011.
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Kids: Two children – daughters rooted in the US and Ireland.
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Fun Facts:
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Known for his steady, precise drumming.
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Occasionally plays percussion instruments beyond drums, like bodhrán.
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Trivia: Larry contributed to film scores, including the soundtrack for Ghostbusters II.
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Did You Know: He remains the only member to drive a van for early U2 gigs in Dublin, cementing his reputation for dedication.
Fun Facts About U2
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U2 is the only band to have won Grammys in every decade from the 1980s to 2010s.
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They have a signature stage design, famously using massive video screens and movable stages.
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Bono, The Edge, Adam, and Larry have remained friends and collaborators for over 45 years, a rare feat in rock history.
Trivia
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U2 once turned down a $100 million recording contract, insisting on artistic freedom.
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They performed during the fall of the Berlin Wall, which became iconic in music history.
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Their album Achtung Baby was recorded in Berlin during the collapse of the Berlin Wall, influencing its darker tone.
Did You Know?
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U2’s music has been featured in major movies like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “The Million Dollar Hotel”.
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Bono has a private pilot license.
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The Edge almost became a teacher before committing to U2 full-time.
U2 Discography: Albums, Hits, and Highlights
U2’s discography spans over 15 studio albums, several live albums, compilations, and countless hit singles. Their music has evolved from post-punk roots to arena rock anthems and experimental electronic sounds, consistently maintaining global influence. Below is a detailed look at their studio albums.
1. Boy (1980)
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Grossing/Sales: ~2 million copies worldwide
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Critical Ratings: 8/10 (Rolling Stone), 4/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: Nominated for Best Debut Album (various)
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Popular Tracks: I Will Follow, Out of Control, Stories for Boys
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Fun Facts:
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Produced by Steve Lillywhite.
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Explores adolescence and childhood themes.
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Trivia: The cover photo features a young Peter Rowen, who appeared in several later U2 album covers.
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Did You Know: “I Will Follow” remains a staple in U2’s live shows over 40 years later.
2. October (1981)
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Grossing/Sales: ~4 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 7/10 (Pitchfork), 3.5/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: None notable
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Popular Tracks: Gloria, Tomorrow, Fire
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Fun Facts: This album has a spiritual theme, reflecting Bono’s interest in Christianity at the time.
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Trivia: The band went on tour in support of this album while dealing with personal and spiritual questions.
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Did You Know: The Edge almost left the band during recording due to creative differences.
3. War (1983)
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Grossing/Sales: ~12 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 9/10 (Rolling Stone), 4.5/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: NME Album of the Year (1983)
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Popular Tracks: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year’s Day, Two Hearts Beat As One
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Fun Facts: U2 became politically outspoken with anti-war messages.
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Trivia: “Sunday Bloody Sunday” is about the 1972 Bloody Sunday incident in Northern Ireland.
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Did You Know: The album’s red cover symbolizes the blood of conflict and struggle.
4. The Unforgettable Fire (1984)
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Grossing/Sales: ~10 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 8.5/10 (Rolling Stone), 4/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance
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Popular Tracks: Pride (In the Name of Love), The Unforgettable Fire, Bad
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Fun Facts: Produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, marking a more atmospheric sound.
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Trivia: Inspired by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings and civil rights themes.
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Did You Know: “Bad” became legendary for Bono’s spontaneous live performances, especially at Live Aid.
5. The Joshua Tree (1987)
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Grossing/Sales: ~25 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 10/10 (Rolling Stone), 5/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: 3 Grammy Awards including Album of the Year
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Popular Tracks: With or Without You, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Where the Streets Have No Name
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Fun Facts: Considered their breakthrough international album.
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Trivia: The album explores American landscapes, both literal and symbolic.
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Did You Know: U2’s iconic desert photography for the cover was shot in Joshua Tree National Park, California.
6. Rattle and Hum (1988)
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Grossing/Sales: ~14 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 7/10 (Rolling Stone), 4/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: Grammy for Best Rock Performance by Duo/Group
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Popular Tracks: Desire, Angel of Harlem, All Along the Watchtower
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Fun Facts: Half studio album, half live recordings from the Joshua Tree tour.
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Trivia: Featured collaborations with B.B. King and Bob Dylan.
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Did You Know: The album included the cover of Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”, which became a live favorite.
7. Achtung Baby (1991)
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Grossing/Sales: ~18 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 9.5/10 (Rolling Stone), 5/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: Grammy for Best Rock Performance, multiple nominations
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Popular Tracks: One, Mysterious Ways, The Fly
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Fun Facts: Recorded in Berlin during the fall of the Wall, reflecting a darker, more experimental sound.
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Trivia: Marked a reinvention of U2’s style, with electronic influences and industrial sounds.
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Did You Know: The song One was originally intended as a break-up song between Bono and The Edge.
8. Zooropa (1993)
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Grossing/Sales: ~7 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 8/10 (Pitchfork), 4/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album
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Popular Tracks: Numb, Lemon, Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
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Fun Facts: Heavily influenced by electronic dance music and European club culture.
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Trivia: The album cover reflects digital and pop art aesthetics.
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Did You Know: Zooropa was followed by the massive Zoo TV Tour, known for multimedia spectacle.
9. Pop (1997)
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Grossing/Sales: ~5 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 6.5/10 (Rolling Stone), 3.5/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: None major, though nominated for Best Rock Album Grammy
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Popular Tracks: Discothèque, Staring at the Sun, Please
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Fun Facts: Merged electronic, techno, and alternative rock.
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Trivia: Critically divisive at the time, but now considered ahead of its era.
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Did You Know: The band struggled with touring injuries and exhaustion during the PopMart Tour.
10. All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000)
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Grossing/Sales: ~12 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 9/10 (Rolling Stone), 5/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: 7 Grammy Awards including Album of the Year
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Popular Tracks: Beautiful Day, Walk On, Elevation
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Fun Facts: Marked a return to classic U2 sound, less experimental than the 90s albums.
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Trivia: The song Beautiful Day became one of U2’s signature hits.
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Did You Know: Bono wrote Walk On in tribute to Burmese activist Aung San Suu Kyi.
11. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004)
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Grossing/Sales: ~10 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 8.5/10 (Rolling Stone), 4.5/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: 8 Grammy Awards including Album of the Year
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Popular Tracks: Vertigo, City of Blinding Lights, Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own
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Fun Facts: Produced by Steve Lillywhite, Chris Thomas, and Brian Eno.
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Trivia: The album won multiple MTV Video Music Awards.
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Did You Know: Vertigo was first performed live at the 2004 Grammys.
12. No Line on the Horizon (2009)
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Grossing/Sales: ~5 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 7/10 (AllMusic), 3.5/5 stars (Pitchfork)
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Awards: None major
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Popular Tracks: Get on Your Boots, Magnificent, Moment of Surrender
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Fun Facts: The album features Middle Eastern musical influences.
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Trivia: Inspired by trips to Morocco and Fez.
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Did You Know: The band wrote over 50 songs but selected only 11 for the album.
13. Songs of Innocence (2014)
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Grossing/Sales: ~4 million copies (controversially released via iTunes)
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Critical Ratings: 7/10 (Rolling Stone), 3.5/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: Nominated for Grammy Album of the Year
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Popular Tracks: The Miracle (of Joey Ramone), Every Breaking Wave
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Fun Facts: Released for free to all iTunes users, sparking controversy.
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Trivia: The album is a reflection of Bono and The Edge’s youth in Dublin.
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Did You Know: The band initially struggled with backlash from fans who didn’t want a forced download.
14. Songs of Experience (2017)
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Grossing/Sales: ~3 million copies
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Critical Ratings: 7.5/10 (Rolling Stone), 4/5 stars (AllMusic)
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Awards: Nominated for Best Rock Album Grammy
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Popular Tracks: You’re the Best Thing About Me, Get Out of Your Own Way
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Fun Facts: Paired conceptually with Songs of Innocence, exploring maturity and reflection.
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Trivia: Bono wrote many lyrics while recovering from serious illness in 2014.
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Did You Know: The album includes collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga.
15. U2 Songs of Tomorrow?
(Pending any future release, currently 2026 no official album after 2017.)
Fun Facts About U2’s Discography
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The band has sold over 170 million albums worldwide.
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U2 has had more than 50 singles chart in multiple countries.
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They often re-record older songs for live tours with new arrangements.
Trivia
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The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby are frequently ranked in Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Albums”.
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The band is known for experimenting with sound and themes each decade, from political protest to electronic experimentation.
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Their albums often reflect social issues, from Northern Ireland conflict to global human rights.
Did You Know?
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U2 is the only band to win Grammys in four consecutive decades.
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Their experimental 90s era (Zooropa, Pop) influenced bands like Radiohead and Coldplay.
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Songs from The Joshua Tree have been used in major films, TV shows, and video games consistently.
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