First Time Hearing U2 - “New Year's Day” Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@metalmark1214]

Probably my favorite U2 song. The lyrics refer to the movement for solidarity lead by Lech Walesa in Poland. After this was recorded, Poland announced they would abolish martial law, coincidentally on New Year's Day, 1983

[@DavidSmith-wd4mx]

Early U2 was absolutely amazing. Loved their rawness!

[@purplebeard1526]

Agreed, when achtung baby & zooropa hit I checked out...

[@dj-um7el]

Same!!!

[@paulb4604]

One of the first U2 songs most of us ever heard and it made us all take notice that here was a rock group that had a political message and wasn't afraid to shout it from the rooftops.

[@pablogaeta3815]

you should see a live version of this with Edge playing piano, guitar and doing the backing vocals at the same time. Oh, and just being totally chill about it. "don't mind me"

[@WilliamCooper-l6f]

I drove equipment for U2 on two concert tours and they always had the biggest crowds and often had to do several days at each city, just to give their fans a chance to attend their concerts.

[@surlechapeau]

Asia & BJ, you'll love their "Pride (In The Name Of Love)", "Two Hearts Beat As One" and "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"!!!!

[@mneugent7658]

All great songs. My favorite is the live version of Bad, from Wide Awake In America.

[@firstjohn3123]

And "Sunday, Bloody Sunday"...yep.

[@VidiotSavante]

This is considered New Wave and I'll never forget how much I enjoyed it the first time I heard it! I also remember thinking just how great it was to be alive at the birth of a new musical genre and getting to experience great bands like U2, The Cars, Blondie, Devo, Talking Heads, The Fixx, INXS, Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Greg Kihn Band and many others!

[@DavidSmith-wd4mx]

You forgot Simple Minds! Big influence on U2's development.

[@VidiotSavante]

@@DavidSmith-wd4mx Yes, how could I forget the group that did "Don't You Forget About Me"? LOL! 😎

[@MrDiddyDee]

@@DavidSmith-wd4mx I hear a lot of similarities with contemporary band Echo and The Bunnymen, particularly Will Sergeant's and The Edge's very rhythmic based guitar styles and keeping any lead breaks simple and melodic, and the way the band's production became more and more expansive with each album, creating epic soundscapes. Ian McCulloch and Bono also both liked to improvise live and weave short lines from favourite classic pop and rock hits into their own songs.

[@cla9085]

@@DavidSmith-wd4mx Remember Promised You A Miracle by Simple Minds? One of my favorites New Wave jams.

[@brucebrewer36]

U2, Big Country, and The Alarm. They were my soundtrack during this time period. I'm 52 and still listening!

[@sirkat344]

Ah, the Alarm. Loved those guys. Still have their CDs as well as U2. Great stuff!

[@brucebrewer36]

@@sirkat344 Give Big Country's debut album The Crossing, a listen. One of the best debuts of the 80s.

[@traherne6726]

Me too, I saw U2 live, amazing.

[@willfromyadkinville]

you have a great taste in music! still got my albums!

[@whotrek]

I went to the war tour in Tulsa and the Alarm opened for U2. I never have been able to see Big Country but I love them too.

[@Astons_Martin]

Pride (in the name of love) is a real gem!!🥰

[@VICTOR-uj1xn]

This Raw haunting Melody especially the piano is Amazing... LIVE AT RED ROCKS WAS AWESOME!!

[@dastan4637]

"Beautiful day" is worth to listen

[@adiarainfoster]

U2 was always ahead of their time and the rest of us were running to catch up. They developed a 90's sound before the 90's knew where it was going. There was nothing like them at all during the 80's. Greatest band ever.

[@blitztim6416]

This is off their third album which is called WAR. On their first album the singer is listed as Bono Vox, which means Good Voice in Latin. Forever known as Bono, rhythms with mono, he's real name is Paul Hewson. Love this song. Probably my favorite U2 song. Epic song.

[@aleksanderfinstad5785]

U2 start it as Punk-Rock band in Irland in late 1970s, to their changs theie sound to New Way Rock band true the 1980s. And rest are history for U2 to end as classic Stadium-Rock band from late 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and later...

[@thefunplace4269]

U2 has a unique sound. That bass guitar is the icing on the cake.

[@CdnTrader1]

This whole album is classic. An album reaction is appropriate. It is a dive into social issues, the Cold War, politics, and religion.

[@RicoBurghFan]

Totally agree! I also love Achtung Baby, such a perfect blend of grinding songs and awesome ballads. I think this is when U2 reached a peak of creativity.

[@loadedorygun]

This and unforgettable fire was their peak imo

[@jamesdavison2927]

@@RicoBurghFan my fave U2 SONG is "where the streets have no name"off the Joshua Tree, BUT my favorite ALBUM by my all time favorite band is Achtung Baby---- "Listenability" is why I can listen to the whole album start to finish and not skip one song AB FOREVER U2 FOREVER

[@herecomesaregular8418]

@@loadedorygun I always view War and Unforgettable Fire as companion albums, and they are the peak if U2. Everything else, yes even including Joshua Tree, were just not as brilliant. Certainly everything after Joshua Tree well...I gave up on U2 lol.

[@aks4204]

U-2 is 100% amazing! So many great songs. Saw them 3 or 4 times in concert! You get such a uplifting feeling being there, and watching them perform. They are also amazing humanitarians. Bono has raised millions , & millions for countries in need. They are unbelievable!

[@jens2049]

Bono is an amazing amazing vocalist

[@peterwalsh2470]

This is my fave U2 song. "The Edge" (who is the guitarist in U2) was one of the first to make use of delay foot pedals in the creative way that he does, using multiple and overlapping echos that gives them their big sound, and also using delay effects over quickly "chopping" or "damping" the harmonics on the guitar. there is also delay and echo effects on the piano that adds to the atmosphere.

[@dparch]

my favorite too! Edge has that guitar spittin' n growlin' along with Bono's raw vocals, this a hard driving rock tune that was the best of the 1980's in my opinion. Sadly, there are almost no reactions to this tune, and I don't know why!

[@peterwalsh2470]

@@dparch I know right?

[@raeann63]

"new years day" was from U2's 3rd album WAR, released in 1983. at the time, most pop music (especially from the UK and europe) was heavy on synths and keyboards. U2 stood out as one of the few bands producing straight-forward, guitar rock. their roots are post-punk but their songs are incredibly melodic. by this 3rd album bono's lyrics and their themes were more political and societally focused and driven. the power and passion of his vocals made this song anthemic. the reason you think their music is modern is because it is well structured and timeless. and bono (pronounced BAH no) is his stage name developed from a childhood nickname. he was born paul hewson. the signature stacatto guitar sound you're enjoying is by their guitarist born dave evans but known as the edge. early (1980 - 1985) U2 is my FAVOURITE ❤

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

Early U2 is the best U2 🙏🏽✌🏽🌎🌍🌏⚽️🏆🇦🇷♥️

[@jennhurl]

I play this song every January 1st religiously! It's non negotiable!

[@msmrsro]

Prog rock was very much 70s. U2 started in very late 70s as teens from Ireland and were quite big in the 80s and 90s. Same members throughout. Lots of social messages in much of their music. The lead singer, Bono, is quite the humanitarian.

[@bminturn]

The song makes a lot more sense if you're familiar with Soviet-era Poland. I've always thought of this as written from the perspective of Lech Welesa, the leader of Poland's labor movement, "Solidarity". It's like a letter to his wife written from prison. I know that this isn't a new take, but just some context.

[@jackh1672]

B.B. King and U2 Live.! When Love Comes To Town. BB requested Bono to write him a song ...and this it ! Dual admiration as Bono Admired BB since a kid.

[@Mackey1891]

You need to check out "All I Want Is You/Where The Streets Have No Name", live from Slane Castle. The ultimate U2-Experience and the greatest transition ever with Bonos voice cracking the sky as he sings to his father who passed just before that concert.

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Their sound really was punk and post punk that was very introspective and using straight voices and instruments without a lot of production value added in. So their sound really resonates and doesn’t really have a dated sound like some songs do.

[@loadedorygun]

This is the U2 I love. Political, quasi religious, and you can just hear the Dublin and Irish identity running through it. Once they became global superstars they kind of lost their edge and speaking of edge, he has a couple really brilliant defining sounds (which is why stuff like this slays), but after that…

[@relevantbrother8964]

Great reaction. This song live has a pulsating bass line. The Edge plays piano and the guitar on this. I'm not the hugest U2 fan but they're incomparable live and have been the biggest rock/rock and roll band in the world for over 3 decades now. Their Joshua Tree Album must be in the top.10 rock albums of all time.

[@jacquelineross7231]

This was released in 83. And in CA it was played on Alternative stations. Great band and very political and social issues and the Northern Irish struggle

[@richardmtl]

My favorite U2 song

[@keylimekisses]

Sunday Bloody Sunday at Red Rocks amphitheater will never forget the first time hearing it and even more the meaning of the song. I believe it came out in 1982 or 83 but dang good song!

[@jackndan6603]

Nice, love Edge back up vocals!😃🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@danreed5171]

FUCKIN YEA!!!! Finally some U2 MORE PLEASE

[@forakermm]

It’s a tradition to play this song every January 1st. Arms entwined that shows their view….

[@RKSidd]

One of my favourites by U2...it's a political song about the Solidarity movement in Poland which was in the news during the 80's.

[@danreed5171]

U2 should be played everyday'''''

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

This is post-punk, which started in the early 80s. Prog rock was big in the 70s

[@kennethkearney116]

"one tree hill" is a super cool song! You should listen! Even if you don't do a reaction video for it!

[@cindyanthony7947]

Bullet the blue sky...excellent U2.

[@WednesdaysDragon]

Instant subscription! 🔥🔥🔥 Time well spent with both of you! Thank you! Greetings from Ohio!

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

Early U2 was AWESOME!! Irish band 🍀

[@sarablack2547]

His real name is Paul hewson but his stage name is bono vox.Bono Vox" is an alteration of Bonavox, which was the name of a hearing aid shop in Dublin. The name derives from the Latin phrase for "good voice". The nickname was given by Guggi; Bono initially disliked it but after learning of its translation, he accepted it. This was the first U2 songs I heard it was before they found their style with bono having an 80's hair do.

[@fairydust-weepthewildwinds]

Hello again, Love U2, they were a new upcoming BAND when I first saw them at the US FESTIVAL 1983, along with other upcoming BANDS such as INXS….It was a 3 Day Concert with OZZY OSBORNE, STEVIE NICKS , Motley CRÜE, DAVID BOWIE, Sooo many including VAN HALEN too many 👍🏽. U2 movie called RATTLE and HUM check it out YOU WILL ENJOY IT 💙👍🏽✨🎶🧚🏽🧚🏽‍♂️

[@johnsrensen3366]

Great song in a time of war ✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️

[@timothybush9633]

Hi Asia & BJ, I'm Irish and of course U2 is my favorite group😁 The meaning changes but it's refer to the persecuted leader of the Polish Solidarity Movement Lech Walesa the song is from 1983

[@faisaldossa6815]

Listen to this song every year 30 years and counting on New Year’s Day.. So many good songs from this group.. Name is Just Bono no first name.. Songs famous by them . Until the end of the world with or without you, Bullet in a blue sky Still haven’t found what I am looking for. One, Where the streets have no name Mysterious ways. Bad. Beautiful day Pride in the name of love Vertigo Elevation Walk on Desire Hope you check them out.. lots of songs since 1976 They have amazing songs!

[@williamwoods7374]

Actually it began as Bono Vox, but he shortened it.

[@Agg1E91]

@@williamwoods7374 And before that, it was Paul Hewson.

[@SG-js2qn]

U2's a big band. Maybe not quite as big as the Beatles, but in their heyday U2 ruled.

[@Chevy11]

Progressive rock started in around the mid 60’s. U2 was doing a style others weren’t at their time so I guess it would be prog rock.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

My fave U2 song! ♥

[@brentravnsborg2782]

U2 is one one those groups that make you really listen to the lyrics of a song, when they came on the music scene in 1980 they took the world by storm. their music has always had a very much of a sociatal content to it. you are on it BJ. keep on truckin guys

[@pcariola1]

U2 is best live. Amazing energy live. One of the best live bands of the last 50 years

[@erlstone]

from a classic album.. their punk-new wave origins/roots.. great bass and drums

[@SEANBANOG4]

so many good songs from U2 especially the early stuff....unforgetable fire, Pride, "Stay faraway so close" is a personal favouite , just a beautifull song

[@michaelrush3403]

Saw them on the first tour as an opening act, they were awesome.

[@clintcalvert9250]

One of the best U2 songs

[@salemslotandmore8278]

GREAT Song, Merry Christmas and have a Happy & Healthy NEW YEAR. Thank You for all of the Hard Work that goes into making ALL of these GREAT Videos 😀

[@seanwoods4883]

The guitarist The Edge. His style is so influential. A U2 fan can hear it in so much pop music.

[@pdog547]

This is from 1983 - at the time it was very different.

[@tscully1504]

They were really good musically and vocally inthose early days. My favorite song by them.

[@vicprovost2561]

Great song, for some amazing live footage from that era of U2 you should see them at Red Rocks in 1984. They are on point and staking a claim to being a great new band. For some of their stadium triumphs try either Bullet the Blue Sky or Until the End of the World, they were unreal in Paris 2015 and back on the Zoo TV tour in the early 90s. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@msmrsro]

Had the album on vinyl back in the day. Classic.

[@quincee3376]

My favourite U2 song. Great reaction!

[@loadedorygun]

their live concert at red rocks in CO around this time is magical tho. Once night falls bono takes over the stage like Freddie at live aid, no joke.

[@keithosmond5730]

I found a lot of their early studio stuff a bit too stiff and "tinny" in the mix - but the versions on Under a Blood Red Sky, recorded at Red Rocks, really brought those songs to life!

[@loadedorygun]

@@keithosmond5730 agreed, boy and October suffer from production but the songs are good

[@MARKB3946]

This is a 🔥song.

[@bostonvair]

I love early U2. From this era, you should try "Gloria" (there are a few rock songs named Gloria, not to confuse this one with others). Lead vocalist's name is just Bono (one of those one-name artists), pronounced with the first "O" short like rhymes with guano.

[@joelliebler5690]

A classic new wave rock sound. Progressive rock started in the late 1960’s often times given credit to King Crimson as the first band to perform consistently in that style.YES was considered Progressive rock back in their early days from 1968 to 1980! Everyone knows him by z just Bono and the Guitar player is called Edge.

[@zigman63]

U2 at their best.

[@johneppo4133]

Maybe the greatest band out of Ireland. He's known as just Bono and the guitarist is known as The Edge. They started in the late 70s.

[@frauleinmona]

Hey Asia and BJ! BJ, U2 is considered Alternative Rock. Progressive Rock was from the 70s and Alternative Rock didn't come around until the 80s. And yes, you were right, this is earlier U2 music. This song was from 1983. And I love that you liked the piano segment! I'm a piano player and when you mentioned that I spoke out loud and said, "Hey! You got good taste BJ!" . 😁 Oh, and you were right the second time with the pronunciation of Bono's name. It's "Bon-o" not "Bone-o". I'm sorry, I've spoken so much about BJ and I haven't said anything about Asia! I guess BJ just had a lot more questions that needed to be addressed. Love you Asia! Just so you know, I am *always* mesmerized by your flawless beauty and your endearing charm! You guys are my favorite channel!😊💖😽🍀

[@martinstubbs7974]

Solid Celtic rock. One of the best bands of all time. You might want to give "Bad" a listen. Great reaction guys. Thank you and best wishes from the UK.

[@xBlackout718x]

Fitting! U2 is receiving the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors next week.

[@perryedwards4746]

Prog rock are usally very big songs and complicated.. U2 are a very good pop rock band with serious points a bit like tears for fears and Kasabian

[@pkleo73]

i was waiting for BJ to say Sonny Bono. he almost did a few times. I was crackin up. I like U2, especially theyre older stuff. This early stuff is just so good. and reminds me of a very distinct sound of that time period. and a very distinct point in time in my life. just brings such great memories. Thnx guys!

[@keithosmond5730]

Bono (pronounced Bahn-o) is the stage name for Paul David Hewson - and early on, it was Bono Vox - Latin for Good Voice.

[@Makai77]

There's a deep cut on the Joshua Tree album called "One Tree Hill" Deep, heavy lyrics i.e. "I don't believe In painted roses Or bleeding hearts While bullets Rape the night Of the merciful, ah I'll see you again When the stars Fall from the sky And the moon Has turned red Over One Tree Hill"

[@randomperson-dy6kj]

Loving the new thumbnail photos, y’all crack me up. Love U2, also.

[@davidwalker683]

Great band.. Have you guys done -with or without you, all I want is you, unforgettable fire, bad… those are all some great ones to get to by u2

[@petercourtien4581]

Love the piano in this song too. I could listen to this song over and over. ❤

[@danreed5171]

try U2 ' Magnificent' YOU WILL DIG IT

[@hankarmentrout6697]

I’m not big into U2. But this is my favorite song by them so off to a blazing start

[@bobbugwithoneeyeskingiskin8974]

This sound is New Wave/Post Punk influenced!

[@kylewoolsey6635]

So glad I grew up with this incredible music. It (New Years Day and all albums Boy - The Unforgettable Fire) still sounds amazing in ways that later U2 does not. That intro still gives me chills, and I love Edge's solo. Btw, Bono Vox was his stage name. Paul Hewson is his actual name.

[@robinnelson1248]

Love this song. This has always been my fav from U2

[@terrence6041]

You two is a band from Ireland and I always thought he was a witch the lead singer is actually in the occult that is what I believe in my heart if you listen to the lyrics of his songs they flow with that jive open your ears open your heart open your eyes and mind to what the message is

[@fredvelez7703]

If you see this song live Edge (the guitarist) plays the keyboard and guitar at the same time! This is early U2. Great reaction guys, genuine. BJ is on it about Bono being a unique voice. He's one of the biggest of all Frontman for a Rock Band!!!

[@kh2099-z5f]

This is such a good song!

[@SupernalOne]

you would like their song "A Sort of Homecoming" -- I like to sing it but I always tear up

[@Doggeslife]

1982 on MTV was the first time I saw or heard of them. Amazing days. The best progressive bands like Yes, Genesis and Jethro Tull for example actually started in the late 1960s. The 80s is when "New Wave" rock became popular.

[@daniellesedore2359]

U2 are my favourite band, wish you could have played the official video. Please check out their full performance at Live Aid ✌️his name is Paul Hewson but Bono is the name he goes by.

[@teamdata]

Progressive rock began in the late 60s with bands like King Crimson, Genesis, and Yes.

[@mr.e8432]

This is when U2 was the bomb. Their first 4,5 albums are their best by far.

[@seanwoods4883]

I consider this album to be the first step towards "emo revolution "

[@vincentharris7854]

Bono is a stage name. Short for Bono Vox which means good voice? His real name is Paul Hewson. U2 might be considered "Post-Punk". They sort of bridge late 70s New Wave & late 80s alternative. Progressive is an offshoot of 60s Psychedelic (Beatles "Strawberry Fields Forever", Beach Boys "Good Vibrations", etc.) Like Psychedelic, Prog attempts to expand the limits of rock music regarding song-structure, musicianship, production, poetry & lyrical themes. Typical examples of Progressive are Pink Floyd, Yes, Rush, early Genesis & Tool

[@OldSkoolDad23]

In 2001 got married.U2@MSG the next night.U2-All I Want is You live in Milan✌🏻❤️

[@HarborKat]

So many great songs across so many albums. I still listen to my vinyl copy of “Boy” , the European release which has subtle differences.

[@jax4538]

So glad you guys are doing lyric vids. T you get the real feel for what the artist wanted to get across through the music and poetry. The other videos are what the video director wanted to push. As always, great comments. You guys always make my day :) wishing you the best of the holidays and a grand new Years Day from snowy New England.

[@bobschenkel7921]

The Lead Singer's full stage name is Bono Vox, but his real name is Paul Hewson, the Guitarist stage name is The Edge, and his real name is Dave Edmonds, the Bassist is Adam Clayton and the Drummer is Larry Mullen, Jr, they don't have stage names.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Oops, The Edge's real name is Dave EVANS, not Edmonds.

[@sonofthesea3298]

My favourite song by them alongside the far more known Where The Streets Have No Name,and the less known Lemon. I feel like New Years Day sounds even better live,as Adam Clayton jr that rocks the bass,really slaps that thing live,giving the song some extra punch. And its amazing to see how effortlessly The Edge plays keyboard and guitar on the same song,without skipping a beat. Its funny,i grew up being a massive U2 supporter,while my mom didnt like them that much,she was more into INXS. But it would turn out,the both of us got the other far more interested in the other band. Mom especially when i educated her in how close U2 and INXS were and still is. And when i just played her U2 songs she hadnt heard before. She just didnt give them a good enough chance. And i needed to dive deeper into INXS`s musical library too. And just days after Michaels passing (lead vocalist in INXS),Bono stood on the stage in Mexico City and dedicated ONE (slightly re-written for the occasion) to Michael. That surely won mom over,when i played her that entire concert on VHS. Bonos name btw is Paul David Hewson.

[@sjoekiloeki]

You just listened to the album version ( best version in my opinion) . New Years Day is from their third big album 'WAR' and came out in 1983. It's an early U2 classic and still one of their best songs in my opinion also.