WOAH!| FIRST TIME HEARING U2 - New Years Eve REACTION

[@reznik232]

I really miss the old U2. A lot. The Unforgettable Fire is still one of my all time favourite songs! ☺️

[@hedgewitchherbarium]

Agreed - that whole album is awesome! I also loved one of their first singles - "Gloria"

[@NYlivinginTN]

We're just getting older. I miss them too.

[@reznik232]

@Carolina Fantaccini It's one of those rare songs that I can listen to with eyes closed and just get swept away to another time and place. Sheer magic!

[@LiberalsArePoop]

It was all downhill after Joshua Tree.

[@Pomdownuder]

Agreed all the comments here, I think they went too commercial, lost their unique "lads having fun" feel.

[@anthonyblakely399]

U2 came before The Cure. After The Kinks. U2 is always address social issues. This song is about "War. "

[@jeremygray1331]

U2 has not had the warmest welcome in the reaction world and I’m mystified. The band is terrific with some amazing songs and hugely influential. And the Edge’s ringing guitar is unmistakable. And they are spectacular live.

[@petercourtien4581]

I don’t get it either. I guess many people don’t hear the magic and spirituality that I do.🤷‍♂️❤️

[@gotham61]

I think it comes from when Bono became deeply involved in geopolitical activism, and being touted as the savior of the free world. The egotism got to be a bit too much.

[@jomojojo6603]

I'm pretty sure it's because U2 is one of those bands that needs to be listened to in chronological order so you grow with them. Otherwise, you don't get it nor feel it.

[@TruthIsNotTemporary]

@@gotham61 Exactly

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

The Edge 🎸👌🏽

[@superdave577]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the greatest U2 song period. The whole album War is fantastic!

[@gdog3finally]

Speaking of the War Album, Drowning Man is so underrated.

[@theskinnywhitedad4143]

100%

[@HypeIsHereMedia]

Couldn't agree more!

[@drdr76]

It has often been said and I agree, "U2 is the band of the eighties"

[@NS-ie2ld]

Their biggest influence was probably The Clash, who were the first band U2/ Bono had seen in concert. Even Bono admitted without The Clash, there wouldn’t have been a U2.

[@jamesrobertson2361]

Their early music was heavily influenced by the troubles in Ireland. When it came out it hit like a ton of bricks. It was not just music it was Art.

[@J-Loe]

With time and, especially in the states, people forget just how crazy that period was.

[@Dragonsinger71]

You're so right! People in this country too easily forget that Ireland has been a sharply contested country for a very long time. The Irish have endured much at the hands of others and are still here. However many emigrated to the U.S. in order to survive. As someone one quarter Irish I can comprehend and commiserate with those feelings. Moreover, like so many immigrants, the Irish were hardly welcomed here with open arms. They were forced to embrace hardships, take the worst, most menial jobs available just to survive. In Ireland, those kinds of repressions continued in their issues with the British, which led to unfortunate massacres, the rise of resistance groups and political parties like the IRA. All of that, including what the Irish encountered here, informed U2's music. I say that because it led to them exploring the U.S. while touring here and going on to produce the "Joshua Tree" album.

[@bluelionvintage8134]

@@Dragonsinger71 came here to say the same, but nowhere near as eloquently. Thanks for explaining it so well to many folks who weren't around to hear about it back then on the nightly news

[@xzonia1]

So well said! It is Art.

[@payleighsteele1540]

All the car bombings on the news when I was a kid… :(

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Came out in 1983 the song is about Lech Walesa leader of Polish Solidarity movement an anti authoritarian anti communist social,movement using methods of civil resistance to advance causes of workers.Walesa who would later receive the Nobel Peace prize,challenged the oppressive rule of the Polish Communist government, he and others were persecuted and put in jail in 1981 when their movement was outlawed. Immediately after U2 recorded what would be their first international hit,Martial law was lifted on New Years Day

[@concettaworkman5895]

They made the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and they called them, "The Band of the 80's." 1985. I saw them in Detroit on the Unforgettable Fire Tour. Wonderful.

[@loadedorygun]

the piano sounds like orchestral pipes with all the reverb and echo. That’s what always strikes me with this one, the very deliberate plunking of that piano. And the driving bass of course.

[@bazzer124]

I always give the Edge credit for being such a subtle, yet impacting guitarist completing U2's sound. Cheers....

[@louisb5563]

DEFINITELY! You said it in one, Bang On!

[@spritelylad]

People say he wasn't that technical, maybe he wasn't. But inovative and and creative definitely!

[@btgiv6009]

HIs guitar is amazing, but where Edge is really underappreciated is on his backing vocals. That high, clear sound compliments Bono's voice so well. On the chorus of "New Year's Day", Edge's voice is as important as any of the instruments and gives the chorus a soaring, hopeful, almost ethereal undertone.

[@gotham61]

His sound was heavily influenced by Keith Levene from Public Image Ltd. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r52ydHyGapmDf7M

[@thisnicelady]

His sound is so unmistakeable. You can always tell it's him, even early on.

[@jay-bt2lu]

one of my favorite U2 songs along with Unforgettable Fire. i know you guys like 'pop' U2, which is their newer stuff, but this is quintessential U2. no bells, no whistles. stripped down, raw. you need to go down this rabbit hole of older U2. great observation by jay. the kinks were the first wave of british bands. the cure changed the game in the 80s. There's so much of the cure you dont even know. songs like 'a forest', 'the walk', 'the love cats', 'boys dont cry','fascination street',' inbetween days','pictures of you'. back to U2, you need to stay in their 80s time to see their progression.

[@vetti2u]

FYI: Re: Jay's comment about U2 reminding him of The Cure, both bands released their first albums within a year of each other - The Cure in May 1979 & U2 in October 1980. So they were obviously contemporaries.

[@benoitrenaud519]

This is my favorite U2 song. The minor mode and the sharp arrangement, the emotional depth and compelling lyrics.

[@benoitrenaud519]

And that piano melody!

[@dianetaylor841]

Mine too!!

[@Chris.Davis.2]

Pure classic

[@gamingwithchildren6401]

Watch the Battle of the Bulge video set to this song. Amazing.

[@jvandervest2578]

Same!

[@bradsullivan2495]

This was from the early 1980's. Our cable system finally added MTV in April 1983 and this was one of the first I saw on the channel. Next U2 song, their last hit from about 20 years ago: "Vertigo"

[@paulwagner688]

This album (War) and The Unforgettable Fire were the albums that put U2 into worldwide renown. THESE were what made U2. You talk about their later stuff, but THIS is what U2 were all about.

[@Pait728]

The Red Rocks performance is an absolute classic.

[@jens2049]

Yup

[@rodericklawley2846]

100%

[@watchmanschannelofdespair]

Agreed.

[@KingsFanForever]

I 100% agree! War and The Unforgettable Fire are U2's BEST two albums imo :)

[@Brooklynricansoul]

I was 14 yrs old when MTV came out in 1981 first time I heard U2 beautiful time for all type of musician's to come out on video's perfect time to be a teen

[@Pait728]

There's a reason U2 was one of the biggest bands of the 80's.

[@jamiedianne6778]

This is one of my favorite U2 songs of all time. ❤️

[@stevehamilton8824]

One of the best songs ever written. Early U2 is amazing! These early songs always had something poignant to express when they sing. Their songs taught a generation about the world's plight that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. They sing songs that are socially conscious and make you think about more than just yourself but also makes you angry at what we do. It is emotional, but it is necessary. Understanding that U2 are Irish and at the time that they came from there was decades of violence and war happening in their country. They group up knowing the hardships of this life, watching people die unnecessarily. Their music & lyrics are derived from this world that they know. As they became a huge band their music took on a different feel, more upbeat and light hearted sounds, but their lyrics made statements. Back in the 80's it was the time of the Cold War, Reagan/Thatcher governments and monied interests. The sounds from many bands back then were ominous and dark for good reason. Music during the 80's was amazing for its ability to help a generation escape so much shit. Music & MTV taught us about the world and what was happening in it. This is why BAND AID, LIVE AID and WE ARE THE WORLD were so huge. People wanted to feel again. They wanted to be a community. We had enough of being set adrift on a selfish exploration. U2 and many other bands R.E.M, Depeche Mode and many others slapped us back into reality. It wasn't all be disco and dancing. The 70's was a big party, the 80's was the hangover.

[@CourtneyEvans]

So well said and true. Bravo!

[@drumvc8060]

U2 and the Cure were of the same era, releasing debut albums in 1980, and 1979 respectively. U2 were categorised with other 80’s bands Simple Minds, Big Country, and The Alarm - all of whom you should give a listen.

[@danmitchell9808]

I was stationed in Germany 🇩🇪 when this song hit the charts. ❤ U2

[@dugdoll3295]

I Met Bono and Larry in my hometown of Madison in Wisconsin USA a day before their concert at the UW Stadium in 1992.They were open and friendly. A great memory

[@LaptopLarry330]

The Cure was formed in 1976, and U2 was formed in 1979. Both bands are still active today.

[@PlumbPitiful]

U2 was also formed in 1976 when they were all in high school.

[@brendaclark8344]

U2 did a song with BB King, "When Loves Comes to Town" that is killer. Well worth your time.

[@sergiorenatojornalista4617]

This is from the same album with "Sunday Bloody Sunday", which is called 'War', released in1983.

[@surlechapeau]

Jay/Amber, 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"!!! edit- Amber you are spot on!! Initially it was a love song from Bono to his wife, then reshaped and inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement.

[@louisb5563]

Thx for that request, I 2nd that motion!!!!

[@danrumble74]

I like 'bullet the blue sky' in that same vein as well 🙂👍

[@louisb5563]

@@danrumble74 oh man.. love the bass on that one! Of course not to mention the BEASTLY drums, Edge's guitar and Bono's surreal voice...ah yeah, the whole song is monster!

[@fredtello]

Yawn....

[@danrumble74]

@@fredtello Who are you into? Pitbull? Lil' Wayne? Billie Eyelash? BTS? 😂

[@timmaples5734]

"I still haven't found what I'm looking for" is one you need to do, a long with "where the streets have no name" "Angel of Harlem" "With or without you" "When love comes to town" "Beautiful Day" so many more....

[@tobiassabot5851]

U2 is an iconic band. I was a teen when their Joshua tree album was released in the late eighties and MTV had them on heavy rotation. If you haven't done this song by them yet I recommend "With or Without You." It is a musical tour de force.

[@louisb5563]

That song was just now going through my mind!

[@xzonia1]

Great recommendation!

[@alanstrom2221]

THE JOSHUA TREE WAS SUCH A LAME ALBUM IN 1987, THAT EVERYONE WITH A TASTE FOR MEDIOCRITY RACED OUT AND BOUGHT IT. I BET THOSE PEOPLE DIDN'T BUY "RATTLE AND HUM" A YEAR OR SO LATER. "RATTLE AND HUM" IS A GREAT BLUESY ROCK ALBUM, ONE OF U2's BEST. WAR & & THE UNFORGETTABLE FIRE ARE VERY COOL ALBUMS. BOY & OCTOBER ARE LOYAL FAN FAVOURITES AS WELL.

[@Bejewelle88]

One of my fave U2 songs!

[@louisb5563]

@@alanstrom2221 I'm just curious, what did you think of, "Bullet The Blue Sky"? Was that an exception or was that also a disappointment for you?

[@jasonmistretta4295]

6:30. U2 (1976) started 2 years before the Cure (1978), but they really broke out at the same time around 1979. It's interesting that you related The Cure to U2 because in the 1980s people that listened to The Cure also listened to U2. In fact, people that listened to U2 generally listened to: The Cure, B-52s, Depeche Mode, REM, The Smiths, Echo & the Bunnymen, the Psychedelic Furs, the Violent Femmes, etc. Those types of bands were considered "original" alternative rock music. Dare I say that it was "emo" twenty years before emo existed?

[@kellifranklin9872]

Definitely my favorite U2 song. It’s the first song I ever heard of theirs. This is hands down one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Please do more U2!

[@alanstrom2221]

Piano, Bass & Drums producing one of the best intros to a song. The Guitar & Vocals are OK as well. LOL!!!! It's always hard to pick your Top 10 songs, mine is in a state of flux. Though I feel that NEW YEAR'S DAY is in there. When I saw them LIVE in 1984, I cried.

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

When they were both becoming prominent back in the '80s the Scottish band, Big Country, had a similar vibe and style to U2.

[@AZambri1]

The lyrics, in fact, refer to the persecuted leader of the Polish Solidarity movement, Lech Walesa. Coincidentally, after the song was released, Poland's Communist government announced that they would abolish martial law. In 1980, the Solidarity movement in Poland, under the leadership of future Nobel Peace Prize winner and president Lech Walesa, challenged the oppressive rule of the Polish government. In December 1981, the Solidarity movement was outlawed and Walesa, together with other leaders of the movement, was arrested & put in jail. This was widely recognized as having played a central role in the end of Communist rule in Poland.

[@johndyer2975]

This is by far their best album, along with Sunday Bloody Sunday are my favorite U2 songs

[@Dr_Bombay]

i don't know.... i mean, it's in their top 5, but when you're also up against Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby? War is incredible -- their breakout album, no question -- but i think those two are better.

[@joiedevivre2005]

The 1980's saw a lot of political turmoil around the world & U2's songs were often a commentary about it. The source of a lot of the upheaval was due to the Soviet Communist Regime & the treatment of people in countries that were behind what was called the "Iron Curtain". In the 80's many groups rose up to demand freedom & democracy in these countries. Poland was one of them & the Solidarity Movement, led by a former shipyard worker named Lech Walensa, rose up to protest the oppressive totalitarian rule in Poland. The government responded by declaring martial law, outlawing Solidarity & imprisoning Walensa & many of his supporters. Martial law was later lifted on December 31 1982 & on New Year's Day many of those who had been held as political prisoners were released & allowed to return home to their families. This song is about those events. The Solidarity Movement led to the fall of the Polish Communist regime in the late 80's/early 90's. Lech Walensa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his social & political reform efforts & would become the President of the newly democratic Republic of Poland in the early 90's. U2's songs are always beautiful & haunting, but become even more moving & profound once you learn the meaning behind the lyrics. The lyrics in this song take on a new timelessness with the current events in Ukraine. An incredibly & unbelievably talented group of genius musicians & lyricists.

[@atdeacon]

IMO this is by far thier best song. and it's on by far thier best album--the whole album is incredible. I still remember where I was and what I was doing when I first heard this song.

[@virginiapudelko6280]

Oh man, old U2 is soooo much better than what they are churning out these days. This was when they were still discovering their sound and learning their craft. It was so raw and edgy.

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

Agreed!

[@tparmenter]

Absolutely agree. Songs like Bad, Seconds, Trash, Teampoline and the party girl, Refugee… they got so many amazing songs.

[@MrRoboto81]

Yup…they were the voice of a generation in the 80s. After Achtung Baby, they got full of themselves and became really pretentious. And their music suffered terribly for it.

[@minxiv7]

Early U2, like this song, had much deeper meaning and reference than a lot of their later music. This song in particular was about the Polish Solidarity movement in the early 80’s. My personal favourite by U2 from this decade was “I Will Follow”.

[@alfavan31]

If you haven't already heard it, check out U2's song PRIDE (In the Name of Love) because it showcases Bono's wide vocal range. So powerful!!!

[@juanpallautapulido200]

In 1983 U2 were just 4 guys from ireland that supricely entered into the music charts with their second álbum WAR. They were an upcoming band and still did not become the mega success world wide, but they were so good and cool. they had a lot o say and Bono was te man to say it, the Edge guitar took the radio waves and the rest is rock history. this song was the fist single of the WAR record and 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

[@BajaFL]

U2 has such a dynamic sound. They are truly a gift to listen too. If you really want a treat watch the video of them playing their song "Bad" live at Live Aid 1985. It is outstanding!

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

Bad is so good! 👍🏽

[@BajaFL]

@@mauriciodelarosa2449 it is indeed!

[@michaelparsons5299]

Yes, I agree. Remarkable song. I also like the live version on "Rattle and Hum" too!👌

[@BajaFL]

Oh yes, both are fantastic!

[@louisb5563]

I remember that event like yesterday! I lived only about an hour from Philadelphia and I seriously considered going to JFK for the US performances but I knew of no one going and I had no car and didn't want to take buses and trains alone to get there and have nobody to share the experience with on the rides back home. Watching it on TV wasn't THAT bad...

[@boballen818]

This song was about the Solidarity movement/union in Poland as they were rising up against the Soviet Union in 1983. U2 was always using world events/history to actually say something in their songs.

[@thisnicelady]

They are so young here! Edge looks like a baby! Hard to believe this song is 40 years old.

[@jasonszabo9203]

Early U2 was my favorite stuff of theirs. Their more experimental albums in the early 90s were good too, but the early 80s stuff was so moody and cool.

[@OronOfMontreal]

From the 1980 album, "WAR". Full of politically motivated lyrics and Steve Lillywhite's production, giving us guitars that sound like warning bells, and drums that strike out like gunshots. This was all novel to us then, and quite innovative. Even the band name U2 was about war -- the U2 was a U.S. spy plane that could fly, supposedly, above the range of Soviet defensive rockets. The U2 cameras employed what were, at the time, the most powerful photographic lenses in the world. Still, in the 1960s, pilot Gary Francis Powers was shot down over Soviet airspace and his capture was a major embarrassment for the West. U2's first few records told the world of how Ireland suffered under the dictates and police overlordship of England. The band's talent broke the hearts of their listeners. "WAR" is an important, passionately rousing and moving album, from start to finish.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

U2 "UNFORGETTABLE FIRE" is amazing!!!!! Man, I miss this sooo much ❤️🍀

[@ponuryzniwiarz]

very important song for polish fans, inspiration was political transformation in Poland in 80s, bloodless battle to get out of communism, Wałęsa etc, that one is on every U2 show in Poland.

[@hackapump]

This is early 80s, and U2 - like their peers - still had streaks of new wave and postpunk. (The latter of which probably reminded you of The Cure, they are arguably the godfathers of postpunk). But as early as this you could hear they had a unique knack for killer melody. Their evolution into the biggest band in the world is one for the ages though, a long journey they have lot to thank their later producers for, most notably Daniel Lanois.

[@concettaworkman5895]

If you haven't seen U2 at Red Rocks from 1983, you gotta see it. It's my favorite concert on film.

[@JohnnyXoz]

from U2's third album 'WAR' released in 1983

[@jeffhage1917]

Thanks.. can’t get enough of U2 One of the greatest bands in history….

[@papaalexlucena]

1983. High school days. This song convinced me to be a rocker and didn't get back to pop since.

[@MaggieValera]

I've never brought the two together, but now that you've said it I can definitely hear the parallels between this and The Kinks. You've got a good ear Jay. This came out in 1982. And one of the things I loved about U2 was the beauty of their simplicity. No fancy guitar licks, no 87 instruments backing them. That very simple one note at a time piano, later replaced with a guitar but still being just as simplistic, then back to the piano again. It just hooked you and to say it was a very haunting sound I think would be the right way to describe it. There were a lot of Irish bands/artists that came to prominence around this time, including the Boomtown Rats, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), The Cranberries, Annie Lennox, Sinead O'Connor... The war was still very much going on over there, and most Americans didn't know it. I went to a school with an Irish girl whose family had fled because of the war, and she's the only reason I knew about it. There was very little focus on it here in the US, and these artists brought attention to it. So I don't think they all received the accolades that they should have for that reason. Sinead O'Connor wound up on everybody's shit list and pretty much killed her career on Saturday Night Live when she called out the Pope for the atrocities that had been covered up by the Catholic Church.

[@catherinebent7307]

U2 with BB King.. ❤️❤️ When love comes to town - amazing

[@clintjo2377]

They sing lots of Ireland's history ! Amazing band seen them live many times will again If they come near me !😆✌

[@bonoman1987]

That location is the actual Russian Front from WW2....and the black and white footage is the actual footage. From their monumental album, 'War'...1983. I have seen them in concert 108 times all over the world....If I was to describe U2, and the over 40 years that I have loved them, simply put, 'U2, the more you dig, the more you will like.' And this is very rare. u2 is simply THE best band ever...Go ahead, dig and dig and they will only get better and better. Cheers. Oh and By the way, the young lady mentioned Love and it also was about Lech Walesa being imprisoned at that time in Poland for his Democratic rhetoric, who was later released from Jail and became Polands president...words taken from letters sent to his wife...FYI

[@chrisjezovnik3308]

As a rule, videos from the 80's should never be relied upon to express the intent or content of a song. You have to remember that a living room television was usually the only screen in the house. Channels were limited and most broadcasters didn't broadcast for the whole day. RADIO was the dominant delivery mechanism for music, followed by records and cassette tapes. Music videos were only created to plug songs into rotation on limited music television stations and not a lot of thought or money went into them. Always a pleasure to watch your generation listening to our generation's music through new ears. It's heart-warming.

[@robertvirtue8070]

Last night I watched the 2022 Kennedy Honor Winner, which were George Clooney, The Empress of Soul , Gladys Knight. Amy Grant who won 6 Grammy for her Christian and pop music , Tanya Leone co-founder of The Dance Theater of Harlam , composer and conductor. And this great band U2. Watch the live performance from 1983 at Red Rocks. I try to watch the Kennedy Honors and this was one of the best shows. Garth Brooks sang " Midnight Train to Georgia" Pattie Labelle join her and others for That What Friends are For. Amy Grant is a great singer and do some of her music, She started recording at 15 yrs old. Another title she holds is Mrs Vince Gill

[@joanlajara3939]

Remember, many songs they sing about are the Irish/ English prejudice that existed in Northern Ireland! Still exists today! It’s not just about black and white there are many other kinds of prejudice in otter countries! Being Irish, I feel their pain! But, growing up during the problems in Northern Ireland between Irish and English was a terrifying time for children living there! U2 has an awesome different sound and tries to explain what happened there and also all over the world!

[@diananatal928]

Love U2😎 from the moment I heard them. U2 made my college yrs that much more easy to tolerate. Great reaction 😊👍🏼.

[@ahad2k11]

I was in high school from '81 to 85 and MTV was just starting out and U2 was very dominant, definitely top 5 most influential bands.

[@gnpahdc]

New Year's Day and the song Sunday Bloody Sunday - both came out at the same time. I'll never forget standing on the sidewalk outside the dorm room my freshman year of undergrad in 1983 when a guy says, "I got this new EP from a band in Europe" and hits PLAY on his hand-held cassette tape player. I got to hear those two songs as I stood there stunned and listened. Amazing new sound at the time.

[@leefriedman9882]

U2 is like the Beatles in that they evolved, and their sound changed over the years. Unlike the Beatles, however, where most people seem to like their mid/later stuff better, there's more of a balanced mix of those who like early or later U2. I think it really depends on when you were turned on to them. I discovered U2 in the early 80s, and I prefer their early stuff (Boy, October, War, Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree albums). A lot of people, on the other hand, like their Achtung Baby years of the early 90s. It's all good - just different strokes for different folks. I Will Follow (Boy) was their first hit, followed up by Gloria (October). I remember New Year's Day (War) being their first MTV hit and was the time period and album that really got me into them. Sunday Bloody Sunday was from the same album (and Two Hearts Beat as One). Then, you had Pride (In the Name of Love) and other cool songs from Unforgettable Fire, which kept them strong with their base fans. Joshua Tree was the mega-break-out album that really put U2 as the "biggest band in the world" and expanded their audience. After several years of venturing into other areas in Rattle & Hum, Achtung Baby reintroduced them and their newer (but still familiar) sound to the next generation while still satisfying the old guard. It's not surprising that Jay prefers this era of U2. Keep 'em coming! There's a ton of U2 for everyone's tastes.

[@bodynhand]

Young people protesting politics - The 80's Edition. And FYI, U2 was just honored with at Kennedy Center with that highest award for arts that America offers. The show aired in December. They've been activists their entire 40 year career. Truly, truly a gift to the world.

[@sarablack2547]

U2 formed in dublin ireland 76 genre rock.this song came out in 83 and was the first song of their's i remember(i was 11)for me their joshua tree album will always be a fav one.bono and the band did like to use the band as a way of talking about things like irish troubles esp in the early yrs. the cure formed in 78 crawley west sussex(which is 30mins outside london,1hr half from me) they are labeled as punk rock,pop,new wave,goth rock,post-punk,alternative rock,alternative/indie. i always saw them as goth rock which later became emo.

[@MrUndersolo]

Used to listen to this one every New Year's Day... Still admire that very simple and effective piano intro...

[@subwaygoddess1]

This is from the War album, just like Sunday Bloody Sunday. They sang a lot about the bombings and lives destroyed in Ireland. It is my favorite of their albums, and you can't go wrong listening to the whole album. My favorite is "Two Hearts Beat As One." Check them out at their live concert from Red Rocks.

[@andyleclerc3600]

My first and favorite U2 song

[@ginamarandino6451]

The reason why you made that correlation to the cure in The kinks is because it's the same genre of music. Another band to check out are the Ramones

[@Zeus-ck4sy]

Early U2 is amazing! everything up through "The Joshua Tree" was really good and full of grit, morals, and conscience!

[@garywalker9753]

A must from U2 "Pride" (In the Name of Love) They grew up in war to become such crusaders for peace. To help with their early Music you need to take a dive into 20th-century Irish/GB conflict Thanks as always. Peace to you and yours! Happy to see you have a drummer in the family! LOL

[@sentinelmortgagecorp4291]

This is by far my favorite U2 song

[@04beni04]

Early U2 just *rocked.* Not saying their later stuff was bad, just, this is the era I vibed with.

[@dgetzin]

If a U2 song has a tone set by the guitar - then by that logic - the tone is… ON THE EDGE - AAAAHHHH!

[@groujo1]

Jay - your ear and your breadth of knowledge of rock have really developed. Making connections to Cure and especially the Kinks was pretty insightful and something most rock listeners couldn't do. IMO you are no longer a noob. ; )

[@jen_eks2163]

'New Years Day' and 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' are my all time favorite U2 songs

[@dv3507]

Thanks for the reaction! U2 has been one of my favorite bands for decades - many messages and sounds. Bono has my heart. 💖

[@vincejaramillo1271]

This is my favorite U2 song. I love early U2 because it was my high school and college years.

[@elizabethfranco1284]

I see that makes since especially in their early days there was an element of punk and alternative rock, both U2 and the Cure were formed in the late 1970’s and came to world wide prominence in the 1980’s. The Kinks, along with The Who in there early Mod days have often been referred to the forefathers of punk.

[@ILDomer17]

Live versions of this song are also great, as you can see The Edge jumping back and forth between playing keys and guitar. Great stuff.

[@hellokimmy68]

Their earlier material was very socially conscious and some of their music was dark, but so impactful. "Pride In the Name Of Love" is one you might like, about Martin Luther King Jr. "Bullet the Blue Sky" is one of my absolute favorites, and "I Will Follow" is also so great. U2 and the Cure were pretty much contemporaries, by the way. They both really got going late 70s- and into the early 80s.

[@peeg100]

I would also add their songs “Bad”, and “All I Want Is You” as ones they might like

[@hellokimmy68]

@@peeg100 Ohh, yes, All I Want Is You is absolutely amazing and I think they'd enjoy that orchestral swell at the end of it.

[@fredtello]

Yawn....

[@jacklynazure689]

And, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"😊

[@sloebone7399]

You have to realize U2 is a product of Ireland in the 1970’s. It was a difficult situation and their music reflects that. The Joshua Tree album is my personal favorite.

[@morrisanderson3180]

yes thats a great album, my fave.

[@Pomdownuder]

U2 at their best. Not surprised by the number of "Old U2" was the best comments. Thank gawd I'm not the only one.

[@gotham61]

I was at U2's first concert in North America at The Ritz in NYC, December 6th 1980.

[@michaelmiller6795]

It started for me with "I Will Follow", then "Gloria". But, "New Year's Day" and "Two Hearts Beat As One" made me a fan. Bono and Clannad together in "In A Lifetime" solidified it. "Rattle and Hum" made them legendary.

[@evets6691]

Seen them on the October tour in late March of 1982. They opened for The J. Giels Band(Freeze Frame Tour). Great show!!

[@christianreynolds9252]

U2’s output in their first 25 years as a band is unmatched in my opinion. 3 decades of being huge and 3 decades of constantly changing their sound and image. They never stood still . Their first 10 albums change every time ( apart from the first two ) The 90’s was their proper experimental phase but they didn’t stand still in the 80’s either . They finished that decades with tracks like desire and angel of Harlem. Which were a totally different sound to I will follow or Gloria. Songs that started the decade The last 20 years hasn’t been anywhere near as good but still now there’s always a handful of songs on each album they release that are brilliant. Every breaking wave, the blackout , summer of love , red flag day and moment of surrender to name a few Great review . Try Bad from live aid . Such a big moment for the band . A song about heroin addiction in Dublin Ireland

[@sirbobdesign]

Rock n Roll hall of Fame : U2 = 2005; The Cure = 2019... Hence, The Cure reminds me of U2.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

One of my favorite U2 songs. MYSTERIOUS WAYS and WHERE THE STREETS HAVE NO NAME right up there with this. --> btw, this song is New Years DAY (not EVE). Also from 1983, check out ALL YOU ZOMBIES by The Hooters.

[@mikeking3507]

U2 became a household name after this song, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and I Will Follow. They are incredible in concert

[@theylied1776]

The majority of the song by U2 Pre-1986, were about (The Troubles) in Ireland between the IRA and the British.

[@Roddy1965]

Right after the clock hit 12 PM and 2023 started in Ukraine, Russia started bombing Kyiv again. Artillery still fired on the front lines. People missed their families, people lost their lives. Nothing changed on New Year's Day.

[@arnoldcox9128]

That chugging gutair riff is what makes this a great song

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

Yes!

[@xzonia1]

Yeah, the 80's wouldn't have been the same without U2. They expressed the whole undercurrent of the decade.

[@meganstarling390]

Saw them in '87 in Tampa. Amazing show. It was a phenomenal experience.

[@mikemaricle9941]

This was the first U2 song I heard, and instantly fell in love with it.

[@stevencurti]

I'm so old Remeder going to see them in Providence RI in 1988 people were just in awe! Being born the 60's the Beatles Rolling Stones Mama and the Papa's they are refreshing

[@dermaglowpro1720]

First time I heard U2 was when they first landed in America a friend pulled up to my house with a cassette portable cassette player in the front seat and before getting to the corner of my block, he hit the play button and out came the song New Year’s Day! I couldn’t be more than 19 years old. Sound in the song blew my mind. I understand you like the leader work but this song and the sound is the sperm seed love you too for me! This is the incubus this is the corner stone for American introduction to you too please embrace it their sound was like no other and they are still mega mega creative musicians that are loved by all ages today! Happy 2023❤️☮️🙏🏻🎉

[@beachbumsailordude]

This song is from what I believe is their best album WAR. Pretty much every track is a classic.

[@Toyotaguy69]

This song was on the same album as Sunday Bloody Sunday. This was Early 80's. U2 was after the kinks started, and about same time as the Cure. Recommended U2 song. The End of the World ftom Achtung Baby. And from the Kinks --- Catch Me Now I'm Falling from Low Budget album