What Makes This Song Great? "In God's Country" U2

In this episode we explore the music of U2.
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[@jimgeary]

For 32 years, every time I’ve bought a new stereo, new speakers, new car, new house, whatever, Joshua Tree is the first CD to go in.

[@michaelkrogers]

this past year in my new place, i put on their latest album, and as soon as it was over i did joshua tree. i'm with this practice 100% Jim! fantastic balance, you want to know what your gear sounds like, play world class mixes on it

[@jp_0118]

I do something similar, except for me it’s The Unforgettable Fire along with Joshua Tree

[@fckwful]

Me too, I just hadn't noticed it yet!

[@SreekarGudipati]

@@michaelkrogers songs of experience is amaaaazing

[@joewright2679]

GOOD MAN!!!

[@Dreyno]

The reason U2 don’t get the respect they deserve these days is because they still exist. When they’ve gone, there’ll be a documentary or a movie like Bohemian Rhapsody and people will tear up watching it. They had a grandiosity and power at their peak that few bands ever achieve. Overshadowed nowadays by a few mediocre albums and the endless potshots from comedians, musicians who’ll never achieve anything and every second idiot on the internet.

[@windonthevalley]

Hi. Also, trying to "punch through" the layer of Maya/Fog of music nowadays, is very difficult to be heard! Hands down, my most favourite band in my heart & soul! (:

[@BluesLicks101]

I disagree, I think people are just sick and tired fo paying top dollar to go to a U2 concert and then find out its a Bono far left political rally. I seriously liked this band since "October" but Bono has gotten way too weird and myopic.

[@Dreyno]

BluesLicks101 They still go to their concerts. In their millions on every tour. I know “conservatives” try and get their angle into every discussion but it just makes you look myopic and zealous.

[@axe2grind911a]

@BluesLicks101 Have to agree with you. The need for "famous" people to voice their politics incessantly is killing their likability. It's really very stupid since roughly half the population will disagree with ANY perspective. That translates to lost sales, and alienating their fans. I say just sing and then shut up about anything else. If you want to donate to your favorite cause, do it privately and quietly. Don't drag your audience down by insisting they agree with your point of view.

[@Dreyno]

axe2grind911a The world is a very big place. U2 are Irish. Half of their fans are not on the right in Ireland. Or most of Europe. In Europe, the Democrats are seen as a centre right party. If you don’t like their politics, ignore their politics or ignore their music altogether. It’s like bitching about too much chilli in a curry.

[@19zach75]

The Joshua Tree isn't just an album...it's an experience. One of the greatest albums of all time...period.

[@Hillcapper1]

Amen to that

[@dannyspitzer1267]

U2 is not even in my top 20 favorite bands, but The Joshua Tree album is just a fantastic piece of work. Every song is unique, and very good to excellent

[@curly_wyn]

A terrible experience.

[@mh3c]

Seeing the Joshua Tree tour in 2017 and having the entire album played front to back was a religious experience.

[@fredh1720]

@@mh3c It's not my favourite U2 record, but I would absolutely love to have been there, even from footage on youtube those shows look so powerful.

[@1WastedMango]

Love his comment about Larry Mullen filling an arena. When I saw them, the last song of the show was 40, and while the crowd sang the chorus, the band left one by one until it was just us and Larry for about a minute. Then he got up and walked off, we kept singing another couple times through, the lights came up, show over. The most satisfying end of any concert I've ever been to.

[@ArtMonkforHallofFame]

I believe that’s how they’ll end their final show (assuming it’s within their control when that is).

[@wobbeckmann2656]

thats a Gift, ending a U2 Concert with this song

[@patrickking3562]

In 1987 U2 ended their concert in Hartford, CT with "40". The audience kept singing it as we left the Hartford Civic Center. We continued singing it out to the parking lots...and then as we drove the streets of Hartford and up onto I-84. I have never seen that happen with any other band. Freakin' amazing way to end a show!

[@edwardhitten2678]

"Perfect albums" series, yes!

[@chrisnaude2929]

Yes. A7X Nightmare.

[@jbasti227]

I nominate Mastodon's Crack The Skye

[@trebleboost7]

Yes - this one for sure. And maybe: Who's Next, Rumours, Aja, Hotel California, Toto iV, Zeppelin II, Boston 1st, HL & News Sports, Pat Metheny 1st Circle and Travels, Frampton Comes Alive. which Beatles? Sgt Pepper? white Album. And I will add another masterpiece - Rich Mullins - a Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin band.

[@AngelHadzi]

Great idea!! please!!

[@trebleboost7]

ok - Two more: Bruce Hornsby 'The Way it Is' and Linda Ronstadt 'Cry Like a Rainstorn'. I am really trying to think of albums where every song grabs you. The Police 'Ghost in the Machine'.

[@peterbondmusic]

Good to hear you shout out Larry Mullen. So underrated.

[@gazzaleavy]

Fact.

[@courtbeall7768]

Larry composed some epic drum parts like:Where the Streets have no name,Bullet The Blue Sky,Pride In The Name and on and on.

[@jamiedalton2193]

Court Beall Sunday Bloody Sunday for sure aswell

[@spikelive]

You are right Sir....Larry Mullen is underrated...but the most underrated rock drummer from the 80/90 is Mel Gaynor from Simple Minds!! 😉

[@tonycrabtree3416]

Larry really crossed over that The Kinks punk-style drumming into the mainstream and it is a great mix. At least that’s how it sounds to me.

[@brainstormgfx]

This is my favorite band of all time. They are simple and complex at the same time. I feel like they write emotions...not songs. I need them...like oxygen.

[@SamadhiTherapy]

Sounds like you need them like a desert needs rain, a town needs a name, a blind mans cane

[@KyTaundry]

@@SamadhiTherapy Like a door needs a frame, a lion needs a mane, a road needs a lane, a candle needs a flame, a person needs a brain, a railway needs a train

[@iggypopisgod9]

@@KyTaundry we have a new Dylan....not!!!

[@hypnoandrew]

Wow, that's so true for me either.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

You need them like a narcissist needs fame, like thunder needs the rain, like a prisoner needs a chain.

[@clamato54]

I still remember buying this, my very first rock cassette tape, at Sam Goody in 1990. I was 11. The cashier said "The first three songs are the best starting three songs off any album you will ever hear." I agree

[@cloudbloom]

It's insane how all three of those tracks could be the power closer for any album, yet U2 is like "let's hit em with these three right off the bat". Arguably some of the three greatest rock songs of all time, and all from the same album it's amazing

[@ldmax]

It's the best side A of any album ever made. After that epic side, I was expecting side B to be a letdown - total filler. It wasn't.

[@iggypopisgod9]

@@ldmax no filler on JT or achtung baby

[@iggypopisgod9]

@@cloudbloom legend has it a secretary picked the running order

[@heavnnnsent]

Which album was that?

[@Diatonic5th]

The Joshua Tree is a masterpiece. No doubt one of the greatest rock albums of all time.

[@jengable4888]

I would agree that " The Joshua Tree" is definitely up there as very highly rated !

[@richa4225]

Nup, Smell The Glove

[@cpmenninga]

I thought the Unforgettable Fire was better.

[@cartman9675]

@@richa4225 I loved the all black cover. Like, how much more black can it be?

[@williamashford2057]

Classic Album.

[@Texocracy]

Ricks is easily providing the highest quality content across all existing media platforms. This is a feast for the mind and soul. So glad that Rick has found KZbin and is sharing his passion with us.

[@vibefrequencyable]

Dead on.

[@robertloughran]

Absolutely! Great comment!

[@markkittel44]

Few bands ever make a masterpiece album, and even fewer make two. U2 is in that second category with Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby.

[@lf170]

I might even add The Unforgettable Fire as another masterpiece. And after not listening much to Pop earlier on (sadly, I was swayed by the negative press), I've been listening to it lately and it's a damn good album.

[@Pulse2AM]

@@lf170 Pop suffered from bad mixing/mastering and production I think. It has some good songs just not fully realized.

[@keithhepworth6029]

100% correct. I'd love them to do an Achtung Baby tour like they did with the Joshua Tree 30th anniversary back in '17.

[@markkittel44]

@@keithhepworth6029 this is the year to do it.

[@drews3755]

Those two albums are desert island top 5 for me.

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

I like that you went for a deep cut instead of Where The Streets Have No Name. That said: WTSHNN is a damned perfect song.

[@ElizabethBSoCal]

ExileOnDaytonStreet like that he chose a deep cut too, but WTSHNN is my fave song of all time

[@baronbayne9899]

I don't know about perfect, but it's incredible live.

[@sarahdebardeleben1536]

WTSHNN is definitely my favorite intro of all time.

[@christymarks9586]

Fave song ever

[@TimStatic]

Still my favorite song ever, and i don't think that could ever change.

[@ultimateclassic4092]

Red Hill Mining Town is my favorite song from that album. That chorus is phenomenal.

[@brianmiller1077]

The part near the end Love, slowly stripped away Love, has seen its better day Bono really wails that part and it's so effective.

[@arottie4097]

My favorite period!

[@ef8712]

Great tune! My personal favorite is "One Tree Hill."

[@errbt]

@@ef8712 Agreed! It's an amazing song. Almost overwhelming, the heavy duty emotion around that song is (oops, sorry, I guess I sounded like Yoda there). The band almost never performed that song live (until the 30th anniversary tour, that is) because Bono couldn't bring himself to sing it, so heavy was the memory of Greg Carroll on his heart).

[@wintertime331]

Couldnt agree more!👍

[@anthonysclafani3963]

Adam Clayton & Larry Mullen jr are both incredibly underrated. One of the best rhythm sections imo

[@hunterfranklin2170]

Anthony Sclafani so true

[@miklosszuts1401]

Underrated but not underpaid:)

[@Tocaraca]

Adam’s basslines are amazing, completely agree.

[@ianwerden5601]

In the few drum magazine interviews Larry Mullen has done he comes off as way too humble!!

[@ianwerden5601]

@Dog Squad that must have been an unhealthy dynamic at times. Standing in the shadow.I guess he could have given himself a wacky name. Maybe his exp would have been different😁

[@longships9373]

This is why i love you beato. I've been defending U2 for so long. They are all truly incredible musicians. Love you man

[@stevecattani9545]

Yeah, Beato does nothing but drop truth bombs left and right about U2.

[@curly_wyn]

@@stevecattani9545 More like lies.

[@clubpenguin13531]

@@curly_wyn you really have quite the hate-on for U2, don't you

[@herklopik]

@@clubpenguin13531 yeah he keeps returning to each U2 video with a vendetta 😅

[@19zach75]

The first time I heard "With or Without You" from this album...I felt something I've never felt from any song...magical emotion.

[@justinw1765]

There's only been a relative few songs that I have felt that with, but a good percentage of them have been U2 songs, and yes, With or Without You was one of them. When I was much younger (elementary to part of middle school), I went with the crowd and much of the crowd at the time was listening to hip hop/rap, r&b, and super pop. But then I heard Stairway to Heaven for the first time and completely fell in love with real music (not saying none of the former is real music, some is, but maybe the majority isn't). Then I heard Sunday Bloody Sunday and Pride, and there was no going back ever. And when I bought Joshua Tree, I became a junkie.

[@19zach75]

@@justinw1765 ...I have a similar story of how I came to appreciate the music of U2 (along with a few others). I grew up around uncles and aunts that always listened to a diverse array of great music...not just hip-hop. I heard U2, The Police, Rush, Led Zepplin, etc. Those songs I heard stayed with me, and til this very day I still enjoy them all. The Joshua Tree changed my life. Never had I heard an album that good from beginning to end. I knew about U2's previous albums, I got into them later but, "New Years Day" ranks right up there with "With or Without You" in my book. I still get the same feels whenever/wherever I hear either of those songs.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

@@19zach75 Drowning Man is the best song on War.

[@mick9797]

Well done. And 100% agree about Adam and Larry. Under-appreciated.

[@renorailfanning5465]

Adam and Larry are why I love this song.

[@dogpantsmusic5652]

Always loved that Robbie Robertson's first impression of the band was "they have an amazing drummer."

[@jengable4888]

I would agree ! Not to mention that Larry Mullins is totally hot...but very married !! 😁

[@RogerBaxterYWGNYC]

Larry - yes. Adam - seriously????

[@renorailfanning5465]

@@RogerBaxterYWGNYC Yes, Adam ! How many U2 melodies are built around a bass line ? A whole bunch. He plays melodies and grooves on the bass.

[@larrymullenjr8844]

My bass drum technique is not one of my strengths .... I remember listening to a demo of pride and tried to play a beat just using the kick and the snare. I couldn't get the bass drum to do what I wanted So I got a floor tom down and did I what use to do which was basically if I couldn't psychially do what was necessary I found another way around it. At the time I couldn't do what most people consider a normal beat when it came to songs so I used alternatives... The snare rolls on pride demo where pretty straight until bono told me it didn't sound right . so I spent hours trying things out until I came up with build ups and accents you hear on the song. You give things to get something else my career as all ways ran on my complete lack of expertise when it came to drumming.

[@michaelayliffe7238]

Larry, thanks for giving us your insights.

[@PhantomOfTheMall]

In other words: IMPROVISE 😁 Not a damn thing wrong with that! Could also say: ADAPT & OVERCOME 😁

[@dmatveev89]

Oh is that the real Larry.. KZbin is an amazing place sometimes

[@cclark3905]

I could write a novel on what your music means in my life, but for now I'll just say "Thank You" & "see you on the other side"... 🙏

[@Pulse2AM]

For the record, you're the most handsome of the group. :-)

[@philgallagher1]

The thing about Bono is that in the studio he sings the whole song through, often with the whole band performing (just like a REAL band from back in the day!!). No cut and paste, no auto-tune, just the band "live". That's why he can do it on stage while running around like a lunatic!

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

Not true a lot of their songs are cut and pasted and sonically altered. Watch the old Unforgettable Fire video where Eno and Lanois talk about their recording process. Also, this is why at lot of U2 songs were very good to re-mix and make dance tunes out of.

[@renardsubtil3455]

One of the best vocal performance i have ever heard in my life : " Red hill mining town "

[@timwhitnell7145]

Love RHM. So underplayed and underrated.

[@iggypopisgod9]

i wish Rick would have reviewed that one

[@vincentwhitley1119]

My fave from my fave album

[@sergiocichelli4411]

E in gods country fantastica... mi porta nel deserto!! Unforgettable fire, immensa❤❤❤

[@anngulliver5964]

I don't like it on the record because it is shouting and screaming. I prefer him to sing it in his range. I don't think that screaming = singing

[@michaelwiley1429]

Adam Clayton is critical to the songs because he's frequently not just playing a bass line, he's playing a melody over which The Edge provides his atmospheric sounds or rhythmic parts. It's a pretty unique arrangement.

[@iggypopisgod9]

not entirely...but Adam at his best has some iconic jams . NY day , etc

[@ransbarger]

U2 have always helped me move forward in life.

[@u2phreak]

Bono is a prolific poet and one of the best lyricists of the English language 👌

[@timweaver7826]

One of the best scenes of Rattle Hum (any movie) was BB King's reaction to Bono's song writing.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

I agree, but I think he stole the line 'punch a hole right through the night'.

[@CathyKeating]

One of the things I love about this song is that it takes me back to when I first heard Edge's guitar on Boy and October. When it was the very first time we heard the driving rhythm/lead guitar sounds he innovated. No one else plays like that, even today. And what does it allow him to do? Create movement and tension INFINITELY, and then BREAK it, whenever he wants to. As he does in this song when he breaks it down to play lead. So smart. Signature U2.

[@user-qg9fo6us5z]

I was 14 when I first heard War (not long after it came out) and had little interest in contemporary music. Not after that. Edge blew my mind with that sound and composition. It reminds me of bells ringing.

[@AlessandroSpenga]

Larry is a BADASS drummer! Solid timing, he never got quantized, and he created some iconic drum parts. I play drums in a U2 tribute band, I've learned to appreciate his work. These songs would not work with different drum parts. Also I love Adam on bass. I personally believe every bass player should play like that. Great video!

[@fabianpalmerin]

The drums in "Bad" are amazing

[@adumbberg]

When you say Larry never got quantized, do you mean no one ever applied quantum theory to him, especially form into quanta, in particular restricting the number of possible values of a quantity or states of a system so that certain variables can assume only certain discrete magnitudes...? Or did you mean no one ever approximated a continuously varying signal by one whose amplitude is restricted to a prescribed set of values in regards to him? Either way, that's a bummer, that he lived the majority of his life as an international rock star millionaire, without being quantized. I hope he gets quantized soon. I imagine he'll feel incomplete until he does.

[@wreckim]

If you play with a U2 tribute band, you're a badass musician dude. None of their songs are easy, except for maybe October.

[@AlessandroSpenga]

@@adumbberg Just google drum quantization

[@jemsar2]

Interesting take on this. That's great to hear, particularly since you actually play the drum parts.

[@AirGuitar]

YES!! We need to see the "perfect albums" video soon!!

[@jem7bsb]

Perfect album appetite for destruction

[@tunnelvision543]

Perfect Album Wish You Were Here

[@jem7bsb]

Pearl Jam Ten Metallica black

[@yourgod25]

Boston by Boston A Rush of Blood to the Head

[@MikeSheasheaDtree]

@@tunnelvision543 too easy (of course its Pink Floyd) ;-)

[@javiersds8081]

Bono is an unbelievably good singer. He still sings as well as he used to 40 years ago. I hope to see U2 live before they retire.

[@justinw1765]

Mostly agree, and especially that Bono is a great singer. But you can hear some differences from the earlier albums to the latest where he has adjusted his style a bit here and there to accommodate for an aging and stressed voice. But he still sounds pretty good--he just doesn't quite have the range he had in the days of his peak (probably Joshua Tree era). I've noticed he uses more subtle inflections and purposeful distortions now to give more feel. A great example of that is "In a Little While".

[@QuantumBeeWellness]

I heard they are hitting the road again soon so your wish may still come true :) They are far better live than in the studio

[@yal100]

@@justinw1765 I agree, he cant hit those sonic notes anymore. Its expected. If you didnt catch him in the early 90s or earlier live, you missed out on some incredible singing.

[@keithhepworth4934]

You simply must see them live. It’s not a concert; it’s a show, an experience.

[@keithhepworth4934]

@@yal100 my buddy saw them in Chicago in 2017 and told me the same thing but when they came to KC later that year he sounded phenomenal. He was hitting the falsettos and had great range. I’m sure he has off nights, especially now he’s in his 60s. Still, he can really wail when he wants to.

[@angelgonzalez14]

We want another U2 What makes this song great 👏🏼👏🏼

[@1Ma9iN8tive]

Running to stand still

[@andrewhalvorson]

“New Year’s Day”!

[@Katto003]

Ultraviolet (light my way)

[@brunop.3142]

there you go...

[@cosmictom5255]

How many bands have been together over 40 years and still have the original members? I bet it's a small list. Thanks for this!

[@nostalgiajunkie]

Only ZZ Top has them beat

[@jeffk8019]

Rush has had its current trio since 1974.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

The Four Tops were together for about 48 years, I think. The same four guys for nearly half a century.

[@powbobs]

Jeff K Isn’t Rush retired?

[@jpslayermayor9293]

@@jeffk8019 (Very unfortunately) the great Neil Peart died in 2020 so I think you have to call it on that date.

[@orengilad]

Thank you so much for pointing that out about Adam Clayton.. The guy wrote the book on tasteful bass parts in pop songs. Love this guy. So many great examples throughout U2 songs.

[@delikonthree]

Two of the many songs I can bring up is An cat Dub and Into the Heart back to back from the Boy album if my memory is correct.

[@paulgush]

One great thing about this bass line is that it sets up a tension that gets resolved in the chorus

[@AnUnseenRuler]

Solid bass player. A great example of a bass player that locks down the song and gives it direction.

[@xero6396]

Brian Eno is a brilliant genius.

[@keeroe2020]

I agree. Check out Brian Eno's pedigree. Early U2 work was largely based on the genius of Brian Eno's studio work. Good choice.

[@rosannadanna1802]

The New York Times crossword agrees.

[@kanealson5200]

I'd give Daniel Lanois some credit too since they worked as a team.

[@mysticedge4]

@@kanealson5200 Brian and Danny are both legends

[@adammartin7007]

@@keeroe2020 Which song did Eno write?

[@CoachDave12]

The nuances in Bono's voice are my personal favorite parts

[@stonefaceBRC]

One thing I think has hurt rock music through the years is the counter-culture against bands that get really big like U2

[@adammartin7007]

I've been thinking the same for a few years too.

[@brianmoore581]

I agree, but of course Bono hasn't helped that situation with all his political comments.

[@Angie-Pants]

@@brianmoore581 the original comment has nothing to do with Bono or his politics.

[@brianmoore581]

@@Angie-Pants that's why I said "I agree, but of course..." It's called English. Learn how to use it.

[@Angie-Pants]

@@brianmoore581 People aren't scared of being in a big popular band because of Bono.

[@matheusmoreiradearaujo3267]

I miss this U2 so much... a masterpiece for sure, great video rick

[@gib59er56]

This has always been their best song. It has very strong lyrics and a groove that moves oh so smoothly. "She is liberty, She comes to rescue me, hope , faith and vanity, and her greatest gift is gold. Naked flame, I stand with the son`s of Cain, burned by the fire of love."

[@kellytheintrovert]

They are just so good. With Or Without You was the #1 song when I was born. Just so, so, so many beautiful and profound songs. Also, his voice is killer. Just one of a kind. There is so much emotion...Red Hill Minning Town (enough said)

[@domokornmusic]

My absolute favorite U2 album has to be The Unforgettable Fire, it’s also in my top five favorite EVER. That string of albums, from that to Achtung Baby, and imo even War, are some the absolute greatest pieces of art ever created.

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

Very few bands have been as hot as U2 were between 1983 and 1991.

[@NOYOUSHUTUP3.14]

I always thought Unforgettable Fire was their first masterpiece.

[@osodelososos5552]

One hundred percent agree! Love that period of U2

[@luispalacio2080]

fully agree with you

[@gregvinson1]

You should give Boy some time too. You can hear the musical greatness coming even if lyrically it is pretty bad. Bono made a huge leap lyrically from Boy to War.

[@tommonk7651]

Fantastic choice, but hard to pick a bad U2 song at that time. They were killing it every album!

[@jeanwillis7774]

You’re totally right,about U2’s Live performances Rick,I’ve seen them 5 times in Toronto...unbelievable! The intensity of U2 and and the palpable excitement of the audience was magical🤗🇨🇦

[@stevecattani9545]

It was the bootlegs that made me a superfan. The early tours thru POP especially, but the sweet spots was Joshua Tree and ZOOTV.

[@douggalent4858]

I cut my teeth on the drums learning to play all of Larry Mullen's drum lines. Also, two standout Adam Clayton basslines that no one talks about: New Years Day and Love Comes Tumbling.

[@dezb1]

u2 zoo tv live in sydney - is one of the best live recording ever.

[@billg3356]

That's my all time favorite performance of Running to Stand Still. EPIC!

[@MovieStudioZen]

I was at that concert when they made the recording and it blew my mind. Everything sounded beautiful, but the one thing I remember the most was Adams bass was thick and velvety - especially when they played "One". The night before the recording (live rehearsal night for cameras), Adam went AWOL after Naomi Campbell dumped him and the guitar tech filled in. It is the one and only time a member of U2 was missing for a concert.

[@jordanlee24]

My favourite band of all time. I'd go as far as to say they've changed my life. Amazing. PLEASE do more U2 tracks 👌

[@HenningUhle]

I discovered U2 first with the song "The unforgettable fire" from the album of the same name. At the time I didn't notice how high the quality of the band is. I discovered the unbelievable quality and talent when listening to "The Joshua Tree". And there, my favorite song is "Red Hill Mining Town". Absolutely unbelievable! But when you discuss the "Rattle and hum", you cannot go without a note about "Hawkmoon 269". This is my favorite U2 song. Yes, "In God's Country" is a great song. When you are 14 like I was at the time, you feel that "Where the streets have no name" might be better because "In God's Country" was different to all the stuff that european teenagers could hear on the radio. I like the song, especially the additional Oh-Oh-Oh-singing.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

I remember in 1989 a school friend asking me what my favourite U2 song was. I replied Hawkmoon 269. His reply, was you're just saying that to try to be cool.

[@davids1816]

What I love about U2, more than anything, is that their music is about SOMETHING. They don't write songs that brag about how great their songs are, they don't simply write songs about sex positions or body parts or things that rely on some sort of sonic novelty. The write about being human both from within that and beyond. I hope their last act as a group comes at a point in musical history that gets them celebrated properly. They have had much to say and said it in many beautiful songs.

[@timweaver7826]

Their music saved my life more than once.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

I think it is a sign of how braindead most people are when I read negative comments about U2, it literally shocks me. Ignorance is at an all time high - Public Enemy.

[@leticiamenegassiborges]

Thank you so much for sharing so much of your huge knowledge with us. You turn internet into something meaningful. Thankful from Brazil.

[@juniorandrade9390]

bom saber que tem mais brasileiros assistindo esse canal incrivel

[@faustomadebr]

@@juniorandrade9390 Since his "Is Apple Done" video, Im here, a brazillian drummer and subscriber.

[@marcioangelo]

Ele é muito bom!!

[@adampentz6011]

I totally agree, this is definitely one of Bono n Co's best unsung songs. Another of my favorites lyrically is "Running to Stand Still": the lyrics on this song are some of the most melancholy, touching lyrics I know.

[@1969cmp]

Unforgettable Fire. 😎

[@dcfromthev]

I just searched your page and this is the only U2 video! This is unacceptable, please do the right thing and make MORE U2 VIDEOS!!!!

[@richardedwards7332]

Sorry

[@mozzdmu2]

Agreed!!! Need More U2 Videos!!!!!

[@paulolsen602]

He’s done I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For too

[@joelcprice]

Thanks Rick! U2 is by far one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Say what you will about personalities in the band. They KILL it live. Seen them twice. Unreal.

[@brianmiller1077]

I would say Radiohead is better live that the albums too.

[@franug]

they are! I saw them in 2011 here in Santiago, when they were touring with Muse. One of the best concerts I've been too so far

[@joelcprice]

Francisca Ugalde That’s the tour I saw them on. Two shows a couple days apart. Everything I wanted them to be.

[@louisbatsford8908]

Both bands are great live.

[@powbobs]

Francisca Ugalde I saw that tour in Tampa, Fl. Just an amazing show. Probably my second favorite concert of all time after Pink Floyd in 1994 also at Tampa Stadium.

[@bayareablues2255]

I saw U2 on the Joshua Tree tour at the San Diego Sports Arena - acoustically THE worst place I have ever seen a show. My seat was pretty much as far away from the stage as you could get. To this day it is one of my favorite concerts I have ever seen. They just killed it. And it is a phenomenal album. Thanks Rick!

[@curtinj98]

Much credit for that goes to the sound engineer Joe O'Herlihy.

[@windonthevalley]

Hello all! Just would like to say, I'm 66 and I remember the 60's, music has been a constant through my life, universal language! That said, U2 have/& continue to make my soul soar! They are a conduit of Love! I know that ppl trip/misinterpret Bono, but Irish humor, tongue-in-cheek, we all have a bit of Bono! They are "together" as One! I am grateful for ALL they have done, and continue to do! Many Blessings to all, and Rick you are such an inspiration! Thank you for being you!

[@NeilHolmes72]

I'd love to see Rick break down One Tree Hill.

[@jby257]

For some, it means more than to others...

[@rikk319]

I'd like to see him break down Bullet the Blue Sky, too.

[@mitchevans4597]

GREAT SONG!

[@Gotdurt]

Or any other song on the album... such a rich album.

[@RedsWin]

"Exit." My favorite song on the album.

[@012jacob012]

Rick! This song brings up a great point-the relationship between the bassist (or drummer) and the guitarist. A great video would be calling out the best pairings. I’m thinking of people like Michael Anthony who played very basic bass parts so that Eddie could shred or the reverse in many RHCP songs.

[@radtech21]

Jacob Crowell EX-ACTLY! Rick, please do a rhythm section-guitar melody relationship video. GREAT suggestion, Jacob!

[@yungfleip]

Rage Against the Machine's rhythm section comes to mind as well. Absolutely phenomenal at laying down a grove for Tom and Zach.

[@johnnycto7576]

yes. "Parallel Universe" live from Slane Castle!

[@tz233]

Saw them live during the Joshua Tree tour, and it might have been my favorite concert ever. And my friends and I were watching from obstructed view, behind-stage seats....no matter, we were blown away. You're dead right about them being every bit as good live as in the studio.

[@gtoger]

12:19 "Me being a producer and hearing people do vocal takes, there are very few people that can come in and just nail it in one take." That was cute!

[@kanealson5200]

That was maybe the most subtle edit ever.

[@ThePogue95]

Liam Gallagher was legendary for this

[@jamesd7527]

that's incredibly observant!!

[@francoiscartier2486]

Bono sure doesn't sound like that live anymore.

[@RavenGuitar]

@@francoiscartier2486 Don't know what show you've been to but Bono was incredible last tour. His voice was in top form. Whole band was.

[@lucasmontenegro8938]

I was born 4 years after the release of Joshua Tree but I grew up listening to it endlessly with my dad in our living room... Lights out, we both silently lying on the floor in warm summer nights, we would only stand up to change sides of the vinyl. He would eventually tell me stories of when he was listening to a particular song in a particular situation and it always filled my imagination. Those are memories I treasure so much and I have them across my whole childhood and that was when I learned how to listen to music. It seems obvious but it's not, truly appreciate music goes way beyond just listening and I feel so privileged I was taught that from early age, especially nowadays with streaming making music a product to be quickly consumed. Thanks for the analysis Rick, I love this song so much and it's usually underrated among the biggest hits in the record. I could tell in a moment that you got carried away and it was actually beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us your passion, which is also ours.

[@EdwardTMadrigal]

I’ve never clicked on a video so fast! U2’s one of my all time favorite bands. 🤘🏽🔥

[@joelcprice]

Edward Madrigal First band I ever fell in love with. Not my all time fav. But one of my top 5.

[@davidd6147]

And then came the disappointment when you found out he chose this shitty song.

[@windonthevalley]

Thank you *so* much for this!!! My son talked me into going to see them (Oakland 1991!) Oh me gosh! What an experience, Sugarcubes (Bjork, Public Enemy!) But, when U2 came out, everyone jumped to their feet! Was like my soul went Whoosh! Best Live Rock n Roll Band ever!! They are still so awesome! I'm an ole sixties girl, so lots of music in my life! Thank you Mr Beato! Many Blessings!

[@errbt]

@@davidd6147 Ooh, so edgy.

[@davidd6147]

Not really, no

[@kathycompton3210]

I totally agree, The Joshua Tree is a perfect Album. I love U2. I would listen to the album and go to another place. Awesome!

[@Tom2112Tom]

My first year of college was when Rattle and Hum came out, and at the time I had a little of my own money and spent it on one of the best walkmans I'd ever owned. It sounded fantastic. It even had ear buds way before ear buds were a thing. I bought Rattle and Hum, but waited to listen to it until I was taking a long walk home from "studying" late at night. I'll never forget how blown away I was by that album. It sounded fantastic over headphones, and I could just get lost in it. What a great time to be alive.

[@gillmanjr87]

I'm an amateur guitarist and producer who's been writing and recording instrumentals for a few years now and leaving space in the bass line is something I discovered pretty early on. Its amazing how much it can add to a song. It can actually change an entire song if its done correctly.

[@justinw1765]

I feel like you can go one of two ways with this, you can do the above, or you can go the Flea way (the other extreme), and kind of overwhelm with the bass. But it definitely has a different vibe. I happen to like both, at different times.

[@davidhoxit4274]

I love this series...and I always feel " smarter" after watching! Thanks Rick!!

[@JacoboZea]

Finally someone gives "Forever Young" Larry the credit he deserves...

[@stephendarcy9803]

Mate may I thank you for an excellent breakdown of one of my favourite U2 songs. These days people seem to dismiss them as irrelevant & maybe their best days our behind them, but it’s albums like The Joshua Tree, The Unforgettable Fire & Achtung Baby that makes them one of the greatest bands of all time & they truly deserve to be held in such high esteem. Easily up there with The Beatles, The Stones & The Who!!

[@seamustheterrible3978]

A legendary band. They deserve every record sale. History will treat them well.

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

I agree with the first part of your comment, but history will not treat them well. They are an incredible band yet most people think they are overrated sell outs. In some ways they are destroying their legacy by releasing poor recent material.

[@jcoriha]

Adam writes PERFECT melodic bass hooks. For a great use of space look at "Mysterious Ways"

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

"Mysterious Ways" has my favorite bass line by him. I'm also glad the producer(s) appreciated it while recording and mixed it more prominently than Adam Clayton's bass lines usually are.

[@escaton74]

He even missed a show around that time to leave more stage space for Bono

[@NOYOUSHUTUP3.14]

A great example of melodic playing by Adam is Promenade off of The Unforgettable Fire. That whole album is full of great basslines by Adam!

[@neboknenim9429]

@@escaton74 Gold 🥇

[@AHA-ui2ep]

let's not be silly, The Edge writes most, if not all, the bass lines

[@devilwithaharp]

In God's country has always one of my favorite tunes of all time!!! Thank you for this. You're right..Larry is a machine, Adam is a fantastic bass player who's lines have defined their tunes in ways most people don't realize. It is such a gift to see you break this tune down. Bono was talking about dreamers long before anyone knew what that meant. Song always gives me chills

[@Fisch269]

The best live band I have ever seen. They play stadiums of 100.000 people and somehow make you feel like they play just for you. I think Bono is known more for his political and charity side these days, but you summed up what‘s at the core of it. An utterly magnificient singer.

[@timothysnave]

This was a fantastic video, Rick. PLEASE do more on U2. I've recently become a huge fan, and I'd love to learn more about them, especially your take on it all.

[@davidrobinson5180]

Thanks for putting in a lot of work and taking a risk doing a U2 video. Very helpful words on Larry. That guy is a machine. They all are in a way.

[@Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

I remember, way back in the day, reading the book "U2: At the End of the World" by Bill Flanagan. Larry Mullen Jr. is quoted something to the effect of, "I want to take some time off and just become a really great drummer". I had no idea what he was talking about. "YOU ALREADY ARE GREAT, LARRY!" He's a lot like Ringo: not technically gifted or flashy, but able to play EXACTLY the right notes in EXACTLY the right places to carry and ELEVATE (haha!) the song to the highest possible level.

[@3storiesUp]

The Edge doesnt get enough credit .. not as a guitar virtuoso .. he surely isnt .. but creatively .. his licks are instantly recognisable ..

[@kevincosgrove948]

sledger2003 The Edge creates landscapes and actual places in his playing

[@grilledspaghetti]

Jimmy Page assumed it up best with "Sonic architect". IMO

[@DavidHands]

The edge has great guitar tones.

[@oktaperdana9414]

i think he got enough credits on guitar community, but not so much on mainstream

[@jemsar2]

The dude has a signature style. Not a virtuoso by any means. But he's put a stamp on the music industry with this sound he has. Not a technician, but an "Irish Brawler" in this sense. Kind of like Mike Tyson's boxing - he just comes out swinging - and connects.

[@millierosado8432]

U2 is my favorite band ever, and this song is amazing. The Joshua Tree like you say is perfect! !!!

[@davidnelson7972]

Another great analysis of a super tune. You always seem to find a little hook that many of us miss, on the structure, space, techniques applied by the band/engineers. Thanks Rick

[@bossman0909]

Great tune, great album, great band. One of the quotes from Bono/Edge that I love was their discussion on why there is a lack of "great bands" today. The short version is that "bands are not allowed to fail". "Boy" was not great. "October" was better but still not great. It wasn't until their 3rd album and 8ish years together that they really started to nail their sound. They credit a patient record company and industry as one of the reasons for their success. Pretty interesting perspective.U2 utilizes texturing and space so well. They don't overlap and let each other have room to exist. One of the few bands where Drums, Bass, and Guitar can exist without overlap. So many bands are heavy handed in that regard.

[@saddestchord7622]

I love U2's old stuff. And I don't care what critics say: I love both the Rattle and Hum movie and album. Self-indulgent? Whatever. It's good. Anyway I would love to hear just the Edge's tracks.

[@stevecattani9545]

Yes, RATTLE & HUM is a great concert doc and excellent album. When you bring so much grade-A stuff like they do you can self-indulge.

[@TroyWalliser]

Bono's vocals = perfection! His phrasing and passion behind every single word are incredibly emotive. Just little things like, singing the same "G" as the top note on the verse, and then on the second verse, flipping to falsetto on the word "greatest." It gives that moment a bit of tenderness in the midst of what feels like angst.

[@shawnlupella7431]

Wonderful job explaining some of the reasons why U2 is a great band. They often don't receive the respect they deserve.

[@windonthevalley]

Most definitely! And ppl forget the Irish humor, so they get caught-up in misunderstanding of Bono, who is incredible! Many Blessings! (:

[@paulmurphy4723]

my son is called Joshua because of this album. ❤

[@JerkRice]

I have a Josh too for the same reason.

[@gvalvaro3439]

Hello Mr. Beato. We are dying to get more U2 songs analysis from you. The world needs it

[@ritwikupadhyay9877]

Rick beato you're easily the only guy who is keeping the bastion of rock genre (in all its entirety i.e. hard, metal, techno, grunge, punk, prog etc.) alive and making it accessible to understand the ethos behind what makes an album, a song great which we laymen know and feel but lack the complexity and the knowledge to articulate absolute godly service you are providing and leaving a thesis of knowledge behind which future people can utilize kudos !!

[@scottstevens5481]

From their early days and later I was blown away how U2 songs often highlight the "Maj 5 interval sound". There is something about removing the strong presence of the Major third that, for me, creates a sense of yearning and hunger in their songs. It creates this "honest", "pure" sensation and adds incredible power to their music. They actually changed the way I "heard" chords. It's a little bit like the tonality of Gregorian Chants in monastic music. Transcendent, soulful. A spiritual, powerful feeling. All that emotion coming simply from music... really amazing. Take "Pride (In the name of love)"... It starts in the key of E on the 5th goes to 1 then to 4. (B, E, A). Such an interesting song. Does it change keys when the lyrics come in? Now we're in the key of B? What exactly is the chord on the beginning of the phrase... "One man come in the name of love"? Is is major? Or minor? It sounds like B, Eb, E. Which would be the Maj7 4 chord in the key of B... So they're playing Emaj7, with the 5th (B) as the root? I'm not hearing G# in there... (the third of Emaj7). So I mostly get the 5th sound again. I think it creates intensity and tension. Amazing song. Thank you for this video Rick!

[@justinw1765]

Nice breakdown/analysis. It makes sense, since most of the guys are towards the spiritual and/or religious. They would need an expansive, soulful type sound to match their ideas and ideals.

[@MrKmanhooks1]

I wish he did “Trip Through Your Wires”...that’s fantastic

[@dannyspitzer1267]

Agree

[@fredherfst8148]

My family (three at home and one in the office..me) called 3400 times one day to get tickets to U2 Vancouver concert. We got 6! My son got to stand in Bono's sweat spray. Awesome concert with local cable on multiple screens, a flying car, and an acoustic song out on a long runway into the crowd. I'll never forget it!

[@ThrashRoC]

They are Just a DAMM Great Band ! I´ve seen em Live in 1993 in Stuttgard Germany (Cannstadter Vasen, the Biggest Open Air Place in Germany ) they where maybe 100 000 Peoples there .. it was the Zooropa Tour and it WAS JUST GIGANTIC ... The Sound was PHENOMENAL !!! I will Never forget this day

[@SteventheThorn]

What a great album and song for this series. Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois...legends. Joshua Tree was my first U2 record, but I was born in 1990 and didn't hear it until 2007 - 20 years after it first came out. And then life changed! Been to every U2 tour since then. They started writing this song when Edge was stuck and Bono said, "It's easy to write a song - just one chord after the other." Edge was annoyed and said, "It's not that easy," and Bono grabbed a guitar and started playing the chords for "In God's Country." That Adam bass line is delicious. Space is part of Edge's brilliance too - filling in the spaces around Bono's lyrics. I definitely agree that this song was not fully-realized on record.

[@justinw1765]

If true, that's pretty funny and kind of apropos to Bono's somewhat strident nature.

Ah, the great days of U2. I´ve watched "Rattle and Hum" on VHS so many times back in the day that I almost broke it. A "Perfect albuns" series would be great. "The Joshua Tree", for sure. Rush´s "Moving Pictures". "Brothers in Arms", by Dire Straits. "Dark Side of the Moon", by Pink Floyd. "Led Zeppelin IV". "Misplaced Childhood", by Marillion. What else?

[@dextrodemon]

"S Club" by _S Club 7_

[@johntousseau9380]

Abbey Road

[@benpugh124]

Back in Black

[@Lance37a]

Making Movies is the best Dire Straits album, I think lol.

[@drdre4397]

Ziggy stardust

[@johndavis1217]

i never knew Adam Clayton was a bad bass player. He's one of my favorites.

[@scampymac22]

Rick, you the man! Nice to see someone so knowledgeable about music point out the brilliance of U2. Such a great great band and the voice of Bono at his peak was nearly perfect. So rich and nuanced and full of soul.

[@hunterfranklin2170]

Yes finally! I’m so happy to see this! I have been waiting. I love U2. The Edge is the reason I started playing guitar and I’m 17.

[@guitargrin]

Me too. I was 17 in 87 when JT came out. 😀

[@josephcorcoran8714]

I’m so happy to hear that. I skipped school my sophomore year in high school the day The Joshua Tree came out for the sole purpose of going to the record store to get it. I would sit in my room for hours with my ‘65 Fender Mustang, my father’s Strat and my Peavey Predator trying to learn all of The Edge’s licks and recreate his sounds. So Hunter I am very happy to hear that. You have a good ear.

[@guitargrin]

@@josephcorcoran8714 good times!

[@RobertReenders]

Edge was also reason for me to start playing guitar when I was 17, I’m 43 now and my admiration and passion for the band is still the same

[@hunterfranklin2170]

Robert Reenders Thats awesome! I started about a year ago and know a ton of U2 songs on guitar now. I’m still trying to expand my gear thought. I love their whole discography past and present.

[@kennyoconnor6564]

Their shows are a out of body experience! Trust me and spend the money.

[@suzettagibson6084]

Absolutely right!!!! Every time I've gone to one of their shows I go in stone cold sober and come out on the greatest high possible ♥️♥️

[@lisaknell1809]

I saw them once on the Unforgettable Fire tour and three times on the original Joshua Tree tour. This is actually one of my favorite songs on the Joshua Tree album.

[@gregvinson1]

Their shows are legendary. Some people think u2 just made the Joshua Tree and got huge. Not entirely true. They had toured the states for seven years building up a huge fanbase playing clubs. By the time of Unforgettable Fire they were playing multiple sold out gigs in the northeast at venues such as Madison Square Garden. I have seen them seven times,but only on JT and Achtung Baby(Zoo TV) tours, even though I started listening during War period but was too young to drive at the time. At many of the shows I saw I spoke with older fans who had seen U2 during the early 80s in small clubs and raved about those shows. My biggest thrill seeing them first time was realizing how their live versions of songs are usually better than the record.. They are tight, loud, and total pros. When they are hitting on all eight cylinders it is indeed something to behold. Four of the seven shows I saw were unreal. The other three were merely great.

[@opheliajade1986]

YES!!!

[@robingill9940]

@@lisaknell1809 for me its homecoming

[@peacemakr1000]

I love it, not only the songs and the bands you chose to examine, but how you break down the parts, the music theory and all the minute sections of the songs. Love it Rick. Keep em coming.

[@Play2Win1958]

You kill it every time Rick an accurate description of one of my all time favorite U2 tunes. The detail of the instruments and vocal characterizations spot on, good job on this one !

[@johnpaulpatton9786]

I think the C in the second chorus was a happy studio accident that they retained for the live versions. I've seen live versions where all the choruses for this song have the C. This was the pinnacle of Bono's vocal performances. At that time, he was using his voice with as much variety as the Edge uses effects. He could go anywhere he wanted to at this time, vocally. Thanks for reviewing this incredible song, everyone else focuses on the big three from this album.

[@crazyaboutnature]

Jars of Flies for the album series!

[@stirlingattfield7678]

Hell fucking yeah! First EP in history to debut at Number One on the Billboard Chart, which is enough alone to qualify it - notwithstanding the fact that the album is spectacular.

[@StratMatt777]

Alice In Chains Jar of Flies is a fantastic choice!!

[@colby69420]

yes!!

[@mooniejohnson]

Joshua Tree was released 2 days after I was born, so it's tradition to play the whole album cranked up when I visit my folks to celebrate. So many amazing memories with this album.

[@roycox4415]

this cd changed my life. i remember sitting in my bedroom as a kid, listening to this cd while reading the booklet that came with it and they instantly became my favorite band. just something about them!

[@Garythefireman66]

Great to see a U2 song broken down by Rick. I remember listening to them on WLIR (when nobody else was), and hearing their first album made me buy every other album when it came out. There was a great documentary about the making of Achtung Baby and how the band was on the verge of breaking up, only to be saved by them stumbling into "One." I'd say live, they are one of the best bands at enhancing the album version for a live performance. I'll keep going to their shows until they call it quits.

[@kathleenlawlor5355]

Gary Fleschner WLIR was awesome

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

Somewhere in the mid-1990s U2's albums went from being epic to just being good. But for live bands they're in the Top 10 all time... U2 is up there with The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Queen in terms of the intensity of their live performances.

[@detroitrocker4098]

My favorite U2 song!

[@seanmoloney7797]

Mine too.

[@billyfoster3223]

Great channel! Professor Rick has it all figured out!😁👍

[@deadsirius3531]

Went to the Joshua Tree 30th anniversary concert at the Superdome in New Orleans a couple of years ago--those guys are getting older but you'd never know it. Greatest concert experience I've ever been to