U2 has been one of the biggest bands of the past 50 years and for good reason: Their catalog is a prime example of a band evolving and growing up before the eyes of the world.
So far, U2 has released 14 studio albums. Their catalog also features live releases, box sets, compilations and more. In total, they have sold over 175 million records worldwide.
The legend of U2 had humble beginnings. Its four members — Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. — were all students at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin.
One day in 1976, Mullen Jr. put a flyer on the school’s bulletin board searching for musicians to start a band. He was only 14 at the time. Among the people who responded were Bono (16), The Edge (15) and Clayton (16). The band’s first practice was on September 25, 1976 in the kitchen of Mullen Jr.’s childhood home.
RELATED: The Edge: 'Of Course Bono Gets Too Much For Me Sometimes!'
Who would’ve thought all of this success started with a just simple post on a bulletin board and a practice in a kitchen?!
U2’s list of accolades is nothing short of insane. They’ve won 22 Grammy Awards out of 46 nominations. In 2005, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2022.
In addition to those awards, they’ve been a massive tour draw. Per Pollstar, U2 has sold over 26 million tickets since 1980. Their tours have grossed a staggering $2.12 million. The only other act to make more money on the road is the Rolling Stones with $2.16 million.
With all of this mind, we thought we’d take on the daunting task of ranking U2’s best song. Scroll through the list below to see which songs from their vast catalog we think are their 50 best!
50. âCity of Blinding Lightsâ – âHow To Dismantle an Atomic Bombâ (2004)
ShareA standout on U2âs 11th studio album, âCity of Blinding Lightsâ won the Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2006 and was used by President Barack Obama during campaign events during the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Presidential elections. U2 would perform the song during President Obamaâs inaugural concert at the Lincoln memorial in 2009.
49. âTwo Hearts Beat As Oneâ – âWarâ (1983)
ShareU2 was gradually evolving their sound on their third studio album, âWar,â but their punk influences were still evident, especially on âTwo Hearts Beat As One.â The track was the bandâs second single off the album released between âNew Yearâs Dayâ and âSunday Bloody Sunday.â
50. âCity of Blinding Lightsâ – âHow To Dismantle an Atomic Bombâ (2004)
ShareA standout on U2âs 11th studio album, âCity of Blinding Lightsâ won the Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2006 and was used by President Barack Obama during campaign events during the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Presidential elections. U2 would perform the song during President Obamaâs inaugural concert at the Lincoln memorial in 2009.
48. âStuck in a Moment You Canât Get Out Ofâ – âAll That You Canât Leave Behindâ (2000)
ShareBono wrote âStuck in a Moment You Canât Get Out Ofâ as a tribute to INXS singer Michael Hutchence, who died by suicide in 1997. In a 2005 interview with âRolling Stone,â Bono said of his relationship with Hutchence, âI felt I had let Michael down because I was lost to my own busyness and hadnât called as much as I would have liked...He would confide in me and I in him. We were really great friends. In Cannes weâd go out and we wouldnât come home, weâd just sleep on the beach, having a laugh.â
47. âLove Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Wayâ – âSongs of Experienceâ (2017)
ShareA touching song about finding joy in love despite being surrounded by obstacles, âLove Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Wayâ is a nice reminder that U2 still remain conscious of matters of the heart even on their 14th studio album.
49. âTwo Hearts Beat As Oneâ – âWarâ (1983)
ShareU2 was gradually evolving their sound on their third studio album, âWar,â but their punk influences were still evident, especially on âTwo Hearts Beat As One.â The track was the bandâs second single off the album released between âNew Yearâs Dayâ and âSunday Bloody Sunday.â
46. âAll Because of Youâ – âHow To Dismantle an Atomic Bombâ (2004)
ShareBono is well aware of the criticisms against him, and he seemed to lean into those criticisms on the lyrics of âAll Because of Youâ namely in the second verse with, âI like the sound of my own voice/I didn't give anyone else a choice.â Perhaps he didnât, but heâs at least self-aware enough to admit to it.
48. âStuck in a Moment You Canât Get Out Ofâ – âAll That You Canât Leave Behindâ (2000)
ShareBono wrote âStuck in a Moment You Canât Get Out Ofâ as a tribute to INXS singer Michael Hutchence, who died by suicide in 1997. In a 2005 interview with âRolling Stone,â Bono said of his relationship with Hutchence, âI felt I had let Michael down because I was lost to my own busyness and hadnât called as much as I would have liked...He would confide in me and I in him. We were really great friends. In Cannes weâd go out and we wouldnât come home, weâd just sleep on the beach, having a laugh.â
47. âLove Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Wayâ – âSongs of Experienceâ (2017)
ShareA touching song about finding joy in love despite being surrounded by obstacles, âLove Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Wayâ is a nice reminder that U2 still remain conscious of matters of the heart even on their 14th studio album.
46. âAll Because of Youâ – âHow To Dismantle an Atomic Bombâ (2004)
ShareBono is well aware of the criticisms against him, and he seemed to lean into those criticisms on the lyrics of âAll Because of Youâ namely in the second verse with, âI like the sound of my own voice/I didn't give anyone else a choice.â Perhaps he didnât, but heâs at least self-aware enough to admit to it.
45. âMofoâ – âPopâ (1997)
ShareYou wouldnât think a song about Bonoâs mom dying when he was 14 could be this danceable, but U2 made it happen on âMofoâ with one hell of a synth track alongside Larry Mullen Jrâs drums.
45. âMofoâ – âPopâ (1997)
ShareYou wouldnât think a song about Bonoâs mom dying when he was 14 could be this danceable, but U2 made it happen on âMofoâ with one hell of a synth track alongside Larry Mullen Jrâs drums.
44. âMagnificentâ – âNo Line On the Horizonâ (2009)
ShareThe second single from âNo Line On the Horizon,â âMagnificentâ shouldâve been the lead single instead of âGet On Your Boots,â which most agree is one of the worst singles U2 has ever released. âMagnificentâ is a far better representation of U2âs 12th studio album. Fun fact: Itâs working title was âFrench Disco,â which really is an accurate description of its sound.
44. âMagnificentâ – âNo Line On the Horizonâ (2009)
ShareThe second single from âNo Line On the Horizon,â âMagnificentâ shouldâve been the lead single instead of âGet On Your Boots,â which most agree is one of the worst singles U2 has ever released. âMagnificentâ is a far better representation of U2âs 12th studio album. Fun fact: Itâs working title was âFrench Disco,â which really is an accurate description of its sound.
43. âMiss Sarajevoâ – âOriginal Soundtracks 1â (1995)
ShareIf you want to get technical, âMiss Sarajevoâ isnât a U2 song; itâs a song from Passengers, a group made up of U2 and Brian Eno, but itâs too stunning not to include. The song was inspired by a beauty pageant held in Sarajevo during the Bosninan War in the 1990s. Famed opera singer Luciano Pavarotti sang on the track, which was performed live for the first time at the âPavarotti and Friendsâ concert in 1995.
43. âMiss Sarajevoâ – âOriginal Soundtracks 1â (1995)
ShareIf you want to get technical, âMiss Sarajevoâ isnât a U2 song; itâs a song from Passengers, a group made up of U2 and Brian Eno, but itâs too stunning not to include. The song was inspired by a beauty pageant held in Sarajevo during the Bosninan War in the 1990s. Famed opera singer Luciano Pavarotti sang on the track, which was performed live for the first time at the âPavarotti and Friendsâ concert in 1995.
42. â40 (live)â – âUnder a Blood Red Skyâ (1983)
ShareInspired by Psalm 40 in the Bible, â40â remains one of U2âs most memorable live songs in their entire catalog. The song was famously used to close out the bandâs set and saw each member of the band exit the stand one-by-one all while fans continued to sing on repeat, âHow long to sing this song?â One word: Chills!
42. â40 (live)â – âUnder a Blood Red Skyâ (1983)
ShareInspired by Psalm 40 in the Bible, â40â remains one of U2âs most memorable live songs in their entire catalog. The song was famously used to close out the bandâs set and saw each member of the band exit the stand one-by-one all while fans continued to sing on repeat, âHow long to sing this song?â One word: Chills!
41. âSalomeâ – âEven Better Than The Real Thing – EPâ (1992)â
ShareHow much of a creative roll were U2 on in the early â90s? Even their b-sides were incredible! âSalomeâ is a great example of this. (Spoiler: Another b-side circa âAchtung Babyâ shows up later.) An unbelievably catchy pop-rock tune, âRolling Stoneâ wrote in a list titled â20 Insanely Great U2 Songs Only Hardcore Fans Knowâ that Robert Plant once said âSalomeâ was his favorite U2 song. If Plant digs it, thereâs a good chance you will, too.
40. âThe Saints Are Comingâ – âU218 Singlesâ (2006)
ShareU2 joined forces with Green Day to cover this Skids tune in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was a perfect marriage of two bands with punk roots and remains one of U2âs standout tracks of the aughts. They would perform the song together before the first home game the New Orleans Saints played in the Superdome following the devastating hurricane. If you feel like giving yourself goosebumps, track down the performance on YouTube.
41. âSalomeâ – âEven Better Than The Real Thing – EPâ (1992)â
ShareHow much of a creative roll were U2 on in the early â90s? Even their b-sides were incredible! âSalomeâ is a great example of this. (Spoiler: Another b-side circa âAchtung Babyâ shows up later.) An unbelievably catchy pop-rock tune, âRolling Stoneâ wrote in a list titled â20 Insanely Great U2 Songs Only Hardcore Fans Knowâ that Robert Plant once said âSalomeâ was his favorite U2 song. If Plant digs it, thereâs a good chance you will, too.
40. âThe Saints Are Comingâ – âU218 Singlesâ (2006)
ShareU2 joined forces with Green Day to cover this Skids tune in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. It was a perfect marriage of two bands with punk roots and remains one of U2âs standout tracks of the aughts. They would perform the song together before the first home game the New Orleans Saints played in the Superdome following the devastating hurricane. If you feel like giving yourself goosebumps, track down the performance on YouTube.
39. âElectrical Storm (William Orbit mix)â – âThe Best of 1990-2000â (2002)
ShareReleased as a single from U2âs second greatest hits compilation, âElectrical Stormâ is a tale of a couple at odds and the hope their rift will soon pass (âIf the sky can crack there must be some way back/For love and only love.â) The song was accompanied by a stunning music video directed by frequent U2 collaborator Anton Corbijn and stars actress Samantha Morton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. as the songâs subjects. The video is one of the bandâs most sensual and is a nice reminder that Larry is quite hot. Seriously, watch the video with a cigarette. Youâll thank me later.
39. âElectrical Storm (William Orbit mix)â – âThe Best of 1990-2000â (2002)
ShareReleased as a single from U2âs second greatest hits compilation, âElectrical Stormâ is a tale of a couple at odds and the hope their rift will soon pass (âIf the sky can crack there must be some way back/For love and only love.â) The song was accompanied by a stunning music video directed by frequent U2 collaborator Anton Corbijn and stars actress Samantha Morton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. as the songâs subjects. The video is one of the bandâs most sensual and is a nice reminder that Larry is quite hot. Seriously, watch the video with a cigarette. Youâll thank me later.
38. âStaring at the Sunâ – âPopâ (1997)
ShareâPopâ saw U2 fall further down the rabbit hole of electronic music, but some of the best songs on the album are where the band find balance between electronic and pop/rock genres. âStaring at the Sunâ is a great example of this, and it still remains one of the most underrated singles the band has ever released.
38. âStaring at the Sunâ – âPopâ (1997)
ShareâPopâ saw U2 fall further down the rabbit hole of electronic music, but some of the best songs on the album are where the band find balance between electronic and pop/rock genres. âStaring at the Sunâ is a great example of this, and it still remains one of the most underrated singles the band has ever released.
37. âWalk Onâ – âAll That You Canât Leave Behindâ (2000)
ShareA tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi, who was integral to bringing democracy to Myanmar and is currently the State Counsellor of the country, âWalk Onâ took on new meaning following the September 11th attacks in the United States and became a poignant anthem for a country reeling from an unprecedented act of terrorism.
37. âWalk Onâ – âAll That You Canât Leave Behindâ (2000)
ShareA tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi, who was integral to bringing democracy to Myanmar and is currently the State Counsellor of the country, âWalk Onâ took on new meaning following the September 11th attacks in the United States and became a poignant anthem for a country reeling from an unprecedented act of terrorism.
36. âThe Blackoutâ – âSongs of Experienceâ (2017)
ShareIf anyone questioned whether U2 could still write a banger that could move stadiums after being a band for four decades, âThe Blackoutâ put those doubts to rest. In a liner notes video for âSongs of Experience,â Bono says of the song, âItâs a letter to the moment weâre in, where personal and political apocalypse combine. Not just the rock behemoths slaughtered by time but the dinosaur of democracy facing extinction...I donât think itâs far fetched. Democracy, after all, is a mere blip in history. Itâs an aspiration seized by bloody revolutions. Itâs a bloody messy business.â
36. âThe Blackoutâ – âSongs of Experienceâ (2017)
ShareIf anyone questioned whether U2 could still write a banger that could move stadiums after being a band for four decades, âThe Blackoutâ put those doubts to rest. In a liner notes video for âSongs of Experience,â Bono says of the song, âItâs a letter to the moment weâre in, where personal and political apocalypse combine. Not just the rock behemoths slaughtered by time but the dinosaur of democracy facing extinction...I donât think itâs far fetched. Democracy, after all, is a mere blip in history. Itâs an aspiration seized by bloody revolutions. Itâs a bloody messy business.â
35. âThe Wanderer (feat. Johnny Cash)â – âZooropaâ (1993)
ShareIn theory, Johnny Cash singing over an electronic beat shouldnât work, but on âThe Wandererâ it just does. Closing out âZooropa,â The Man in Blackâs voice is the perfect tone to tell a story about someone walking around a post-apocalyptic landscape. Bono provides some beautiful harmonizing toward the end of the tune, but a tale this grave needs to be sung by someone that has lived through some stuff. Cash was 61 at the time of this recording, and he just had far more gravitas than a then 33-year-old Bono, which is probably why the U2 vocalist wrote the lyrics with Cash in mind.
34. âThe Sweetest Thingâ – âThe Best of 1980-1990â (1998)
ShareOriginally a b-side for âWhere The Streets Have No Name,â âThe Sweetest Thingâ was re-recorded for U2âs first greatest hits compilation and released as a single. Bono wrote it for his wife, Ali, after he missed her birthday due to being at the studio recording âThe Joshua Tree.â The songâs music video features Bono and Ali going on a carriage ride while Bono elaborately apologizes to his wife via a marching band, a step-dancing troupe, gyrating firefighters and much more. Honestly, the whole ordeal is the sweetest thing.
35. âThe Wanderer (feat. Johnny Cash)â – âZooropaâ (1993)
ShareIn theory, Johnny Cash singing over an electronic beat shouldnât work, but on âThe Wandererâ it just does. Closing out âZooropa,â The Man in Blackâs voice is the perfect tone to tell a story about someone walking around a post-apocalyptic landscape. Bono provides some beautiful harmonizing toward the end of the tune, but a tale this grave needs to be sung by someone that has lived through some stuff. Cash was 61 at the time of this recording, and he just had far more gravitas than a then 33-year-old Bono, which is probably why the U2 vocalist wrote the lyrics with Cash in mind.
33. âLady With The Spinning Headâ – âOne – EPâ (1992)
ShareOne of U2âs most popular b-sides, itâs kind of remarkable âLady With The Spinning Headâ was somehow left off âAchtung Babyâ or wasnât saved to be included on âZooropa.â The song was an early track in the making of âAchtung Babyâ and would go on to influence a number of songs on the album, most notably âThe Fly.â It should be noted âLady With The Spinning Headâ features one of Edgeâs coolest solos and hookiest hooks ever with that chorus. Just one listen, and itâll likely get stuck in your head for a few hours at the minimum.
34. âThe Sweetest Thingâ – âThe Best of 1980-1990â (1998)
ShareOriginally a b-side for âWhere The Streets Have No Name,â âThe Sweetest Thingâ was re-recorded for U2âs first greatest hits compilation and released as a single. Bono wrote it for his wife, Ali, after he missed her birthday due to being at the studio recording âThe Joshua Tree.â The songâs music video features Bono and Ali going on a carriage ride while Bono elaborately apologizes to his wife via a marching band, a step-dancing troupe, gyrating firefighters and much more. Honestly, the whole ordeal is the sweetest thing.
32. âDirty Dayâ – âZooropaâ (1993)
ShareWhile âDirty Dayâ isnât about Bonoâs relationship with his father, the song certainly was influenced by the man. Bono said in the 2006 book âU2 by U2,â ââDirty Dayâ is a father and son song. âItâs a dirty day,â was an expression my dad would use and there is a lot of him in there but it was also influenced by Charles Bukowski, the great American writer and drinker...The song is about a character who has walked out on his family and, years later, meets the son heâs abandoned. So itâs not about my father but I used some of my dadâs attitude.â One listen to âDirty Day,â and youâll be thankful for the attitude of Bob Hewson.
33. âLady With The Spinning Headâ – âOne – EPâ (1992)
ShareOne of U2âs most popular b-sides, itâs kind of remarkable âLady With The Spinning Headâ was somehow left off âAchtung Babyâ or wasnât saved to be included on âZooropa.â The song was an early track in the making of âAchtung Babyâ and would go on to influence a number of songs on the album, most notably âThe Fly.â It should be noted âLady With The Spinning Headâ features one of Edgeâs coolest solos and hookiest hooks ever with that chorus. Just one listen, and itâll likely get stuck in your head for a few hours at the minimum.
31. âWhen Love Comes to Townâ – âRattle and Humâ (1988)
ShareâI was there when they crucified my Lord/I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword/I threw the dice when they pierced his side/But I've seen love conquer the great divide.â Religion is a common theme in the U2 catalog, and it is ever present on this gem, which features the late, great B.B. King and was recorded in the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis.
30. âThe Flyâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareItâs impossible to talk about âThe Flyâ and not bring up Bonoâs quote referring to the song as âthe sound of four men chopping down âThe Joshua Treeâ." Truth be told, he wasnât wrong. Released as the first single from âAchtung Baby,â âThe Flyâ was a complete 180 compared to the songs of âThe Joshua Treeâ and âRattle and Hum,â and it set the stage for what was to come from U2 both in the studio and on the road with the Zoo TV Tour.
32. âDirty Dayâ – âZooropaâ (1993)
ShareWhile âDirty Dayâ isnât about Bonoâs relationship with his father, the song certainly was influenced by the man. Bono said in the 2006 book âU2 by U2,â ââDirty Dayâ is a father and son song. âItâs a dirty day,â was an expression my dad would use and there is a lot of him in there but it was also influenced by Charles Bukowski, the great American writer and drinker...The song is about a character who has walked out on his family and, years later, meets the son heâs abandoned. So itâs not about my father but I used some of my dadâs attitude.â One listen to âDirty Day,â and youâll be thankful for the attitude of Bob Hewson.
29. âOut of Controlâ – âBoyâ (1980)
ShareBono wrote the lyrics for âOut of Controlâ when he was 18 years old reflecting on the two things you have no control over in your life: when you are born and when you die. Heady stuff to think about when youâre still very young, but it offered a look at the subject matter of what would soon come from U2 decades down the line.
28. âSometimes You Canât Make It On Your Ownâ – âHow To Dismantle an Atomic Bombâ (2004)
ShareâSometimes You Canât Make It On Your Ownâ was written by Bono while his father, Bob Hewson, was dying from cancer. Itâs one of the most personal and heartbreaking songs Bono has ever written, which is really saying something, but itâs hard to disagree when youâre faced with lyrics like, âYou don't have to put up a fight/You don't have to always be right/Let me take some of the punches/For you tonight.â
27. âWhoâs Gonna Ride Your Wild Horsesâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareItâs a love song, but it has grit, which makes it right at home on âAchtung Babyâ despite it lacking some of the alternative influences found on the rest of the album. Oddly enough, both the band and producer Steve Lillywhite arenât super-fond of the tune. Good thing that many fans disagree.
31. âWhen Love Comes to Townâ – âRattle and Humâ (1988)
ShareâI was there when they crucified my Lord/I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword/I threw the dice when they pierced his side/But I've seen love conquer the great divide.â Religion is a common theme in the U2 catalog, and it is ever present on this gem, which features the late, great B.B. King and was recorded in the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis.
26. âAll I Want Is Youâ – âRattle and Humâ (1988)
ShareClosing out âRattle and Humâ (both the album and film), âAll I Want Is Youâ is another song whose lyrics were penned by Bono about his wife, Ali. (Swoon, right?!) The song would get a second life when it was included in the 1994 film âReality Bitesâ starring Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke. (Double swoon!)
25. âBullet the Blue Skyâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareâBullet the Blue Skyâ represents U2 at perhaps their most caustic. The songâs lyrics were inspired by a trip Bono and his wife, Ali, took to Central America, where U.S. foreign policy led to mass unrest. The songâs lyrics took aim at President Ronald Reagan. (âSuit and tie comes up to me/His face red like a rose on a thorn bush/Like all the colours of a royal flush/And he's peelin' off those dollar bills/Slappin' 'em down/One hundred, two hundred.â) Since its release, âBullet the Blue Skyâ has become a setlist mainstay and one of the highlights of nearly every U2 performance.
30. âThe Flyâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareItâs impossible to talk about âThe Flyâ and not bring up Bonoâs quote referring to the song as âthe sound of four men chopping down âThe Joshua Treeâ." Truth be told, he wasnât wrong. Released as the first single from âAchtung Baby,â âThe Flyâ was a complete 180 compared to the songs of âThe Joshua Treeâ and âRattle and Hum,â and it set the stage for what was to come from U2 both in the studio and on the road with the Zoo TV Tour.
24. âRed Hill Mining Townâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareInspired by the U.K.âs National Union of Mineworkers strike in 1984, âRed Hill Mining Townâ is a soaring tune that seemed arena-ready upon its release. Oddly enough, the song was never played live until U2 embarked on their 2017 tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of âThe Joshua Tree.â
29. âOut of Controlâ – âBoyâ (1980)
ShareBono wrote the lyrics for âOut of Controlâ when he was 18 years old reflecting on the two things you have no control over in your life: when you are born and when you die. Heady stuff to think about when youâre still very young, but it offered a look at the subject matter of what would soon come from U2 decades down the line.
23. âLove Is Blindnessâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareâLove Is Blindnessâ closes out âAchtung Baby,â and it does so in remarkably moody fashion. The Edgeâs playing on this track is some of his most dark, which makes sense on account of him going through a separation with his first wife. Not saying pain and struggle brings out the best creatively, but, in this case, it definitely didnât hurt.
28. âSometimes You Canât Make It On Your Ownâ – âHow To Dismantle an Atomic Bombâ (2004)
ShareâSometimes You Canât Make It On Your Ownâ was written by Bono while his father, Bob Hewson, was dying from cancer. Itâs one of the most personal and heartbreaking songs Bono has ever written, which is really saying something, but itâs hard to disagree when youâre faced with lyrics like, âYou don't have to put up a fight/You don't have to always be right/Let me take some of the punches/For you tonight.â
22. âElevation (Tomb Raider Mix)â – âLara Croft: Tomb Raider – Original Motion Picture Soundtrackâ (2001)
ShareWhile the original version on âAll That You Canât Leave Behindâ is great, the version of âElevationâ on the âLara Croft: Tomb Raiderâ soundtrack, which features a significantly harder rock edge to it, is the superior cut. Speaking of âedge,â The Edge is basically the star of the songâs music video which finds the guitarist captured by âEvil U2â and is superimposed into the âTomb Raiderâ film sharing many scenes with Angelina Jolie. Yes, U2 is a serious band, but they can also be seriously funny, too.
27. âWhoâs Gonna Ride Your Wild Horsesâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareItâs a love song, but it has grit, which makes it right at home on âAchtung Babyâ despite it lacking some of the alternative influences found on the rest of the album. Oddly enough, both the band and producer Steve Lillywhite arenât super-fond of the tune. Good thing that many fans disagree.
21. âUntil the End of the Worldâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareLetâs just be blunt: âUntil the End of the Worldâ is the coolest song about Judas singing to Jesus ever. Sure, it might be the only song about Judas singing to Jesus, but you really donât need any others when you have âUntil the End of the World.â Edgeâs bouncy, infectious riff takes this song to another level as does the killer rhythm track from Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.
20. âUltra Violet (Light My Way)â – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareOne of U2âs most achingly beautiful odes to love, âUltra Violet (Light My Way)â was given a new feminist meaning on the recent âJoshua Treeâ tours that honored the albumâs 30th anniversary. During the performance of the song, images of iconic women, from historical political figures to entertainers to activists, were shown on the large screen of the bandâs stage setup. It provided for a very moving moment to a set that already included U2 performing âThe Joshua Treeâ in its entirety.
19. âPlease (Single Version)â – âPlease – EPâ (1997)
ShareâPleaseâ is a protest song of sorts about religion, and itâs one of U2âs most moving tracks in their entire catalog. Bono said in a âRolling Stoneâ interview in 2001, âItâs essentially about fundamentalism, political or religious. Religious fundamentalism is where you get to shrink God; you remake God in your own image, as opposed to the other way around. It gave me a bit of a fright.â
18. âRunning to Stand Stillâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareThe heroin epidemic that hit Dublin in the 1980s had a massive effect on U2, and sadly, it inspired some of their best songs. Among them is âRunning to Stand Still.â While it wasnât one of the five songs from âThe Joshua Treeâ released as a single, it certainly was strong enough to be one.
26. âAll I Want Is Youâ – âRattle and Humâ (1988)
ShareClosing out âRattle and Humâ (both the album and film), âAll I Want Is Youâ is another song whose lyrics were penned by Bono about his wife, Ali. (Swoon, right?!) The song would get a second life when it was included in the 1994 film âReality Bitesâ starring Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke. (Double swoon!)
17. âLast Night on Earthâ – âPopâ (1997)
ShareApocalyptic? Yes. Decadent? For sure. âLast Night on Earthâ is one of U2âs best straight-forward rock songs in their catalog, and it just doesnât get enough attention. Go listen to it right now if you havenât done so in a while. You wonât regret it.
16. âHold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Meâ – âBatman Foreverâ (1995)
ShareA dizzying ode to being a rock star, âHold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Meâ was the lead single off of the âBatman Foreverâ soundtrack, which also featured Sealâs smash single âKiss from a Rose.â Easily the cheekiest lyrics from U2 (or at least the most in one song), Bono gets bonus points for rhyming âtricksâ with âcrucifix.â What a star!
25. âBullet the Blue Skyâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareâBullet the Blue Skyâ represents U2 at perhaps their most caustic. The songâs lyrics were inspired by a trip Bono and his wife, Ali, took to Central America, where U.S. foreign policy led to mass unrest. The songâs lyrics took aim at President Ronald Reagan. (âSuit and tie comes up to me/His face red like a rose on a thorn bush/Like all the colours of a royal flush/And he's peelin' off those dollar bills/Slappin' 'em down/One hundred, two hundred.â) Since its release, âBullet the Blue Skyâ has become a setlist mainstay and one of the highlights of nearly every U2 performance.
15. âEven Better Than The Real Thingâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareThe fourth single from âAchtung Baby,â âEven Better Than The Real Thingâ might just be U2âs sexiest song ever. Of course, that all depends on what youâre into. (To that end, no judgement. Weâre all Godâs children. Itâs fine!) Anyway, if you donât find it to be sexy, it certainly is playful. (âYou're honey child to a swarm of bees/Gonna blow right through ya like a breeze.â) U2 as a playful band was certainly a new concept, and it was certainly a welcome one.
24. âRed Hill Mining Townâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareInspired by the U.K.âs National Union of Mineworkers strike in 1984, âRed Hill Mining Townâ is a soaring tune that seemed arena-ready upon its release. Oddly enough, the song was never played live until U2 embarked on their 2017 tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of âThe Joshua Tree.â
14. âAngel of Harlemâ – âRattle and Humâ (1988)
ShareOne of the songs U2 recorded at Sun Studio for âRattle and Hum,â âAngel of Harlemâ paid tribute to Billie Holiday, which could be why Bono really delivered on the vocals. Itâs one of his strongest, most-memorable vocal performances in the U2 catalog. Just try and not feel a tingle up and down your spine when he belts, âShe says it's heart, heart and soul/Yeah yeah!â
23. âLove Is Blindnessâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareâLove Is Blindnessâ closes out âAchtung Baby,â and it does so in remarkably moody fashion. The Edgeâs playing on this track is some of his most dark, which makes sense on account of him going through a separation with his first wife. Not saying pain and struggle brings out the best creatively, but, in this case, it definitely didnât hurt.
22. âElevation (Tomb Raider Mix)â – âLara Croft: Tomb Raider – Original Motion Picture Soundtrackâ (2001)
ShareWhile the original version on âAll That You Canât Leave Behindâ is great, the version of âElevationâ on the âLara Croft: Tomb Raiderâ soundtrack, which features a significantly harder rock edge to it, is the superior cut. Speaking of âedge,â The Edge is basically the star of the songâs music video which finds the guitarist captured by âEvil U2â and is superimposed into the âTomb Raiderâ film sharing many scenes with Angelina Jolie. Yes, U2 is a serious band, but they can also be seriously funny, too.
13. âMysterious Waysâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareâMysterious Waysâ is U2 at their most exotic and spiritual, while also being romantically evocative. (âTo touch is to heal, to hurt is to steal/If you want to kiss the sky, better learn how to kneel/On your knees, boy!â) The fact that it has the hallmarks of a âBandstandâ hit (i.e. it has a good beat and you can dance to it) doesnât hurt matters either.
21. âUntil the End of the Worldâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareLetâs just be blunt: âUntil the End of the Worldâ is the coolest song about Judas singing to Jesus ever. Sure, it might be the only song about Judas singing to Jesus, but you really donât need any others when you have âUntil the End of the World.â Edgeâs bouncy, infectious riff takes this song to another level as does the killer rhythm track from Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr.
20. âUltra Violet (Light My Way)â – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareOne of U2âs most achingly beautiful odes to love, âUltra Violet (Light My Way)â was given a new feminist meaning on the recent âJoshua Treeâ tours that honored the albumâs 30th anniversary. During the performance of the song, images of iconic women, from historical political figures to entertainers to activists, were shown on the large screen of the bandâs stage setup. It provided for a very moving moment to a set that already included U2 performing âThe Joshua Treeâ in its entirety.
19. âPlease (Single Version)â – âPlease – EPâ (1997)
ShareâPleaseâ is a protest song of sorts about religion, and itâs one of U2âs most moving tracks in their entire catalog. Bono said in a âRolling Stoneâ interview in 2001, âItâs essentially about fundamentalism, political or religious. Religious fundamentalism is where you get to shrink God; you remake God in your own image, as opposed to the other way around. It gave me a bit of a fright.â
12. âI Will Followâ – âBoyâ (1980)
ShareBono references his mother, whom he lost when he was only 14, on a number of U2 songs, but âI Will Followâ is the best. Bono said of the song in a 1987 interview with âRolling Stone,â âItâs a little sketch about that unconditional love a mother has for a child: âIf you walk away, walk away I will follow,â and âI was on the outside when you said you needed me/I was looking at myself I was blind I could not see.â Itâs a really chronic lyric.â
18. âRunning to Stand Stillâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareThe heroin epidemic that hit Dublin in the 1980s had a massive effect on U2, and sadly, it inspired some of their best songs. Among them is âRunning to Stand Still.â While it wasnât one of the five songs from âThe Joshua Treeâ released as a single, it certainly was strong enough to be one.
11. âNew Yearâs Dayâ – âWarâ (1983)
ShareâUnder a blood red sky/A crowd has gathered in black and white/Arms entwined, the chosen few/The newspaper says, says/Say it's true, it's true.../And we can break through/Though torn in two/We can be one.â âNew Yearâs Dayâ set the tone as the lead single off of U2âs third studio album âWar.â Really, one could say it set the tone for the rest of the bandâs output of the 1980s. With âNew Yearâs Day,â U2 started to break through internationally, and in a few short years, theyâd become the biggest band in the world.
17. âLast Night on Earthâ – âPopâ (1997)
ShareApocalyptic? Yes. Decadent? For sure. âLast Night on Earthâ is one of U2âs best straight-forward rock songs in their catalog, and it just doesnât get enough attention. Go listen to it right now if you havenât done so in a while. You wonât regret it.
16. âHold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Meâ – âBatman Foreverâ (1995)
ShareA dizzying ode to being a rock star, âHold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Meâ was the lead single off of the âBatman Foreverâ soundtrack, which also featured Sealâs smash single âKiss from a Rose.â Easily the cheekiest lyrics from U2 (or at least the most in one song), Bono gets bonus points for rhyming âtricksâ with âcrucifix.â What a star!
10. âStay (Faraway, So Close!) – âZooropaâ (1993)
ShareWhile it was featured on âZooropa,â âStay (Faraway, So Close!)â was also written for the Wim Wenders film Faraway, So Close! Upon its release, it became one of U2âs most lush ballads in their catalog, and it remains that way nearly three decades after itâs release.
15. âEven Better Than The Real Thingâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareThe fourth single from âAchtung Baby,â âEven Better Than The Real Thingâ might just be U2âs sexiest song ever. Of course, that all depends on what youâre into. (To that end, no judgement. Weâre all Godâs children. Itâs fine!) Anyway, if you donât find it to be sexy, it certainly is playful. (âYou're honey child to a swarm of bees/Gonna blow right through ya like a breeze.â) U2 as a playful band was certainly a new concept, and it was certainly a welcome one.
9. âDesireâ – âRattle and Humâ (1988)
SharePaging Bo DiddleyâŚâDesireâ was the lead single off of âRattle and Hum,â and it brings an incredible jolt of energy with every listen. The song would net U2 a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1988.
8. âWith or Without Youâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareâWith or Without Youâ was the lead single off of âThe Joshua Tree,â and it set the table for the moment U2 was about to have with their fifth studio album. It became the bandâs first single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of the most enduring love songs of all time.
14. âAngel of Harlemâ – âRattle and Humâ (1988)
ShareOne of the songs U2 recorded at Sun Studio for âRattle and Hum,â âAngel of Harlemâ paid tribute to Billie Holiday, which could be why Bono really delivered on the vocals. Itâs one of his strongest, most-memorable vocal performances in the U2 catalog. Just try and not feel a tingle up and down your spine when he belts, âShe says it's heart, heart and soul/Yeah yeah!â
13. âMysterious Waysâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareâMysterious Waysâ is U2 at their most exotic and spiritual, while also being romantically evocative. (âTo touch is to heal, to hurt is to steal/If you want to kiss the sky, better learn how to kneel/On your knees, boy!â) The fact that it has the hallmarks of a âBandstandâ hit (i.e. it has a good beat and you can dance to it) doesnât hurt matters either.
7. âBeautiful Dayâ – âAll That You Canât Leave Behindâ (2000)
ShareImagine losing nearly everything but youâre still able to take stock in what you have left. Itâs an overwhelming concept, for sure, but leave it to U2 to approach an idea like that and turn it into a massive, arena-rocking hit. âBeautiful Dayâ netted the band Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2001. More importantly, âBeautiful Dayâ served as a sort of reset for the band as they entered the new millennium following their electronic-influenced â90s decade. They were back to basics, in a way, but they were still U2.
12. âI Will Followâ – âBoyâ (1980)
ShareBono references his mother, whom he lost when he was only 14, on a number of U2 songs, but âI Will Followâ is the best. Bono said of the song in a 1987 interview with âRolling Stone,â âItâs a little sketch about that unconditional love a mother has for a child: âIf you walk away, walk away I will follow,â and âI was on the outside when you said you needed me/I was looking at myself I was blind I could not see.â Itâs a really chronic lyric.â
11. âNew Yearâs Dayâ – âWarâ (1983)
ShareâUnder a blood red sky/A crowd has gathered in black and white/Arms entwined, the chosen few/The newspaper says, says/Say it's true, it's true.../And we can break through/Though torn in two/We can be one.â âNew Yearâs Dayâ set the tone as the lead single off of U2âs third studio album âWar.â Really, one could say it set the tone for the rest of the bandâs output of the 1980s. With âNew Yearâs Day,â U2 started to break through internationally, and in a few short years, theyâd become the biggest band in the world.
6. âI Still Havenât Found What Iâm Looking Forâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareThe second single from âThe Joshua Tree,â âI Still Havenât found What Iâm Looking Forâ blends elements of pop, rock and gospel that are beyond uplifting. For an album that reflected U2âs journey into America, âI Still Havenât Found What Iâm Looking Forâ is perhaps the most-uniquely American song on the album.
10. âStay (Faraway, So Close!) – âZooropaâ (1993)
ShareWhile it was featured on âZooropa,â âStay (Faraway, So Close!)â was also written for the Wim Wenders film Faraway, So Close! Upon its release, it became one of U2âs most lush ballads in their catalog, and it remains that way nearly three decades after itâs release.
5. âPride (In The Name of Love)â – âThe Unforgettable Fireâ (1984)
ShareA moving tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., âPride (In The Name of Love)â became U2âs first song to crack the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number 33. âPride (In The Name of Love)â has the distinct honor of being the song U2 has performed the most live. (A whopping 1,022 times, according to Setlist.fm.)
4. âBadâ – âLive Aid (Live, 13th July 1985)â (2018)
ShareWhile the studio version off âThe Unforgettable Fireâ is incredible, the live version of âBadâ from U2âs breakout performance at Live Aid in Wembley Stadium is simply iconic. The performance not only established U2 as one of the best live acts in music, but it showed off the bandâs unique ability to turn a massive venue into an intimate setting. While Bono lept from the Live Aid stage and slow danced with just one very lucky concertgoer, it somehow felt like he was holding all of us. The songâs themes touch on the horrendous battles of heroin addiction which grew to epidemic proportions in Dublin in the 1980s. Sadly, itâs lyrics (âIf I could, yes I would/If I could, I would/Let it goâ) still resonate today.
9. âDesireâ – âRattle and Humâ (1988)
SharePaging Bo DiddleyâŚâDesireâ was the lead single off of âRattle and Hum,â and it brings an incredible jolt of energy with every listen. The song would net U2 a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1988.
8. âWith or Without Youâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareâWith or Without Youâ was the lead single off of âThe Joshua Tree,â and it set the table for the moment U2 was about to have with their fifth studio album. It became the bandâs first single to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of the most enduring love songs of all time.
3. âSunday Bloody Sundayâ – âWarâ (1983)
ShareWith a drum intro you can feel in your gut, âSunday Bloody Sundayâ was U2âs breakthrough hit in the United States. Inspired by the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in Northern Ireland, âSunday Bloody Sundayâ remains not just one of U2âs best songs but one of the finest protest songs in music history. Its conscience still resonates live decades after its release.
7. âBeautiful Dayâ – âAll That You Canât Leave Behindâ (2000)
ShareImagine losing nearly everything but youâre still able to take stock in what you have left. Itâs an overwhelming concept, for sure, but leave it to U2 to approach an idea like that and turn it into a massive, arena-rocking hit. âBeautiful Dayâ netted the band Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2001. More importantly, âBeautiful Dayâ served as a sort of reset for the band as they entered the new millennium following their electronic-influenced â90s decade. They were back to basics, in a way, but they were still U2.
2. âOneâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareSome may view âOneâ not topping this list as a controversial choice considering its lore. U2 famously wrote âOneâ when they were on the brink of breaking up. Following the crazy success of âThe Joshua Tree,â U2 convened to record what would become âAchtung Baby,â and to put it lightly, things were just not working out. And then, they wrote âOne,â and the rest is history. Itâs one of those songs most bands dream of writing, and everyone on the track is truly at their best.
6. âI Still Havenât Found What Iâm Looking Forâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareThe second single from âThe Joshua Tree,â âI Still Havenât found What Iâm Looking Forâ blends elements of pop, rock and gospel that are beyond uplifting. For an album that reflected U2âs journey into America, âI Still Havenât Found What Iâm Looking Forâ is perhaps the most-uniquely American song on the album.
1. âWhere the Streets Have No Nameâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareU2 is a band that makes you want more and inspires you to dream bigger. They make you feel like nothing is out of reach, and âWhere the Streets Have No Nameâ is the best example of that. What can you say about a song so magical, whose longing is felt for the entirety of its 5:36 runtime, including an intro that just builds and builds only to culminate in Bono exclaiming âI wanna runâ? What can you say about The Edgeâs undeniable and transcending guitar playing? What can you say about Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. laying down a rhythm track that you can feel pulse through your body? You can say that all of these pieces add up to the quintessential U2 song. At the end of this list, itâs all I can do.
5. âPride (In The Name of Love)â – âThe Unforgettable Fireâ (1984)
ShareA moving tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., âPride (In The Name of Love)â became U2âs first song to crack the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number 33. âPride (In The Name of Love)â has the distinct honor of being the song U2 has performed the most live. (A whopping 1,022 times, according to Setlist.fm.)
4. âBadâ – âLive Aid (Live, 13th July 1985)â (2018)
ShareWhile the studio version off âThe Unforgettable Fireâ is incredible, the live version of âBadâ from U2âs breakout performance at Live Aid in Wembley Stadium is simply iconic. The performance not only established U2 as one of the best live acts in music, but it showed off the bandâs unique ability to turn a massive venue into an intimate setting. While Bono lept from the Live Aid stage and slow danced with just one very lucky concertgoer, it somehow felt like he was holding all of us. The songâs themes touch on the horrendous battles of heroin addiction which grew to epidemic proportions in Dublin in the 1980s. Sadly, itâs lyrics (âIf I could, yes I would/If I could, I would/Let it goâ) still resonate today.
3. âSunday Bloody Sundayâ – âWarâ (1983)
ShareWith a drum intro you can feel in your gut, âSunday Bloody Sundayâ was U2âs breakthrough hit in the United States. Inspired by the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre in Northern Ireland, âSunday Bloody Sundayâ remains not just one of U2âs best songs but one of the finest protest songs in music history. Its conscience still resonates live decades after its release.
2. âOneâ – âAchtung Babyâ (1991)
ShareSome may view âOneâ not topping this list as a controversial choice considering its lore. U2 famously wrote âOneâ when they were on the brink of breaking up. Following the crazy success of âThe Joshua Tree,â U2 convened to record what would become âAchtung Baby,â and to put it lightly, things were just not working out. And then, they wrote âOne,â and the rest is history. Itâs one of those songs most bands dream of writing, and everyone on the track is truly at their best.
1. âWhere the Streets Have No Nameâ – âThe Joshua Treeâ (1987)
ShareU2 is a band that makes you want more and inspires you to dream bigger. They make you feel like nothing is out of reach, and âWhere the Streets Have No Nameâ is the best example of that. What can you say about a song so magical, whose longing is felt for the entirety of its 5:36 runtime, including an intro that just builds and builds only to culminate in Bono exclaiming âI wanna runâ? What can you say about The Edgeâs undeniable and transcending guitar playing? What can you say about Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. laying down a rhythm track that you can feel pulse through your body? You can say that all of these pieces add up to the quintessential U2 song. At the end of this list, itâs all I can do.
