The U2 Top 17

In honor of seeing U2 live for the 9th time on Saturday, I have selected the Irish foursome as the first installment of my Top 17 Post. Unfortunately, because this band is probably my all-time favorite band, it is hard for me to decide on only 17. There will inevitably be great song left out. I tried to run the entire spectrum of their career. There are some b-sides and neglected album tracks, along with popular hits. This playlist would make an incredible concert. Anyway, here goes. If you have anything at all to add, I would LOVE to hear it! CHEERS!
[chronological order]
1. I will Follow - what an explosive introduction to the band; still played live occasionally.
2. An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart - they bleed together on the "Boy" album, so O get a free pass. 'The Black Cat" starts out with a killer riff and extended coda that blends seamlessly into "Into The Heart". Magical.
3. Tomorrow - a song about the death of Bono's mother. Great atmosphere provided by Irish pipes and coming to an fevered end.
4. Drowning Man - from War. Another great piece of songwriting and wonderful creation of mood. With remnants from their deep religious period, yet universal in message.
5. New Year's Day - a signature tune, great piano, awesome bassline and distinctive guitar from The Edge.
6. Indian Summer Sky - A hidden gem. Aggressive rhythm and bassline; moody & uplifting at the same time.
7. Bad - Choose this live version from 1987. Turned into an epic barnstormer live from the original, somewhat more understated album version. They could jam on that riff for hours...
8. With Or Without You - again a live version from the Joshua Tree tour. They really learned how to nail some songs live. That's where they really shine, and this proves it.
9. Exit - This live version that showed up on the movie "Rattle & Hum" literally left me stunned when I saw it on a giant screen with HUGE sound. U2 at their most violent; unleashed & raw. STILL gives me goosebumps.
10. Luminous Times - a b-side to "With or Without You" and a remarkable piece of music. The contrast in the intimate & personal lyrics with the grandiose arrangement makes it compelling. Their greatest b-side, and probably my favorite song after "One".
11. Spanish Eyes - another Joshua Tree-era b-side. Vulnerable and ready to fall apart at any second. Great.
12. Heartland - from "Rattle & HUm', but a great transition out of the Joshua Tree sound. Perfect meshing of their love of America and it's imagery and that experimental U2 sound.
13. One - EPIC EPIC EPIC. Their finest song. This live version from 2001 is the best version I've heard. Bono really nails the mood and plays with the melody slightly. And bringing it all home is Edge's solo, which is one of he greatest ever. I get so emotional when I hear those notes...like he's singing through his guitar.
14. Love Is Blindness - stretching the melody from the song preceding it on"Achtung, Baby", this is U2 at their bleakest and most desperate. That guitar squall at the end really punctuates the mood. Awesome.
15. So Cruel - Genius lyrics and a real slow burner...building to the sound of a heart breaking.
16. Please - the high point from "Pop". This live version really cuts through.
17. In A Little While - A bit'o'soul from U2. Cool guitar licks surrounding a sublime bassline.
18. Always - A b-side that ended up getting reworked to make "Beautiful Day" I like this more because the verse & chorus have different melodies/basslines, and the verse really sets up the explosiveness of the chorus. More effective. Less is more.
19. Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own - their finest song of the last decade (3 albums). Just pure emotion with Bono paying homage to his father.
20. Are You Gonna Wait Forever? - another b-side, yet would have fit nicely on "How To Dismantle...". Similar stylistically to "Vertigo", yet lyrically deeper. A question asked of the people of Earth...
21. Breathe - my favorite from "...Horizon". Energy and a stylistic vocal leap for Bono.


These are NOT their BEST songs (as a poll of fans might better decide)...just my favorites.
Copy & paste this URL to get my YouTube playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?p=PLAE955D0C258CDB1B