My original intention was to post U2's breakthrough album "War" in succession with Todd Rundgren and Bryan Adams. However, with the death of David Bowie, I felt the need to abandon that intention in order to pay proper homage to a true rock icon. The idea for my original intention came about because back in 1983, there was a chance to see Todd Rundgren, U2 and Bryan Adams together. They were playing a concert in Charlotte, North Carolina and the local radio station in Jacksonville, where I was stationed, was running a bus to it. I would have loved to have gone but unfortunately, the Marine Corps stuck me on duty that day so I couldn't. It's no wonder why I didn't re-enlist.
Like I said a second ago, U2's third album, "War" was the album where they finally got the attention they deserved in the US. In 1983 and I've probably said this before, commercial radio didn't totally suck, so when the monster hits, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day," blew me away when they got played, I naturally had to get a hold of the album. Especially, having heard their first two albums, "Boy" and "October." U2 was one of those bands where I could tell the johnny come lately's that I was listening to them before they got famous.
What I have always liked about War is that, at least in my ears, it's not much different to their first two albums. They didn't have to change to get accepted, (something they would forget in the years to follow.) U2 brought a different sound to the table which many people liked when they got to hear it. The fascinating thing about "War" is that the album has been enjoyed by both metalheads and Duranies (people who worshiped Duran Duran) alike. In fact, they have often been labelled 'punk' mainly because there was no other category in which to put them.
So many great things have been said about the "War" album, I would just be repeating them and even now, I find it difficult to find my own words. I know I just really like this album. The two singles already mentioned are my joint second favourite U2 songs of all time, "I Will Follow" takes the top slot. However, I was more than slightly disappointed when they didn't play the third single from the album, "Two Hearts Beat as One" when I finally got to see them live in 1985. While all of the songs are good, I would have to pick "Surrender" as my favourite of the lesser known songs on "War."
Track Listing:
- Sunday Bloody Sunday
- Seconds
- New Year's Day
- Like a Song
- Drowning Man
- The Refugee
- Two Hearts Beat as One
- Red Light
- Surrender
- 40
U2[/caption]
Bono- lead vocals, additional guitar
The Edge- guitars, piano, backing vocals, lead vocal on "Seconds"
Adam Clayton- bass
Larry Mullen Jr- drums
In 1983, U2 finally broke into the big time with a fantastic album "War." This album was a milestone for the band and fans like me in so many ways. In fact, often times I think that the band should go back and listen to this album and remember what got them to where they are.
Next post: Supertramp- Famous Last Words
To buy Rock And Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com
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