It’s no secret that I am a U2 fan. Heck, my Twitter handle is @JenU2. In case you have been living under a rock, U2 are kicking off their tour here in Vancouver on May 14 and 15.
I am aware there are a lot of people that do not like U2. I respect everyone’s personal music taste. To me music can be very therapeutic and U2 songs have been a source of positivity, reflection and excitement for me since I was about eight years old. My parents are originally from Ireland so I was exposed to their music going back to Ireland as early as I can remember. I even watched ‘Rattle & Hum‘ every day for one year straight when I was about 12 years old. Yep, classic superfan over here!
If you’re a fan (or even if you aren’t), I hope you enjoy my personal five selections of U2 songs even a hater could (or should!) love.
1. Kite
“This song is about letting go of somebody you don’t want to let go of – could be a lover, could be a father, could be a child, could be a friend” – Bono. In this version of the song (Live from Slane Castle), Bono had just lost his dad from cancer a week earlier.
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Best lyrics of the song: “Something is about to give, I can feel it coming, I think I know what it is. I am not afraid to die. I am not afraid to live. And when I am flat on my back, I hope to feel like I did”.
2. Bad
My absolute favourite version of this song is from the Live Aid concert in 1985. Check out Bono’s hair! They captivated the audience with their raw lyrics portraying a heroin addict in Dublin. One of my all time favourite songs.
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3. Where the Streets Have No Name
If you watch any of these videos, it has to be this one! Have you ever seen 90,000 people jump like that? Gotta love the Irish! What I wouldn’t have given to be there. This is a must for any running or cycling playlist.
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4. Every Breaking Wave (Acoustic)
I am currently obsessed with the acoustic version of this song. From their latest album, ‘Songs of Innocence’.
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5. Miss Sarajevo
This version live from Milan 2007 will blow your mind on Bono’s voice range. I remember the first time hearing it and getting shivers (4:00 in). I had no idea he could sing like that!
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