U2 - The Best Of 1980-1990 & B-Sides (1998) WMA320

Though some of these greatest hits have been played a zillion times on the radio, there's nothing wrong with hearing such grandoise monsters as "Pride," "New Year's Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" on one disc. Surprisingly, it's the hits from one of the greatest albums in rock history, The Joshua Tree, that come off as the most boring on this CD. More interesting are less played, ethereal numbers like "Bad," "Unforgettable Fire" and the lively "I Will Follow." There's certainly a fire that was present in early U2, passion and meaning within the songs, coupled with an arena-ready feel that fans and journalists have come to love and respect.

U2 flaunts a surprisingly soulful side of itself on such greats as "When Love Comes to Town," "Desire" and "Angel of Harlem," heard toward the end of disc one where the band kind of lets its hair down. "All I Want is You" is a tender U2 beauty on which the band clicks on all levels; it's almost spiritual-sounding. Bono's sincere voice sounds like gold amid the Edge's sparkling, chiming guitar work. A gorgeous string section lovingly closes the song out. Let disc one continue to play after the last song to hear "October" (from October), an extremely beautiful piano instrumental. Quiet and peaceful, "October" is as good and memorable as the songs that proceeded it, despite its hidden, non-hit status.

The included 1980s b-sides are as great as U2 have ever sounded -- get this compilation because of them. All these closeted gems make a convincing case that U2 may have been at the top of its game back then, despite future classics in the 1990s. "The Three Sunrises" is a jangly and tuneful song that perfectly captures a different side to U2. "Spanish Eyes" has a rougher sound and a hugely ecstatic shout of "Love!" from Bono. The original mix of "Sweetest Thing" also benefits from a rougher-edged recording. Four very solid and inspired cover songs enhance disc two, one of which is a tremendously rocking version of Patti Smith's "Dancing Barefoot," which ends with searing guitar licks and Larry Mullen Jr.'s timely, thumping drums. "Love Comes Tumbling" and the instrumental "Bass Trap" have mesmerizing and mysterious qualities that are timelessly fresh. Some of the b-sides such as "Walk to the Water" and "Luminous Times" have a deep and mystical sense of serenity and longing. "Silver and Gold" reveals an amazing ability by Bono to create a tune all by himself. The guy could probably make a pretty amazing solo album if he so chose. Still, U2 are a definite entity whose sum is stronger than its parts, despite the massive talent that each member possesses. If the past is any indication, the next ten years with these guys should be just as awesome as it's always been. When U2 are great (which is nearly all the time), the band stands as one of the best ever. In terms of songs, longevity, great ideas and integrity, these guys simply reign supreme.

by Sal Nudo

TRACKLIST:
Disc 1:
01 - Pride (In The Name Of Love).wma
02 - New Year's Day.wma
03 - With Or Without You.wma
04 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.wma
05 - Sunday Bloody Sunday.wma
06 - Bad.wma
07 - Where The Streets Have No Name.wma
08 - I Will Follow.wma
09 - The Unforgettable Fire.wma
10 - Sweetest Thing (The Single Mix).wma
11 - Desire.wma
12 - When Love Comes To Town.wma
13 - Angel Of Harlem.wma
14 - All I Want Is You.wma

Disc 2:
01 - The Three Sunrises.wma
02 - Spanish Eyes.wma
03 - Sweetest Thing.wma
04 - Love Comes Tumbling.wma
05 - Bass Trap.wma
06 - Dancing Barefoot.wma
07 - Everlasting Love.wma
08 - Unchained Melody.wma
09 - Walk To The Water.wma
10 - Luminous Times (Hold On To Love).wma
11 - Hallelujah Here She Comes.wma
12 - Silver And Gold.wma
13 - Endless Deep.wma
14 - A Room At The Heartbreak Hotel.wma
15 - Trash, Trampoline And The Party Girl.wma

WMA 320Kbps 44100Hz STEREO