U2 Downloads for Every Playlist

U2 landed on the international music scene in the 1980s and twenty years later, they’re still going strong. With a combination of social activism, sincere lyrics, and genuine musicianship, the Irish rockers are arguably one of the most successful rock bands of all time. From vinyl records to tapes to cds to downloads, the band has stayed the course through the winds of change.

Thanks to digital technology, the music of U2 can be explored through single digital files instead of pouring through the cds in their extensive discography. Don’t know where to begin? Don’t fret. We’ve compiled a list of U2 downloads that every hipster simply must include on their digital playlist.

“With or Without You” – From the critically acclaimed album, The Joshua Tree, this song was the first #1 single for the band in the United States. It reached #4 in the UK. The song has so far been featured on three TV series: Friends, The Office, and Cold Case. Considered an emotionally sad song, guitarist The Edge came up with a simple riff for the ending to affect a lifting of the spirits for listeners.

“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” – The second single from The Joshua Tree has become the most covered U2 song. A live recording of the song, featuring the New Voices of Freedom, was placed on 1988’s Rattle and Hum album.

“Pride (In the Name of Love)” – A solid effort from The Unforgettable Fire, the song is the second most performed in the band’s tour history. The lyrical content reflects emotion and thought stemming from the civil rights movement and was inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders sang backup.

“One” – Released in 2002 as the third single off of Achtung Baby, the title eventually became the inspiration ONE Campaign to fight poverty, which was launched by lead singer Bono. In 2006, it was voted Britain’s Best Lyric by the people of the UK. Recently, Mary J. Blige featured it on her Grammy Award-winning The Breakthrough, and featured the rockers for the recording.

“Beautiful Day” – With the release of this single, U2 emerged back onto the national scene after largely experimental efforts during the mid to late 90s. The song garnered 3 Grammy Awards for the Irish quartet.

Narrowing down to a selection of just five U2 downloads for a band of this caliber seems asinine. However, it’s a good place to start if you’re too young or otherwise unfamiliar with the historical success of the 22-time Grammy Award winners. It’s also a good stroll through memory lane, rendering curiosities of what’s to come as the band taunts fans with hints of a forthcoming album.