U2

Listen for free or download any U2 track for just 12 cents per song!

U2 would probably land on our top 10 list of must influential bands from the 1980's. Over the years, the band has vacillated between punk rock, arena rock, and experimental directions that are hard to categorize. Nevertheless, we include them here in our rock section.

U2 formed way back in 1976, when a 14 year old Larry Mullen posted a want ad for band members at his school in Dublin, Ireland. After some shuffling, it wasn't long before the iconic four members were part of the band: Mullen, Adam Clayton, Paul Hewson (Bono), and David Evans (The Edge). They initially named the band Feedback, then later The Hype, and eventually U2. In their early days, they covered punk rock songs by bands like Sex Pistols and The Clash.

In 1978, U2 won a talent show. The prize was not only a few bucks, but also studio time and a guarantee that a major record label would hear the demo. After being signed by an Irish label, their initial releases were targeted at the Irish market. U2's first international release was the album Boy (1980). You may remember the hit song "I Will Follow" from this album. U2's follow up album, October (1981), did not fair as well. At the time, there was debate amongst the band around their Christian morals and the rock lifestyle. In 1983, U2 released War, which became their breakthrough album. It featured the songs "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Years Day". Subsequently the band recorded two live albums and MTV began heavily rotating their music videos. U2 considered cranking out the hits. Songs you will remember include "Pride (In the Name of Love)" and "Bad" from The Unforgettable Fire (1984), "With or Without You" and "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" from The Joshua Tree (1987), "The Fly", "Mysterious Ways", and "One" from Achtung Baby (1991).

Since their heyday, U2 has had their ups and downs as they have experimented musically. Nevertheless, they have continued meeting with success as they produce new albums and perform on stage. The band continues to produce politically charged music and contribute to philanthropic endeavors. At the time of this writing, the U2 Discography was as follows:

Listen for free or download any U2 track for just 12 cents per song!