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U2 — Bad
Album: The Unforgettable Fire
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 4712









Released: 1984
Length: 5:56
Plays (last 30 days): 4
If you twist and turn away
If you tear yourself in two again
If I could, yes I would
If I could, I would
Let it go
Surrender
Dislocate

If I could throw this
Lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay
See you walk, walk away
Into the night
And through the rain
Into the half-light
And through the flame

If I could through myself
Set your spirit free
I'd lead your heart away
See you break, break away
Into the light
And to the day

To let it go
And so to fade away
To let it go
And so fade away

I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake
Wide awake
I'm not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no

If you should ask then maybe they'd
Tell you what I would say
True colors fly in blue and black
Bruised silken sky and burning flag
Colors crash, collide in blood shot eyes

If I could, you know I would
If I could, I would
Let it go...

This desperation
Dislocation
Separation
Condemnation
Revelation
In temptation
Isolation
Desolation
Let it go

And so fade away
To let it go
And so fade away
To let it go
And so to fade away

I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake
Wide awake
I'm not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no
Comments (684)add comment
If you are even a moderate U2 fan like I was, highly suggest listening to Bono's "Surrender/40 Songs" audio book. All 20 hours of it! (It's free on Spotify for Premium users.) I came away with a whole new appreciation for the band, and their songs sound different to me now. Even fresher, deeper, better. Bono is an amazing individual, and very articulate. I just loved it and felt changed when it was over.
 William wrote:

There aren't really a lot of people who dislike U2. The ones who do, however, seem to really like to call attention to themselves. 

For a clearer view of what RP listeners think about this song, just look at the ratings distribution. 


I wasn't a big fan of U2 when they were new, but my girlfriend kept adding their songs to the ends of cassettes she made for me and I grew to be a huge fan. Songs like this were a big part of that, truly powerful!
Always a huge fan. I love all U2. Have seen them 4 times live. The Unforgettable Fire tour in D.C., the Rattle and Hum tour in D.C. at RFK, the PopMart tour in SC at Clemson Death Valley and the Songs of Innocence tour at Boston Garden.  All fantastic. They have been a band not afraid to grow and try different things and not give a shit what the fans think. Most of it turned out great. Maybe the Zooropa lp was a little to far out, but there were a few good tunes.  My point being, they have survived the rock world bashing by music critics and their fans for almost 50 years.  They are not as old as the Rolling Stones but what other band has survived that long with the same members and are still selling out arenas and Sphere's and has newer music that still sounds relevant? No one. Yes Bono is a little pretentious, but The Edge does not deserve and critiquing
on his playing.  Keep playing them Bill! Just more variety on earlier stuff! Thanks!
It is not so difficult: there is U2 before and after. This song is of course before and a masterpiece. With no doubt. 
 Middleton wrote:

Best U2 song. Ever.



One of the top five for sure!!
 SurfDoc wrote:

It surprises me how U2 gets such a bad rap on RP.  I think they are great, thanks for playing.



They don't. This song has an average close to 8. Later U2 maybe. 
It’s kinda yelly, isn’t it ? Not singy …
 gmichaelt wrote:


Bloviation? 
 gmichaelt wrote:


Defenestration?
 maboleth wrote:

Not wanting to nitpick... but you forgot colonization.  >___<


Great great comment! Hahahahaha!

 



 hodges.j wrote:

Just want to say thanks, I recently discovered this channel after a friend here in The Netherlands recommended it to me . What a find ! Keep up the brilliant work, I will spread the word ... Paradise Radio rocks !




ENJOY!!   
 paulmcnett wrote:



I dunno, for years I've gone back and forth between this and "Running To Stand Still". Unforgettable Fire as a whole is IMO their best album overall, with Joshua Tree a hair behind, but even that I wonder about. Gonna have to keep listening to U2 to finally decide!


Have to agree on Running To Stand Still!
 lannydevaney wrote:

I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.



This album really is up there with their best.
 timmus wrote:

Isn't there another song on Radio Paradise that uses those same two synthesizer notes in the background?  I seem to remember it's slightly more of a downtempo kind of song.


Red Rain 
Comes to mind. 
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

this is such a great album


Saw them on this tour. Great album (thanks, Eno). 
But they are/Bono is, over and over, insufferable and annoying and self important. That spoils it a bit. 
Just want to say thanks, I recently discovered this channel after a friend here in The Netherlands recommended it to me . What a find ! Keep up the brilliant work, I will spread the word ... Paradise Radio rocks !
 lannydevaney wrote:

I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.




You lucky duck.  I wish that I could have been there too!  GREAT TUNE!!  Thanx RP!  
certainement la plus belle chanson de U2. 
 lannydevaney wrote:

I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.



You're not in the minority, or if you are then so am I. This album is a masterpiece. Sure the one that followed it is too, but I prefer this one. 
Goosebumps. Every time.  Thanks B&R
I'm guessing i'm on my own with this, but...
.
I quite like U2. Apart from this song - it's the  "Any-ol-word-ending-in A-shone" bit that ruins it for me. It's just lazy poetry.
And of course it's a rip-off from Stevie Wonder's 'Pastime Paradise' and i have the same issue with that, so much that i prefer the Coolio version, because he leaves that bit out.
Maybe he'd like to have a go at doing the same with this one? 
I guess we all have our 'pet-hates' i guess this must be mine. Now that's a revelAtion - oh damn, now i'm doing it myself!!
.
.
Oops, just scrolled down a bit and found me repeating myself.
And sorry, i didn't know, Rip Coolio...
Maybe u2's BEST song. Maybe it is about irony.....
 jsjacob wrote:

Goddamit Edge! Turn down the delay! Just turn it down! Once! Please, Edge. Everyone thinks you're really good. Turn down the delay, and show us the mediocre guitarist behind all that swirling, bouncing, and echoing. Turn it down Edge!

karljonasson wrote: Personally I don't care how he creates the sounds he makes. I like the product of his musicianship and I don't think it matters if he is the most technically proficient guitarist or a shameless hack. I think he does what he needs to do to make music that I enjoy. If it takes a wall of delay boxes so be it.


Exactly! Jimmy Page (respectfully) referred to him as a "Sonic Architect" in "It Might Get Loud" Seems like a pretty apt description to me. 
 springof63 wrote:
I'm waiting for the Coolio version omitting the annoying any old-word-ending-in-"ation" bit.
(no tongue in cheek emoji then...)


(this is supposed to be a funny tongue-in-cheek comment, not a serious one, ok?)



Coolio is dead, my friend.  
Never aged.
This love - wow.{#Bananajam}
Even though I appreciate the live version mostly played here, this album version shoots me back to being 16 and hearing it pumping through the wall between my room and my sister's. Every night I'd hear this album and then hours of the needle skipping after she'd fallen asleep. Then she'd wake up and put it on again. The whole album  is stellar, but this song was and still is one of  my all-time favorites from any band in any genre in any era.
this era of U2 will forever remind me of climbing trees in my parents back yard in the summer with my childhood friends, one of which only lives on in memory .. i treasure this song and those memories in ways that are indescribable 
 xrdstv wrote:



Joshua Tree came out at the time of CD's which had a major transformation in how we (sonically) listened and heard recorded music.

So, with that said, this album (imho) deserves a dedicated wall in the Louvre.



I listened to this for the first with the record sales woman at the Bay store in St. Vital, Winnipeg. That was a great moment for both of us. We shared a special moment in time.

Too bad she worked with my girlfriend... hmmmm... we both said that out loud.

File under "where would we be now if".  
Ice, you're only river run cold.   I hope to one day write a line that  rhythmic, alliterative and deep.  Wrong song, I know.
 sfoster66 wrote:

This album underperforms to most casual U2 listeners but I'd argue that it surpasses Joshua Tree...solid, top to bottom and really great writing...




Joshua Tree came out at the time of CD's which had a major transformation in how we (sonically) listened and heard recorded music.

So, with that said, this album (imho) deserves a dedicated wall in the Louvre.
 1wolfy wrote:

It surprises me how many people dislike U2.  They 'jumped out' at me in the 80s like no other band.



I'm one of those people who just got worn out on them by the late 90s/00s era due to near total saturation. They got to be as ubiquitous as McDonald's and Coca Cola. I don't begrudge them their success, though.
 
Their output from the 80s to the early/mid 90s though really holds up to me. 
I like early U2 such as this the most.
A reminder that Dublin ain't necessarily a pretty place
Brilliant song - my fave. 

Their Live Aid performance was fantastic. Bill should play that version sometime. 
 eileenomurphy wrote:

Good tune!


Good, eh?  You clearly have some enormously high standards...cheers to expecting more!
This album underperforms to most casual U2 listeners but I'd argue that it surpasses Joshua Tree...solid, top to bottom and really great writing...
 lannydevaney wrote:

I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.



Great song, mediocre album.  U2's "Captain Fantastic."
please play less U2. They are so overplayed and overrated.
Isn't there another song on Radio Paradise that uses those same two synthesizer notes in the background?  I seem to remember it's slightly more of a downtempo kind of song.
I'm waiting for the Coolio version omitting the annoying any old-word-ending-in-"ation" bit.
(no tongue in cheek emoji then...)


(this is supposed to be a funny tongue-in-cheek comment, not a serious one, ok?)
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

this is such a great album



my god, this is almost 40 years old....
mee too
I got to see U2 live in Pasadena on their 2017 tour. It was an unforgettable experience. This album and Joshua Tree are some of their best work.
Good tune!
 lannydevaney wrote:

I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.




That tour became more somber (with a focused intensity) in the wake of 9/11, FWIW.
this is such a great album
 BillG wrote:

There aren't really a lot of people who dislike U2. The ones who do, however, seem to really like to call attention to themselves. 

For a clearer view of what RP listeners think about this song, just look at the ratings distribution. 


Personally I hate anyone who supports terrorism in any form - political discord is good, but some people take 'nationalism' a little too far, and when we consider that the terrorist activities of the IRA were funded by Americans - well, that dried up after 9/11 - go figure!
back when they were God's own RnR band. So damn good. 
Fantastic song from the Dublin four✌️
This song is almost 40 years old and still stops people in their tracks. Timeless.
Probably my favorite U2 song. So poetic,  melodic, heartfelt and I dig the textures of the delay guitar and synths. 
 Middleton wrote:

Best U2 song. Ever.




I dunno, for years I've gone back and forth between this and "Running To Stand Still". Unforgettable Fire as a whole is IMO their best album overall, with Joshua Tree a hair behind, but even that I wonder about. Gonna have to keep listening to U2 to finally decide!
Find the version of them performing this at Live Aid -  It is on Youtube some place.

I was 16 and watched it on MTV - And I was an instant fan. 
 coloradojohn wrote:
Great art moves people. Some it pushes away, some it draws near. BUT IT MOVES. Just remember, few are ever polarized by mediocrity! JAM ON, U2! because most of us are wide awake after all!
{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Guitarist}{#Yell}{#Hearteyes}{#Dancingbanana_2}



Miss your impassioned comments, John.  Trust life is treating you well in Japan. Hope you come back and visit RP again someday... 
 bbgun wrote:

I loved the fact that U2 did The Joshua Tree in it's entirety on the anniversary tour, but I would have paid significantly more to see them do the whole Unforgettable Fire album. This album hits home for me, and really captured a band finding their way... beautiful, meaningful  tunes.



In my opinion, their best effort.  I was fortunate to see the SF stop (2nd night) on this tour and it was nothing short of magical.
 SgtBeefheart wrote:
Anyone know why he calls himself 'the edge' and wears a wooly hat all day?
 
For the "wooly hat" it takes far less than a genius to figure it out.  
Otherwise, call him "the Edge" or Dave Evans, he has played guitar in my favorite band, despite the fact they have become a bit comfortably numb for the last few years. So have I  and Larry Mullen Jr. is my peer.  But I am eager to stay wide awake. 
I loved the fact that U2 did The Joshua Tree in it's entirety on the anniversary tour, but I would have paid significantly more to see them do the whole Unforgettable Fire album. This album hits home for me, and really captured a band finding their way... beautiful, meaningful  tunes.
Shut up Bono. Shut up Edge.
One of best performance on LIVE AID!!! Lovely song!
Wish I could forget this screeching 
 redmachine wrote:
Imagine how good Radio Paradise would be if they realised how utterly dreadful U2 are. 
 

Okay Russian bot.
 westslope wrote:
 BillG wrote:



1wolfy wrote:
It surprises me how many people dislike U2. They 'jumped out' at me in the 80s like no other band.

There aren't really a lot of people who dislike U2. The ones who do, however, seem to really like to call attention to themselves. 

For a clearer view of what RP listeners think about this song, just look at the ratings distribution. 


If you 1wolfy like it, I probably like it too.  With a 99+% hit rate

Here is a sure-fire formula for alienating snooty people:

Declare your appreciation for a) ABBA, b) ColdPlay, c) U2, d) Phil Collins, e) country & western, .....
 
Don't forget David Byrne and the Talking Heads
I was in my teens, this was an inspirational song! Still gives me goosebumps!
9/10. 

Bad - live at LiveAid was a class of its own. Bono at his best!
Anyone know why he calls himself 'the edge' and wears a wooly hat all day?
 psb wrote:
Beautiful music, and can't never judge the art by the artist.... AWESOME ART, piece of shit artist, Bono.
 

A much more talented piece of shit than you I'd venture.
Beautiful music, and can't never judge the art by the artist.... AWESOME ART, piece of shit artist, Bono.
 BillG wrote:

There aren't really a lot of people who dislike U2. The ones who do, however, seem to really like to call attention to themselves. 

For a clearer view of what RP listeners think about this song, just look at the ratings distribution. 
 
It's not really a dislike, but a feeling that they're over-played. For instance, today RP played two U2 songs (Bad and Running to Stand Still) within a 2 hour period. There was only one Beatles song, only one Zeppelin song, only one Radiohead tune in that period.
Why this band when there are so many others that are (IMHO) just as good?
my 4th album i ever bought.  16 years old.  Solid album.
 stunix wrote analphabetically, so I sorted things to find out whether or not "nucleation" was in the mix:
abbreviation, abdication, aberration, abnegation, abomination, acclamation, acclimatization, accommodation, accusation, adjuration, administration, admiration, adoration, adulation, adumbration, affectation, affiliation, affirmation, agglomeration, aggravation, alienation, alliteration, alteration, altercation, amplification, annexation, annihilation, annunciation, anticipation, appellation, application, appreciation, approbation, arbitration, aspiration, assassination, asseveration, association, aviation, avocation, bifurcation, cancellation, capitalization, celebration, centralization, certification, cessation, circulation, civilization, collaboration, coloration, combination, commendation, communication, commutation, compensation, complication, computation, condemnation, condensation, confederation, configuration, confirmation, conflagration, conformation, confrontation, conglomeration, conjugation, connotation, conservation, consideration, consolation, consolidation, constellation, consternation, continuation, conversation, convocation, cooperation, coordination, coronation, corporation, corroboration, creation, cremation, crystallization, declamation, declaration, decoration, dedication, defalcation, defamation, degradation, delectation, delineation, demonstration, denomination, denunciation, depreciation, depredation, deprivation, derivation, derogation, desperation, destination, determination, detonation, devastation, discrimination, disintegration, dispensation, disputation, dissemination, dissertation, dissipation, distillation, divagation, divination, documentation, domination, duration, education, elevation, emigration, enunciation, equation, evaporation, exaggeration, examination, excitation, exclamation, execration, exoneration, expectation, experimentation, expiation, explanation, exploitation, exploration, expostulation, extermination, fabrication, fascination, fertilization, fluctuation, foreordination, formation, foundation, frustration, generation, germination, gestation, graduation, gravitation, hallucination, hesitation, humiliation, hyphenation, identification, illustration, imagination, immigration, implication, improvisation, incantation, incarnation, incorporation, inflammation, inflation, information, initiation, innovation, inspiration, installation, interpolation, intonation, inundation, ionization, jubilation, justification, lactation, laudation, legislation, levitation, limitation, liquidation, location, manipulation, meditation, memorization, ministration, miscegenation, mispronunciation, moderation, modification, multiplication, mutation, mystification, narration, nasalization, nation, negation, negotiation, nomination, notation, numeration, obligation, observation, occupation, operation, oration, ordination, organization, ostentation, oxidation, penetration, permutation, peroration, perspiration, perturbation, plantation, population, precipitation, preparation, preservation, probation, proclamation, pronunciation, propagation, provocation, publication, punctuation, qualification, quotation, ratiocination, rationalization, recommendation, recreation, registration, regulation, relation, remuneration, renunciation, reparation, reputation, respiration, revelation, revocation, salutation, sensation, separation, signification, simulation, situation, solidification, specification, speculation, spoliation, stagnation, station, sterilization, stipulation, syncopation, syndication, temptation, termination, transportation, trepidation, tribulation, utilization, vacation, valuation, variation, vegetation, venation, veneration, verification, vibration, violation, vocation
 

Nope! "Nucleation" isn't in that list.

I knew it.

 stunix wrote:
My U2 song.    (needs someone to strum E and A on a distorted guitar with heavy chorus and delay.)

....ation

thankyou, please send royalties to my lawyers and send my hat on a learjet.
 
Is constipation in that hilarious list, I couldn't be bothered to read it?  I need to skip this one cos of the bangy drums.

Again, thanks to our local troll who gives me the thumbs down every time...
I didn't listen to the radio, so I rather like it.
 1wolfy wrote:
It surprises me how many people dislike U2.  They 'jumped out' at me in the 80s like no other band.
 
Yes, U2 jumped out at me too. In large and unfortunate part because 1 of the same 6 U2 tracks seemed to come on FM radio about every 20 minutes. So I developed Burn Out Boredom. The disc jockeys and/or play list station programmers could have adhered less to payola programola and actually let us hear other, readily available U2 tracks. I would have hit 'change the station' far less and been more appreciate of U2 if Sunday Bloody Sunday or Pride and a very few others had been cast far fewer than 6,647 times.


They are overplayed and over-hyped to the point that Bono is the equivalent of Mother Theresa.  Don't get me wrong, I was one of their biggest fans, but pop culture has consumed them.  
 
BillG wrote:

There aren't really a lot of people who dislike U2. The ones who do, however, seem to really like to call attention to themselves. 

For a clearer view of what RP listeners think about this song, just look at the ratings distribution. 
 

Lyrics resounding so true these days...
 lannydevaney wrote:
I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.
 

Better Than Joshua Tree? 
Maybe.
But let's just say Bad was integral  in propelling Joshua Tree to it's well deserved  height  in the statusphere.
 janac13 wrote:
Their last good album in my opinion.
 
Not a fan of Joshua Tree?  How hipster of you.
So burned out on anything U2.
I think it's U2's greatest song.
 lannydevaney wrote:
I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.
 
My favotite is Joshua Tree without any doubt.
 lannydevaney wrote:
I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.
 

Good all times ,good music 
I've only seen them live once, All You Can't Leave Behind Tour.  Way more low key than their previous tours, but wow.  I was mesmerized.  And this song, live, is unbelievable.  Bono really pours it out.  I have to say, and I know I'm in the minority, but this is my favorite U2 album.
 stunix wrote:
My U2 song.    (needs someone to strum E and A on a distorted guitar with heavy chorus and delay.)

Adumbration, perturbation, ratiocination, venation, bifurcation, derogation, delineation, dispensation, dissipation, divination, domination, elevation, execration, expostulation, inflammation, interpolation, inundation, ionization, lactation, ministration, ostentation, renunciation, stagnation, adjuration, denunciation, depreciation, disputation, improvisation, nasalization, aberration, acclimatization, altercation, approbation, asseveration, consternation, conflagration, conformation, defalcation, defamation, degradation, distillation, excitation, expiation, miscegenation, penetration, permutation, peroration, salutation, stipulation, spoliation, divagation, laudation, corroboration, depredation, meditation, revocation, tribulation, veneration, levitation, affirmation, annexation, appellation, condensation, commutation, configuration, denomination, derivation, dissertation, incantation, jubilation, negation, oration, ordination, proclamation, provocation, remuneration, signification, foreordination, innovation, mystification, reparation, abbreviation, abdication, abnegation, abomination, alienation, continuation, convocation, cremation, delectation, declamation, deprivation, determination, dissemination, exploitation, formation, incarnation, justification, limitation, moderation, nomination, trepidation, implication, acclamation, affectation, adoration, alteration, assassination, avocation, connotation, emigration, gestation, accommodation, adulation, affiliation, agglomeration, aggravation, alliteration, amplification, annihilation, annunciation, anticipation, aviation, capitalization, centralization, cessation, collaboration, complication, confrontation, conglomeration, consolidation, coronation, desperation, enunciation, exclamation, extermination, fabrication, fertilization, hallucination, initiation, immigration, inflation, liquidation, narration, numeration, rationalization, respiration, simulation, speculation, syncopation, syndication, variation, vegetation, violation, confederation, detonation, inspiration, intonation, vocation, accusation, arbitration, aspiration, cancellation, certification, computation, consolation, devastation, documentation, exoneration, germination, incorporation, mutation, oxidation, perspiration, probation, preservation, qualification, recommendation, revelation, sensation, solidification, sterilization, termination, fluctuation, equation, exaggeration, frustration, manipulation, temptation, experimentation, administration, application, appreciation, association, civilization, commendation, communication, condemnation, confirmation, conjugation, conservation, coordination, dedication, disintegration, duration, evaporation, fascination, gravitation, hesitation, hyphenation, illustration, imagination, installation, legislation, mispronunciation, modification,multiplication, negotiation, organization, propagation, pronunciation, registration, separation, specification, verification, vibration, decoration, admiration, celebration, circulation, combination, compensation, consideration, cooperation, corporation, demonstration, declaration, destination, discrimination, education, examination, expectation, explanation, exploration, generation, humiliation, identification,  memorization, observation, obligation, occupation, operation, publication, quotation, recreation, situation, transportation, utilization, valuation, graduation, coloration, conversation, crystallization, foundation, information, notation, plantation, population, precipitation, preparation, punctuation, relation, reputation, regulation, constellation, creation, location, nation,station, vacation

thankyou, please send royalties to my lawyers and send my hat on a learjet.
 
Yep. Gotta let all that go too.
Their last good album in my opinion.
I kept waiting for the SNL skit where U2 kept randomly walking through set after set uninvited. That said this song and album and JTree are U2 in their heyday and only Queen came close to them at LiveAid.
 BillG wrote:



1wolfy wrote:
It surprises me how many people dislike U2. They 'jumped out' at me in the 80s like no other band.

There aren't really a lot of people who dislike U2. The ones who do, however, seem to really like to call attention to themselves. 

For a clearer view of what RP listeners think about this song, just look at the ratings distribution. 


If you 1wolfy like it, I probably like it too.  With a 99+% hit rate

Here is a sure-fire formula for alienating snooty people:

Declare your appreciation for a) ABBA, b) ColdPlay, c) U2, d) Phil Collins, e) country & western, .....
I think U2 has not bad reputation, we listening too much, simple. I like U2.
 stunix wrote:
My U2 song.    (needs someone to strum E and A on a distorted guitar with heavy chorus and delay.)

Adumbration, perturbation, ratiocination, venation, bifurcation, derogation, delineation, dispensation, dissipation, divination, domination, elevation, execration, expostulation, inflammation, interpolation, inundation, ionization, lactation, ministration, ostentation, renunciation, stagnation, adjuration, denunciation, depreciation, disputation, improvisation, nasalization, aberration, acclimatization, altercation, approbation, asseveration, consternation, conflagration, conformation, defalcation, defamation, degradation, distillation, excitation, expiation, miscegenation, penetration, permutation, peroration, salutation, stipulation, spoliation, divagation, laudation, corroboration, depredation, meditation, revocation, tribulation, veneration, levitation, affirmation, annexation, appellation, condensation, commutation, configuration, denomination, derivation, dissertation, incantation, jubilation, negation, oration, ordination, proclamation, provocation, remuneration, signification, foreordination, innovation, mystification, reparation, abbreviation, abdication, abnegation, abomination, alienation, continuation, convocation, cremation, delectation, declamation, deprivation, determination, dissemination, exploitation, formation, incarnation, justification, limitation, moderation, nomination, trepidation, implication, acclamation, affectation, adoration, alteration, assassination, avocation, connotation, emigration, gestation, accommodation, adulation, affiliation, agglomeration, aggravation, alliteration, amplification, annihilation, annunciation, anticipation, aviation, capitalization, centralization, cessation, collaboration, complication, confrontation, conglomeration, consolidation, coronation, desperation, enunciation, exclamation, extermination, fabrication, fertilization, hallucination, initiation, immigration, inflation, liquidation, narration, numeration, rationalization, respiration, simulation, speculation, syncopation, syndication, variation, vegetation, violation, confederation, detonation, inspiration, intonation, vocation, accusation, arbitration, aspiration, cancellation, certification, computation, consolation, devastation, documentation, exoneration, germination, incorporation, mutation, oxidation, perspiration, probation, preservation, qualification, recommendation, revelation, sensation, solidification, sterilization, termination, fluctuation, equation, exaggeration, frustration, manipulation, temptation, experimentation, administration, application, appreciation, association, civilization, commendation, communication, condemnation, confirmation, conjugation, conservation, coordination, dedication, disintegration, duration, evaporation, fascination, gravitation, hesitation, hyphenation, illustration, imagination, installation, legislation, mispronunciation, modification,multiplication, negotiation, organization, propagation, pronunciation, registration, separation, specification, verification, vibration, decoration, admiration, celebration, circulation, combination, compensation, consideration, cooperation, corporation, demonstration, declaration, destination, discrimination, education, examination, expectation, explanation, exploration, generation, humiliation, identification,  memorization, observation, obligation, occupation, operation, publication, quotation, recreation, situation, transportation, utilization, valuation, graduation, coloration, conversation, crystallization, foundation, information, notation, plantation, population, precipitation, preparation, punctuation, relation, reputation, regulation, constellation, creation, location, nation,station, vacation

thankyou, please send royalties to my lawyers and send my hat on a learjet.
 
Ok folks, even if you are a fan of U2, which apparently some of you are, you have to admit this is funny. 
It's a great song.  Compelling, moving, splendidly played -- and back in the day overplayed a thousand percent by FM radio.  Like, Jay-sus, didn't U2 record any other fookin' material besides the 6 Bono and Edge songs played almost exclusively?  
The question of the day is...Is 'Bad' bad?
 1wolfy wrote:
It surprises me how many people dislike U2.  They 'jumped out' at me in the 80s like no other band.
 
There aren't really a lot of people who dislike U2. The ones who do, however, seem to really like to call attention to themselves. 

For a clearer view of what RP listeners think about this song, just look at the ratings distribution. 
 coloradojohn wrote:
Great art moves people. Some it pushes away, some it draws near. BUT IT MOVES. Just remember, few are ever polarized by mediocrity! JAM ON, U2! because most of us are wide awake after all!


 
"Polarized by Mediocrity!"  - that could make a good band name.
Not wanting to nitpick... but you forgot colonization.  >___<


Webfoot wrote:
 Don't hold your breath. No, wait, go ahead.

stunix wrote:
My U2 song.    (needs someone to strum E and A on a distorted guitar with heavy chorus and delay.)

Adumbration, perturbation, ratiocination, venation, bifurcation, derogation, delineation, dispensation, dissipation, divination, domination, elevation, execration, expostulation, inflammation, interpolation, inundation, ionization, lactation, ministration, ostentation, renunciation, stagnation, adjuration, denunciation, depreciation, disputation, improvisation, nasalization, aberration, acclimatization, altercation, approbation, asseveration, consternation, conflagration, conformation, defalcation, defamation, degradation, distillation, excitation, expiation, miscegenation, penetration, permutation, peroration, salutation, stipulation, spoliation, divagation, laudation, corroboration, depredation, meditation, revocation, tribulation, veneration, levitation, affirmation, annexation, appellation, condensation, commutation, configuration, denomination, derivation, dissertation, incantation, jubilation, negation, oration, ordination, proclamation, provocation, remuneration, signification, foreordination, innovation, mystification, reparation, abbreviation, abdication, abnegation, abomination, alienation, continuation, convocation, cremation, delectation, declamation, deprivation, determination, dissemination, exploitation, formation, incarnation, justification, limitation, moderation, nomination, trepidation, implication, acclamation, affectation, adoration, alteration, assassination, avocation, connotation, emigration, gestation, accommodation, adulation, affiliation, agglomeration, aggravation, alliteration, amplification, annihilation, annunciation, anticipation, aviation, capitalization, centralization, cessation, collaboration, complication, confrontation, conglomeration, consolidation, coronation, desperation, enunciation, exclamation, extermination, fabrication, fertilization, hallucination, initiation, immigration, inflation, liquidation, narration, numeration, rationalization, respiration, simulation, speculation, syncopation, syndication, variation, vegetation, violation, confederation, detonation, inspiration, intonation, vocation, accusation, arbitration, aspiration, cancellation, certification, computation, consolation, devastation, documentation, exoneration, germination, incorporation, mutation, oxidation, perspiration, probation, preservation, qualification, recommendation, revelation, sensation, solidification, sterilization, termination, fluctuation, equation, exaggeration, frustration, manipulation, temptation, experimentation, administration, application, appreciation, association, civilization, commendation, communication, condemnation, confirmation, conjugation, conservation, coordination, dedication, disintegration, duration, evaporation, fascination, gravitation, hesitation, hyphenation, illustration, imagination, installation, legislation, mispronunciation, modification,multiplication, negotiation, organization, propagation, pronunciation, registration, separation, specification, verification, vibration, decoration, admiration, celebration, circulation, combination, compensation, consideration, cooperation, corporation, demonstration, declaration, destination, discrimination, education, examination, expectation, explanation, exploration, generation, humiliation, identification,  memorization, observation, obligation, occupation, operation, publication, quotation, recreation, situation, transportation, utilization, valuation, graduation, coloration, conversation, crystallization, foundation, information, notation, plantation, population, precipitation, preparation, punctuation, relation, reputation, regulation, constellation, creation, location, nation,station, vacation

thankyou, please send royalties to my lawyers and send my hat on a learjet.
 

 

 1wolfy wrote:
It surprises me how many people dislike U2.  They 'jumped out' at me in the 80s like no other band.
 
I am also starting to dislike U2
My rating: 8 down to 5 
A wailing Bono going on forever...with the Edge delay trick going on forever...just ugh.
Live Aid performance was great
Sadly overplayed here, studio version taking turns with the superior live performance every other day.
Among the most overplayed FM Frequently Monotonous songs of all time. I once thought it was a great track but familiarity breeds...something or other. Now it's just RP in the background of my work day here at home, but at about this moment it's time to....
Live Aid version of this song put them in orbit. Did they deserve it? By all means.
Imagine the total number of stunix' employers hours that were instead spent on this listicle project. 

....and the amount back patting done as well.

Webfoot wrote:
 Don't hold your breath. No, wait, go ahead.

stunix wrote:
My U2 song.    (needs someone to strum E and A on a distorted guitar with heavy chorus and delay.)

Adumbration, ... (edited mercifully for brevity)

thankyou, please send royalties to my lawyers and send my hat on a learjet.
 


 

Best U2 song. Ever.
 redmachine wrote:
Imagine how good Radio Paradise would be if they realised how utterly dreadful U2 are. 

 
i find them somewhat overrated.  However, the songs I do like from the band, I really love. Hmmmm.
 Don't hold your breath. No, wait, go ahead.

stunix wrote:

My U2 song.    (needs someone to strum E and A on a distorted guitar with heavy chorus and delay.)

Adumbration, perturbation, (TL/DR)...

thankyou, please send royalties to my lawyers and send my hat on a learjet.
 
Wow!  Never really appreciated Bono until now.  That was masterful...
 

maclochness wrote:
The haters are those who aren't able to articulate constructive criticism or honest feedback in an even remotely eloquent way.  It's too bad for this board and all the other online forums.
 



sfyi2001 writes:

   The great songs, like this one, usually leave me at a loss for words, feeling like no matter how well I might do expressing what they make me feel and think and what they mean to me, that I will fall short of the praise they deserve, which to me seems like a betrayal especially when it is music that has moved me for a very long time, like this song, about that evil known as heroin.


If you twist and turn away
If you tear yourself in two again
If I could, yes I would
If I could, I would
Let it go
Surrender
Dislocate

If I could throw this lifeless lifeline to the wind
Leave this heart of clay
See you walk, walk away
Into the night
And through the rain
Into the half-light
And through the flame

If I could, through myself,
Set your spirit free, I'd lead your heart away
See you break, break away
Into the light
And to the day

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
To let it go
And so to fade away
To let it go
And so, fade away

Wide awake
I'm wide awake
Wide awake
I'm not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no

If you should ask then maybe they'd
Tell you what I would say
True colors fly in blue and black
Bruised silken sky and burning flag
Colors crash, collide in bloodshot eyes

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
If I could, you know I would, if I could, I would
Let it go

This desperation
Dislocation
Separation, condemnation
Revelation in temptation
Isolation, desolation
Let it go

And so fade away
To let it go
And so fade away
To let it go
Oh now, and so to fade away

I'm wide awake
I'm wide awake
Wide awake
I'm not sleeping
Oh, no, no, no





{#Crown}
Used to like it but overplayed...
#Stunix:
If you can perform it like its the most important social statement in three decades, you might be on to something!

*(You have to rate the bad ones to make the good ones you rated count.){#Sunny}


My U2 song.    (needs someone to strum E and A on a distorted guitar with heavy chorus and delay.)

Adumbration, perturbation, ratiocination, venation, bifurcation, derogation, delineation, dispensation, dissipation, divination, domination, elevation, execration, expostulation, inflammation, interpolation, inundation, ionization, lactation, ministration, ostentation, renunciation, stagnation, adjuration, denunciation, depreciation, disputation, improvisation, nasalization, aberration, acclimatization, altercation, approbation, asseveration, consternation, conflagration, conformation, defalcation, defamation, degradation, distillation, excitation, expiation, miscegenation, penetration, permutation, peroration, salutation, stipulation, spoliation, divagation, laudation, corroboration, depredation, meditation, revocation, tribulation, veneration, levitation, affirmation, annexation, appellation, condensation, commutation, configuration, denomination, derivation, dissertation, incantation, jubilation, negation, oration, ordination, proclamation, provocation, remuneration, signification, foreordination, innovation, mystification, reparation, abbreviation, abdication, abnegation, abomination, alienation, continuation, convocation, cremation, delectation, declamation, deprivation, determination, dissemination, exploitation, formation, incarnation, justification, limitation, moderation, nomination, trepidation, implication, acclamation, affectation, adoration, alteration, assassination, avocation, connotation, emigration, gestation, accommodation, adulation, affiliation, agglomeration, aggravation, alliteration, amplification, annihilation, annunciation, anticipation, aviation, capitalization, centralization, cessation, collaboration, complication, confrontation, conglomeration, consolidation, coronation, desperation, enunciation, exclamation, extermination, fabrication, fertilization, hallucination, initiation, immigration, inflation, liquidation, narration, numeration, rationalization, respiration, simulation, speculation, syncopation, syndication, variation, vegetation, violation, confederation, detonation, inspiration, intonation, vocation, accusation, arbitration, aspiration, cancellation, certification, computation, consolation, devastation, documentation, exoneration, germination, incorporation, mutation, oxidation, perspiration, probation, preservation, qualification, recommendation, revelation, sensation, solidification, sterilization, termination, fluctuation, equation, exaggeration, frustration, manipulation, temptation, experimentation, administration, application, appreciation, association, civilization, commendation, communication, condemnation, confirmation, conjugation, conservation, coordination, dedication, disintegration, duration, evaporation, fascination, gravitation, hesitation, hyphenation, illustration, imagination, installation, legislation, mispronunciation, modification,multiplication, negotiation, organization, propagation, pronunciation, registration, separation, specification, verification, vibration, decoration, admiration, celebration, circulation, combination, compensation, consideration, cooperation, corporation, demonstration, declaration, destination, discrimination, education, examination, expectation, explanation, exploration, generation, humiliation, identification,  memorization, observation, obligation, occupation, operation, publication, quotation, recreation, situation, transportation, utilization, valuation, graduation, coloration, conversation, crystallization, foundation, information, notation, plantation, population, precipitation, preparation, punctuation, relation, reputation, regulation, constellation, creation, location, nation,station, vacation

thankyou, please send royalties to my lawyers and send my hat on a learjet.
The haters are those who aren't able to articulate constructive criticism or honest feedback in an even remotely eloquent way.  It's too bad for this board and all the other online forums.
It surprises me how U2 gets such a bad rap on RP.  I think they are great, thanks for playing.
 redmachine wrote:
Imagine how good Radio Paradise would be if they realised how utterly dreadful U2 are. 

 
Imagine how good the RP boards would be if some of the posters realized that their taste in music is not the be-all and end-all.

... and how utterly dreadful their ceaseless crying is.
 redmachine wrote:
Imagine how good Radio Paradise would be if they realised how utterly dreadful U2 are. 

 
To go a step further, maybe they should just consider not playing anything that rates less than 7.8 (such as in this case). Yeah, that sounds excellent.  {#Drunk} 
That's more like it for a brutally early morning RP thank you!
Now I'm feeling motivated all of a sudden.  Hopefully not to be Bad today ;)
Imagine how good Radio Paradise would be if they realised how utterly dreadful U2 are. 
How I wish I could PSD on my Echo Dot... unfortunately, european users don't seem to make enough donations to deserve the same Alexa skill that american users have.
 stunix wrote:
Thank GOODNESS for this song which shows us exactly what Bono can do with his full vocal spectrum, the range of tonal variation and timbre, nuance, pitch and the depth of emotion in the conveyance of message contained within the lyric,  The pinnacle of what he is able to achieve when he applies himself and puts his mind to it.   Apt title too.  I give it a 3..... no, a 2. The best example of why there is a PSD.
 
What he said!
 Webfoot wrote:

Most over-rated boyfriend ever.

 
ouch.  
Saw them play this live last week in Phoenix.  Unbelievable  Show!!
 the1theyblame wrote:
I used to have a girlfriend who said this was her favorite band.  Other than that she was a great person.  Can you say, most over rated band ever? How does this song get a 7.9 rating?   

 
I wonder if your ex shares your opinion on the other half of this relationship.

To answer your questions:
1.  No I cannot.  A band must be loved by many, many people for trolls who don't get them to consider them over rated.
2.  2,242 RP listeners have voted.  A pretty high total for this site AND that rating is the average (in spite of whatever lamely low vote you gave it).  So that is how it got to 7.9.