I don't know if it's international, but here in the UK, they're ridiculously over-rated.

They made a list of only five acts to automatically be inducted into some Channel 4 poll Hall of Fame (with Elvis and The Beatles).

I mean... WTF???

I totally agree

In the immortal words of Prince: "I lowe U2 and I don't mean the band!"

i don't think U2 are way, way overrated. i wouldn't even say they're way overrated. but perhaps they are just a titch overrated.

i suppose everyone is entitled to their opinion.

even if its wrong.

SassyBritches said:

Co-sign
Messiah's of Rock N Roll

Luv4oneanotha said:

ditto

I have to say back when they were under rated. now they are over rated. but, they still do decent songs...and have been around a long time. They are getting their dues now.

Yup, they certainly are.

And "Vertigo" is horrible.

VoicesCarry said:

I have to agree with that.

To remind people, I have no casette or cd player in my car. So, I'm forced to deal with the radio. Course, altern-radio is playin the hell out of this track. Every time I've heard it (since the first time) I'll scan thru all the other stations and if I find nothing (even cheesy 80s) I'll turn back to "Vertigo". Even then, I often scan again before the song is over. Kinna disappointing to me...

Haven't heard the new song, but I don't think they're overrated. They deserve the praise they get. They've written some truly classic SONGS, in the old-fashioned sense, like "One" and "Running To Stand Still" to name just two that are masterfully written.

mrdespues said:

Oh, I think their older material was definitely better. I think they're devolving into more a reflection of Bono's messiah image than an actual band.

Without U2 you'd have no Radiohead or Coldplay. Bono has a HUGE ego, but he and his bandmates have written some of the best pop music of the last 25 years.

MattyJam said:

They're not though are they?

They are easily one of the best live acts on the planet, they have written not only classic songs but classic albums, they have a huge following and have been together for 25 years. They have earned their respect!

As a band they function so well. They are not great musicians, and probably wouldn't succeed apart but together, as a band... I dunno it just works!

MattyJam said:

It's international...

endorphin74 said:

'Hello, Hello (HOLA!).....'

it's catchy though.....

U2 are a fucking great band, what are you talking about?!

Aside from their longevity (which is achievement in itself) they have consistently produced interesting albums over the years.

And they are incredible live in concert. Plus they're all very nice, approachable chaps in real life (I've had the pleasure of briefly meeting them a few times).

They're not over-rated - they're highly rated with good reason.
The Unforgettable Fire. The Joshua Tree. Achtung Baby. Etc.

yeah... they are way over rated..

They are at least somewhat overrated, but not undeservidly (sp?) so, if ya no wudda mean. Their live-reputation, imnsho, is overrated, very much overrated even. But i'm prolly in the minority here.

You are not seeing things in perspective. Their reputation has been build on relentless touring in the 80's and their concerts were nothing short of BRILLIANT. While bands like Guns, No Roses needed loads of hair, antics, silly clothes and explosions on stage (U2 kept that apart for the cynical "we don't wanna be the saviours of RnR"-era), U2 became famous for belting their hearts out.

Okay, and waving a dramatic flag every now and then. With their heartfelt music they surely touched many people. Sure, they do not make perfect music, someone described them as a band with a singer that could not sing, a guitar player that could not play guitar (etc), but somehow it was JUST right.
Where GnR collapsed underneath ego's, U2 knew how to make fun of themselves and played something else, just not to bore themselves to death (like the Rolling Stones, only in it for the money)

I will always love U2 for their straight forward heartfelt music. Their often amazing lyrics. The way they can just be amazed at the world.

And Vertigo? I like that little ditty. It's noisy. It's totally NOT smooth. Therefor I love it. I play it lots.

I do think they are overrated, but so what? Can you name one band with their longevity who is still at or near the top of their creativity? Seriously, how many bands made it out of the '80s and into the '90s and beyond? Not too damn many.

GooeyTheHamster said:

You have got a point there and I agree, but didn't U2 break through before GnR? Joshua Tree was from 1986, even before Appetite For Destruction!



exactly, I pump up the volume everytime I hear it!

abierman said:

Yeah, somewhat before...
But still 80's

Remember; my memory does not work in a linear fashion...

I served in the airforce in 88/89, so that must have been when Appetite was released, right? Them 80's were big on hair. I always thought it was lame-ass and trashy.

GooeyTheHamster said:

Except maybe Slash. Cuz he is just a kewl dude. No talk much, just play guitar.

Ramonachris said:

I don't pay that much attention to Coldplay, but I disagree with that in regards to Radiohead. Care to clarify?

Supernova said:

U2 were a pretty big influence on Radiohead. I think it's most obvious on the album the Bends.

rialb said:

The Bends really is nothing like anything U2 has done....

abierman said:

Maybe. But I played the Bends to a friend of mine and until the vocals kicked in he was sure it was U2.

As overrated as you may think they are, they're still fucking great band.

rialb said:

maybe your friend needs to clean out his ears more often.....