They're one of my favorite bands ever. And they underwent one of the most radical makeovers in rock and roll history and were able to sustain their success. They're virtually unrecognizable from their first to second decade.

Their 80's work is timeless, political, spiritual and huge sounding. Very ecstatic and triumphant. Just from that decade alone they ensured their legendary status. Classic albums include Boy, War, The Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum.

Then they relocated to Berlin, went crazy for awhile and came up with their ultimate masterpiece, imo. Their 90's work is emotional, personal, experimental and electronic. Their sound became much sexier and trippy than their early work. Classic albums include Achtung Baby!, Zooropa, Passengers and Pop.

I think they're solid throughout their career and they've come full circle recently. But I have to give an edge to the 90's work. It just gets me off. I love the attitude and artsy-ness of that whole period.

90's. because i'm more familiar with it. and it seemed like they had a vision with their sound. oh, and the songs are better and played better

i liked there Hugier&Drive better in the 80's.in the 90's they seem like they are going through there Wanna-Be ELVIS Vegas Era.in the 80's U2 were saying something&Racking in the CHeese nowadays since the 90's IMHO they are making Hit&Miss Music mixed in with generic Adult Contempary&now they are bringing the Monty Hall Cheese.

I love the late eightees eras and my most favorite is the Zoo TV Tour Era with The Fly...awesome.

That whole Cyber-Punk, television, anti-establishment technology thing was bad ass.

Hmm, the original "Cyber"-something...CYBERPUNK!

I'm partial to their early 90s work, because it's 180 degrees more rhythmic, swinging and just different from their 80s work.

some days are sulky, some days have a grin
some days are bouncers and won't let you in
[This message was edited Thu Jan 23 13:22:41 PST 2003 by Supernova]

Supernova said:

some days you can't stand the sight of a puppy

The 80's were raw and uncompromising and,in my opinion far superior to the 'stadium rock'of the 90's work.
The version of 'I Will Follow' on 'The Old Grey Whistle Test'highlights the differences.

TRON said:

some days are slippy, other days sloppy
some days you can't stand the sight of a puppy
your skin is white but you think you're a brother
some days are better than others

I'm not familiar enough with their career to make an accurate assessment. I'd say I like them both equally at this point.

It's a tough call, I'm tempted to say eighties, but there were many fantastic songs from the 90s as well. I think the 00's could possibly be U2's best yet, we'll just have to see what's to come!

U2 needs 2 retire

Both!

DigitalLisa said:

why's that? so that there can be NO good bands around anymore? we've got to have at least 1...

I gotta go with the 80's... I like a lot of what they did in the 90's and even in the 00's... but the 80's stand out 4 me.

Who was this new group of 4 guys? Who's this foreigner singing about Martin Luther King, Jr? What's this Joshua Tree album? We were pleasantly surprised...

They were new... fresh, and had a lot 2 tell us, and we had a lot 2 learn about them.

I love the lyrical and vocal style of Bono... U2, gotta love 'em.

80's Boy and War and Unforgetable Fire were the Best.

the 1980,s for sure.why do u think there recent material is so similar?

I always like to post a little image on the subject.

U2 Look great in this cover form 1991.

Bone especially, bad ass with The Fly look.







ooo
[This message was edited Fri Jan 24 10:21:37 PST 2003 by FlyingCloudPassenger]