So what U2 CD should I buy to start with.

[charlyvi]

Just now got interested in U2. Now before you flame me, realize I'm a fairly old fart whose last "gotta have every album" band was Led Zeppelin. So help me out; what's the best one to start with. Money is tight.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. The Joshua Tree is still their best IMHO

[ronzo]

12. Indeed.

Great record.

Also, "War".

:toast:

[vi5]

2. Depends....

Of the songs of theirs that you know, which are your favorite.

As a whole thought I would recommend either Achtung Baby, The Joshua Tree, or War.

Unforgettable Fire is probably my favorite but it's overall a more downbeat and melancholy record than the other ones I mentioned.

For a newcomer I would likely recommend Achtung Baby.

[charlyvi]

3. I've heard alot about that one.

Okay. See, that was easy.

[mongo]

4. Rattle and hum

Live album with their best songs. They are great live.

[RevolutionaryActs]

5. I would say 'Joshua Tree'

But thats just me. :)

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

6. You probably will not find two people who will agree on this.

"Joshua Tree," "Rattle & Hum," and "Live Under A Blood Red Sky" should be widely accepted as "essential," though.

I'd personally start with "Rattle & Hum" for the version of "Bullet The Bue Sky" and the duet with BB King on "When Love Comes To Town."



:toast:

[Deja Q]

7. 'Achtung Baby' and then 'All You Don't Leave Behind'

[charlyvi]

8. What CD is Sunday Bloody Sunday On? nt

[Zero Division]

14. It's on "War", which is the album I was going to suggest.

"New Year's Day" is also on that album.

[benburch]

9. Just buy them all!

Apple will even sell you a black iPod pre-loaded with all of their music.

[RevolutionaryActs]

10. I think thats the best idea thus far LOL!

;)

[charlyvi]

11. That would be great.....

but money is a little too tight for an I-Pod. Damn.

[tjdee]

13. Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby-- to help more, have to know what you've liked

If you like Vertigo, get Achtung Baby first. It's the poppier and rockier than JT.

If you like Miracle Drug, get Joshua Tree (or even Unforgettable Fire, actually). There are some contemplative songs there, issues songs...

Take a look at the track lists of both to see which you may have heard (and liked) already--though, for Joshua Tree you've likely only heard With or Without You (oh, and Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For). Or sample them at Amazon.

The top three (or most accessible) U2 cds are Achtung Baby, Joshua Tree, and The Unforgettable Fire. The others are good, each in their way, but IMO the pinnacle are those three albums.

on edit: And War would be the fourth.
Rattle and Hum is kind of secondary, as it's got other people's songs on it, live versions of songs on other albums, ventures into new styles....it's their most American album, I'd say.

[sundog]

15. agreed - the 2 best imo

Rattle & Hum is worth it for "Desire"