Running to Stand Still is hardly understated, and live it's positively chill-inducing epic.
October, RTSS, MOTD, Heartland, So Cruel - I don't consider those understated in the least bit.
The studio version of Running To Stand Still is the epitome of U2 being understated. It's always the first song that comes into my mind.
The live versions have more sense of magnitude to them, yes. But even then it seems much more intimate when compared with the other Joshua Tree or Unforgettable Fire regulars.
So Promenade is understated (true that), but October and Mothers of the Disappeared aren't? WTF?
Well, that makes sense that you're thinking lyrically pointed vs lyrically understated, but I approached "understated" from a musical standpoint.
Even musically for some of these examples...take a song like MOTD...it has a vast, epic landscape feel to it to my ears anyways..quite dramatic. Same goes with Heartland, it's hardly subtle or subdued musically.
That's why I said Promenade sticks out best as an example of beautifully understated..in both aspects it just feels like there's so much more he'd like to say/they'd like to play, but they're reigning it in..and it's beautiful like that.
Seems to me like you think understated = quieter or slower tempo. Wrong.
Maybe you should go look up the definition of the word and then tell me exactly what about RTSS, MOTD, Momeent of Surrender, 40, Heartland..hell, even October live... IS understated??
Just because Bono isn't wailing away or the Edge doing a UTEOTW solo, that does not render the song understated. All those songs I've listed have really powerful what I consider epic lyrical content, and there are in fact points in the song that are in fact epic musically.
Understated: "Presented or expressed in a subtle and effective way" - there's nothing subtle about those songs imo, they have very pointed and direct messages.
Here are some definitions of the term understatement, which could be applied to the, you know, written portions of the song, the lyrics:
"Restrained"
"a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said"
"The opposite of hyperbole, understatement (or litotes) refers to a figure of speech that says less than is intended."
"A statement which lessens or minimizes the importance of what is meant."
"language that avoids obvious emphasis or embellishment"
NONE of those definitions fit the lyrics (nor, frankly, the musical landscapes) of those songs that I listed.
At any rate, you took one line from my comment and yanked it out of context. I was trying to illustrate that by far the majority of U2's music is really big message, epic landscapes musically type stuff. And I'm absolutely right.
Maybe I should have written "U2 doesn't really do understated all that OFTEN...by far the majority of their work is pretty epic sounding stuff"
Got it?
Well well, we are a bit patronizing and cocky etc etc ...............
..I don't think there'd be one other person who'd disagree with that.
... it's the example 95% of fans would jump to.
Ok well now you've taken it up a notch, but I'm not going to go down the path of name calling and foolishness with you ("cocky" "patronizing" "crazy tirade" etc etc) so I'll just cut you off there.
I'll condense it for you: My point was simply that the majority of U2's work swings more onto the epic side of things than understated. In the context of the original poster's question, I was implying that it would be hard to pick the "most epic" U2 song given that very fact.
Furthermore: It may come as a bit of a shock, but I honestly don't give a shit if you and 5 other people in a thread agree with me or not. If you'll recall, to begin with I simply stated a one line opinion and you decided to jump all over it. I'm not in the least bit angry or worked up over this, but it's slightly amusing that you believe that.
Finally: many fans (and even U2 themselves, probably) feel that the "fulfillment", if you will, of a U2 song comes when they play it live. Therefore, if you think RTSS is the epitome of "understated", it's my opinion that you don't really understand the term.
Over and out.
Went all over you? I stated that I strongly disagree with you and that was it. You're the one who almost had a whole page of borderly insulting replies to such a minor disagreement pal. So much for not being at least bit worked up. I apologise if I offended you, but really... Take it easy, mate.
Are you freakin serious? Borderline insulting? I get it..borderline insulting > outright name calling. And a whole page? What are you reading this on, your iPhone? Seriously, let it go. Or get laid. Or something.
love it!!
I'm starting to lean towards One Tree Hill.
That's one of U2's least epic songs.sunnysideoflove said:changes over time and with the different albums, what's going on in the world etc. at the mo. for nuances, vocal cry, allusion to the tormented soul, band sounding as one brute force, live or studio, wake up dead man!
Quite inclined to agree!A Sort Of Homecoming