The Masters of Less Bombastic Songs

[Dr. Lemonseed]

On my drive home last night, pretty late, I really was blown away by some of the mellower tunes U2 has done, especially from the mid-90s. So many people know them as the bombastic song writers, but in this case, I really came to appreciate songs that are a bit more understated.

e.g. Your Blue Room, Miss Sarajevo, North and South of the River

Here's hoping that they can dazzle a bit with those chops, rather than having to make every song that ultimate climax. Or, even if they do, the buildup can be just like a float down a river or a stroll in the park. Remember when they could do that so well?

 

[jphelmet]

I am pretty sure they can still do it.

One Step Closer, favorite song from the Bomb.

 

[last unicorn]

I really love U2 songs that are not "bombastic" and I also like their accoustic versions. I have the impression many fans here think those songs are boring, but I don't. I would love to have more of this kind in the future, also on the new album and in form of live performances. I wouldn't mind hearing more stuff like Million Dollar Hotel.

 

[Z00rop@83]

if you wear that velvet dress..slug...stateless...two shots of happy, one shot of sad...

im in to these types of songs too

 

[digitize]

The Hand That Built 'merica is another great one.

 

[lazarus]

The Hands That Built America isn't bombastic?

News to me.

It's one of the most overwrought U2 songs I can think of.

 

[last unicorn]

I don't know what's bombastic about "Hands".

The First Time is one of my favourite U2 songs, so simple and beautiful.

 

[Acrobat51829]

the buildup can be just like a float down a river or a stroll in the park. Remember when they could do that so well?

Like in, for example:

Love Comes Tumbling
Deep in the Heart
Tomorrow (Common Ground remix)
Never Let Me Go
Promenade
Bass Trap

All very

 

[Zoots]

The Hands That Built America isn't bombastic?

News to me.

It's one of the most overwrought U2 songs I can think of.

Agreed!

 

[Bean Skidds]

North and South of the River is one of my favorite things theyve ever done, the vocal is captivating. I love that type of song.

 

[wolbersu2]

I LIKE bombastic. Lots of guitar, synthesizer, echos, rythm and the voice of Bono!

The Hands that built America and The Ground beneath her feet are among the best songs ever performed by U2. So is the Unforgettable fire.

 

[coolian2]

They call me Mr Bombastic.

 

[zwervers2]

On my drive home last night, pretty late, I really was blown away by some of the mellower tunes U2 has done, especially from the mid-90s. So many people know them as the bombastic song writers, but in this case, I really came to appreciate songs that are a bit more understated.

e.g. Your Blue Room, Miss Sarajevo, North and South of the River

Here's hoping that they can dazzle a bit with those chops, rather than having to make every song that ultimate climax. Or, even if they do, the buildup can be just like a float down a river or a stroll in the park. Remember when they could do that so well?

Your blue room (I adore that song) and miss sarajevo are two of the best songs they have done in the last 15 years. I absolutely LOVE the live version of NaSotR, the studioversion not s much

 

[thelaj]

LIVE version of NASOTR ??

 

[djerdap]

YouTube - U2 - North And South Of The River

Amazing performance.

And yeah, I love their atmospheric, mellow songs. Your Blue Room is one of U2's finest.

 

[Dr. Lemonseed]

holy cow. I hadn't seen that version before. AMAZING!

 

[lmixristhebest]

I love Stateless, Heartland, and The Unforgettable Fire. Mellow, but highly melodic and evocative songs.

 

[65980]

I quite like U2's gift for bombast. The bombast (and its child, Bono's preachiness) summarize what the world's millions of U2-haters hate about the band. But unlike many groups (whose bombast I loathe), U2 have a gift for sincere, heartfelt, and intelligent bombast, which I rather enjoy, in moderation. They are capable of doing very low-key but evocative music, for sure -- 'Walk To The Water' is a personal favourite.

Here's a question: are any of their of "greatest hits" subtle?

 

[digitize]

YouTube - U2 - North And South Of The River

Amazing performance.

And yeah, I love their atmospheric, mellow songs. Your Blue Room is one of U2's finest.

That performance is incredible.

 

[Rosebud]

Great post 65980.

I would throw in a word for In A Little While as well. An amazingly beautiful little gem and about as far from bombast as you can get.

 

[hasin73]

Grace
Stay
First Time
If you wear that velvet dress
Running to stand still{ Is it bombastic?}
Deep in the Heart
Grace
Your Blue Room
Promenade

I will add other names later.....

 

[An Cat Gav]

I love Stateless, Heartland, and The Unforgettable Fire. Mellow, but highly melodic and evocative songs.

Love those songs, plus Promenade, Slug, Your blue room, loads more too. I'd love to hear more of these on future albums. I hate NASOTR though, probably because Christy Moore is involved.

 

[Addicted To Bad]

Never seen this live performance.. WOW just fantastic !
Bono at his best.







(hard to say when he is not.. )

 

[IndyShade]

Tryin' To Throw Your Arms Around The World
Love Comes Tumbling
The Playboy Mansion (I actually love that song)
Beach Sequence (one of my very favorite U2 tracks)

 

[Vlad n U 2]

TTTYAATW
Stay
So Cruel
Running To Stand Still

Just to name a few...