What are you trying to do with this tape - woo her, impress her with U2 material or impress her with your knowledge of U2 material?
If it's the first item, then obviously more romantic songs (not that U2 makes that many of them) should be considered. Many people here have already listed them, so I won't repeat those.
If it's the second item, I suggest creating a tape (or a CD - a CD is far more impressive than a tape, so I recommend that if possible) of not only U2's most popular tracks but some that you consider your favorites. Therefore, consider your favorites on the first "Best Of" album and then consider your favorites of the 90's and 00's era. This will give her a good sampling of U2 throughout their 20 year history.
If it's the third item, then I would suggest you choose not only a few popular songs (songs she most likely heard at some time) but some of the rare songs, like b-sides and special releases (like "Night and Day", the Robbie Robertson work, The Passengers material, some of Bono's solo songs, some of Edge's solo work, "Mission Impossible", etc.). If she already knows the "big hits" then making a tape (CD) of those songs may be nice, but fruitless. Making a tape (CD) with "rare songs" shows her that you really know U2 and that you went to extra effort to make this tape (CD) for her. The trouble is with this third choice is that it may also alienate her just a bit. She may be SO unfamiliar with U2 that hearing these rare songs might be a little too much too soon.
Therefore, my recommendation?
Make a pseudo-greatest hits tape (CD), throw in a few "rare" songs that are great, but that she probably hasn't heard, and keep things light yet slightly romantic. Try to include songs from all of U2's eras.
Potential Track-listing:
- Elevation
- Hold Me...Kill Me
- I Will Follow
- Gloria
- Pride
- I Still Haven't Found...
- Beautiful Day
- Staring at the Sun
- Stay
- With or Without You
- All I Want Is You
- Night and Day
- Walk On (Hallelujah version)
- One
- Ground Beneath Her Feet
- Miss Sarajevo
- One Tree Hill
- Angel of Harlem
- Desire
- Mysterious Ways
[/list=a]
You'll note that I start off with faster songs, slow down to the more serious slower-paced songs (some of which are romantic), but then pick up the pace again at the end (so that she doesn't fall asleep while listening to the CD! LOL!).
I would only make one tape (or two CDs) at this point. See what she thinks of this. If she's "ga-ga" over it, then proceed with more tapes (CD's), and become really creative!
Hope this helps!
[This message has been edited by doctorwho (edited 03-27-2002).]