Although I will always prefer the full-band version of SBS, it is very interesting to compare the two takes on this song. Just for fun, plug in the UABRS video and watch them take that song to a whole other level, with the white flag, the torches and flames atop the stage, the sheer raw power from a band that is determined to make a difference. To me, SBS on UABRS is their defining moment, as this was played incessantly on MTV and made, no, DEMANDED that people take notice.
So watch that one, then watch SBS on Popmart. Stripped down, Edge and his guitar standing all alone in that huge stadium in front of thousands of fans. Listen to the guitar, the lyrics, the melody, and it will hit you like a ton of bricks when you realize just how beautiful this song actually is. Then the crowd singing along with Edge just makes it even better.
If you do this it will no doubt prove once again how good U2 is at songwriting, hearing these two versions juxtaposed and realizing one is the quintessential rock anthem, but stripped of all its power it turns into a superb ballad making a plea for peace and a hopeful future. "Tonight, we can be as one." Indeed.