List of U2 B-sides and Lyrics
When a band records an album, they often have a selection of songs that don't make the final cut but they are good enough to be released in some form and historically they've been added as a B-side as support to the A-side of a single release.
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2's B-sides offer a treasure trove of musical gems that, while not always in the spotlight like their hit singles, have garnered a significant following among fans and hold a special place in the band's extensive discography. These tracks often showcase U2's willingness to experiment and explore different musical terrains, providing a deeper look into their creative process and artistic range.
One of the most celebrated B-sides in U2's catalog is "The Three Sunrises," featured on the "Wide Awake in America" EP. This song, with its uplifting melody and evocative lyrics, captures the ethereal sound that U2 was experimenting with in the mid-1980s. Its spiritual undertones and atmospheric quality make it a standout track that resonates with the band’s signature style.
"Spanish Eyes," a B-side to "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," is another fan favorite. This track exudes a more relaxed, romantic vibe, differing from the more politically charged songs of the "The Joshua Tree" era. Its melodic simplicity and heartfelt lyrics showcase a different facet of U2's songwriting, one that embraces love and intimacy.
"Sweetest Thing," originally a B-side to "Where the Streets Have No Name," later gained prominence when it was re-recorded and released as a single for the 1998 compilation album "The Best of 1980–1990." This song is known for its catchy melody and is reportedly written by Bono as an apology to his wife for missing her birthday. Its charm and sincerity have made it a beloved track among fans.
"Lady With the Spinning Head," the B-side to "The Fly," is notable for its energetic rhythm and experimental sound. This track is a fascinating listen as it contains elements that would later be developed into three other songs: "The Fly," "Ultraviolet (Light My Way)," and "Zoo Station," showcasing the band's creative process.
"Salomé," a B-side of "Even Better Than the Real Thing," is revered for its raw energy and rock-driven sound. This track captures the band's adventurous spirit during the early 1990s, a period marked by sonic experimentation and a departure from their earlier style.
"Hallelujah Here She Comes," a B-side to "Desire," is another notable mention. It blends blues influences with the band’s rock sensibilities, creating a track that is both soulful and dynamic.
U2's B-sides are not mere afterthoughts; they are an integral part of the band's musical journey. These tracks allow fans to explore the lesser-known aspects of U2's repertoire, offering a more comprehensive understanding of their artistic evolution. For many fans, these B-sides are not just additional songs but essential pieces that complete the U2 puzzle, showcasing the band’s versatility and depth.
U2 B-sides List - alphabetical
A Room at the Heartbreak Hotel
B-side on the 'Angel of Harlem' single released in December 1988.
Alex Descends Into Hell For A Bottle Of Milk / Korova 1
B-side on 'The Fly' single, October 1991.
Always
B-side on 'Beautiful Day' single, October 2000.
Are You Gonna Wait Forever
B-side on 'Vertigo' single, November 2004.
Ave Maria (Jacknife Lee Mix)
B-side on 'Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own' single, February 2005.
Beat On The Brat
From 'We're a Happy Family', a tribute album to The Ramones. February 2003.
Big Girls Are Best
B-side on 'Stuck in A Moment' single, January 2001.
"Boomerang II" from The Unforgettable Fire's Pride, September 1984.
Boy/Girl
A track on U2's very first single 'Three', October 1979.
Can't Help Falling In Love (Triple Peaks Remix)
B-side on 'Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses' single, August 1992.
Dancing Barefoot cover by Patti Smith
B-side on 'When Love Comes to Town' single, April 1989.
Deep In The Heart
B-side on 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' single, May 1987.
Everlasting Love by Robert Night
B-side on 'All I Want is You' single, June 1989.
Fortunate Son by CCR
B-side on 'Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses' single, August 1992.
Hallelujah Here She Comes
B-side on 'Desire' single, September 1988.
Happiness is a Warm Gun (The Gun Mix) by John Lennon
B-side on 'Last Night on Earth' single, July 1997.
Holy Joe
B-side on 'Discothèque' single, February 1997.
Johnny Swallow
B-side on 'Fire' single, July 1981.
Lady with the Spinning Head
B-side on 'One' single, March 1992.
Love Comes Tumbling
B-side on 'The Unforgettable Fire' single, October 1984.
Luminous Times (Hold on to Love)
B-side on 'With or Without You' single, March 1987.
Neon Lights
B-side on 'Vertigo' single, November 2004.
North and South of the River
B-side on 'Staring at the Sun' single, April 1997.
Paint It Black (cover of the Rolling Stones)
B-side on 'Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses' single, August 1992.
Race Against Time
B-side on 'Where the Streets Have No Name' single, August 1987.
Salomé
B-side on 'Even Better Than the Real Thing' single, June 1992.
Satellite of Love a cover of the song by Lou Reed.
B-side on 'One' single, March 1992. U2 would againt visit Lou Reed's songs on The Million Dollar Hotel Soundtrack album.
Silver and Gold
B-side on 'Where the Streets Have No Name' single, August 1987.
Slow Dancing
B-side on 'Stay (Faraway, So Close!)' single, November 1993.
Spanish Eyes
B-side on 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' single, May 1987.
Summer Rain
B-side on 'Beautiful Day' single, October 2000.
Sweetest Thing (The Single Mix)
Released as a single in 1997. Originally a b-side on 'Where The Streets Have No Name' single, 1987.
The Three Sunrises
B-side on 'The Unforgettable Fire' single, October 1984.
Touch
B-side on '11 O'Clock Tick Tock' single, May 1980.
Tower of Song
B-side on 'Window in the Skies' single, January 2007. From the movie 'Leonard Cohen: I'm your Man'.
Trash, Trampoline and the Party Girl
B-side on 'A Celebration' single, March 1982.
Treasure (Whatever happened to Pete the Chop)
B-side on 'New Year's Day' single, January 1983.
Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad
B-side on 'If God Will Send His Angels' single, December 1997. Written by Bono and The Edge for Frank Sinatra to sing, he declined. Sinatra's daughter Nancy eventually gave it a shot.
Unchained Melody by made famous by The Righteous Brothers
B-side on 'All I Want is You' single, June 1989.
Walk to the Water
B-side on 'With or Without You' single, March 1987.
Where Did It All Go Wrong
B-side on 'Even Better Than the Real Thing' single, June 1992.
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