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U2: The Definitive Biography by John Jobling

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U2: The Definitive Biography

by John Jobling

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2516 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	385 pages

U2 is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. With a career spanning over four decades, the band has sold over 170 million records worldwide and won 22 Grammy Awards. Their music has been praised for its originality, passion, and political consciousness.

In his definitive biography of U2, John Jobling provides an in-depth look at the band's history, music, and impact on popular culture. Jobling draws on interviews with the band members, their associates, and fans to create a comprehensive and engaging portrait of one of the most influential bands of our time.

Early Years

U2 was formed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1976. The band originally consisted of Bono (vocals),The Edge (guitar),Adam Clayton (bass),and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). The band's early sound was influenced by punk rock and post-punk, but they quickly developed their own unique style.

In 1980, U2 released their debut album, "Boy." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the band as one of the most promising new bands in rock music.

The Joshua Tree

U2's breakthrough album came in 1987 with the release of "The Joshua Tree." The album was a critical and commercial smash, and it helped to make U2 one of the biggest bands in the world. The album's lead single, "With or Without You," became one of the band's most iconic songs.

"The Joshua Tree" was a concept album that explored themes of spirituality, politics, and personal relationships. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to cement U2's status as one of the most important rock bands of the 1980s.

Achtung Baby and Zooropa

In the early 1990s, U2 underwent a major musical transformation. The band's 1991 album, "Achtung Baby," was a radical departure from their previous work. The album was influenced by industrial rock and electronica, and it featured a more experimental sound.

"Achtung Baby" was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to introduce U2 to a new generation of fans. The album's lead single, "The Fly," became one of the band's most iconic songs.

U2 followed up "Achtung Baby" with the 1993 album, "Zooropa." The album continued in the experimental vein of "Achtung Baby," and it explored themes of technology, media, and identity.

"Zooropa" was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to cement U2's status as one of the most innovative and influential rock bands of the 1990s.

Pop and All That You Can't Leave Behind

In 1997, U2 released the album "Pop." The album was a commercial disappointment, and it was met with mixed reviews from critics. However, the album's lead single, "Discotheque," became one of the band's most popular songs.

U2 rebounded from the commercial failure of "Pop" with the release of the 2000 album, "All That You Can't Leave Behind." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to restore U2's status as one of the most important rock bands in the world. The album's lead single, "Beautiful Day," became one of the band's most iconic songs.

How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and No Line on the Horizon

U2 continued to release critically acclaimed albums in the 2000s. The band's 2004 album, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," was a critical and commercial success. The album's lead single, "Vertigo," became one of the band's most popular songs.

U2 followed up "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" with the 2009 album, "No Line on the Horizon." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to further cement U2's status as one of the most important rock bands in the world. The album's lead single, "Get On Your Boots," became one of the band's most popular songs.

Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience

In 2014, U2 released the album "Songs of Innocence." The album was released for free on iTunes, and it was met with mixed reviews from critics. However, the album's lead single, "The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)," became one of the band's most popular songs.

U2 followed up "Songs of Innocence" with the 2017 album, "Songs of Experience." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to further cement U2's status as one of the most important rock bands in the world. The album's lead single, "Best Thing," became one of the band's most popular songs.

Legacy

U2 is one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. The band has sold over 170 million records worldwide, and they have won 22 Grammy Awards. Their music has been praised for its originality, passion, and political consciousness.

U2's legacy is likely to continue for many years to come. The band's music has had a profound impact on popular culture, and it continues to inspire and influence new generations of fans.

John Jobling's biography of U2 is a comprehensive and engaging look at one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Jobling provides a detailed account of the band's history, music, and impact on popular culture. This book is essential reading for any fan of U2 or rock music in general.

U2: The Definitive Biography

by John Jobling

4.1 out of 5