U2: why they are the best rock band ever throughout the entire history of rock music

[douger5]

U2 is hands down....the biggest pile of vomit in the music biz...bar none.

[Resonant Serpent]

Even more proof that Bono is a ******:

Bono's "One" Ignorant Idea | Public Knowledge

[miro]

always hated bonos ugly voice!
(and still do, of course)

[initialsBB]

It's sad to me that anyone involved in music would believe this to be even remotely true. They are not a particularly high-selling band. They are pretty low down on the list of top grossing albums of all time. They haven't had many (any?) #1 hits. They haven't really written any songs that have risen to the level of "standards" or are frequently covered by other artists.

They weren't particularly influential. They didn't create an entirely new genre of music or anything like that. They haven't had any particular influence on style and fashions as other influential bands have had. I don't think you could say that they defined a generation or a movement in any meaningful way.

It's hard really to find any criteria by which they could be judged "greatest of all time." Maybe greatest Irish rock band? Still Van Morrison would be far more important in the grand scheme of things, and even a band like My Bloody Valentine is far more influential, if lesser known. And Thin Lizzy probably had more hit songs.

[Clayphish]

Originally Posted by initialsBB

It's sad to me that anyone involved in music would believe this to be even remotely true. They are not a particularly high-selling band. They are pretty low down on the list of top grossing albums of all time. They haven't had many (any?) #1 hits. They haven't really written any songs that have risen to the level of "standards" or are frequently covered by other artists.

They weren't particularly influential. They didn't create an entirely new genre of music or anything like that. They haven't had any particular influence on style and fashions as other influential bands have had. I don't think you could say that they defined a generation or a movement in any meaningful way.

It's hard really to find any criteria by which they could be judged "greatest of all time." Maybe greatest Irish rock band? Still Van Morrison would be far more important in the grand scheme of things, and even a band like My Bloody Valentine is far more influential, if lesser known. And Thin Lizzy probably had more hit songs.

Thin Lizzy may have had more hits, but who actually listens to 'the boys are back in town' and thinks.. "man, this is one of the best written songs ever". Yes Bono is very annoying, but you have to hand it to him and the rest of U2; They do have a lot of very good songs which have stood up to constant radio play for the amount they have been on the air. You honestly can't say this about many other artists or songs out there.

I also think you're off in how they've influenced other music. There are countless bands (notibly very successful ones) who are obviously influenced by U2. Radiohead is one. Coldplay is another. And there are a bunch more. While they didn't create a sub genre, there is a particular sound which has carried on beyond them. The song 'Stay (Faraway and so close)' is enough reason to give them credit where its due.




and man, all this coming from a guy who doesn't particularly like U2 very much.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by initialsBB

They weren't particularly influential. They didn't create an entirely new genre of music or anything like that. They haven't had any particular influence on style and fashions as other influential bands have had. I don't think you could say that they defined a generation or a movement in any meaningful way.

I'm not going to defend U2, although I really like some of records, but judging a band based on their influence doesn't always make sense. For example, I'd argue that the Police were a pretty stellar rock group that had almost no discernable influence. I'd also argue that their lack of influence hardly diminishes their accomplishments, but rather validates how creative and unique they were.

Just another perspective to consider.

[tampa]

I look at it this way, when you have something rammed down your throat day after day year after year you are going to go tired of it. U2 and REM where perfect examples over played to death. I liked and still like both of these groups in their earlier years before commercialism forced them to write music for teenage girls and top 40 radio heads.

[creegstor]

Yes U2 are crap now. Yes Bono's a ******. But for those here who don't know what this band once were, not many rock bands have ever been capable of a noise and energy like this: (forgive the sound quality but even through that you can hear)

[Dixiechicken4414]

Originally Posted by initialsBB

And Thin Lizzy probably had more hit songs.

Are you sure ?

Thin Lizzy was an English/Irish phenomenon essentially.