Backstage
The world is waiting in anticipation of the release of "No Line On The Horizon", the 12th studio album by Irish rockers U2. Early indications are that it will take the band in a new direction - that's if lead single Get On Your Boots is anything to go by. But throughout the 30-plus years of their time in music, the band has been known for their genre defying twists and turns. Here we look through some of the highlights of their 30 years in music, and find out why they are still one of the most important bands of our time...
War (1983)
Having failed to find their feet on their first two records, "War" was U2's breakthrough. It was also their first overtly political album - Sunday Bloody Sunday stands out as an emotional protest song about Bloody Sunday. U2 were, in the words of one critic, "turning pacifism itself into a crusade..."
The Joshua Tree (1987)
It was "The Joshua Tree" that revitalised and reinvented U2. Born out of their fascination with America, and Bono's desire to highlight the cause of those affected by conflicts in the Third World, it is a classic blues rock album that took them to new heights of stardom, won them critical praise and a host of Grammy Awards.
Achtung Baby (1991)
Another reinvention for the band took place on this album - this time they embraced the acid house rhythms of Chicago and Detroit, melding them to the powerful guitar sonics of The Edge.
The Unforgettable Fire (1984)
The fruit of U2's first collaboration with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, their fourth album was a marked leap forward in style and sound. With a broad and expansive production (most notably on Bad), the record continues the political themes of "War".
All That You Can't Leave Behind (2000)
Having uncharacteristically they lost their way on 1997's Pop, U2 went back to basics for their 10th studio offering. Reuniting with producers Eno and Lanois, they reintroduced melodic, hook-filled anthemic rock. The results were a 12 million selling album that saw them retake their rightful place as the best band in the world.
Under A Blood Red Sky (Live) (1983)
Although they have released other live albums (most notably Live From Paris), it was 1983's "Under A Blood Red Sky", and its accompanying live film, that really cemented the band's reputation as a blistering live act - in the later 1980s and 90s, they would go on to become the biggest stadium rock band in the world.
