U2 is a legendary Irish rock band that has been creating musical hits for the last 47 years. The group came together in 1976, and they are still active until this day. Over the years, they have released a total of 14 studio albums.
Without a doubt, U2 is among the greatest musicians of all time. They have won 22 Grammy awards, sold over 170 million records, and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Among the many U2 songs are some of the best love songs of all time. Below are my picks for their 10 best love songs.
1. One
Album: Achtung Baby
Released: 1991
In my opinion, “One” is, without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest song ever created by U2. It is even up there among the greatest songs by any musician ever.
This track is iconic because it brings together areas at the forefront of most U2 music – romantic love, spirituality, and social justice. It was written in a time of turbulence for the band, so it is deeply layered with their personal struggles.
“One” won a Billboard Music Award for the best modern rock track in 1992. It was also nominated for a GAFFA Award and a Grammy Award. The music video is also the most viewed of all the songs on this list, with 143 million YouTube views.
2. With Or Without You
Album: The Joshua Tree
Released: 1987
Nine years into their professional careers, they released their fifth studio album, The Joshua Tree. After the release of this album, they became known as one of the greatest songwriting collectives of that decade.
“With Or Without You” was the first single from that album and the first U2 song to become a number-one hit in the US. This was the first time that U2 saw global fame. The music video was also nominated for seven MTV awards and won one.
3. Ordinary Love
Album: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Released: 2013
Another U2 masterpiece that will touch you right to your core. The song starts slow and then gradually picks up to pull you into the emotional rollercoaster.
“Ordinary Love” was written in honor of Nelson Mandela, and it features in the biography film Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. U2 also included an alternative version of the song in their 2017 album Songs of Experience.
The track won a Golden Globe for best original song and was nominated for many other awards, including an Academy Award for best original song.
4. You’re The Best Thing About Me
Album: Songs of Experience
Released: 2017
A track that did not win many awards and didn’t sit on top of the charts, but it is still one of my favorite U2 love songs. “You’re The Best Thing About Me” has a joyful mood with rhythmic music.
Bono, the U2 lead singer, wrote this song as a love song to his wife after he had a dream that he had destroyed their relationship.
5. Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way
Album: Songs of Experience
Released: 2017
A song with a title that says it all. When love is bigger than anything in its way, it will always find a way to overcome the toughest of obstacles. What more could we ask from the lyrics of a love song?
“Love Is Bigger Than Anything In Its Way” did not win any global awards, but it did top the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
6. All I Want Is You
Album: Rattle and Hum
Released: 1988
“All I Want Is You” is a highly underrated love song by U2. The song has a beautiful build-up that then climaxes with an epic guitar solo played by The Edge, the lead guitarist.
Rattle and Hum is a hybrid album that combines live and studio recordings. It was produced by Jimmy Iovine and is accompanied by a documentary film.
7. Song For Someone
Album: Songs of Innocence
Released: 2015
A beautiful love song that was written by the U2 lead singer, Bono, to his wife. The lyrics speak about how special “someone” is. It never mentions who it is written to, but Bono later stated it was to his wife.
“Song For Someone” is another underrated U2 song. It only made it as high as number 13 on the US Billboard, but it is one of the essential tracks of the Songs of Innocence album.
8. Love And Peace Or Else
Album: How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
Released: 2004
The heavy electric guitar in the intro makes you think you are listening to a heavy rock song, but then Bono comes in with the vocals, and the sound turns to that classic U2 sound. The heavy electric guitar continues, though, giving the track a natural rock & roll feel.
“Love And Peace Or Else” is not a traditional love song written for someone. Instead, it is a song about love.
9. Love Is Blindness
Album: Achtung Baby
Released: 1991
“Love Is Blindness” is the final song on the Achtung Baby album. It was written on the piano by Bono, and initially, they would have given it to Nina Simone, but the band decided to keep it. The song speaks about a failing romance.
During the recording of this album, The Edge separated from his wife, and the separation significantly affected the song’s development.
10. When Love Comes To Town
Album: Rattle and Hum
Released: 1989
“When Love Comes To Town” is an epic rock and roll love song that features the blues legend B.B. King. It has epic guitar parts, vocals that will leave you speechless, and additional background instruments that U2 songs don’t usually have.
The song reached the number one spot on the Irish Singles Chart and was as high as number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
Music has always been a big part of my life. Now I want to share my passion for music with the world. Some of my favorite genres of music include pop, rap, dance, and electronic. Let’s make the world a better place with music!
