U2

Pratyusha Dwivedi

I want to feel sunlight on my face,

I see the dust cloud disappear,

Without a trace.

I want to take shelter from the poison rain,

Where the streets have no name.

Three teenage boys with limited musical proficiency, in Dublin, once decided to respond to a drummer's advertisement seeking band – mates. They could not have possibly predicted how the decision would change their lives. U2, an Irish rock band, was formed in 1976 by Larry Mullen JR (drums), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), The Edge (guitar) and Bono (vocals). Thirty five years later, this band continues to make music, astound the world and live on as one of the best rock bands.

 My brother, one of the biggest musical influences in my life, made sure that I got a whiff of this sensational band as a child. I first heard ‘With or Without You’ on a television show, as it played on in the background. For the next few moments, I was left entranced. All I could hear was the music. The characters and their dialogues were lost on me; it was just the background score that did all the talking. I watched on as the scene came more to life than I thought possible and as I fell in love - with the band, their music and the powerful lyrics.

The song and the rave reviews I often heard about the band, compelled me to listen to more. ‘Where The Streets Have No Name’ is an absolute favourite. Having recently moved from one country to another and enduring an identity crisis of sorts, the song simply gripped me. It took me over and just didn’t let go. 

                              

Growing up under the influence of the guitar, amongst other instruments, the Edge’s consistent rhythmic echo and signature delay worked wonders on me. Initially beginning with influences from punk rock, U2 later moved on to various other genres of popular music to include aspects of rock anthem, funk, and dance rhythms. In the 1990s, the band reinvented themselves as they began using synthesisers, distortion and electronic beats in three of their albums - Achtung Baby, Zooropa, and Pop. The 2000s had them returning to a stripped-down sound, with a more traditional touch.

U2, alongside being a high power in the Rock music industry, has also provided an

example of how fame can affect the world positively. In the '80s, much of U2's music focused on the turmoil occurring in Ireland. In U2's documentary, 'Rattle and Hum', the band discusses the passionate song "Sunday Bloody Sunday". They have also actively participated in various humanitarian campaigns like Live Aid and most recently in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Such intensity and outspokenness has made U2 one of the most exciting bands to see live, not to mention their seven #1 singles (including 'In the Name of Love' and 'With or Without You') and six #1 albums.

On a melancholy day perhaps, close your eyes, turn up the volume and drown yourself in one of U2’s melodies; one of the more slow ones, if you wish for the mood to continue, or a more enthusiastic one to uplift your spirit. Let go off everything - allow the music to flow through and let the words sink in. Just lose yourself in the works of one of the best-selling music artists of all-time.