U2 1980 - 1990

U2 1980 - 1990

Shad Hashmi
U2 Fan
ATLANTA
November 6, 1998

This article is the first in the two part series that reviews U2's latest offering The Best of 1980 - 1990.

"This is the end of something for U2. It's no big deal, it's just that we have to go away and dream it all up again," Bono, Dublin, New Year's Eve, 1989, the end of the final homecoming show of the Lovetown Tour. Those words will go down in rock legend, next to stories of Hendrix and Clapton guitar face-offs. This CD set captures the aura of that prophetic statement.

Trying to review U2's greatest hits CD is like trying to critique Macbeth, arguably one of the greatest tragedies of all time. The stature of the Macbeth is such that any criticisms merely display the ignorance and short-sightedness of the reader, so it passes with U2's The Best Of 1980 -1990.

The first CD on this two CD limited edition set is just a compilation of the hits that have made U2 a household name worldwide.

Once the headphones go on the first CD is emblazoned on the memory of any U2 fan like an Unforgettable Fire. The CD kicks off rattling with "Pride" and the pace with which the hits roll off this CD does not wane.

The only week point in the entire CD was U2's latest single, the unreleased B - side from The Joshua Tree, " Sweetest Thing". This track stands out like a sore thumb in the midst of illustrious company. U2 should have realized that the reason that they did not release the song in the first place was that it was good enough. But that is just a minor flaw in an otherwise brilliant CD.

Copyright © 1998 by Gregory S. Scherrer, Editor and by the Student Publications Board

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