What does Even Better Than the Real Thing sound like?

A pulsating blend of alternative rock and electronic elements, fusing anthemic melodies with danceable grooves. Rooted in alternative rock and pop rock. Start with "Even Better Than the Real Thing (Perfecto mix)".

Is Even Better Than the Real Thing a good place to start with U2?

Yes, Even Better Than the Real Thing is recommended as a starting point for new U2 listeners. A pulsating blend of alternative rock and electronic elements, fusing anthemic melodies with danceable grooves. Released in 1992, 'Even Better Than the Real Thing' marked U2's transition into a more experimental phase after their critically acclaimed album 'Achtung Baby'. This single showcased their willingness to explore electronic influences while maintaining their signature rock sound, further solidifying their status as innovators within the music scene.

Who is Even Better Than the Real Thing for?

Even Better Than the Real Thing works well if you're into steady dancefloor energy throughout, infectious rhythms for celebration and immersive remix exploration experience.

How many songs are on Even Better Than the Real Thing?

Even Better Than the Real Thing has 5 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Even Better Than the Real Thing

U2 · 1992

30 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

A pulsating blend of alternative rock and electronic elements, fusing anthemic melodies with danceable grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Even Better Than the Real Thing (Perfecto mix) Start here — This remix highlights the song's infectious rhythm and expansive soundscape, making it a staple in clubs while showcasing U2's ability to adapt their rock sound for electronic audiences.
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Even Better Than the Real Thing (Sexy dub mix) — The Sexy dub mix emphasizes a slower tempo and intricate production elements, illustrating how U2 embraced the evolving dance music scene without losing their core identity.
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Even Better Than the Real Thing (Apollo 440 Stealth Sonic remix) — This version adds a layer of intensity with its driving beats and dynamic shifts, exemplifying how U2's work resonated with both rock and electronic fans alike.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases U2's shift towards electronic influences with varied remixes, but lacks strong cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

The first track features a driving beat with layered synths that create a danceable groove, while the subsequent remixes explore different electronic textures.
The final track is an instrumental version that strips away vocals, focusing on the electronic elements and rhythmic patterns.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady dancefloor energy throughout
infectious rhythms for celebration
immersive remix exploration experience
pulsating beats for movement

Maybe skip if you

prefer shorter standalone tracks
seek quiet introspective moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Marks U2's shift into a more experimental phase post-Achtung Baby.
Themes: remix culture exploration· post-Achtung Baby transition
Career context: Released in 1992, 'Even Better Than the Real Thing' marked U2's transition into a more experimental phase after their critically acclaimed album 'Achtung Baby'. This single showcased their willingness to explore electronic influences while maintaining their signature rock sound, further solidifying their status as innovators within the music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Coldplay· Radiohead· The Killers