What makes Get Out of Your Own Way by U2 notable?

The track received significant airplay and acclaim for its uplifting message, addressing themes of self-empowerment and resilience. It charted well in several countries, including reaching number one on the US Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart, solidifying U2's relevance in modern music. Released in December 2017, 'Get Out of Your Own Way' is part of U2's fourteenth studio album, 'Songs of Experience', which followed their politically charged 'Songs of Innocence'. At this point in their career, U2 was navigating a complex musical landscape, blending contemporary themes with their classic sound while responding to global sociopolitical issues.

How many songs are on Get Out of Your Own Way?

Get Out of Your Own Way has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Get Out of Your Own Way

U2 · 2017

3 min · 1 track · alternative rock

An energetic blend of anthemic melodies and danceable rhythms that urges listeners to overcome personal obstacles.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Get Out of Your Own Way — This title track encapsulates the album's core message of overcoming internal struggles, featuring catchy hooks and an infectious chorus that makes it a standout anthem for empowerment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The song combines engaging instrumentation with a solid vocal performance but lacks depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The track features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered guitar riffs and synth elements that create a rich soundscape.
Vocals are delivered in a conversational style, alternating between melodic phrases and rhythmic spoken sections.
The song builds dynamically, introducing additional instrumental layers in the chorus to enhance its emotional impact.

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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid single that adds to their catalog but isn't a standout entry point or breakthrough.
Themes: personal empowerment· political disillusionment· millennial anxiety
Career context: Released in December 2017, 'Get Out of Your Own Way' is part of U2's fourteenth studio album, 'Songs of Experience', which followed their politically charged 'Songs of Innocence'. At this point in their career, U2 was navigating a complex musical landscape, blending contemporary themes with their classic sound while responding to global sociopolitical issues.
Stylistic neighbors: Coldplay· Radiohead· The Killers