The Best of 1980–1990
U2 · 1998
65 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock · pop rock · post-punk
A sweeping collection of anthemic rock and introspective ballads that defined a decade.
Why this album works
- Best for
- anthemic sing-alongs with friends wave-like emotional peaks and valleys reflective moments during quiet times
- Context
- Released in 1998, 'The Best of 1980–1990' marked U2's first major retrospective compilation, encapsulating their evolution from post-punk pioneers to global rock icons. By this time, the band had already achieved significant commercial success with albums like 'The Joshua Tree' (1987) and 'Achtung Baby' (1991), solidifying their status in the music industry.
- If you like
- alternative rock, pop rock, post-punk
The Best of 1980–1990 is an album by U2, released in 1998. A sweeping collection of anthemic rock and introspective ballads that defined a decade. This compilation reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was critically acclaimed for its comprehensive selection of hits that shaped alternative rock. Its release also underscored U2's influence on subsequent artists and movements within the genre, reinforcing their legacy as one of the leading bands of the late 20th century. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Best of 1980–1990 sound like?
A sweeping collection of anthemic rock and introspective ballads that defined a decade. Rooted in alternative rock and pop rock.
What makes The Best of 1980–1990 by U2 notable?
This compilation reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and was critically acclaimed for its comprehensive selection of hits that shaped alternative rock. Its release also underscored U2's influence on subsequent artists and movements within the genre, reinforcing their legacy as one of the leading bands of the late 20th century. Released in 1998, 'The Best of 1980–1990' marked U2's first major retrospective compilation, encapsulating their evolution from post-punk pioneers to global rock icons. By this time, the band had already achieved significant commercial success with albums like 'The Joshua Tree' (1987) and 'Achtung Baby' (1991), solidifying their status in the music industry.
Who is The Best of 1980–1990 for?
The Best of 1980–1990 works well if you're into anthemic sing-alongs with friends, wave-like emotional peaks and valleys and reflective moments during quiet times.
How many songs are on The Best of 1980–1990?
The Best of 1980–1990 has 14 tracks, running approximately 65 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Pride (In the Name of Love) Standout 3:50
- 2 New Year’s Day 4:18
- 3 With or Without You Standout 4:58
- 4 I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For 4:40
- 5 Sunday Bloody Sunday Standout 4:42
- 6 Bad 5:51
- 7 Where the Streets Have No Name 4:36
- 8 I Will Follow 3:38
- 9 The Unforgettable Fire 4:55
- 10 Sweetest Thing (the single mix) 3:02
- 11 Desire 2:59
- 12 When Love Comes to Town 4:18
- 13 Angel of Harlem 3:50
- 14 All I Want Is You / October 9:51
Release Date
November 2, 1998
Artist Origin
Ireland
Runtime
65 min 34 sec
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