The Best of 1990–2000 cover

The Best of 1990–2000

U2 · 2002

169 min · 35 tracks · alternative rock · pop rock · post-punk

A vibrant blend of anthemic rock and dance-infused pop, showcasing U2's evolution through the '90s.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic collection of anthems
  • for nostalgic sing-alongs
  • wave-like pacing for easy flow
  • mix of reflective and uplifting
  • great for road trip energy

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer shorter, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification only

Where this album fits

Themes
post-Cold War optimism· club culture evolution· millennial uncertainty
Career context
By the time U2 released 'The Best of 1990–2000' in late 2002, they were transitioning from a period of commercial success with albums like 'All That You Can't Leave Behind' to a renewed focus on their musical identity. This compilation served as both a celebration of their achievements and a bridge to new material, highlighting their adaptability and enduring relevance in the music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Coldplay· Radiohead· The Killers
Sounds like this from elsewhere
OK Computer by Radiohead — Shares themes of millennial uncertainty with a blend of rock and electronic soundscapes.
Hot Fuss by The Killers — Combines anthemic rock energy and dance elements, echoing post-Cold War optimism.
Up by R.E.M. — Explores themes of introspection and change, utilizing layered production and a mix of rock styles.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Even Better Than the Real Thing 3:41
  • 2 Mysterious Ways 4:03
  • 3 Beautiful Day 4:08
  • 4 Electrical Storm (William Orbit mix) 4:39
  • 5 One 4:35
  • 6 Miss Sarajevo 4:32
  • 7 Stay (Faraway, So Close!) 4:59
  • 8 Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of 4:34
  • 9 Gone (new mix) 4:34
  • 10 Until the End of the World 4:40
  • 11 The Hands That Built America (theme from ‘Gangs of New York’) 4:58
  • 12 Discothèque (new mix) 4:42
  • 13 Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me 4:45
  • 14 Staring at the Sun (new mix) 4:49
  • 15 Numb (new mix) 4:23
  • 16 The First Time 3:50
  • 17 The Fly 4:28

Disc 2

  • 1 Lady With the Spinning Head (extended dance mix) 6:08
  • 2 Dirty Day (Junk Day mix) 4:42
  • 3 Summer Rain 4:08
  • 4 Electrical Storm 4:25
  • 5 North and South of the River 4:38
  • 6 Your Blue Room 5:29
  • 7 Happiness Is a Warm Gun (The Gun mix) 4:47
  • 8 Salomé (Zooromancer remix) 5:52
  • 9 Even Better Than the Real Thing (The Perfecto mix) 6:39
  • 10 Numb (Gimme Some More Dignity mix) 5:51
  • 11 Mysterious Ways (Solar Plexus club mix) 4:10
  • 12 If God Will Send His Angels (Big Yam mix) 5:42
  • 13 Lemon (Jeep mix) 5:30
  • 14 Discothèque (Hexidecimal mix) 5:44

Disc 3

  • 1 The History Mix 7:40
  • 2 U2: The Best of 1990–2000 DVD Trailer 2:27
  • 3 Please (live mural cut) 5:00
  • 4 Beautiful Day (Eze version) 4:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata