What makes Vertigo by U2 notable?

The song 'Vertigo' achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one in over 30 countries and becoming one of U2's most recognizable tracks. It also garnered critical acclaim, winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and solidifying U2's status as a leading force in rock music during the early 2000s. Released in 2004, 'Vertigo' marked U2's return to the forefront of the music scene after their 2000 album 'All That You Can't Leave Behind'. This single set the stage for their subsequent album 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb', showcasing a revitalized energy and a shift back towards rock roots following a period of experimentation.

How many songs are on Vertigo?

Vertigo has 4 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

Vertigo

U2 · 2004

18 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A pulsating blend of dance-rock and alternative sounds that captures the urgency of modern life with anthemic fervor.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Vertigo (Jacknife Lee 12″) — This extended version amplifies the high-energy sound of the original track, emphasizing its driving beat and infectious hooks that characterize U2's return to form.
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Vertigo (Jacknife Lee 7″) — As the radio edit, this version encapsulates the essence of the original while making it accessible for mainstream audiences, reflecting U2's strategic approach to reach new listeners.
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Vertigo (Jacknife Lee 10″) — This version balances elements of both longer mixes, offering a unique perspective on the song while retaining its energetic spirit that resonated with fans worldwide.

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 presents varied takes on a recognizable song but lacks depth and cohesion as a standalone work.

What we noticed

The first three tracks are all variations of 'Vertigo', with the last track being an instrumental version that strips away the vocals entirely.

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked U2's return to prominence and commercial success in the 2000s.
Themes: digital age anxiety· post-9/11 uncertainty
Career context: Released in 2004, 'Vertigo' marked U2's return to the forefront of the music scene after their 2000 album 'All That You Can't Leave Behind'. This single set the stage for their subsequent album 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb', showcasing a revitalized energy and a shift back towards rock roots following a period of experimentation.
Stylistic neighbors: Coldplay· Radiohead· The Killers