Fans of legendary rock band U2 believe they have found the band’s best album, and it features “no skips”.
Though the group may have a series of all-time greats to their name, with War and The Joshua Tree hailed by fans in the r/U2 subreddit conversation, it’s another album from the Bono-fronted group which has been hailed as their best. Fans believe Achtung Baby sets the mood perfectly and is still the high point of the album. A post to the forum had one fan ask: “What is the greatest U2 album of all time? Most upvoted comment wins!” The winner would be clear, then, with Achtung Baby receiving the most upvotes from fans. But it doesn’t necessarily make it the best of all, with other users suggesting albums released just before and after their 1991 classic are stronger.
One fan wrote: “Zero skips, sets the mood instantly, and holds it throughout.” Another praised Achtung Baby, adding: “And it’s been holding up beautifully since 1991. Didn’t sound dated at all, it sounds futuristic and modern even today in 2025.” A third wrote: “As someone who only listened to it for the first time maybe six to ten years ago, I agree. It sounded like a brand new album to me.”
Others believed there was a crucial difference between a personal favourite and objective best from the band, with some believing Achtung Baby is the best example of the group’s efforts to date. One person wrote: “Achtung Baby. There’s a difference between their greatest and your favourite album.
“My favourite changes over time. For example, Zooropa has been my favourite for a long stretch. There was a time when I was really into Rattle and Hum. However, Achtung Baby is their greatest.”
Another user has disagreed and suggested The Joshua Tree is their greatest album, and that also The Unforgettable Fire should be considered. They wrote: “For me, The Joshua Tree, but I can appreciate those who say Achtung Baby.
“The Unforgettable Fire is near and dear to my heart, as it was their most recent studio release when I first heard about U2. There’s some really strong stuff there, and I actually like Elvis Presley when I’m in a mood, but I don’t think it comes close to The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby.”
A third listener agreed, adding: “Tough call, but I think The Joshua Tree edges out Achtung Baby by a hair. The band really hit its stride on The Joshua Tree, and I don’t think there’s a weak track on it.
“As an album, it’s cohesive and each song seems to lead inevitably to the next, like a truly well-planned and prepared meal at a four-star restaurant. Achtung Baby’s sound redefined U2; I remember not liking it at first, but it really grew on me over time.
“It reflects the energy of post-Berlin Wall Europe better than any other album I know, and is another without any weak tracks (although I will skip a couple on it these days). And Love Is Blindness will break your heart every time.”
