Fans of the legendary rock band U2 believe one album could have been an “all-time great” if just one song had been added. The Bono-fronted band are rumoured to be working on a new album of original material for the first time since 2017. U2 released Songs of Surrender, a covers album of their own songs, in 2022. They followed this up with two EPs earlier this year and are expected to release an untitled new album later this year.
But fans were left reflecting on what could have been for Rattle and Hum in a post to the U2 subreddit. One fan took to the forum and wrote: “I may be the odd duck here, but Rattle and Hum is my favourite U2 album. I love the combination of live and studio cuts, and the Americana influence on the sound. There isn’t a bad tune on the album.”
Included on the album is Hawkmoon 269, which features Bob Dylan on the organ, and a live cover of his song All Along the Watchtower. The double album was meant as an accompaniment to a feature-length documentary about the band’s tour in the late 1980s. The double-sided album received mixed reviews on release and for many fans does not have the same staying power as The Joshua Tree or Achtung Baby.
Some believe the inclusion of With or Without You would have solved the problems featured on the album. One fan wrote: “If they included With or Without You and Bad on the soundtrack CD it would have been an all-time great album. The studio stuff is so underrated, and the live stuff is really good.”
Another fan agreed, adding: “Completely agree. Maybe they thought it would be too many downtempo songs. Or maybe they felt it was too close to the studio version. This project is ripe for a deluxe double-album-length rerelease.”
A third shared: “The version of With Or Without You that’s shown in the movie I Believe in Tempe is the best performance of it.” While some lamented the lack of With or Without You, other listeners believe what features on the album already makes up for what is absent. One fan wrote: “Don’t forget God Part II.
“It’s one of the most ass-kicking U2 songs ever. And much like Hawkmoon, Larry’s drums are in full force. My steering wheel takes a pounding when either song comes on in the car. The four Lovetown Dublin shows from the end of 1989 are some of the best ever from these guys. Wish there was something official from the Lovetown tour.”
Another agreed, adding: “God Part II is a top-tier track. It sounds like the missing link between their 80s era and 90s era, you can hear that Achtung creeping in. Killer drums. Silver & Gold totally rips. Such a groovy bassline and the guitar is so sharp and icy-sounding. When Love Comes To Town is also great imo, when i’m in the mood for some blues it hits just right. And of course, that live Bullet The Blue Sky rules.
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