U2 - 18 Singles

U2
18 Singles
Universal Island Records/Interscope
Grade: A

Two words aptly describe both this record and its release timing: stocking stuffer. And for those who are U2 fans but may only have a couple of records, this collection of 18 singles serves an excellent purpose in that role. For the more involved U2 fans, the record only includes two songs that have not been released on previous records: the Green Day collaboration “The Saints Are Coming” and “Window in the Skies.” The “Saints Are Coming” has been put out through the usual single avenues (e.g., iTunes), and as has been extensively reported, all proceeds of the song go to the Edge’s Music Rising charity to help New Orleans’ musicians. The other sixteen singles span U2’s career from “New Year’s Day” and “Sunday Bloody Sunday” off of War to “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own” from How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. More or less a best-of, 18 Singles includes nearly every U2 song that has the power to get you going in the morning. Two surprising facts emerge from the liner notes and information. First, few of the singles were released as such in the U.S., while they were always released as single in the UK (with the exception of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” which was only released in continental Europe as a single). Second, U2 for all of their success only have a few #1 singles including “Beautiful Day” (UK), “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (US), “Vertigo” (UK), and “Desire” (UK). This is more than most, but fewer than expected. Indeed an excellent collection of songs, but you may already own all of the songs.