I've noticed an apparent theme with several of my posts. An inspiration that I've had for as long as I can remember: music. More specifically, the music of U2.
If you haven't heard of U2, then you are sorely missing out. But, the odds are that you have heard of them. From Ross and Rachel's song, "With or Without You," to the Academy Award nominated "The Hands That Built America," to the inspirational song that captivated the nation, "One." Chances are you have heard at least one of their amazing ballads and just didn't know it.
When U2 first started, it was not like most bands. Rather than typical 'rock star' songs about sex, drugs, or money, they wrote powerful and inspirational lyrics about serious issues. Now, over 20 years later, their music has only evolved into something greater.
They have experimented with different sounds, which have resulted in certain songs that have achieved a perfect harmony of music and lyrics. For me, it is the music I have known my entire life. And as I got older, I only learned how to appreciate their music even more. Even now, I find myself rediscovering songs that I never used to appreciate. I can look back at their older albums, and find a song that I can relate to now.
The most powerful thing about their music is that it never dies. I could listen to the latest top 20 track, have fun dancing to it for a little while, but after some time it becomes so over-played that I vow not to listen to it again. I become easily bored with today's music, but my love for U2 will never die.
It's hard to put into words why you love something. All I know is that the love is there. I love their music, and the message behind their words. I love their range and versatility and all that they have accomplished. I love the music, and how it compliments the lyrics. Their songs are beautiful, haunting, inspirational and meaningful. But I cannot just make a list to prove why I love U2. It does not do it justice. I simply love the very essence of their music and the band itself. I encourage you to listen to their music. I guarantee you will find at least one song to love.
I have.
If you haven't heard of U2, then you are sorely missing out. But, the odds are that you have heard of them. From Ross and Rachel's song, "With or Without You," to the Academy Award nominated "The Hands That Built America," to the inspirational song that captivated the nation, "One." Chances are you have heard at least one of their amazing ballads and just didn't know it.
When U2 first started, it was not like most bands. Rather than typical 'rock star' songs about sex, drugs, or money, they wrote powerful and inspirational lyrics about serious issues. Now, over 20 years later, their music has only evolved into something greater.
They have experimented with different sounds, which have resulted in certain songs that have achieved a perfect harmony of music and lyrics. For me, it is the music I have known my entire life. And as I got older, I only learned how to appreciate their music even more. Even now, I find myself rediscovering songs that I never used to appreciate. I can look back at their older albums, and find a song that I can relate to now.
The most powerful thing about their music is that it never dies. I could listen to the latest top 20 track, have fun dancing to it for a little while, but after some time it becomes so over-played that I vow not to listen to it again. I become easily bored with today's music, but my love for U2 will never die.
It's hard to put into words why you love something. All I know is that the love is there. I love their music, and the message behind their words. I love their range and versatility and all that they have accomplished. I love the music, and how it compliments the lyrics. Their songs are beautiful, haunting, inspirational and meaningful. But I cannot just make a list to prove why I love U2. It does not do it justice. I simply love the very essence of their music and the band itself. I encourage you to listen to their music. I guarantee you will find at least one song to love.
I have.
Time and time again.
mmm the power of music :)
ReplyDeleteI loved how powerfully you wrote this, and the bolding and enlarging of some words really emphasized the power and signifiance music holds for you. I also love the emphasis on the last line in particular, pointing out the timelessness of music as well.
very nice :D
which are your favourite albums? wait, scratch that IF YOU COULD ONLY PICK ONE which would it be?
ReplyDeleteyou made this very personal. music isn't all about the guitars or what the artists say or do or wear, it really is mainly about the feeling that you get when you listen to it.
i would be curious to see what other bands you enjoy? not, of course, more than U2, but you know. a favourite. there hsa to be another for someone so in tune (HA >> PUN!) with its majestic qualities.
maybe talk a bit about how U2 was popular and why they were popular back in the 80's and can then effortlessly fill the ACC (or where was it?) two nights in a row in Toronto today. maybe ask your parents what they thought of U2.
but i honestly love how you kept it personal. it would read a lot differently if you discussed their 'rise to fame' so to speak.
and i agree with jordan. the last line is very powerful.
only one album?!... can't be done. im thinking maybe the joshua tree. it has some great hits, but also some lesser known songs that have become my favourite.
ReplyDeleteand thanks for the advice, maybe i will write about their rise to fame and my parent's love for their music. however i chose to leave such details out because i could ramble on for ever and was aiming to explain simply why i always mention U2.
and as for what else i listen to, it is, for the most part, soft rock, like coldplay, snow patrol or james morrison. soulful songs that are easy to listen to.
and it was the rogers centre that sold out. 60 000 people each night. unbelieveable. :)
good post, i could really tell you had a passion for your topic and you expressed it appropriately, instead of telling us all the reasons why we should love them, you explained your point of view and left it up to your readers to make a choice for themselves.
ReplyDeletevery effective.
ps. i listened to One while reading this