Aug
10
2012

Unforgettable Single

541

Over on our Discography page you'll find dozens and dozens of singles the band have released over the years.

Starting with U23 way back in 1979 - Out of Control, Stories for Boys, Boy-Girl - the trail leads all the way to 'I'll Go Crazy', third single from No Line On The Horizon, in 2009.

Maybe you'd forgotten Lemon was a single. Or you've never listened to Fire. Or you just recently discovered Please. But there'll be a U2 single that's special to you in some way - the one that comes on the radio or arrives unnoticed when your iPod's on shuffle and suddenly a moment in your life comes back to you.

What was the U2 single that stopped you in your tracks - and still does ?

It might depend on where you were when you first heard it, what was happening in your life, how you first got into the band?

Remind yourself of the history of the band's single releases and look through the promotional videos on this page in our Video Gallery (set aside a week or two for this) -  find the one that reminds you of a time and place in your life.

In the comments below tell us why this song is special for you. Is there a story behind it - an anecdote from your life ?

What brings the track alive for you? What was happening to you at the time you first heard it that means you'll never get over this single?

We have prizes for the best, the funniest, the most moving or surprising entries. Add them in the comments below. Did we mention that ? (Don't forget - we're not talking about any U2 track but about those released as singles...)


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541  Comments
dushan - 24 September, 2012
Running to stand still
Though I still get goosebumps when I hear Adams' base in With or Without you, my wife And I both love Running to stand still. This really is our song.
rocker1992 - 24 September, 2012
I Will Follow
This never really was my favorite single until I learned how to play the riff on guitar. It's a punk rocker with a good punch to it. I love how satisfying the riff is to play and the harmonics as the bridge just nail it ever time. It was one of the first songs to jump out at me that showed me that U2 could rock hard and play ballads. Gotta love my boys!
gooniegal30 - 23 September, 2012
Running to stand still (Joshua Tree)
I was in the 8th grade. I had just returned to school after being in a hospital after a suicide attempt. My 8th grade teacher put the lyrics t Running to stand still up on the overhead projector and we listened to the song a few times. After that we discussed the meanings behind the lyrics and how deep it really was. This sparked an ever lasting love for U2 and their music. It was the first time I actually listened to a song and connected with it. I could feel the pain this girl was going through because I felt it at the time. I love my life, ups and downs, and I have learned to deal with what comes my way. I know that nothing is worth taking my life for and that I can overcome any hurdles thrown in my path. Anytime I listen to U2 I always feel a sense of calm, belonging, and purpose. Their music sparks something in me that no other band ever has. They provoke an incredible energy that fills me and transcends this plain.
mith_2004 - 23 September, 2012
Kiss ME Thrill Me KIll Me ; MISSION IMPO
Kiss ME Thrill Me KIll Me I used to walk on the street and hear this song blaring from someones audio system..... I fall for U2 the next moment on... I heard old songs of U2 and loved BAD too .. Then I finally had my hands on the POP album on tape ...That was one thrilling album.. Then I fall for DISCOTHEQUE .. ,and next moment I was listening to JOSHUA TREE ... and got stung by Mothers of the Disappeared and EXIT ..
kevvvy - 23 September, 2012
Pride (in the name of love)
My first memory of seeing U2 on tv and thinking YESSS. The video was on Saturday morning kids TV in the UK and it just seemed so different and yet so familiar. Ever since then I've been in love with the music, the lyrics and the imagery.
Mili0815 - 22 September, 2012
BAD
Cause, The song the make me feel free! and the my life get bether every time I listening. In my opinion is a classsic and makes people happies! God save the U2! thanks.
Miriam Jonker - 22 September, 2012
The unforgettable Fire
Mysterious, haunting.. it gave me the chills when I heard that for the first time. And still does.
rsteintrager - 22 September, 2012
Gloria
so, as a young 12 year old I heard Gloria- a young, Catholic but questioning introverted bu headstrong girl who had just lost her father suddenly... Gloria was what I needed- anger, angst and faith all at once. I have never looked back and U2 has been the soundtrack to my life- I have been angry at times and questioned things but always listen and come back to the band... I have found solace and comfort and again the expression of anger and angst when i need it during different times of my life- of joy and loss and pain- thank you
karinesilvalima5 - 22 September, 2012
Eletrical Storm
I've 15 years, but i love this single already. It makes me remember of my past and some funny things i've done in my life. Makes me a little dizzy in the beginning, but makes me happy too. The songs finish and i already want to play again!
bohemicus - 21 September, 2012
ONE, followed by PRIDE
"One" is definitely the song of my life. I reckon I would wish this to be played at my funeral as I depart this mortal coil. It would have to be very closely followed by "Pride (In The Name Of Love)".
Grumpy Kiwi - 21 September, 2012
One Tree Hill
As soon as I got my hands on a cassette of The Joshua Tree and read the liner notes, I knew this song would resonate. I couldn't a band as huge as U2 had become wrote a song about New Zealand. A heartfelt, poignant tribute to Greg Carroll that is simply stunning. I saw them play it in New Zealand for the first time in Christchurch in 1989. Standing back by the mixing desk, you could still easily see how hard that song was to sing for Bono. The crowd was silent during the entire song, but all 60,000 of us sang the "Oh great mountain" part. A very special moment. I was lucky enough to see all 4 shows they played in New Zealand that year, and it remains one of the best week of my life. Seeing it in Auckland a week later, with One Tree Hill itself just a few miles down the road gave me goose bumps. The version on U22 that is dedicated to the victims of the Pike River tragedy is simply awesome. I tear up every time I hear it.
manolohc74 - 21 September, 2012
ONE
I love many U2 songs, but ONE is simply the ONE... maybe the song of my life
blackbono - 20 September, 2012
WITH OR WITH OUT YOU
man that song right there i cant forget, i remember the first time i heard and seen the video it really took me else where, i can listen to that song a thousand times it never get old. you realize tho u2 songs is ment to be going on and on they are gifted with music that last forever not many band capable of that U2 songs are pure natural music that last and sustain in our heart and mind.
JJbluebird_boy - 20 September, 2012
Where The Streets Have No Name
15 years old at summer camp. It's lights out and I'm in the top bunk interpreting the foreign noises around me when the camp counselor shakes the bunk and gives me his walkman. It's Joshua Tree album cassette and Streets begins. I replayed the song that night until the batteries went dead. For the rest of the summer I would choreograph the intro with everything I did, things like walking up a hill - perfectly timed to reach the top of the hill just as Bono starts to sing. When it comes on the radio these days my truck instantly becomes the stage as I alternate between instruments on the steering wheel. And Edge's appearance at Glastonbury - wow. Goosebumps every time.
colorista - 20 September, 2012
hands built america
this song makes me dream, despite being a big fan of them, have not had the privilege to attend a concert of them, but I guarantee that I will do everything in the next to go see with my wife and children, who also share my fanaticism for this them, a long time ...carlos costa, from portugal
DeborahD - 20 September, 2012
when love comes to town
1989-my son introduced me to U2 and I loved this song. Our relationship was enhanced by a mutual admiration for the band as he went through his teen-age years and it was a connection that allowed me to stay close during a decade that can be difficult for a parent and child. He is 33 now and we still share a big love for U2 and attended the Nashville, Tn show together in 2011
mormangani - 20 September, 2012
Where the streets have no name
Because every time I live it in a show, it's like... magic...!
u2fanster - 19 September, 2012
Pride
Pride was the first U2 single I ever bought. The guitar is absolutely awesome. A great song with a great message and one of my favorite videos too. There have been many great U2 singles throughout the years but Pride was the first one I heard. Keep Rockin U2, my favorite band of all time.
DeborahD - 19 September, 2012
when love comes to town
1989-my son introduced me to U2 and I loved this song. Our relationship was enhanced by a mutual admiration for the band as he went through his teen-age years and it was a connection that allowed me to stay close during a decade that can be difficult for a parent and child. He is 33 now and we still share a big love for U2 and attended the Nashville, Tn show together in 2011
kgpt - 19 September, 2012
Walk on
When the wife of my U2-tribute band's (www.therealthing.nl) bass player was trying to beat cancer, we played a memorable concert in Schiedam (NL), where we dedicated Walk On to her. Although she was not there, we felt her presence and it led us to tears on stage. Unfortunately, she died shortly after this concert and at her funeral, the song was played at the very moment our band members and spouses stood up to walk to her coffin. The most impressing moment of my life and it must have been the hand of a greater force that timed it this way. It has been more than half a year now, but we still think of her daily. So, if you are able to read this in heaven, I'd like to say "Walk on Reina, walk on!"
Shellyann - 18 September, 2012
shellyann
When I heard " The Unforgettable Fire" , I had an overwhelming sense of happiness and it took me back many years .
anjuna - 18 September, 2012
I dont want to talk about wars between n
I was travelling in India in 2008/09and was aware that the long awaited new u2 single was due for release really soon.It was early February when I left India for Sri Lanka and arrived in Colombo amidst a large,heavy military presence.The Tamil Tigers had attempted to fly two planes into the city of Colombo and had been shot down hours before my arrival resulting in death and injury and chaos.I decided to leave Colombo for the coast and when I arrived thought it best to email home and make contact with my family.It was a humid,rainy day and at the internet cafe I found the video and single Get On Your Boots online. I could relate to the lyrics,the melody and it seemed to perfectly fit the events of that day. The song brings me back to Colombo every time I hear it.Thankfully, I got to the 360 tour and created another great memory of the song hearing it live with love and community up in the pit.
8 - 18 September, 2012
Can't Help Falling In Love
The b-side to Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses. Just love that mix. And that Bono did it all himself because the others couldn't be bothered to get up that morning. Haha. Love this song so much.
u2john - 17 September, 2012
With or without you
Really the whole Joshua Tree album spoke to me, but this song in particular was special to me, during a very difficult time in my life where I wanted to give up and just didn't know what to do. It brought me out of my depression and made me smile.
- 17 September, 2012
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
I remember as a child,I loved this beautilful song and I saw in The Joshua Tree album also found someone that I really liked " Larry ".And well I was not the classic that had barbie girl, and I really wanted one but I always liked the music, when the joining the money the first thing I bought my U2LP, and my older brothers were surprised that I no longer wanted more toys and researching more about U2 since then began the dream of my life "I WILL MEEET SOMEDAY " I said and the dream came true one november 30/98 on POPMART TOUR MEXICO outside from 4seasonsHotel at night they crossed the street to give me the autograph never imagined such humility and the most incredible thing I cling tightly Bono...wow !! as If we were a couple ,also my other dream came true on February 13 2006, I was so close to LARRY , ( I Feel numb for a few min.)with Mr Camil walking down Paseo de la Reforma to reach the Four Seasons Hotel Larry ate a snack with is made of pumpkin seed in Mexico we called "pepitas" I asked my autograph ,I asked thim to read some things on paper took some pictures ,with me and he smiled even when wearing their sunglasses,saw his look of tenderness for my ...was awesome...BONO says in concerts THANK YOU FOR GIVIN' US A GREAT LIFE I SAID .Thank You U2 for being with me always , when I 'm happy, when I'm very sad,even when I'm drunk..lol....when I have broken the heart wich is almost always,the grat moments,at concerts,and yell with exitement when seeing them the firts time around let the love.... Special thanks to Bono and Larry that confess that in those days when I knew I was having a very bad and very sad for may things much mood lifted
Sylvia_Torres - 17 September, 2012
Pride
Well, it's hard to choose one single, but I guess it'll be Pride. I was 13, and turned on the radio. pride was playing right at the guitar solo, and something happened in my brain - I could hear the instruments separately, and then, Bono started singing the chorus - amazing!! I had no idea what the lyrics meant, but I went to a record store the next day to find out who those guys were!! When I got The Unforgettable Fire, I listened to it from the first to the last track all afternoon ( a habit I still have for every release ever since) . Thank you very much for being part of my life- so many songs have been so important!
viu2 - 16 September, 2012
Electrical Storm
It's hard to choose one, but Electrical Storm is very important to me. It helps me sometimes and make me stronger... I can't explain, but I love it!
antonio_jose_morales - 16 September, 2012
City of blinding lights
This song is the best song ever!! And it was a really special moment when i hear it live in U2 360 at atlanta, because i have always dream about going to a U2 concert, and then my parents give me my prom give that was a flight tickect and a concert tickets with a sort of party before the concert, that was the best experience that i've already got!! Love this band!
markpearce - 16 September, 2012
Discotheque
Being as mad a Chelsea fan as I am of the fab four, this song was number one in the UK when my Uncle Bill died suddenly in 1997. He was like a hero to me when I was growing up so his passing came as a massive shock to us all. So when Chelsea won the FA Cup in May of that year, their first major trophy in 26 years (seems unthinkable now), it was like a fitting tribute to him. U2 then played at Wembley Stadium in the August and I made sure I was standing in pretty much the spot where Roberto Di Matteo launched that shot to put Chelsea in front and when Edge played the instrumental break in the song, I imagined that goal and sort of reinacted the shot to myself. It seemed to bury a few demons. What a year of mixed emotions.
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