Description
U2 – The Best Of 1990 – 2000 – Double 180 Gram Vinyl Records
Released on November 5, 2002, The Best of 1990–2000 serves as a comprehensive overview of U2’s reinvention during the 1990s, a decade in which the band transformed their sound from anthemic rock to electronic, alternative, and experimental influences. Following their globally dominant 1980s, U2 embraced new sonic landscapes, exploring themes of modernization, technology, and self-reflection. This collection compiles their biggest hits, fan favorites, and a few surprises, making it an essential listen for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Unlike The Best of 1980–1990, which focused on U2’s traditional rock and post-punk roots, this compilation highlights their boldest reinventions. Starting with Achtung Baby (1991), U2 embraced industrial textures, electronic beats, and introspective lyricism, continuing this experimental phase through Zooropa (1993) and Pop (1997), before returning to a more mature, stripped-down sound with All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000).
Key Tracks and Highlights
“Even Better Than the Real Thing” – A sleek, danceable rock track showcasing U2’s move toward electronic textures and groove-heavy production.
“Mysterious Ways” – One of U2’s funkiest, most infectious tracks, blending The Edge’s wah-heavy guitar with groovy basslines and Bono’s playful delivery.
“One” – A heart-wrenching anthem about love, unity, and redemption, arguably one of U2’s greatest songs and an emotional highlight of the album.
“Beautiful Day” – A soaring, uplifting song that signaled U2’s return to more traditional, melodic rock, winning three Grammy Awards and becoming a global hit.
“Electrical Storm” (New Song) – One of two new tracks recorded for the compilation, featuring ambient production and melancholic lyrics about a troubled relationship.
“Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” – A gospel-tinged ballad dedicated to INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, dealing with themes of loss and regret.
“Discothèque” – A bold experiment in techno-infused rock, reflecting U2’s embrace of club culture and dance music during the Pop era.
“Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” – Originally recorded for Batman Forever, this song combines dark glam-rock energy with orchestral elements, showing U2’s theatrical side.
“Gone” (New Mix) – A reworked version of the Pop track, with a more streamlined rock sound compared to the original’s electronic-heavy production.
“Miss Sarajevo” (feat. Luciano Pavarotti) – A hauntingly beautiful song that blends Bono’s delicate vocals with Pavarotti’s operatic power, written about the Bosnian War.
While The Best of 1990–2000 wasn’t as commercially massive as The Best of 1980–1990, it remains a fascinating look at U2’s evolution. By compiling their most adventurous, risk-taking work, it highlights a decade where they reinvented themselves, embracing electronic music, industrial rock, and introspective songwriting—without ever losing their stadium-sized ambition.
Final Thoughts
For those who only know U2’s anthemic rock hits, The Best of 1990–2000 offers a different side of the band—one that’s experimental, introspective, and constantly pushing musical boundaries. It’s a testament to their ability to evolve, proving why U2 remains one of the most innovative and enduring rock bands of all time.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sleeve
Track Listing
Even Better Than The Real Thing
Mysterious Ways
Beautiful Day
Electrical Storm (William Orbit Mix)
One
Miss Sarajevo
Stay (Faraway, So Close!)
Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of
Gone (New Mix)
Until The End Of The World
The Hands That Built America (Theme From ‘Gangs Of New York’)
Discothèque (New Mix)
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
Staring At The Sun (New Mix)
Numb (New Mix)
The First Time
