U2 Best Of 1980-1990 CD

U2 burst onto the scene at the onset of the '80s with a majestic, uplifting, earnest approach and a unique textural sound that endeared them to fans and critics alike. They spent the rest of the decade growing up in public, solidifying their status as post-punk icons, marrying the good intentions of old-school alternative rock with the epic sonic scale of classic '70s rockers, never sounding less than totally original and never pausing for a hits compilation--until 1998. BEST OF offers a good representation of the complex body of work that made the band a legend.

Fittingly, the album begins with the debut's "I Will Follow," a statement of commitment to pursuing truth and spirituality despite continual and inevitable misgivings. "Desire" mates Bono's lyrical fervor with a modified Bo Diddley beat to fine effect. New world meets old on the bluesy B.B. King collaboration "When Love Comes to Town." Closing things out, "All I Want is You" shows the moody, reflective side of the band, giving Bono a chance to croon and the rest of the band to exhibit the understated side of their instrumental might.

Additional personnel includes: B.B. King (vocals, guitar); Una O'Kane, Nicola Cleary, Aengus O'Connor, Nicholas Milne (strings); The Memphis Horns (horns); Paul Barrett (piano, keyboards); Billy Preston (Hammond organ, background vocals); Joey Miskulin (organ); Brian Eno (synthesizer); Benmont Tench (keyboards); Ms. Bobbye Hall (percussion); Rebecca Evans Russell, Phyllis Duncan, Helen Duncan, Edna Wright, Maxine Waters, Julia Waters (background vocals).

Producers: Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Steve Lillywhite, Jimmy Iovine.

Engineers include: Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, Paul Thomas.

Personnel: B.B. King (vocals, guitar); Joey Miskulin (organ); Benmont Tench (keyboards); Adam Clayton (bass guitar); Phyllis Duncan, Rebecca Evans Russell, Helen Duncan (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Daniel Lanois; David Tickle; Rob Jacobs; Shelly Yakus; Steve Lillywhite.

Audio Remixers: Rob Jacobs; Shelly Yakus.

Photographer: Colm Henry.

U2: Bono (vocals, guitar); The Edge (guitar, keyboards, vocals); Adam Clayton (bass); Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums).

Entertainment Weekly (12/11/98, p.80) - "The martial snares and boyish histrionics that made them one of the world's biggest rock acts have held up pretty well....As for disc 2, aside from the playful `Sweetest Thing' and some worthy covers, the B sides sound like it." - Rating: B