U2 - The Unforgettable Fire

In many ways, U2 took their fondness for sonic bombast as far as it could go on War, so it isn't a complete surprise that they chose to explore the intricacies of the Edge's layered, effects-laden guitar on the follow-up, The Unforgettable Fire. Working with producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, U2 created a dark, near-hallucinatory series of interlocking soundscapes that are occasionally punctuated by recognizable songs and melodies. In such a setting, the band both flourishes and flounders, creating some of their greatest music, as well as some of their worst. "Elvis Presley and America" may well be Bono's most embarrassing attempt at poetry, yet it is redeemed by the chilling and wonderful "Bad," a two-chord elegy for an addict that is stunning in its control and mastery. Similarly, the wet, shimmering textures of the title track, the charging "A Sort of Homecoming," and the surging Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute "Pride (In the Name of Love)" are all remarkable, ranking among U2's very best music, making the missteps that clutter the remainder of the album somewhat forgivable. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Adam Clayton Bass Anne Louise Kelly Management Anton Corbijn Concept, Sleeve Design, Realization Bono Vocals Brian Celler Production Coordination Brian Eno Producer, Instrumentation, Engineer, Treatments, Keyboards, Vocals, Liner Notes Candida Bottaci Production Coordination Cheryl Engels Research, Remastering Producer Clayton Guitar (Bass) Colm Henry Photography Daniel Lanois Engineer, Liner Notes, Vocals, Instrumentation, Treatments, Producer Dennis Sheahan Crew Ellen Darst Management Gary Kelly Package Design Joe O'Herlihy Crew Kevin Killen Engineer Larry Mullen, Jr. Drums Lord Henry Mountcharles Crew Noel Kelehan String Arrangements, Arranger Paul Barrett Fairlight, Fairlight, Keyboards Paul McGuinness Management Peter Williams Crew, Band Randy Ezratty Assistant Engineer Scott Sedillo Remastering Slane Castle Engineer Steve Averill Art Direction, Cover Design, Sleeve Design, Concept Steve Iredale Crew Steve Rainford Crew The Edge Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals Thomas May "Beno" Technical Support Tim Buckley Crew, Band Tom Mullally Crew