U2

Item: War
Author: Josh Hurst

War

(1983)

Reviewed by Josh Hurst

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Spotify

Label Island RecordsThe Rebel Base2001

alternative rock post-punk

U2 has never been a band to shy away from a challenge. They consistently try new things, and blaze new trails in the world of music. They're always willing to ask the hard questions, and to bring up topics that no one else dares mention. Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen, and Adam Clayton have been on fire for almost 15 years now, constantly pushing the envelope and reinventing themselves along the way.

After reading that, most of you U2 fans are probably thinking about The Joshua Tree, or Achtung Baby right now. And while it's true that those albums stand as U2's finest to date, it's essential to remember that their restlessness, inventiveness and vision have been around from the get-go. Their very first album, Boy, while not among their best, is easily one of rock's most impressive debuts. And it's all been uphill from there.

Though it's often overlooked, War is an album that clearly points to the musical and lyrical genius of U2. Their preceding two recordings, Boy and October, had been full of promise, though there was definitely room to grow. In 1983, however, U2 waged all-out War- the four men from Ireland began their quest to conquer rock 'n' roll. It's an album riddled with tough questions, knife-edged energy, and musical passion that was to be the start of U2's rise to power.

War is composed of three sections. The first and most famous section of the record is all about literal war. In Ireland, the men of U2 saw bloodshed and violence all around them, every day. During the first four songs of War, they respond with a fiery mix of anger and sadness, hope and despondence.

"Sunday Bloody Sunday" is probably the album's most famous track, and has become a permanent staple in the group's live set. The Edge's guitar battles with an electric violin throughout the song, with excellent results, and Bono's lyrics are everything we've come to expect from him over the years. He begins the song with the infamous line "I can't believe the news today," and then goes on to describe the carnage and war surrounding him. The phrase "How long? How long must we sing this song?" creeps in several times. This simple question is the centerpiece of War- it sums up the questioning nature of the album, and is repeated again during the final track.

Adam, Edge, and Bono are really quite impressive here, but they're hard to notice, sometimes, because of the amazing drumming of Larry Mullen. "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the greatest percussion song I have ever heard. Larry doesn't just stick to keeping the beat- he goes all out, and his drumming steals the show- and it can't be easy to steal the spotlight from Bono and The Edge! Seriously, though, his drumming is loud and militant, sounding like marching music, appropriately enough.

"New Years Day" is the other fan favorite in the first part of War. Most of you are probably familiar with it by now- it's a love story, set against war and division. It's very much like a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Two lovers are "torn in two" because of "the wars we wage." Bono gives an impassioned vocal on this song, and The Edge alternates between guitar and piano like a pro. Again, the rhythm section, composed of Larry and Adam, is excellent.

"Seconds" is tucked away between "Sunday.." and "New Years Day," and though it is ultimately one of the album's weaker songs, it's a nice, mostly acoustic rocker, with a healthy dose of political anger thrown in for good measure. Bono's lyrics seem to be crying out about the evils of bombs- he points out how terrible these weapons can be, in the hands of terrorists as well as powerful governments. The Edge actually handles lead vocals on "Seconds," but he sounds so much like Bono it's almost impossible to tell the difference.

"Like a Song...," the fourth track on War is one of U2's most underrated songs of all time, in my opinion, right up there with "Acrobat" and "Red Hill Mining Town." Larry Mullen is in fine form once again, and The Edge and Adam Clayton give solid performances, but it's Bono who makes this song great. It's one of his most energetic, emotional vocals of all time, and the lyrics are angry reflections on war and fighting. It fits in perfectly on War, and I, for one, wish they still performed it live every now and then.

I won't spend as much time describing the back half of the album, because, frankly, the second section of War just isn't as interesting. It's got some good songs, though. "Drowning Man" is an acoustic song, sung from the perspective of God, or so it seems. "The Refugee" is very "percussion happy." There are all kinds of drums used in this song, which makes this otherwise bland song stand out as one of the album's most energetic. "Two Hearts Beat as One" boasts yet another brilliant performance by Larry, who was really at his best on this record, and The Edge provides one of War's better guitar lines. As "Red Light" and "Surrender" roll around, it becomes apparent that while the first four songs dealt with literal war outside of ourselves, the next five tracks are more focused on wars inside ourselves. The lyrics get much harder to decipher on these last two, but they fit the theme of War well, and they're ultimately rewarding for the patient listener.

War ends on a note of both healing and more questioning. "40" still makes its way into most of U2's concerts, and it is probably the most appropriate album closer I have ever heard. It's a gorgeous, two-minute track, with lyrics taken entirely from the Psalms. That question of "how long must we sing this song?" is repeated here, but Bono also acknowledges, "I waited patiently for the Lord, he inclined and heard my cry." "40" has found its way onto many CCM albums, but it asks questions that anyone can relate to.

Most people fail to realize just how significant the War album really was. For one thing, everyone from Creed to dc Talk to Remy Zero to Delirious? has borrowed from War, at some point. It was also an album that helped to define who U2 is. Since U2 is one of the greatest bands of all time, that makes War pretty important.

War marked the end of U2's early period. After this album, U2 went on to become the biggest band in the world, a title which they have kept for twenty years now. It's not their best work, but it's not their worst, either- it's more emotional than Zooropa, it's more focused and cohesive than The Unforgettable Fire, and it's more unique than Boy. The band biography printed on the back of the CD case sums the album up well- "U2 has a lacerating approach and a gift for dark introspection."

Josh's Score: 4.5/5