Where the Streets Have No Name

Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

1) The first minute or so of this song is effing amazing. I will not argue this. If it doesn't get you pumped up, then you also hate the Beatles AND little kids. There are a lot of ways to describe 'breaking through' but that intro sounds like an individual shaking off the shackles and then bursting though a wall—the synthesizers set the scene perfectly... and then the guitar, drums, and bass all come in and the drums (off all instruments in this song?!?!) do the breaking though... just great song writing and craftsmanship.

2) I have no clue where to place "The Joshua Tree" in pop culture. In 2009 the album sounds obvious, pretentious, good, fresh, boring, clean, inspiring, non experimental, run of the mill, tired, lost, and awesome all at the same time. I'd put the first two songs up against any songs as the greatest opening songs on any album ever. I also have no clue what happens to the second half of the album. Maybe I'm alone, but I think everyone can relate to "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "I Still Have Found What I'm Looking For".

3) Not only is the Edge at the top of his game here, but Bono's vocal performance is out of this world. I'm not sure this is the best U2 song, I still think Sunday, Bloody Sunday takes the cake, but this is a close second.

4) When Bono sings/begs "Burning down love" ... well that's one of the great moments in all of music.

5) This video is amazing. I love it. U2 playing in downtown L.A.—I mean it's too perfect. It's so U2 and it's so L.A. I love Ireland.