With or Without You: Another Look at U2
Is this the most famous U2 song? Maybe not, but it’s certainly in the running. It’s from one of their most universally-beloved eras (even from people that came to reject them).
It’s been played over and over again. You might know it and not know much else about U2, “The Joshua Tree” album, or their overall sound.
It’s perhaps the best example of the four band members working in tandem. There’s Adam Clayton’s thumping bass providing the foundation. Larry Mullen Jr. does some subtle and sometimes-stylish maneuvers with the drums. The Edge throws in some of his signature, delayed guitar effects. Bono unleashes one of his best lyrics on an offbeat ballad, exploring his fascination with faith and relationships.
Did I mention it’s been overplayed? What can you do about that? Nothing. You either give up on it or you let it continue. I chose the latter, despite not expecting anything to happen.
It all started when I saw this video below…
Okay, that’s not where it started exactly. But, that’s where my appreciation of the song began to grow. Sometimes you need to hear the story behind a track or see it from another angle altogether.
Around the same time, I also saw this live version of the song.
It features a surprising energy from an aging band. They sound like they’re at another peak here, giving a refined and refreshing take on an old classic.
Bono even includes a new bridge with a nod to Joy Division and Ian Curtis. Larry’s drums really stand out here too, along with the string section backing up the band. It’s something of a reflective piece, tying together the bands roots in post-punk and updating their classic for a newer audience. It’s now my favorite version of the track.
That doesn’t mean that the original can’t stir up the same old feelings too. I’ve found myself drawn to the music video in recent years. Recalling Edge’s thoughts about the ending, I can’t help but find something to love about the music video’s climax. After Bono’s towering notes, the outro sets up some compelling images. Some are obvious and others abstract. The director takes what could’ve been a dull, in-studio video and turns it into something unforgettable (for me anyway). Some obscured close-ups and moody lighting arrangements.
Whether or not it’s their very best, this song deserves something of a reappraisal. If anything, it deserved one from me. I’ve found that certain songs can have wild trajectories over a lifetime. You can like, hate, and then later love a song if you give it a shot. There’s a chance that I’ll see another valley at some point.
Twenty or so years ago, I remember one of my older siblings had this track on a mix CD. I borrowed one of their CD players and put on the headphones. Along with an assorted mix of 2000s hits, this 1980s throwback captured my attention. I heard it off and on through the years and even ignored it after people turned on U2. I did too, I admit it. But then I didn’t care anymore. I gave the band and this song another chance.
On occasion, I find myself watching the end of the original music video or watching the live performance. Both seem to be surprisingly inspirational. There’s still something about the music (and the video).
I can’t seem to shake it.