In 1987, U2 released their masterpiece. Three years later, they wanted to leave it in the dust
U2’s success with The Joshua Tree and the subsequent Rattle and Hum era left the band feeling trapped by expectations to repeat a familiar sound. Around 1990, they chose to move in a different direction, a decision that helped them reshape their music for the new decade.
The Edge said the established style had begun to feel restrictive, so the band deliberately did the opposite. The article describes the resulting record as creatively adventurous and emotionally difficult to make, with the Edge’s painful divorce informing the guitar work on “Love Is Blindness”; the process nearly split the band.
In short
- U2 felt constrained by expectations after The Joshua Tree.
- The band chose a sharp change in musical direction.
- The Edge’s divorce shaped the emotional guitar work.
Explained simply
U2 are an Irish rock band whose members include singer Bono and guitarist the Edge. Their 1987 album The Joshua Tree became a major success, and the band’s later work and performances built expectations that they would continue in a similar style.
By around 1990, the members felt that repeating that sound could limit their music. The Edge’s divorce also shaped some of the songs, including “Love Is Blindness”, while disagreements during the recording put pressure on the band. The story matters because it describes how U2 tried to change direction as music entered a new decade.