Best U2 Album Opener

[Yann]

Yeah, we can triple that list and it will still sound as uniform. Let's observe by comparison how The Edge, with one instrument, generates more distinctive variety, and how production highlights what he creates (production is always crucial in its choices)
I believe that the expression indie music correspond to a reality, with some common traits. When you step back a bit from listening to music, these characteristics become even more visible.
I tried above to sum up the general feel of those records (granted, I could have used the words teenage angst, it’s the same idea). I could add that production and songwriting play a major role. For example Nirvana’s Nevermind has teenage angst but a “wide open” production (you’ll say I’m being cryptic again!) and a solid songwriting that don’t make it another indie record.

This website (that I like very much) has a tendency to call all-time classics some fairly good indie records like Funeral.
However, I try to have discernment, and I find very touching and beautiful when an indie band raises its game and achieve greatness. An obvious example is MBV with Loveless. My opinion is that Funeral is extremely far from that: despite a long list of instruments, it’s a uniform record. They should have hired Steve Lilywhite! (but the songwriting is also uniform…again: just compare with the Joshua Tree!)

[hestiacarrow1994]

Beautiful Day (All That You Can't Leave Behind)

[TimeLion]

If there is one thing that U2 does well, it is starting out. In small doses, they function as energizing self-indulgence. It’s only after several tracks that their sanctimonious posturing begins to wear thin, like unnecessary exclamation points on capitalized text.

[LebowskiRams]

I've heard maybe two songs by U2, where should I start?

[RoundTheBend]