After the Cutting Crew’s “I Just Died In Your Arms” took the top spot on Billboard‘s Hot 100, it was overcome by the huge success of U2‘s “With or Without You.” It would begin what could be considered a legendary run for the band.
Today in 1987: ‘With or Without You’ Takes Over Billboard
Bono wrote the classic U2 hit, “With or Without You.” It remains one of the most popular songs for the band and is relatable on so many levels. The song has plenty of interpretations and obviously that’s left to the listener, however, the man who penned the track did give an explanation of what it sometimes means for him.
“It’s about how I feel in U2 at times – exposed,” said Bono, according to Quora.
“I’m not going to do many interviews this year. Because there’s a cost to my personal life, and a cost to the group as well.”
The song also featured an impressive guitar wail that was done by The Edge. It is the distinct feature of the track that adds to the sadness and emotion that runs rampant in the song.
“The Edge used a distortion device called an ‘Infinite Guitar’ to create the wail,” according to Quora.
“It was invented by Michael Brook, who The Edge worked with on the soundtrack for The Captive. Brook created the Infinite Guitar by replacing the pickup on a guitar with a magnetic device that vibrates the strings.”
We’ll never get enough of this track and since we’re doing a bit of a throwback here, you can check out the music video for “With or Without You” below.
