Who's behind the notes? Discover U2: Biography of the Iconic Irish Rock Band
"Every Breaking Wave" is a song by the Irish rock band U2. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Album Inclusion: The song is featured on U2's thirteenth studio album, "Songs of Innocence," released in 2014. The album generated considerable attention as it was automatically added to the iTunes libraries of all iTunes Store users for free.
Early Versions: "Every Breaking Wave" had several versions before its final release on "Songs of Innocence." An acoustic version of the song was initially performed during the promotional tour for the band's 2009 album "No Line on the Horizon."
Lyric Evolution: The lyrics of the song underwent significant changes during its development. Some early versions of the song had different lyrics, and the final version reflects the evolution of Bono's songwriting process.
Collaboration with Ryan Tedder: U2 collaborated with Ryan Tedder, the lead singer of OneRepublic, on the writing and production of "Every Breaking Wave." Tedder is known for his work as a songwriter and producer for various artists.
Live Performances: The song became a staple in U2's live performances. The band often included it in their setlists during the "Innocence + Experience Tour" in 2015. The live performances often featured Bono's emotive vocals and The Edge's atmospheric guitar work.
Music Video: A music video was released for "Every Breaking Wave," directed by Belfast-based duo Aoife McArdle. The video is set in Belfast during the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland, and it tells the story of a young couple facing the challenges of the time.
Acoustic Version: In addition to the studio version, U2 released an acoustic version of "Every Breaking Wave" as part of the "Songs of Experience" album in 2017. This version showcases a more stripped-down arrangement of the song.
Critical Reception: The song received positive reviews from music critics, praising its emotional depth, lyrical content, and the band's performance. It was considered one of the standout tracks on "Songs of Innocence."
"Every Breaking Wave" is notable for its poignant lyrics and the band's ability to create an emotional atmosphere through both the music and Bono's vocal delivery.