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, released as the second single from their thirteenth studio album, "Songs of Innocence," in 2014. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Inspiration: The song's lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Bono, the lead vocalist of U2, has mentioned that the inspiration for the song came from his own experiences and observations of relationships.
Multiple Versions: "Every Breaking Wave" exists in multiple versions. The version on the "Songs of Innocence" album is more stripped down and features acoustic elements. However, the band also recorded a fuller, more electric version that was released as a single.
Live Performances: U2 is known for delivering powerful live performances, and "Every Breaking Wave" is no exception. The band often performs this song during their concerts, and it has become a fan favorite.
Short Film: A short film was created for "Every Breaking Wave," directed by Aoife McArdle. The film, set in early 1980s Northern Ireland, depicts a love story amidst the backdrop of the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland.
Acoustic Version: The acoustic version of "Every Breaking Wave" was initially intended for the album "No Line on the Horizon" but didn't make the final cut. It resurfaced for "Songs of Innocence" and was well-received for its more intimate and emotional delivery.
Accolades: While "Songs of Innocence" received mixed reviews upon its unconventional release (being automatically added to iTunes libraries), "Every Breaking Wave" garnered positive critical attention for its emotive lyrics and musical arrangement.
Chart Performance: The song charted in several countries, and its reception varied. It reached the top 40 in the UK and Ireland and achieved moderate success in other European charts.
U2's Evolution: "Every Breaking Wave" reflects U2's ability to evolve their sound. While it has the anthemic quality that U2 is known for, the acoustic version, in particular, showcases a more vulnerable and introspective side of the band.
"Every Breaking Wave" is a significant addition to U2's discography, showcasing their ability to create emotionally resonant music that connects with audiences on a personal level.