Top 5 U2 Songs Ever

If I had to select 5 (and only 5) U2 songs to put on my iPod, these are the ones I would choose:

Pride (In the Name of Love). If somebody who lived in a cave for the last 30 years asked me, "What does U2 sound like?" this is the song I would play for them. The song makes me want to stand up for things that matter, to love more deeply and sacrificially.

City of Blinding Lights. This is an amazing song. Incredible harmonizing between Bono and the Edge. Powerful guitar riffs. Classic U2 sound with a progressive edge. And if that weren't enough, the introduction has a great building feel to it that puts goosebumps on my arms.

Mysterious Ways. This song is just funky and cool. I used to cruise around in my VW Bus with the windows down, cranking this song. Adam Clayton's bass guitar totally carries this tune.

Where the Streets Have No Name. There are a couple different ideas floating around out there about what inspired the writing of this song. Was it Bono's response to the poverty he witnessed after a trip to Africa? Or was it the streets of Ireland--streets segregated by religion and socio-economic status--that led to its inception? In either case, the lyrics and arrangement of this song are among the band's best.

40. Mostly I like this song because it comes from the book of Psalms in the Bible, chapter 40. It really personalizes the human soul's cry for God and celebrates his redemptive work. It's also a great song live because the chorus is easy to sing--almost a camp song effect for the crowd. Watch the end of their Vertigo/Live in Chicago DVD to see drummer Larry Mullen lay down the beat while the crowd sings the song a capella.

Honorable mention. Here are the tunes that didn't quite crack my top 5: Beautiful Day, One, New Year's Day, Yahweh, Bullet the Blue Sky, and The Sweetest Thing.