#U240 Obscure Track of the Day No. 6

Music
10 Oct 16

In our celebration of the 40th Anniversary of U2’s first rehearsal in Larry Mullen’s kitchen, here on hotpress.com we are featuring a stream of articles, recollections and opinions about U2. As part of that extravaganza, for your delight and delectation, we've been highlighting obscure U2 tracks!

Wave of Sorrow (1986)

Originally written by U2 in 1986 and completed with new vocals in 2007, 'Wave of Sorrow' was then included on the 20th anniversary re-release of The Joshua Tree.

Bono wrote the lyrics, remembering his trip to Ethiopia and the devastation he witnessed there. This track has been clearly inspired by Patti Smith, so much so that the band added ‘Birdland’ to the original title (‘Birdland’ being one of the tracks on Patti’s extraordinary album, Horses). The title itself comes from a Langston Hughes poem. The song was only properly finished in 2007, but it still recalls their early sound, with the piano and the drums especially taking you back to the 80s. It is an unusual U2 track, but it does reflect the band’s charismatic aura.

Hot Press will continue it's U2 40th Anniversary coverage all fortnight long on hotpress.com, and in the special commemorative issue out that came out Thursday 29th September.
You can preorder Hot Press 40-17, our U2 40th Anniversary Special direct from hotpress.com
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