U2’s top 10 most popular songs – ‘Beautiful Day’ only number 4 | Music | Entertainment

They’ve won 22 Grammy Awards, sold over 170 million records worldwide, and become one of the most influential rock bands in history.

U2 are known for their anthemic sound, socially conscious lyrics, and global activism, and the band – comprising Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. – has continually evolved while maintaining a distinctive musical identity, throughout the decades.

They’re also not afraid of change: Their discography spans from post-punk roots to expansive rock anthems and moody rap features, reflecting the passing of time and worldwide trends. But which of their experiments turned out to be the most successful? Based on Spotify streaming numbers and historical significance, here are U2’s top 10 songs:

10. Vertigo

159,144,443 streams

Released in 2004 as the lead single from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, ‘Vertigo’ marked a return to U2’s rock roots. The song’s opening count-off, “Uno, dos, tres, catorce!” is still recognisable across generations – a spontaneous studio moment that the band decided to keep. ‘Vertigo’ won three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Song, and its high-energy sound made it a staple in U2’s live performances.

9. Sweetest Thing

169,193,416 streams

Originally a B-side to ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ in 1987, ‘Sweetest Thing’ was re-recorded and released as a single in 1998. The song was written by Bono as an apology to his wife, Ali Hewson, for forgetting her birthday during The Joshua Tree sessions. Profits from the single were donated to Chernobyl Children International at Ali’s request.

8. Where the Streets Have No Name

236,427,676 streams

A standout track from 1987’s The Joshua Tree, ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ is known for its atmospheric introduction and The Edge’s delay-heavy guitar work. The song was inspired by Bono’s desire to write about a place where social divisions are erased. Its music video, filmed on a Los Angeles rooftop, paid homage to The Beatles’ final concert and won a Grammy Award for Best Performance Music Video.

7. XXX. (Kendrick Lamar feat. U2)

305,666,274 streams

‘XXX.’ is a collaboration between rapper Kendrick Lamar and U2, featured on Lamar’s 2017 album DAMN. – a unique blend of rock and hip-hop elements, with lyrics that address themes of violence and social injustice. U2’s sections includes a sample from their own song ‘American Soul’. The collaboration was well-received and attested to U2’s versatility and ability to engage with contemporary artists and issues.

6. Pride (In the Name of Love)

321,069,870 streams

Released in 1984 on The Unforgettable Fire, ‘Pride (In the Name of Love)’ is a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr, with lyrics inspired by works Bono had read about the life of the American civil rights leader. Although the song contains an error regarding the time of King’s assassination, Bono has acknowledged this and often corrects it during live performances. 

5. Sunday Bloody Sunday

463,222,272 streams

‘Sunday Bloody Sunday’, from 1983’s War, addresses the tragic events of Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland – to a martial drumbeat and stark lyrics. Despite initial fears of misinterpretation – the band were aware the song might be interpreted as secterian, and made sure to omit any especially inciting verses and avoided making any declarations that would place them in danger – the song solidified U2’s reputation for blending music with political commentary.

4. Beautiful Day

652,488,026 streams

Released in 2000 as the lead single from All That You Can’t Leave Behind, ‘Beautiful Day’ marked a resurgence for U2, with its optimistic lyrics and brighter tone. The song’s more modern rock sound worked well on audiences of the time, earning it three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year. In his memoir Surrender, Bono reflects on the song’s development, influenced by personal experiences and a desire to find beauty in everyday life. Today, ‘Beautiful Day’ is one of the most anticipated performances in U2’s concerts.

3. One

662,989,472 streams

‘One’, from 1991’s Achtung Baby, was written during a period of internal band tension – that rose up during their time in freshly-reunified Berlin, where they had headed in order to find some inspiration. That was until the group surprisingly overcame it by composing ‘One’, which is now, fittingly, a unifying anthem. ‘One’ has been covered by numerous artists and used in various charitable campaigns, including (RED), co-founded by Bono to combat AIDS. 

2. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

843,707,426 streams

Blending gospel influences with rock, ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ explores spiritual longing. Released in 1987 on The Joshua Tree, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a concert favorite. The track’s gospel choir elements and introspective lyrics highlight U2’s exploration of faith and the human condition.

1. With or Without You

1,223,922,199 streams

U2’s most streamed song, ‘With or Without You’, features a minimalist arrangement and emotional depth. Also released on The Joshua Tree, it became the band’s first number-one hit in the U.S. The song’s poignant ambient sound and longing lyrics have made it a quintessential part of U2’s catalogue, often regarded as one of the greatest songs of the 1980s.