U2 makes a respectable return with exuberant new single, “You’re the Best Thing About Me.” They don’t reinvent the wheel, but certainly meet expectations.

U2. Anytime the name is uttered, it seems that critics go wild about the legendary Irish band.  Back in the day, U2 were the crème de la crème of critical darlings, not to mention they could sell albums.  Times have changed, but the name and band remains iconic.  Bono and company makes a respectable return with new single, “You’re the Best Thing About Me.” They don’t reinvent the wheel, but certainly meet expectations.

“You’re the Best Thing About Me” begins abruptly, with Bono singing enthusiastically.  Not only are the vocal enthusiastic, but so is the music itself.  There’s plenty of punch, thanks to the tone of the guitars and the driving percussion groove.  Besides the core production of guitar, bass, and drums, synths enter the mix, adding more color.  All said, Bono sounds superb as the focal point, while the backdrop is equally alluring.

https://youtu.be/jG2Qf-DIofk

Other pros include the chorus, which is certainly catchier than anything that U2 has released in a while.  No, it’s not made for Top 40 radio, but it definitely supersedes the less memorable Songs of Innocence.  Structurally, the song is pretty straight-forward, avoiding unpredictability in regards to form.

As far as cons, “You’re the Best Thing About Me” escapes from having anything that’s deal breaking.  This is a respectable, enjoyable song, but by no means does it totally rejuvenate U2.  It’s good, but not game changing or groundbreaking.  At this point, most fans should understand that the days of innovative U2 have come and past.  Now, they are simply flexing, showing why they are rock legends, etc.  “You’re the Best Thing About Me” accomplishes some of that, but nobody’s labeling it the ‘end all, be all.’

Final Thoughts

All in all, “You’re the Best Thing About Me” is an enjoyable return from U2. If How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb is considered their last truly great album, does this particular single match the quality of those elite singles? Nah, but good production, good vocals, and a catch chorus certainly pay dividends for Bono and company.

U2 • You’re the Best Thing About Me – Single • Interscope • Release: 9.6.17

Photo Credit: Interscope