U2 - War 12" Vinyl LP Album

U2's 1983 album "War," produced by Steve Lillywhite, emerged as a political anthem during a tumultuous era. It showcased the band's lyrical and sonic exploration of global conflicts. Anton Corbijn's photography, alongside Ian Finlay's, visually enriched the album's thematic depth. "War" not only propelled U2 to international acclaim but remains a timeless musical commentary on the sociopolitical struggles of its time. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

 

High Resolution Photo #10 U2 War

"War" Album Description:

In the realm of music, the year 1983 marked a significant juncture as U2, the Irish rock band, released their third studio album, "War." Produced by the acclaimed Steve Lillywhite and released on February 28, 1983, under the iconic Island Records label, the album not only solidified U2's position in the music industry but also served as a watershed moment in the band's discography, being heralded as their first overtly political work.

The temporal context of "War" is crucial to understanding its impact and resonance. The early 1980s witnessed a world in flux, grappling with geopolitical tensions, social unrest, and the echoes of the Cold War. U2's decision to infuse their music with political themes during this era was both timely and bold. The album, with its release date aligning with the end of February 1983, became a sonic emblem of the sociopolitical landscape of its time.

Steve Lillywhite's role as the producer was pivotal in shaping the album's sound. Recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland, Lillywhite's expertise brought forth a dynamic and resonant musical canvas that complemented the lyrical intensity of U2's compositions. The production values of "War" are a testament to Lillywhite's acumen in capturing the raw energy of the band while ensuring a polished and impactful sonic experience.

Visually, "War" is enriched by the photography of Ian Finlay and Anton Corbijn. Their work not only adorns the album cover but also contributes to the overall aesthetic, providing a visual narrative that aligns with the thematic depth of the music. The collaborative efforts of these artists culminate in an album that engages the listener on multiple sensory levels.

Thematically, "War" ventures into overtly political territory, reflecting the band's commentary on the turbulent times. Songs like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "New Year's Day" encapsulate U2's bold foray into addressing global conflicts and societal issues. The album's lyrical content, coupled with its anthemic sound, resonated with audiences, establishing U2 as not just musicians but as voices of a generation grappling with the complexities of the world.

"War" became a commercial success, catapulting U2 into international acclaim. Its impact reverberated beyond the music charts, influencing discussions on the intersection of music and politics. The album's enduring legacy is evident in its continued relevance, as the themes explored in "War" remain poignant and reflective of the perennial struggles that define the human experience.

Music Genre:

Rock Music

Album Production:

Produced by Steve Lillywhite. Recorded at Windmill Lane Studios, Dublin, Ireland

Photography: Ian Finlay, Anton Corbijn.

Anton Corbijn , in the world of photography, there are certain individuals who transcend the boundaries of their craft, creating a lasting impact through their unique vision and artistic prowess. One such luminary is Anton Corbijn, a Dutch photographer and filmmaker renowned for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects. With a portfolio that spans several decades and encompasses a diverse range of genres, Corbijn has firmly established himself as one of the world's most influential photographers.

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Born on 20 May 1955, in Strijen, the Netherlands, Corbijn initially pursued a career in music journalism before realizing his true passion lay behind the camera. He gained recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s for his distinctive black-and-white portraits of iconic musicians, particularly those within the burgeoning punk and new wave movements. Corbijn's ability to connect with his subjects on a personal level allowed him to capture their essence in a way that resonated with both the artists themselves and their fans.

One of Corbijn's most significant early collaborations was with the influential British band Joy Division. His iconic photograph of lead singer Ian Curtis, taken shortly before Curtis's tragic death in 1980, has become an enduring symbol of the band's legacy. Corbijn's ability to convey vulnerability and emotion through his images added a new dimension to music photography, elevating it from mere documentation to a form of art in its own right.

Corbijn's work extends far beyond the realm of music, with his evocative portraits of actors, directors, and other cultural figures capturing their innermost thoughts and emotions. His unique visual style, characterized by a careful use of light and shadow, often in monochromatic tones, adds a depth and intensity to his photographs, creating a sense of intimacy between the viewer and the subject.

Throughout his career, Corbijn has collaborated with some of the most influential figures in popular culture. His long-standing association with Irish rock band U2 has resulted in a series of iconic album covers and music videos that have helped shape the band's visual identity. Corbijn's ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of performers such as David Bowie, Tom Waits, and Patti Smith has made him a sought-after photographer in the world of music.

In addition to his photography, Corbijn has also made a name for himself as a filmmaker. He directed a number of critically acclaimed music videos, including Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" and Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence". In 2007, he made his feature film debut with "Control", a biographical film about Ian Curtis and Joy Division that received widespread acclaim for its artistry and emotional depth.

Corbijn's contributions to the world of photography have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Prince Bernhard Culture Fund Award for his outstanding achievements in the field of photography. His photographs have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, solidifying his status as a true master of the medium.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Corbijn is known for his humility and down-to-earth nature. Despite his success, he remains dedicated to his craft, constantly seeking new ways to challenge himself and push the boundaries of his creativity. Whether photographing world-famous musicians or ordinary individuals, Corbijn has an uncanny ability to capture the humanity that resides within each subject, revealing their inner complexities and vulnerabilities.

Record Label Information:

Island Records 205 259
Packaging: Gatefold cover, with lyrics of all songs performed by U2 printed on the inside pages.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone

Year & Country:

1983 Made in EEC
Band Members and Musicians on: U2 War
    U2 Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Bono
  • The Edge
  • Adam Clayton
  • Larry Muller
  • Steve Wickham
  • Kenny Fradley
Track Listing of: U2 War
    Side One:
  1. Sunday Bloody Sunday
  2. Secords
  3. New Years Day
  4. Like a Song
  5. Drowning Man
    Side Two:
  1. The Refugee
  2. Two Hearts Beat as One
  3. Red Light
  4. Surrender
  5. "40"
Album cover photos of : U2 War
Photo of Front Cover 
High Resolution Photo #10 U2 War
Photo of Record Label 
High Resolution Photo #11 U2 War  

 

U2: A Legendary Irish Rock Band Known for Their Music, Activism, and Unforgettable Live Performances.

U2 Band Description:

U2 is an Irish rock band that has been active since 1976. The band members include Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums and percussion). U2 has released 14 studio albums and has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. The band is also known for their live performances, which are characterized by their grandiose stage setups and Bono's passionate delivery.

U2's early sound was heavily influenced by punk and post-punk, but they soon developed a distinctive sound that combined elements of rock, pop, and alternative music. Their first album, "Boy," was released in 1980 and included the hit single "I Will Follow." Their follow-up album, "October," was released in 1981 and featured more spiritual and political themes, which would become a recurring theme in their music.

In 1983, U2 released their breakthrough album, "War," which included the hit singles "New Year's Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday." The album was inspired by the band's experiences touring in war-torn countries and included themes of conflict and social justice. U2 continued to explore political themes on their next album, "The Unforgettable Fire," which was produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.

U2's most successful album, "The Joshua Tree," was released in 1987. The album included hit singles such as "With or Without You," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and "Where the Streets Have No Name." The album was a departure from U2's previous sound, with a more mature and introspective tone. The album's themes included American culture, spirituality, and social justice.

In the 1990s, U2 experimented with different sounds and styles, including dance and electronic music. Their album "Achtung Baby" was released in 1991 and included the hit singles "One" and "Mysterious Ways." The album was a critical and commercial success and established U2 as a band that could successfully adapt to changing musical trends.

U2 continued to explore new sounds on their subsequent albums, including "Zooropa" (1993) and "Pop" (1997). These albums included electronic and dance influences and were met with mixed reviews from critics and fans. However, U2's next album, "All That You Can't Leave Behind" (2000), marked a return to their classic sound. The album included the hit singles "Beautiful Day" and "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of."

U2's most recent album, "Songs of Experience" (2017), includes themes of personal and societal challenges. The album includes the hit single "You're the Best Thing About Me" and features collaborations with producers such as Ryan Tedder, Jacknife Lee, and Steve Lillywhite. Throughout their career, U2 has been known for their activism and philanthropy. The band has been involved in a number of charitable causes, including poverty reduction, AIDS research, and human rights. Bono, in particular, has been a vocal advocate for global development and has been involved in a number of initiatives to promote social justice.

In addition to their music and activism, U2 is also known for their live performances. The band's concerts are renowned for their elaborate stage setups and Bono's passionate delivery. U2 has won numerous awards for their live performances, including 22 Grammy Awards.