U2 - SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN / CITY OF BLINDING LIGHTS

SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN

Released:  February 7, 2005

Charts:  UK: #1 (1 week)  US: #97 

"Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" is a song from the album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb". It was released as the album's second single globally (excluding North America) on February 2005. It debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking U2's sixth number-one single in the United Kingdom. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards in 2006, the song won two Grammy Awards: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Song of the Year.

"Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" began taking shape during U2's PopMart Tour in 1997–1998, initiated by Bono and the Edge. The song's development coincided with a poignant period for Bono, as his father, Bob Hewson, battled terminal cancer during the recording of U2's 2000 album “All That You Can't Leave Behind”. Originally titled "Tough," the song reflected Bono's impression of his father as a resilient and humorous Dubliner with a cynical outlook. Despite initial efforts, the band found the song's early version too conventional and worked extensively to refine its harmonic structure while preserving its strong melodies. Ultimately, U2 opted not to include it on the album.

During the recording sessions for the album “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb”, the band revisited the tune. The song underwent several revisions as guitarist the Edge felt the original chord sequence was too obvious. Producer Daniel Lanois contributed to the initial stages of the song's development, but the band continued to struggle with its structure. After multiple rewrites, producer Steve Lillywhite critiqued the track, noting the lack of a proper chorus and suggesting it needed a bridge to enhance its structure. In response, Bono spontaneously sang a new segment in falsetto, which instantly completed the song despite lacking lyrics at the time. Lillywhite remarked that despite the song's long evolution over five years, no one had previously identified its need for a chorus.

"Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own" holds deep personal significance for Bono, as he first performed it at his father's funeral. The song reflects on their complex relationship, which evolved positively before his death. Bono's father, a tenor and lover of opera, influenced the song's lyrics, notably the line "You are the reason the opera is in me." Bono describes his father's practical advice against dreaming as a push towards action, which shaped his approach to pursuing ambitious ideas. 

CITY OF BLINDING LIGHTS

Released: June 6, 2005

Charts:  UK: #2 

"City of Blinding Lights" is a track by U2 from their album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb". Produced by Flood, with additional production by Chris Thomas and Jacknife Lee, it was released as the album's fourth single on June 2005. The song achieved commercial success, reaching number one in Spain and entering the top ten charts in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and several other countries.

U2 started developing "City of Blinding Lights" during the “Pop” album sessions but shelved it until completing it for "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" years later. Bono's lyrics reflect memories of his teenage visit to London with his wife and the band's early experiences in New York City in 1980. The Edge appreciates Bono's ability to create cinematic lyrics that vividly evoke specific places and times, particularly highlighting how New York City captures a distinct state of mind and emotional resonance.

"The first verse is in London and the chorus is in New York," Bono explained in "U2 by U2." He described how the song reflects his first trip to London with his wife, and their exploration of the city's offerings and challenges. The chorus shifts to New York, specifically recalling a moment during U2's Elevation tour at Madison Square Garden, where he was moved by the audience's emotional response. 

The music video was filmed at General Motors Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 27, 2005, during U2's Vertigo Tour. Directed by Alex Courtes and Martin Fougerol, it features the band performing the song live on stage, incorporating footage from their concert the following day. The video intentionally keeps lighting low to emphasize the LED curtains used in the tour, creating a visually striking effect with shadows on the band members' faces. The filming location in Vancouver was chosen for its strong production capabilities, drawing thousands of fans who participated after the shoot details leaked.