U2 - WITH OR WITHOUT YOU

Estrenada: 16 de març de 1987

Llistes: EUA: #1 (3 setmanes) Regne Unit: #4

" With or Without You" és una cançó de la banda de rock irlandesa U2. Llançada com a primer senzill del seu cinquè àlbum d'estudi, "The Joshua Tree", es va convertir en el senzill més exitós del grup fins a aquell moment, arribant al número u als Estats Units. La balada de rock va originar-se a partir d'una demo enregistrada a finals de 1985, que el grup va continuar perfeccionant durant les sessions de "The Joshua Tree".

Tot i que "With or Without You" és ostensiblement una cançó sobre l'amor problemàtic, la seva lletra va ser inspirada pels sentiments de Bono sobre la seva vida com a músic i home de família. La cançó explora les complexitats d'una relació problemàtica, capturant el sentiment d'empresonament i vulnerabilitat que la lletra de Bono explora en la pertorbació emocional de no poder escapar dels lligams que ens uneixen. La tornada, especialment la catarsi expressada a través de la seva veu, simbolitza un moment de desimboltura emocional enmig de la turbulència. La reflexió introspectiva de Bono sobre les dualitats dins seu (responsabilitat versus llibertat, fidelitat versus ganes de viatjar) reflecteix els conflictes interns que molts artistes afronten. Concebuda inicialment com part d'una trilogia amb dues altres cançons inèdites, "With or Without You" es presenta com una exploració poètica de l'amor i la lluita existencial, convidant els oients a interpretar les seves evocadores imatges a través de les seves pròpies experiències i perspectives.

The Edge va utilitzar un dispositiu de distorsió nou conegut com la "Guitarra Infinita" per aconseguir el gemec distintiu a "With or Without You". Aquest dispositiu innovador va ser inventat per Michael Brook, amb qui The Edge va col·laborar a la banda sonora de la pel·lícula de 1986 "The Captive". La Guitarra Infinita es va crear substituint la pastilla d'una guitarra per un dispositiu magnètic capaç de fer vibrar les cordes. Daniel Lanois, qui va coproduir l'àlbum "The Joshua Tree" juntament amb Brian Eno, va revelar que aquest instrument es va convertir en la seva petita arma secreta. La Guitarra Infinita va permetre a The Edge mantenir les notes indefinidament sense utilitzar la seva mà dreta, gràcies a un sistema d'autolooping incorporat a l'instrument. Mentre The Edge explorava les capacitats d'aquest dispositiu durant les sessions d'enregistrament, el so icònic escoltat a "With or Without You" va sorgir espontàniament.

La banda va contractar Steve Lillywhite, qui havia produït els seus tres primers àlbums, per remesclar els singles i millorar el seu atractiu comercial. El tractament de Lillywhite de la bateria a "With or Without You" va provocar controvèrsia entre els productors Brian Eno i Daniel Lanois. Lanois va explicar en una entrevista de 1987 amb Rolling Stone: "'With or Without You' va ser la que va generar més discussió perquè Brian tenia una idea molt diferent de com havia d'anar. Jo tenia una altra idea, i Steve va portar la mescla cap a una direcció una mica més convencional en el seu enfocament. Quan va tocar afinar la bateria, es va fer una mica més sorollosa enfocada en l’estil pel qual és reconegut Steve, enlloc de l’estil preferit per Brian que hauria preferit que fos bàsicament només de suport."

Es van filmar dos vídeos musicals per "With or Without You" a Dublín al febrer de 1987 i van ser co-dirigits per Meiert Avis i Matt Mahurin. El primer vídeo presenta plans abstractes de la ballarina Morleigh Steinberg, que més tard esdevindria la dona de The Edge, intercalats amb imatges de la banda interpretant la cançó. Aquesta versió va aconseguir una representació significativa a MTV rebent set nominacions als Premis de la Música en Video, incloent-hi el Vídeo de l'Any. Una segona versió alternativa del vídeo va estar disponible a la versió Super Deluxe de l'àlbum i actualment es troba a YouTube.

"With or Without You" va ser la porta d’entrada de U2 a Amèrica, on anteriorment només havien assolit un èxit modest. Tot i que ja eren estrelles al seu país natal, Irlanda, i havien tingut èxits destacats al Regne Unit amb el seu àlbum anterior, “The Unforgettable Fire”, no va ser fins a "With or Without You" que van fer un veritable impacte als EUA. Abans d'això, el seu èxit més gran als país havia estat "Pride (In the Name of Love)", que va arribar al número 33 a les llistes. Amb el llançament de "With or Without You", U2 va conquerir ràpidament i completament Amèrica, ja que la cançó va arribar al número u de les llistes. A aquest èxit li va seguir un altre número u, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".

U2 - WITH OR WITHOUT YOU

Released: March 16, 1987

Charted:  US: #1 (3 weeks)  UK: #4 

"With or Without You" is a song by the Irish rock band U2. Released as the lead single from their fifth studio album, “The Joshua Tree”, it became the group's most successful single up to that time, reaching number one in the United States. The rock ballad originated from a demo recorded in late 1985, which the band continued to refine during “The Joshua Tree” sessions. 

While "With or Without You" is ostensibly a song about troubled love, its lyrics were inspired by Bono's feelings about his life as a musician and family man. The song delves into the complexities of a troubled relationship, capturing the sense of entrapment and vulnerability that Bono's lyrics explore in the emotional turmoil of not being able to escape the ties that bind us. The chorus, particularly the cathartic release expressed through his voice, symbolizes a moment of emotional release in the midst of turmoil. Bono's introspective reflection on the dualities within himself (responsibility versus freedom, loyalty versus wanderlust) reflects the internal conflicts many artists face. Originally conceived as part of a trilogy with two other unreleased songs, "With or Without You" is presented as a poetic exploration of love and existential struggle, inviting listeners to interpret its evocative images through their own experiences and perspectives.

The Edge utilized a unique distortion device known as the "Infinite Guitar" to achieve the distinctive wail in "With or Without You." This innovative device was invented by Michael Brook, whom The Edge collaborated with on the soundtrack for the 1986 film "The Captive." The Infinite Guitar was created by replacing the pickup on a guitar with a magnetic device capable of vibrating the strings. Daniel Lanois, who co-produced “The Joshua Tree” album alongside Brian Eno, revealed that this instrument became their "little secret weapon." The Infinite Guitar allowed The Edge to sustain notes indefinitely without using his right hand, thanks to a self-looping system built into the instrument. As The Edge explored the capabilities of this device during recording sessions, the iconic sound heard in "With or Without You" emerged spontaneously. 

The band enlisted Steve Lillywhite, who had produced their first three albums, to remix the singles and enhance their commercial appeal. Lillywhite's treatment of the drums on "With or Without You" sparked controversy among producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. Lanois explained in a 1987 interview with Rolling Stone: "'With or Without You' was the one that there was the most discussion about because Brian certainly had a very different idea of how it should go. I had yet another idea, and Steve pushed the mix in a direction that was a little more mainstream in its approach. When the drums came in, they were a little more crash, bang, which is a sound that Steve is known for. Certainly, Brian would have preferred to have the drums be more mysterious and supportive."

Two music videos for "With or Without You" were filmed in Dublin in February 1987 and were co-directed by Meiert Avis and Matt Mahurin. The first video features abstract shots of dancer Morleigh Steinberg, who would later become The Edge's wife, interspersed with footage of the band performing the song. This version gained significant traction on MTV and received seven nominations at the Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year. A second alternative version of the video is available in the Super Deluxe version of the album.

"With or Without You" marked U2's breakthrough in America, where they had previously experienced only modest success. While they were already stars in their native Ireland and had achieved notable success in the UK with their previous album, The Unforgettable Fire, it wasn't until "With or Without You" that they truly made an impact in the US. Prior to this, their biggest US hit had been "Pride (In the Name of Love)," which reached #33 on the charts. With the release of "With or Without You," U2 swiftly and thoroughly conquered America, as the song reached the number one spot on the charts. This success was followed by another chart-topper, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For."

 

WHITESNAKE - HERE I GO AGAIN

Publicació: octubre de 1982, juny de 1987 (nova versió)

Llistes: EUA: #1 (1 setmana) Regne Unit: #9 

"Here I Go Again" és una balada de la banda de rock britànica Whitesnake. Inicialment present en el seu àlbum de 1982 "Saints & Sinners", la cançó va guanyar una enorme popularitat després de ser enregistrada de nou per al seu àlbum homònim de 1987. Una altra versió, coneguda com a "radio-mix", es va llançar com a senzill el mateix any, arribant al número u a la llista del Billboard Hot 100 el 10 d'octubre de 1987, significant l'únic número u de la banda en aquesta llista. A més, va arribar al número 9 a la UK Singles Chart el 28 de novembre de 1987.

David Coverdale va escriure la lletra mentre estava a Portugal. Malgrat el seu tema percebut de confrontar reptes, la cançó es submergeix en el territori de la desil·lusió i la solitud resultant. La narrativa personal de Coverdale es desplega dins la lletra, reflectint la dissolució del seu primer matrimoni amb Julia Borkowski, amb qui es va casar el 1974.

La versió original de 1982 dura 5:08, mostrant un creixement gradual mentre David Coverdale canta sobre un orgue gòspel, tocat hàbilment per Jon Lord, el seu company de banda a Deep Purple. La bateria fa la seva entrada al minut 1:20. En contrast, la versió de l'àlbum de 1987, que dura 4:35, mostra una introducció de teclat més directa feta per Don Airey. Malgrat mantenir una progressió lenta, la bateria fa la seva aparició al minut 1:15. Aquesta versió és la que es presenta en el vídeo acompanyant.

A instàncies de la discogràfica de Whitesnake, Geffen Records, es va encarregar una nova versió molt més radiable per al llançament del senzill. Coverdale va tornar a l'estudi amb Airey i un grup de músics d'estudi per crear un nou enregistrament. Aquest ràdio-mix, amb una durada de 3:52, comença més directa, amb bateria i guitarra que entren des del principi. La veu de Coverdale es retarda 22 segons, permetent temps suficient perquè els DJs de ràdio introdueixin la cançó. La versió de ràdio era la que més s’adaptava als cànons de les hair bands de l'època. Personalment, crec que és la pitjor versió de les tres, però és la que els va donar el seu únic número u.

El vídeo musical de 1982 mostra l’actuació en directe de la banda interpretant la cançó a l'escenari. Dirigit per Marty Callner, el vídeo de la versió enregistrada el 1987 presenta l'actuació a l'escenari de la banda juntament amb aparicions de la model Julie E. "Tawny" Kitaen. Kitaen, que va estar casada amb David Coverdale del 1989 al 1991, irradia un notable sex-appeal en el vídeo. Va filmar escenes memorables i sense coreografia vestida amb una bata blanca, girant i fent volteretes de manera captivadora a través dels capots de dos Jaguars XJ. 

La cançó va tornar a l’actualitat el 2002 a causa de circumstàncies poc usuals relacionades amb Tawny Kitaen, que es va casar amb el jugador de bèisbol Chuck Finley el 1997. El 2002, Kitaen va ser arrestada per maltractament familiar després de suposadament donar cops a Finley amb els seus talons mentre ell conduïa. Després de l'incident, Finley va presentar la sol·licitud de divorci. Poc després de l'arrest de Kitaen, el DJ dels Chicago White Sox va ser acomiadat per posar "Here I Go Again" a l'estadi mentre Finley s'escalfava amb el seu equip, els Cleveland Indians.

WHITESNAKE - HERE I GO AGAIN

Released: October 1982, June 1987 (new version)

Charted:  US: #1 (1 week)   UK: #9 

"Here I Go Again" is a power ballad by British rock band Whitesnake. Initially featured on their 1982 album "Saints & Sinners," the song gained immense popularity after being re-recorded for their 1987 self-titled album. Another re-recording, known as the "radio-mix" version, was released as a single the same year, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on October 10, 1987, marking the band's sole chart-topper on that list. Additionally, it peaked at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart on November 28, 1987.

David Coverdale wrote the lyrics while in Portugal. Despite its commonly perceived inspirational theme of confronting challenges, the song delves into the realm of heartbreak and the ensuing solitude. Coverdale's personal narrative unfolds within the lyrics, reflecting the dissolution of his initial marriage to Julia Borkowski, whom he married in 1974.

The original 1982 rendition spans 5:08, featuring a gradual build-up as David Coverdale croons over a gospel organ, skillfully played by Jon Lord, his bandmate in Deep Purple. Notably, the drums make their entrance at 1:20. In contrast, the 1987 album version, lasting 4:35, showcases a more assertive keyboard introduction by Don Airey. Despite maintaining a slow progression, the drums make their appearance at 1:15. This rendition is the one featured in the accompanying video.

At the behest of Whitesnake's label, Geffen Records, a new, ultra-radio-friendly iteration was commissioned for the single release. Coverdale returned to the studio with Airey and a cohort of studio musicians to craft another recording. This rendition, clocking in at 3:52, immediately dives into the action, with drums and guitar entering right from the start. Coverdale's vocals are delayed by 22 seconds, allowing ample time for radio DJs to introduce the track. The radio version was the one that most conformed to the canons of the hair bands of the time. Personally I think it is the worst version of the three, however it is the one that gave them their only number one.

The 1982 music video showcases the band's live performance of the song onstage. Directed by Marty Callner, the music video for the 1987 re-recorded version features the band's stage performance along with appearances by model Julie E. "Tawny" Kitaen. Kitaen, who was married to Whitesnake's David Coverdale from 1989 to 1991, exudes notable sex appeal in the video. She filmed memorable, unchoreographed scenes dressed in a white negligee, captivatingly writhing and cartwheeling across the hoods of two Jaguars XJ.

The song made headlines in 2002 due to unusual circumstances involving Tawny Kitaen, who married baseball player Chuck Finley in 1997. In April 2002, Kitaen was arrested for spousal abuse after allegedly kicking Finley with her high-heeled shoes while he was driving. Following the incident, Finley filed for divorce. Shortly after Kitaen's arrest, the DJ for the Chicago White Sox was fired for playing "Here I Go Again" at the stadium while Finley was warming up for his team, the Cleveland Indians.

 

THIN LIZZY - STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU / GARY MOORE - PARISIENNE WALKWAYS

THIN LIZZY - STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU 

Released: November 1974

Album: Nightlife

"Still in Love with You" by Thin Lizzy is a timeless classic, initially featured on their 1974 album "Nightlife." Known for its soulful vocals and electrifying guitar solos, the song became a staple of their live performances, highlighting the virtuosity of guitarists like Brian Robertson, Scott Gorham, Gary Moore, and John Sykes. Over the years, various live versions of the song have been released on albums such as "Live and Dangerous," "Life," "BBC Radio One Live in Concert," "The Peel Sessions," and "One Night Only". 

"Still in Love with You" is a song that seamlessly merged two pieces: Phil Lynott's "Still in Love With You" and Gary Moore's "I'll Help You See It Through," which Moore had been developing for some time. Despite Moore's departure from the band shortly after, the song was credited solely to Lynott on the "Nightlife" album.

"Still in Love with You" initially featured a duet between Phil Lynott and Gary Moore, as evidenced by an early BBC session recording. After Moore's departure, Scottish singer Frankie Miller was brought in to replace Moore's vocal parts. Despite this change, guitarist Brian Robertson refused to re-record Moore's guitar solo, believing it to be perfect as it was. Robertson considered the song his signature piece and insisted that it remain in the band's setlist. "Still in Love with You" became a staple set-closer in Thin Lizzy's live shows, serving as a showcase for the band's guitarists, including Moore upon his return to the band and later John Sykes, until the band disbanded in 1983.

"Still in Love with You" has been featured on various releases beyond its original studio recording. Live renditions of the song appeared as the B-side of the "Thunder and Lightning" single in April 1983 and as one of four tracks on the 12" release of "Dedication" in 1991. Additionally, a re-recording of the song was included as a B-side to the "Out in the Fields" double single and 12" released by Gary Moore and Phil Lynott in 1985.

GARY MOORE - PARISIENNE WALKWAYS

Released: March 30, 1979

Charted: UK: #8 

"Parisienne Walkways" is the signature song by guitarist Gary Moore featured on his album "Back on the Streets". The track features a vocal contribution from Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott, who co-wrote the song with Moore. Lynott played bass guitar and Brian Downey played drums, reuniting the short-lived 1974 Thin Lizzy lineup that had recorded "Still in Love with You". The melody of "Parisienne Walkways" is based on the jazz standard "Blue Bossa" by Kenny Dorham. 

"Parisienne Walkways" is often perceived as a straightforward slow ballad intended to showcase Moore's guitar prowess. Beneath its surface lies an enigmatic song with a concealed and intensely personal message. According to Richard Buskin, the opening line, "I remember Paris in '49," was a modification of the original sheet music's line, "I remember Paris in the fall tonight," and serves as a reference to Phil Lynott's missing father, Cecil Paris, and his birth year, 1949. 

Donna Campbell, Gary Moore's girlfriend at the time, was credited on the cover of the musician's first solo album, but only he is credited on the inside stamp. The mystery is knowing why Campbell was credited because the song undeniably bears the unmistakable imprint of Phil Lynott; the lyrics were undoubtedly penned by him in their entirety, while the music was composed by Moore, or jointly by the two of them. Stuart Bailie's authorized biography of Lynott and Thin Lizzy, "The Ballad Of The Thin Man," suggests that the song, which Chris O'Donnell of the band's management initially regarded as a joke, was written in a private code.

Gary Moore's commitment to "Parisienne Walkways" endured, often featuring it as an encore during his concerts throughout his career. In 1993, a live rendition of the track, recorded at the Royal Albert Hall, was released as part of a limited edition 4-track CD single titled "Parisienne Walkways '93." Its popularity soared, propelling it to #32 in the UK Singles Chart. This live rendition also found its way onto Moore's 1993 live album, "Blues Alive."

 

QUEEN - SOMEBODY TO LOVE

Estrenada: 12 de novembre de 1976

Llistes: EUA: #13  Regne Unit: #2 

"Somebody to Love" és un clàssic de Queen escrit per Freddie Mercury, inclòs al seu àlbum de 1976 "A Day at the Races". Amb les seves harmonies i solos de guitarra, la cançó fa ressò de la grandesa del seu èxit anterior "Bohemian Rhapsody". En lloc d'imitar un cor anglès, la banda va optar per un cor gospel. El senzill va arribar al núm. 2 al Regne Unit i al núm. 13 al Billboard Hot 100 dels Estats Units.

Considerada una de les favorites de Mercury entre les seves composicions, Freddie va escriure "Somebody to Love", com una oda sobre el desig d'amor i reconfort davant les adversitats. Les lletres ressonen com una súplica a una força superior, qüestionant els desafiaments de la vida malgrat els esforços del cantant per seguir endavant. En qualsevol cas, enmig de la lluita, el protagonista troba un bri d'esperança i es resol a no rendir-se a la desesperació. 

Peter Hince, road manager de Queen, parlant sobre el repertori de la banda, destacava la divisió entre les cançons favorites i menys favorites entre l'equip. Va assenyalar "Somebody to Love" com una de les millors cançons de Queen, lloant la seva elevada intensitat durant les actuacions en directe en comparació amb la versió d'estudi. Hince també va compartir la perspectiva de Freddie Mercury, revelant que l mateix Mercury considerava "Somebody to Love" superior a "Bohemian Rhapsody" parlant exclusivament sobre termes de destresa pura en la composició de la cançó.

Peter Hince recordava la ubicació de la filmació del vídeo de "Somebody to Love", assenyalant que es va realitzar als estudis Wessex durant les sessions d'enregistrament de l'àlbum "A Day at the Races". Va explicar la necessitat estètica de tenir els quatre membres de la banda al voltant del micròfon, tot i que John Deacon no cantava en les gravacions d'estudi a causa de les seves limitacions vocals. Deacon cantava en directe, tot i que el volum del seu micròfon es posava molt baix per minimitzar la seva contribució vocal. Malgrat els esforços per mitigar la veu de Deacon, hi ha gravacions pirata i vídeos en directe que mostren casos en què el seu micròfon no estava atenuat adequadament, i es pot apreciar el perquè de l’esforç per amagar la seva veu.

QUEEN - SOMEBODY TO LOVE

Released: November 12, 1976

Charted:  US: #13   UK: #2 

"Somebody to Love" is a Queen classic written by Freddie Mercury, featured on their 1976 album "A Day at the Races." With its intricate harmonies and guitar solos, the song echoes the grandeur of their earlier hit "Bohemian Rhapsody." Instead of emulating an English choir, the band opted for a gospel choir. The single peaked at No. 2 in the UK and No. 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Regarded as one of Mercury's favorites among his compositions, Freddie wrote "Somebody to Love," expressing the yearning for love and solace in the face of hardship. The lyrics resonate with a plea to a higher power, questioning the challenges of life despite earnest efforts. Yet, amidst the struggle, there's a glimmer of hope as the protagonist resolves not to surrender to despair. 

Peter Hince, Queen's road crew chief, reminisced about the band's repertoire, highlighting the divide between favored and less favored songs among the crew. He noted "Somebody to Love" as consistently ranking among Queen's finest, lauding its heightened intensity during live performances compared to the studio rendition. Hince also shared Freddie Mercury's perspective, revealing that Mercury regarded "Somebody to Love" as surpassing "Bohemian Rhapsody" in terms of pure songwriting prowess. 

Peter Hince recalled the filming location of the video for "Somebody to Love," noting that it took place at Wessex Studios during the recording sessions for the "A Day at the Races" album. He explained the aesthetic necessity of having all four band members around the microphone, even though John Deacon did not sing on the studio recordings due to his vocal limitations. Deacon did sing on-stage, albeit with his microphone fader set very low to minimize his vocal contribution. Despite efforts to mitigate Deacon's singing, bootleg recordings and live videos reveal instances where his mic was not properly attenuated, resulting in less-than-desirable vocal performances.