It is safe to say that nothing compares to U2's signature sound with Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.. There is no question that U2 changed the face of Rock & Roll, and in between the release of 'The Joshua Tree' and 'Achtung Baby', they came out with one of their finest achievements, 'Rattle and Hum'.

This album is an interesting one since it is a hybrid live/studio album with companion rockumentary film (directed by Phil Joanou) shot on 35mm B&W film. It continues the journey into the band's experiences with American roots music incorporating elements of blues rock, folk rock, and gospel music into their sound.

This snapshot features two tracks - the first being 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' feat. The New Voices of Freedom gospel choir from Harlem, NY. The second is the famous track, 'Bad' live at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado (1987). One may notice that U2's sound is intensely cinematic, and the combined fusion of gospel with Bono's voice feat. The Edge in 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' completely captures the essence of pure musical artistry and showcases U2's unmatched ability (at that time) to bring bring a variety of genres together.

'Bad' on the other hand is simply just a beautiful song on its own, and combine that with the gorgeous cinematography and exposure on 35mm, one feels like they are witnessing something magical - perhaps Rock & Roll in the 80s at its best. It is difficult for us now to even find something that remotely comes close to the cinematic look and feel of this performance. In a pre-digital age, you have to sit back and realize that life was simpler, and this opened up the ability for any viewer to witness and be present for those important beats and musical moments.

If you haven't seen this rockumentary, it is an absolute must. We will start bringing in more musical performances to demonstrate that even musical performance alone can be cinematic in a way very similar to film music.

Where to watch: https://letterboxd.com/film/u2-rattle-and-hum/
Listen to the album: https://open.spotify.com/album/7hIoJcH4ObWasDFq78u1x9?si=e4ad241124934739

--
Every Monday and Wednesday, SCORE CUE SNAPSHOTS brings you iconic scenes married to the corresponding score cue without dialogue and SFX, thus allowing anyone to appreciate how the score works with what you see unfold on-screen.