Lanois was also the main producer on Achtung Baby, probably the biggest change of direction in U2's career so far. Lanois is generally credited with bringing the fluid, rootsy sound to The Joshua Tree (they coвЂ‘produced both albums together). It was especially Eno who helped U2 to find a more understated, multiвЂ‘coloured expression on The Unforgettable Fire. RecklessnessД¬rucial to all the aforementioned major changes in U2's music were Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. Like the tour dealing with the confusing influence of the mass media, Zooropa was nevertheless much more optimistic in feel than Achtung Baby, but with an experimental, deadвЂ‘pan slant. Punters and critics were even more surprised with the next album, which appeared as if from nowhere. U2 went on the road with their mega ZooropaвЂ‘tour, featuring Trabant cars and video and other assorted imagery on stage, much of it exemplifying their confusion in a world of information overkill. The almost religious zeal of their previous lyrics had given way to a mixture of the doubtful, the cynical and the ecstatic. But the looming deadlock was quickly and rather dramatically avoided by another landmark, the bizarrelyвЂ‘named Achtung Baby (1991), a dark, disturbing and gloomy piece of work, all distorted guitars and gothicвЂ‘sounding keyboards. Rattle & Hum (1989), part live album, part covers, part original material, was an exploration and reвЂ‘evaluation of their American influences and musical heroes, such as Elvis and BB King.

Then the band threatened to stagnate creatively. Their most successful and classic album to date, The Joshua Tree (1987), continued the new trend, with added influences of American roots music. Out went the bucketfuls of reverb and monochrome colours of Boy, October (1981) and War (1983), to be replaced by a more intimate and atmospheric sound. The first great change of direction was with The Unforgettable Fire (1984).

Ever since they burst on the international music scene in 1980 with the fresh New WaveвЂ‘inspired guitarвЂ‘rock of Boy, they've changed tack every time they threatened to become repetitive. The band have never been satisfied to simply rest on their laurels and turn out the obligatory 5вЂ‘yearly disc with more of the same, only less inspired, music - unlike many other 'stars'. Whatever the ins and outs of the partisan and prejudiced nature of much of the British music press, which often appears to focus on peripherals like age and trendiness rather than music, the fact that U2 haven't been reviled in accordance with their status must have something to do with their stomach for musical adventures. Most artists that have achieved mass popularity are dropped by large sections of the British music press like a hot potato and subsequently need elephant skins to deal with the abuse heaped on their work. U2 have the rare distinction of being a major band that have consistently reaped both commercial success and critical acclaim. Here he gives Paul Tingen a fascinating insight into the exciting and unorthodox recording methods they used. Young Irish engineer Robbie Adams played an important part in the recording of U2's popular and criticallyвЂ‘acclaimed albums Achtung Baby and Zooropa.

U2 a day without me background vocals