u2 37 years ago

U2 | I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (1987)

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the second track from their 1987 album The Joshua Tree and was released as the album's second single in May 1987.

The song was a hit, becoming the band's second consecutive number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 while peaking at number six on the UK Singles Chart.


The song originated from a demo the band recorded on which drummer Larry Mullen Jr. played a unique rhythm pattern. Like much of The Joshua Tree, the song was inspired by the group's interest in American music.


"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" exhibits influences from gospel music and its lyrics describe spiritual yearning.


Lead singer Bono's vocals are in high register and lead guitarist the Edge plays a chiming arpeggio. Adding to the gospel qualities of the song are choir-like backing vocals provided by the Edge and producers Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois.


"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" was critically acclaimed and received two nominations at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards in 1988, for Record of the Year and Song of the Year.


It has subsequently become one of the group's most well-known songs and has been performed on many of their concert tours. The track has appeared on several of their compilations and concert films.


Many critics and publications have ranked "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" among the greatest tracks in music history including Rolling Stone which ranked the song at number 93 of its list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".



U2
1976 - present