France Album Sales: U2
Among all classic rock bands, U2 has a pretty unique position for several reasons. Unlike most other bands that welcomed various members during their career, their four members lineup never changed since the release of their debut album in 1980. Generation-wise, while all bands are linked to a specific era in the mind of the general public, it is not the case of U2. They are not part of the historical 1965-75 era (Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd etc.). They are not one of the big 1975-85 cross-over bands (Queen, AC/DC, Dire Straits, Supertramp, Van Halen, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles etc.). Nor are they part of the arena rock giants from 1985-95 years (Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., Metallica etc.). To complete the loop, they are not among younger rock classic acts (Green Day, Nickelback, Oasis, Radiohead, Coldplay, Muse etc.).
In fact, the extensive list of successes U2 managed gives valid arguments to put them among each of the last three groups. They were one of the first rock bands to cross over pop area, one of the first to not be part of the Sex, drugs & rock n’ roll spirit too. The group never ending stability also fed rock fans critics that put them nowhere near the likes of Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin, considering them too poppish and boring.
No matter what people say, the band success is undeniable. Over the curse of 13 studio albums and 36 years, they amassed a huge total of sales. During France best selling albums ever study, we already met three of their albums, 1983 studio album War, their 1987 classic The Joshua Tree and the compilation The Best Of 1980-1990, all of them being million sellers in France. Their discography is much larger yet so it is worth studying each and every release they came out with. That’s exactly what we will be doing during the next pages with detailed sales information on their entire discography. Please be aware all Spotify figures refer to worldwide streaming as they only aim to display which albums still have strong catalog hits as of now. Let’s go!