Meaning of “Even Better Than the Real Thing” by U2

“Even Better Than the Real Thing” is a song by the Irish rock band U2, from their 1991 album “Achtung Baby”. The song reflects the transformative period U2 was going through during the early 1990s, both in terms of sound and theme. The band was experimenting with alternative rock, industrial, and electronic dance music, moving away from their previously established sound.

Regarding its meaning, “Even Better Than the Real Thing” explores themes of desire, love, and the search for authenticity in a media-saturated and image-conscious world. The lyrics talk about seeking something genuine and real amidst the artificial and superficial. Bono, the lead singer, delivers lines that indicate a yearning for something authentic (“Give me one more chance, and you’ll be satisfied”), but the chorus undermines this sincerity with its celebration of the artificial (“We’re free to fly the crimson sky / The sun won’t melt our wings tonight”).

The song and the album, in general, are known for their irony and self-awareness, with U2 deliberately playing with their public image and preconceptions about them. The entire “Achtung Baby” album marks a departure from their previous earnestness, presenting a more cynical and playful U2 that was willing to explore darker and more introspective themes.

“Even Better Than the Real Thing” can be seen as a commentary on the struggles to find authenticity and real connection in a world becoming increasingly obsessed with image and materialism. In the context of the album, it also symbolizes the band’s own struggles with fame and their search for artistic authenticity amidst their massive success. Remember that song meanings can be subjective, and listeners might find various interpretations based on their personal experiences and perspectives.

Musical Shift

1. Evolution of Sound: “Better than the Real Thing” marked a notable shift in U2’s musical style, embracing a more experimental sound compared to their 1980s output. Incorporating dance beats and distorted guitars, it reflected the band’s exploration of alternative rock and electronic dance music.

Music Video

2. Innovative Music Video: The music video, directed by Kevin Godley, is notable for its innovative use of a circular tracking shot. Cameras circled the band members, providing a dizzying, continuous, and rotating view that was quite innovative and visually striking at the time.

Chart Performance

3. Chart Success: Despite its unconventional sound for U2, the song became quite successful. It reached the top 10 in the UK, and while it didn’t top the charts in the US, it became a significant hit on alternative rock radio.

Live Performances

4. Iconic Live Performances: U2 incorporated “Even Better Than the Real Thing” into numerous live performances and tours, such as the Zoo TV Tour, where it was a setlist staple, underlining the band’s transformation into media-satirizing rock stars.

Remix Success

5. Popular Remix: The song also had a popular remix by the British electronic music DJ Paul Oakenfold, which was notably different from the original and received considerable radio play. Oakenfold’s remix highlighted the band’s flirtation with dance and electronic music during this period.

Album Significance

6. Pivotal Album Track: Being part of “Achtung Baby”, the song contributes to the album’s themes of love, despair, and disillusionment. The album was crucial in redefining U2’s sound and maintaining their relevance in the evolving music scene of the 1990s.

Lyrical Depth

7. Lyrical Irony: Lyrically, the song plays with irony and dual meanings, exploring themes of authenticity, desire, and the seductive power of illusion, consistent with the rest of the album which often delves into the complexities and paradoxes of interpersonal relationships.

These aspects highlight how “Even Better Than the Real Thing” stands as an interesting piece both musically and culturally, marking a pivotal moment in U2’s storied career.

The “Achtung Baby” Album

“Achtung Baby” is a pivotal album by Irish rock band U2, released in 1991. Transitioning from their previous post-punk and anthem rock roots, U2 ventured into alternative rock and electronica with this release. The album signifies a reinvention of the band’s sound and image, incorporating darker, introspective lyrics and an experimental musical landscape, influenced by industrial and electronic dance music.

Here’s a bit more about it:

Main Themes:

• Interpersonal Relationships: The album delves deeply into themes of love, betrayal, disillusionment, and heartbreak, with Bono describing it as “the sound of four men chopping down The Joshua Tree,” which was their previous, highly successful album.
• Cynicism and Irony: “Achtung Baby” is recognized for its irony and playful cynicism, which was a departure from the earnestness of their prior works.

Notable Tracks:

• “One”
• “Mysterious Ways”
• “Even Better Than the Real Thing”
• “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses”

These songs (among others) showcase the band’s newfound experimental sound, with flirtations with electronic music, distorted guitars, and introspective lyrical themes.

Impact:

• Critical Acclaim: The album was met with widespread critical acclaim for its innovative sound and emotional depth.
• Commercial Success: It was a commercial success, solidifying U2’s position as one of the world’s premier rock bands.
• Grammy Award: “Achtung Baby” won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
• Influence on Future Work: The experimental nature of “Achtung Baby” influenced U2’s subsequent works in the 1990s, steering them towards a more alternative rock sound.

Production:

• Berlin Recording: The album was partly recorded in Berlin, Germany, symbolically chosen for its atmosphere of reinvention after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
• Inter-band Tensions: The recording sessions were famously fraught with tension and disagreements among band members, nearly leading to U2’s breakup.

Tour:

• Zoo TV Tour: Following the album, U2 embarked on the innovative and extravagant Zoo TV Tour, which satirized the media and consumer culture.

“Achtung Baby” remains a landmark album in U2’s discography and is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time. It represents a crucial turning point in U2’s career, showcasing their ability to evolve and adapt to the shifting musical landscape.