U2 – Wide Awake in America EP: Iconic Live & Studio Blend from the Unforgettable Fire Era

Product Information

• Title: U2 – Wide Awake in America
• Artist: U2
• Format: CD, EP (Compact Disc)
• UPC: 042284247924
• Catalog Number: 842 479-2 / IMCD 75
• Label: Island Records Ltd.
• Country: US
• Release Date: May 20, 1985
• Genre: Rock (Pop Rock, Alternative Rock)
• Style: Live recordings combined with exclusive studio tracks
• Producer Credits: U2; with production by Tony Visconti, Brian Eno, and Daniel Lanois
  (All details based on the original release information and subsequent reissues .)

Overview

"U2 – Wide Awake in America" is a special, low-priced extended play that captures the essence of U2 during the height of the Unforgettable Fire era. This EP uniquely blends two electrifying live performances with two rare studio outtakes, offering fans an immersive glimpse into the band’s dynamic evolution. The live tracks—featuring the anthemic "Bad" and the evocative "A Sort Of Homecoming"—showcase U2’s raw stage energy, while the studio recordings of "The Three Sunrises" and "Love Comes Tumbling" highlight their innovative studio finesse. Originally designed for the American market, this release has become a cherished collectible that marks a pivotal moment in U2’s storied career.

(According to historical accounts and the EP’s documented background, the release resonated with fans by merging live vibrancy with the refined studio sound developed alongside influential producers .)

Product Features

• Format & Packaging:

  • Packaged in a standard jewel case with specially designed front and rear inserts.
  • Black disc tray and unique graphic artwork by Matt Mahurin, capturing Bono in a live performance setting.

• Track Composition:

  • Total of 4 tracks combining live recordings and studio outtakes.

• Musical Highlights:

  • Two live tracks recorded during notable performances (Birmingham’s NEC and Wembley Arena)
  • Two studio tracks that were previously available only on B-side releases, providing an intimate glimpse into the sessions for The Unforgettable Fire.

• Production Excellence:

  • Engineered and mixed by notable figures such as Kevin Killen, Ron St. Germain, and Kevin Moloney.
  • Production credits include U2’s own input alongside contributions from Tony Visconti, Brian Eno, and Daniel Lanois, ensuring a fusion of live authenticity and polished studio production.

Interesting Facts

• Live Energy Captured in "Bad":
  The live version of "Bad" was recorded at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on November 12, 1984. Despite a small onstage mishap by guitarist The Edge, the performance was embraced for its raw and emotive quality—and it has become a fan favorite live staple .

• Unique Production for "A Sort Of Homecoming":
  Recorded live at Wembley Arena on November 15, 1984, this track features additional studio-dubbed backing vocals by The Edge, blending the live sound with a meticulous post-production touch by producer Tony Visconti.

• Studio Gems from the Unforgettable Fire Sessions:
  "The Three Sunrises" and "Love Comes Tumbling" are studio recordings that originated during the sessions for The Unforgettable Fire. Their inclusion on the EP offered U2’s audience an exclusive look at alternative interpretations and production variations not heard on the main album.

• A Collector’s Item with Global Reissues:
  Initially released only in North America and Japan, the EP has seen various reissues and pressing variations under the Island Masters program, making it a prized collectible for fans and music archivists alike .

Track Listing

1. "Bad (Live)" – 7:59
   Recorded live in Birmingham, England. A performance noted for its intensity and stage spontaneity.
2. "A Sort Of Homecoming (Live)" – 4:04
   Captured at Wembley Arena with added studio enhancements to evoke a powerful live atmosphere.
3. "The Three Sunrises" (Studio Version) – 3:46
   A melodic, contemplative track reflecting U2’s studio creativity during the Unforgettable Fire era.
4. "Love Comes Tumbling" (Studio Version) – 4:41
   A refined studio take that edits out previous false starts, presenting a clean and immersive listening experience.

Publishers

Released by Island Records Ltd., "U2 – Wide Awake In America" stands as a testament to U2’s ability to fuse live performance passion with innovative studio production. This EP is a product of its time—embodying the spirit of a band that was continuously evolving while maintaining a deep connection with its live audience.

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#U2 #WideAwakeInAmerica #LiveEP #IslandRecords #UnforgettableFire #RockLegacy #PopRock #AlternativeRock #U2Live #IconicEP