U2 has released “Happiness,” a previously unheard track from their upcoming 20th-anniversary edition of ‘How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.’ The song was recorded during the original sessions for the album but remained unreleased until now. In an interview with Zane Lowe, The Edge and Adam Clayton revealed that The Edge had kept a rough mix of the song in a large leather shoulder bag, believing in its potential. It took years of persuasion before Bono finally agreed that the song deserved to be released.
The Edge recounted the process of convincing Bono, highlighting Bono’s initial reluctance due to self-doubt about his vocal performance. The Edge praised Bono’s singing, insisting that it was one of his best vocals and didn’t need to be re-recorded. Eventually, they found a formula that worked by doubling Bono’s vocals, which then gave him the confidence to sing at the top of his range without feeling self-conscious.
You can listen to “Happiness” on YouTube and catch the interview excerpt on U2’s Instagram feed. The 20th-anniversary edition of How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb will be available on November 22nd, offered as a five-CD box set or an eight-LP Super Deluxe Collectors Box Set.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]