Burning The Ground Exclusive 1988
Released in September 1988, “Desire” was the lead single from U2’s album Rattle and Hum. With its pulsating rhythm inspired by the Bo Diddley beat and Bono’s impassioned lyrics, the song channeled the raw energy of rock and roll while addressing themes of ambition and social critique.
Produced by Jimmy Iovine, “Desire” is notable for its stripped-down, garage rock sound. The track captures the spirit of 50s and 60s rock influences while addressing themes of ambition, lust, and spirituality—hallmarks of U2’s storytelling.
Chart Performance:
“Desire” achieved significant commercial success. It became U2’s first #1 single, topping the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and secured the top spot on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, highlighting its cross-genre popularity and resonance with fans worldwide. It also reached #1 in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand.
The track earned U2 their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1989, solidifying its place as one of the band’s most celebrated songs.
Legacy:
Over the years, “Desire” has remained a staple in U2’s live performances, often igniting concert audiences with its infectious rhythm and high-energy delivery. Its enduring appeal lies in how it blends the vintage rock sound with U2’s socially conscious and energetic style.
For 80s and 90s music fans, “Desire” represents an era when rock music was a driving force for entertainment and social commentary. It’s a testament to U2’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.
SIDE A:
Desire (Hollywood Remix) 5:23
Backing Vocals – Alexandra Brown*, Edna Wright
Engineer [Assistant] – Andy Batwinas
Engineer [Remix] – Taavi Mote
Producer [Additional], Programmed By [Additional] – Jeff Lorber
Remix [Remix Production By] – Louil Silas Jr., Taavi Mote
SIDE B:
Desire (7″ Version) 2:59
Mixed By – Shelly Yakus
Recorded By – Paul Barrett
Hallelujah (Here She Comes) 4:17
Mixed By, Engineer – David Tickle, Marc DeSisto
Other [Special Thanks To], Vocals [Additional], Organ [Hammond] – Billy Preston
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Desire | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #3 |
| 1988 | Desire | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks | #1 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Island Records – 0-96600
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: Sep 1988
Genre: Rock
Style: Alternative Rock, Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Artwork By [Design Based On An Idea By] – Steve Averll Works, Associates
- Artwork By [Designed By] – DZN, The Design Group
- Lyrics By – Bono
- Music By – U2
- Photography – Anton Corbijn
- Photography [Back Cover] – Bill Rubenstein
- Producer – Jimmy Iovine
NOTES:
From the forthcoming Paramount Motion Picture,
Opening November 4th 1988,
and Island Records album
“U2 Rattle and Hum”.
Track A Remixed at Larrabee Sound.
Track B2 Recorded at STS Studio, Dublin.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon 2M Black PnP MkII
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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