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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this song was average for them,
they got boring … their earlier stuff was much better.
i do like some things about this version,
but it is too short.
there is a promo version that is 9 minutes..
I posted the 9-minute version several years ago.
Like The Beatles and a few bands before them, U2 shot the video as a “street takeover” (decades before this became a and roof performance n downtown L.A. with a full guerilla video crew before the LAPD got wind of it and arrived to break it up.
WOW! Thank you. I still remember buying this version as a 3″ Mini-CD, and now I have it in pristine DJPaulT quality.
I’ve always loved the Hollywood Remix of this song because it really highlights the bassline+rhythm combo they (openly) borrowed from the Stooges’ song “1969”; along with the sirens and samples, it just creates the perfect feeling of euphoria! Still one of their best songs in a massive catalog of superb songs!
I have this on an imported CD single that I got years ago. I always loved the Hollywood Remix. Very of it’s time.
One of my favourite U2 singles and this remix does it justice. Great stuff.
Thanks Paul
You’re welcome, Mark 🙂
Ah, I remember buying this bloody thing back in the day! I’m pretty sure I bought the album either before or after hearing the single. Great stuff it was. Ta Paul!
You’re welcome, Johnny Rhythm 🙂
Wow there’s nothing like a rock remix to balance out the week! I’m excited for the short edit of the Hollywood Remix. Like Fred mentioned, I have your transfer of the long Remix from years ago. I also really like the exclusive B-side. Man U2 were on fire then!! The biggest band in the world starting with The Joshua Tree. The torch having been passed down from The Police! Feels like yesterday when Rattle and Hum the movie was released. Many critics thought they were being pretentious… Maybe they were, but they earned it, lol. What a one-two punch with… Read more »
You’re welcome, Retro Hound. This one I knew had you written all over it. 🙂
You’re right and I so appreciate it!
Quoting: “And their B-sides alone from these two albums were enough for a third album” … weren’t we just talking about that on the other post? It’s so true! Their B-sides make an absolutely perfect album.
Hey Retro Hound, I just re-read your post, and in few words you succinctly captured the essence of U2’s career. I have tons of their stuff, but somehow missed a 12″ promo of “Desire” even though we played them at the radio station I was at when it came out. I guess it was serviced only to record pools, which is why Paul’s collection is so important to behold and pass along. Don’t expect the 3 record behemoths to know where the master for this might be if it were ever to be reissued on CD (assuming the U2 camp… Read more »
U2 were at their best when they were young, hungry and angry. This era marked the closing of that “angry” period, where they began to rely on irony, commenting as much about themselves as they used to comment on society. I remember Rattle & Hum seeming like a deep dive into U2, live songs, raw studio cuts, almost like a greatest hits record. Thanks Paul, Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you too, Joey. 🙂
I always love this remix of Desire! I really like the extremely rare, UK 12″ promo that you posted eons ago that is a longer 9:24 remix of this Hollywood Remix on this 12″. Thanks so much again!
You’re welcome, Fred 🙂
Paul, you are on fire!!!
Thank you, Raymond 🙂
What a wonderful surprise! I adore U2 and I love their vintage records! This is a great 12-inch Paul! You are kicking it Paul!! I love these rock mixes!!
Jeff
You’re welcome, Jeff 🙂