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FLASHBACK: U2 Performing “Angel Of Harlem”

U2’s Rattle and Hum, the soundtrack album to the film of the same name, was released 29 years ago today (October 10), and while the film gets criticized by critics…

LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 23: (L-R) (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally converted to black and white.) Recording artists The Edge, Bono and Adam Clayton of U2 perform onstage at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

U2’s Rattle and Hum, the soundtrack album to the film of the same name, was released 29 years ago today (October 10), and while the film gets criticized by critics and fans for being a bit pretentious, there is no denying the soundtrack album, especially its original tracks, is simply stellar.

Understandably, “Desire” gets most of the attention off this album (it was the lead single, after all), but in honor of the anniversary, we want to shine a light on U2’s salute to Billie Holiday, “Angel Of Harlem.”

Recorded at the famed Sun Studio, the track is the perfect combination of soul, pop, a great brass horn accompaniment and a vocal performance from Bono that’s among his most underrated.

Erica Banas is a rock/classic rock blogger that loves the smell of old vinyl in the morning.

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights