Pop (album)

Pop is an album released by the Irish rock band U2 in March of 1997. It is notable for combining elements of popular 90s techno with traditional U2 alternative guitar rock and for being perhaps U2's most emotional-laden album, along with Achtung Baby (1991).

Reaction

Considered by many the last experimental U2 album produced as of today, it reached number one in most of the world's album charts, including those of the UK and the USA. The album also sold more than seven million copies. However, it was not very well received by some fans, who wanted U2 to return to their rock roots again.

U2 followed up on the album with an extensive world tour (PopMart) in 1997 and 1998, which was another huge success in terms of revenue, although it was not profitable for the band. This tour also signaled the countdown to the next U2 era, which began with the release of their more traditional album All That You Can't Leave Behind in 2000.

Singles

The album's first single, "Discothèque", was a huge dance and airplay success. It also reached number one in the singles charts of most of European countries including the United Kingdom, where it was their third number one single after 1988's "Desire" and 1991's "The Fly".

In the United States, "Discothèque" is notable for being U2's only single since 1991 to crack the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100. However, it did not spend very long on the chart due to its dance elements limiting its appeal. The follow-up single, "Staring at the Sun" became a major airplay success in the US and remains one of U2's best remembered songs there.

Track listing