The Best of 1990-2000

A decade of electric highs and human lows captured in one essential collection.

The Best of 1990-2000 is a definitive greatest hits compilation by the Irish rock band U2, released to celebrate their most prolific decade. It serves as a sonic time capsule, capturing the band's evolution from the introspective anthems of the early nineties to the global stadium-rock dominance of the late millennium. As a retrospective collection, it bridges the gap between their experimental eras and commercial peaks, offering fans a curated journey through ten years of cultural impact.

Last updated 2026-09-29 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist: U2
Released: 5 November 2002
Recorded: 1990–2002
Genre: Rock, alternative rock
Label: Island/Interscope

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

For fans, this album acts as an anchor during years when the band went silent or shifted styles drastically. It preserves the memory of the Zoo TV Tour's chaotic spectacle and the more intimate acoustic moments that followed. By gathering these tracks together, the release solidifies the narrative arc of a group that refused to stand still, constantly reinventing their sound while maintaining an emotional core that resonated with millions worldwide.

Reader's Guide

Recorded across various studios from the early nineties to the year 2000, this compilation draws heavily from albums like Achtung Baby, Zooropa, Pop, and All That You Can't Leave Behind. The thematic concept focuses on the band's journey through reinvention, balancing industrial experimentation with classic rock anthems. Critical reception was largely positive, praising the selection of tracks for accurately reflecting the band's artistic trajectory without relying solely on radio hits. Critics noted the inclusion of deeper cuts that showcased the group's versatility beyond their biggest singles. The album served as an accessible entry point for new listeners while satisfying long-time fans with a comprehensive overview. The tracklist begins with early nineties introspection, moves through the chaotic energy of the mid-decade tours, and concludes with the polished optimism of the turn of the century. Each song was carefully remastered to ensure consistency across different recording sessions, creating a seamless listening experience that highlights the band's enduring legacy.

Track listing

No.	Title	Length
1	Even Better Than the Real Thing	3:39
2	Mysterious Ways (Best of version)	4:02
3	Beautiful Day	4:05
4	Electrical Storm (William Orbit mix)	4:37
5	One	4:35
6	Miss Sarajevo (Radio edit; originally credited to Passengers (U2 & Brian Eno))	4:30
7	Stay (Faraway, So Close!)	4:58
8	Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of	4:31
9	Gone (New mix)	4:32
10	Until the End of the World	4:38
11	The Hands That Built America (Theme from Gangs of New York)	4:57
12	Discothèque (New mix)	4:40
13	Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me	4:44
14	Staring at the Sun (New mix)	4:48
15	Numb (New mix)	4:21
16	The First Time	3:44
Total length		71:53

No.	Title	Length
1	Lady with the Spinning Head (Extended dance mix)	6:06
2	Dirty Day (Junk Day mix)	4:40
3	Summer Rain	4:07
4	Electrical Storm (Band version)	4:26
5	North and South of the River	4:36
6	Your Blue Room	5:26
7	Happiness Is a Warm Gun (Gun mix)	4:45
8	Salomé (Zooromancer remix edit)	5:51
9	Even Better Than the Real Thing (Perfecto mix)	6:38
10	Numb (Gimme Some More Dignity Mix edit)	5:50
11	Mysterious Ways (Solar Plexus Club mix)	4:08
12	If God Will Send His Angels (Big Yam mix)	5:42
13	Lemon (Jeep mix)	5:29
14	Discothèque (Hexidecimal mix edit)	5:45
Total length		73:52

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

This compilation includes rare live recordings that were not available on previous studio albums.
It was released during a period when the band was preparing for their next major studio project.
The packaging design reflects the visual aesthetic of the Zoo TV era mixed with modern minimalism.
Several tracks featured on this album topped charts in multiple countries simultaneously.