Songwriting Analysis: U2 “Where the Streets Have No Name”

U2 The Joshua Tree

U2 stirs up deep emotions with this anthem from openness to fragility to hope.  Here are some songwriting techniques we can observe in this song:

  • Changing the meter: intro vs. the main song
  • A series of downward melodies fill the chorus to create a settling, comforting effect
  • Matching a minor chord in the midst of major chord progressions with vulnerable lyrics

For Musicians / Songwriting Analysis