Check Out U2’s Energizing, Previously Unreleased Track ‘Happiness’

U2 have released a song titled ‘Happiness’, originally recorded in 2004. The track was created during the sessions for the band’s 2004 album ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’ and will be included on the upcoming shadow album ‘How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb’, which also features the previously released tracks ‘Country Mile’ and ‘Picture Of You (X + W)’. This new record will showcase unreleased songs unearthed from the original album’s sessions and is set to be released on November 22, alongside a remastered version of ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’.

‘How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb’ will be exclusively available in physical format for Record Store Day Black Friday as a limited edition black and red marble 1LP vinyl, as well as a standalone 10-track digital release on November 29. Check out ‘Happiness’ below:

In a press release, The Edge shared his thoughts on ‘How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb’, stating that the sessions for ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’ were a highly creative time for the band. He explained that they explored numerous song ideas in the studio and were inspired to revisit their early musical influences. During this period, Bono was deeply introspective, processing the loss of his father.

For this anniversary edition, The Edge delved into his personal archive to search for unreleased tracks, and he felt he struck gold. They selected ten songs that resonated with them. Although they initially set these songs aside, they now realize that their instincts about these tracks being potential contenders for the album were correct; they were onto something significant.

Image Courtesy: NME

He described the shadow album as capturing the raw energy of discovery, the visceral impact of the music, and the sonic narrative of four musicians collaborating in a room—essentially the essence of U2.

This announcement is not the first for the Irish rock legends regarding album reissues. In 2019, they released a coloured vinyl version of ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ from 1984 and ‘How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb’. The following year saw a remastered edition of ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind’ to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Earlier this year, U2 also released a digital reissue of ‘Discothèque’ as part of a new series of “deep dives,” along with a fresh selection of b-sides and mixes. This news follows the announcement of a new concert film that was filmed during their residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

Image Courtesy: We Shoot Music

Titled V-U2, the concert film was directed by The Edge and Morleigh Steinberg during their historic Las Vegas residency. Additionally, around this time last year, the band mentioned having some “amazing new songs” ready to go, hinting that they would be released soon.

In a behind-the-scenes video for Apple Music, Bono and The Edge alluded to these newly unearthed tracks during a tour of the Sphere, stating that they have a lot that’s prepared and some that just need a little polishing, but they’ll be ready soon. They have some amazing new songs and are really excited.

--Silviya.Y