When we think of U2, the first thing we probably think of is Bono. Love him or hate him, it’s hard to take your eyes off him when the band is performing. Still, one can’t consider U2’s legacy without looking at the brilliant (and frankly underrated) guitar playing of The Edge. The Edge’s inventive guitar playing was incredibly important to the band’s sound, particularly in their ’80s heyday. These six classic songs showcase his playing at its absolute best.

“I Will Follow” (1980)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVxzTb1ippM

The first song off the debut album Boy, and it’s that iconic riff that carries it all the way through. In U2’s early years, they were louder and faster than they are now, and this riff, along with Larry Mullen, Jr.’s hyperactive drumming, showcase that spirit perfectly. This was the song that introduced the world to U2, and The Edge’s classic riff is a huge part of why it made such an impression.

“Stories For Boys” (1980)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cST0ruGpHi4

Another one from Boy, which was quite possibly U2’s most musically aggressive album. In this case, the riff is a bit more subtle and mysterious than “I Will Follow,” and actually has something of a ’50s vibe. Particularly interesting is what happens about halfway through the song, where the interplay between The Edge’s guitar and Adam Clayton’s bass becomes a duel of sorts. It can’t be overlooked how ambitious U2 were in their early days.

“Sunday Bloody Sunday” (1983)

This was a fine example of the music complementing the lyrics. As Bono sings about destruction in war-torn Ireland, the rest of the song needs to be suitably bleak. Sure enough, The Edge brings us an unforgettable riff that, honestly, might be sadder than the lyrics. In U2’s later years, Bono’s political anthems grabbed the majority of the focus, but in the early days, The Edge’s crafty guitar playing was just as important. Here, both are in peak form.

“Bad” (1984)

This song is all about the build-up, starting quietly and reaching a climax where every emotion is spewed forth at once. What makes this dynamic work is Edge’s subtly beautiful playing during the early portion of the song. His gentle lines blend perfectly with Bono’s soft-spoken vocal. Then, when we reach the “I’M WIIIIIIIIIDE AWAAAAAAAAAAAAKE” finish, all the instruments are suitably amped up along with Bono. Everything slowly leads to a huge release of emotion here, making this one of U2’s most resonant songs.

“Bullet The Blue Sky” (1987)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdmNC8ylrXI

The Joshua Tree generally featured arrangements that were less complex than on past U2 albums, but “Bullet The Blue Sky” was a definite exception to the rule, acting as one of the most musically ambitious songs U2 ever recorded. The atmosphere is suitably dark here, and once again, the interplay between the bass and the guitar is key. Clayton’s foreboding bass line creates a dark atmosphere, but The Edge’s random strikes give us a jarring vibe. Even if Bono’s admittedly exaggerated vocal performance doesn’t do it for you, it’s hard to deny what this song accomplishes from a purely musical perspective.

“Mysterious Ways” (1991)

Probably The Edge’s second most famous riff after “I Will Follow,” this riff drives the entire song along, right from the intro. After collaborating with Brian Eno for Achtung Baby, U2 experimented with new sounds and, indeed, it would be unthinkable to hear a guitar tone like this on any of their first six albums. This song has become a well-deserved classic, but at the time, it was unlike anything U2 had done before, and probably took quite a few off guard.