"All That You Can't Leave Behind" is the tenth studio album by Irish rock band U2, produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, and released on October 30, 2000, through Island Records and Interscope Records. After experimenting with alternative rock and dance music in the 1990s and facing mixed reviews for their 1997 album Pop, U2 returned to a sound reminiscent of their earlier records. The album was initially titled "U2000," a working title from their PopMart Tour.
The album received positive reviews, reaching number one in 32 countries and selling over 12 million copies. Notable singles include "Beautiful Day," "Walk On," "Elevation," and "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of." The album won seven Grammy Awards and is the only one in history to have multiple tracks win the Grammy for Record of the Year. It was ranked 139th on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time" in 2003, later re-ranked at 280 in 2012. The supporting Elevation Tour was also a success. A reissue for the album's 20th anniversary occurred in 2020.
In the 1990s, U2 explored alternative rock and electronic dance music, culminating in Pop and the PopMart Tour. Following the negative reception of the album and tour, the band sought to return to a more traditional rock sound with arrangements centered on guitar, bass, and drums. For All That You Can't Leave Behind, they reunited with Eno and Lanois. Initially, they aimed to write new material before recording, but Eno encouraged them to write songs in the studio. Over three weeks in late 1998, U2 recorded demos at Hanover Quay Studios, resulting in the song "Kite." Bono's improved vocals inspired the team, and they adopted a "band in a room" mentality, which contributed to the album's stripped-down sound. Tim Palmer later mixed key songs for the record.
Bono's commitment to the Jubilee 2000 campaign impacted his availability, causing delays in the album's production. The band avoided setting a deadline after their experience with Pop, which had to be rushed. In mid-1999, Clayton and Mullen purchased houses in the South of France to facilitate collaboration. A theft incident involving Bono's laptop containing lyrics occurred but was resolved when the laptop was returned by an Irish man who recognized it.
U2 aimed for All That You Can't Leave Behind to acknowledge their past while integrating elements of their 1990s experimentation. The album includes the lead single "Beautiful Day," an optimistic anthem featuring a drum machine and sequencer. Other songs, like "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," were written in memory of Hutchence, the lead singer of INXS, who died by suicide. The album reflects the band's journey, exploring themes of loss and relationships.
The album cover photo was taken by Anton Corbijn at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. In contrast to their previous colorful designs, the cover features a monochrome image of the band, with a hidden biblical reference on the sleeve design.
To promote the album, U2 sought to re-establish their status as a leading band. Promotional activities included appearances on various shows and a concert at the ManRay club in Paris. The lead single, "Beautiful Day," was released on October 9, 2000, achieving significant chart success. Subsequent singles included "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of," "Elevation," and "Walk On," with the latter gaining renewed significance after the September 11 attacks.
