"Rattle and Hum" is a hybrid live/studio album by Irish rock band U2, released on October 10, 1988. It serves as a companion to a rockumentary film directed by Phil Joanou, which was released on October 27, 1988. Produced by Jimmy Iovine, the album captures the band's experiences with American roots music during their Joshua Tree Tour, incorporating elements of blues rock, folk rock, and gospel.
The album features a mix of new studio tracks, live performances, and covers, including recordings at Sun Studio in Memphis and collaborations with artists like Bob Dylan and B.B. King. Although it aimed to pay tribute to legendary musicians, some critics accused U2 of trying to elevate their status among them. Reception to the album and the film was mixed; while the film grossed only $8.6 million, the album was a commercial success, reaching number one in several countries and selling 14 million copies. The lead single "Desire" became the band's first UK number-one song.
The project began when U2's manager, Paul McGuinness, pitched the idea of a documentary to film director Phil Joanou. After discussions, they decided to film in Denver rather than Chicago. The film was intended as an independent project but was later picked up by Paramount Pictures after going over budget.
The title Rattle and Hum comes from a lyric in the song "Bullet the Blue Sky." The album artwork, featuring Bono spotlighting The Edge, was inspired by a live performance scene. The album includes notable tracks like "Angel of Harlem," "God Part II," and "When Love Comes to Town," showcasing the band's experimentation with American music styles.
Studio recordings for the album took place at iconic locations like Sun Studio and featured collaborations with several artists. While the album included nine studio tracks, many additional recordings from the sessions were released as B-sides or in later compilations. Overall, Rattle and Hum represents a significant moment in U2's evolution, leading to a creative reinvention in the 1990s.
