"Sweetest Thing",[1] also known as "The Sweetest Thing",[2] is a song by U2, originally released in 1987 as a B-side on the "Where the Streets Have No Name" single. A version of the song appears on the soundtrack to the 1988 Bill Murray film Scrooged. This version was performed by The New Voices of Freedom, the choir that performs on a live version of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" on U2's 1988 album Rattle and Hum.
The song was later re-recorded, re-released, and renamed as a single for the U2 compilation album, The Best of 1980-1990, in 1998. The song reached #1 in both Canada and Ireland, #3 in the UK,[3] #6 in Australia, #63 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and #31 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States.
History
The song was allegedly written by Bono as an apology to his wife Ali Hewson[4] for having to work in the studio on her birthday during The Joshua Tree sessions. [5] At Alison's request, profits from the single went to her favoured charity, Chernobyl Children's Project International.[5]
To promote the release of the single in 1998, Island Records distributed "Sweetest Thing" chocolate bars, wrapped to look like the single, throughout Europe. They have become a very valuable collectors item among U2 fans during the 2000s.[6]
The song has only been played live about 30 times during the Elevation Tour in 2001, where Bono played The Edge's piano parts. The song is also featured in the short film, Sightings of Bono and the film, Mr. Deeds.
Music video
In the video, directed by Kevin Godley, Bono is seen riding in a carriage down a street, facing the camera, as various elements of a parade travel by. The video does not feature any attempt at lip-synching: Bono's mouth stays closed throughout. The phrase "I'm sorry" (and variations thereof) can be spotted on banners overhead. Cameo appearances in the video include Riverdance, Boyzone, Steve Collins, the Artane Boys Band, and the Chippendales. The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr., Norman Hewson (Bono's brother), Dik Evans (The Edge's brother), and Alison Hewson appear in the video as well.[7]
Track listings
| 1. |
"Sweetest Thing" (Single Mix) |
3:00 |
| 2. |
"Twilight" (Live from Red Rocks, June 5, 1983) |
4:29 |
The back cover listed the third track simply as a live version of "An Cat Dubh."
| 1. |
"Sweetest Thing" (Single Mix) |
3:00 |
| 2. |
"Stories for Boys" (Live from Boston, 6 March 1981) |
3:02 |
| 3. |
"Out of Control" (Live from Boston, March 6, 1981) |
4:25 |
Charts
References
