Love Is Blindness

"Love Is Blindness," is the last track on U2’s 1991 album Achtung Baby. The song was written by The Edge, the guitarist of U2, and shows his mental state right after divorcing his wife. The emotion in the song is raw, real, full of emotion and intimate. 

During Achtung Baby, U2 was experimenting with more alternative and industrial sounds. This song is in complete contrast with that. As it's a descent into Edge’s despair. 

The vocals for the song are restrained, but full of pain. But it also feels like parts reflect some form of numbness. 

"Love is blindness, I don't want to see. Won't you wrap the night around me?"

Musically, this song is very subtle. Adam Clayton’s bass and Larry Mullen Jr.’s drums are in the background of the song. But they make the song come together. 

The Edge’s guitar work is the main focus of this song, it's not flashy, that’s what makes it special. One part of the song that definitely deserves mention is the solo. In my opinion, it’s one of The Edge’s best. He actually broke two guitar strings while recording it, which just shows how much emotion he poured into the performance.

"Love Is Blindness" is not a song of hope or resolution. It’s the sound of staring into the void after love has collapsed. It’s raw, beautiful, and one of U2’s most underappreciated tracks. 

A true view of Edge’s feelings.

Live versions:

Zoo TV Live From Sydney. 

During this performance the song was played together with "can’t help falling in love." Bono was dressed as Macphisto, one of his three alter ego’s. And the edge was wearing a blue suit and beret. Later in the performance a woman comes on stage and hugs Bono while The Edge plays the solo to the song. The Edge plays his white 1975 Gibson Les Paul during this performance.

Edge’s Solo Performance.

During this performance Edge sits alone in a church, where he plays and sings this song. He plays a Gibson Hummingbird during this performance.