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Boy is an October 1980 (see 1980 in music) album from U2. It was the band's debut, and was preceded by the single "I Will Follow". The single was a hit on college radio and established a buzz surrounding the group's debut. The song was widely perceived as a religious song, affirming the band's Christian faith, though this has never been confirmed or denied.
The album was recorded in Dublin, in Windmill Lane Studios with Steve Lillywhite producing. Some of the songs, including "An Cat Dubh" and "The Ocean" were written and recorded in the studio; many of the songs were regularly performed in concert at the time, including "Stories for Boys", "Out of Control" and "Twilight".
In stark contrast to the then-popular British rock bands like The Smiths, Boy was optimistic and positive, and helped establish a rhythmic, guitar-led jangle pop sound within alternative rock circles on both sides of the Atlantic.
The boy on the cover is Peter Rowan, brother of Bono's friend, Guggi. The photographer, Hugo McGuiness and the sleeve designer, Steve Averill, would go on to work on several future U2 album covers. The image had to be changed to a band picture for the United States, due to fears that the band would be accused of child pornography.
In 1981 (see 1981 in music), Boy peaked at #63 on Billboard's album charts. "I Will Follow" peaked at #20 on the Mainstream Rock charts. It did not chart in the United Kingdom.
Track listing
- "I Will Follow" 3:36
- "Twilight" 4:22
- "An Cat Dubh" 6:21
- "Into the Heart" 1:53
- "Out of Control" 4:13
- "Stories for Boys" 3:02
- "The Ocean" 1:34
- "A Day Without Me" 3:14
- "Another Time, Another Place" 4:34
- "The Electric Co." 4:48
- "Shadows and Tall Trees" 4:36
All songs written by Bono/Clayton/Edge/Mullen.
(The Track Listing is from the CD Release. This album was originally released on LP and cassette.)
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