The hit single “Beautiful Day” propelled the album to the top of the charts
On this day 25 years ago, U2 released their chart-topping album All That You Can’t Leave Behind. It marked a powerful return to form for the Irish rock band when it was released on October 30, 2000. After the experimental electronic and techno-influenced sounds of the 1990s with Zooropa and Pop, the band sought to reconnect with the classic songwriting and melodic sensibilities that had first made them global icons. The album was produced by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, long-time collaborators who had helped shape some of U2’s most acclaimed work, including The Joshua Tree (1987) and Achtung Baby (1991). The writing process began in late 1998, when the band began jamming in Hanover Quay Studios in Dublin, Ireland. They worked to simplify their sound, focusing on emotional resonance and universal themes of hope, loss, and perseverance. Bono described the intent as “reapplying for the job of the best band in the world,” aiming to balance introspection with accessibility.
Recording sessions took place between late 1998 and 2000 in Dublin and France. Eno and Lanois emphasized atmosphere and texture, encouraging the band to capture spontaneous performances rather than overproduce. Many of the songs were developed through live takes, with Bono improvising lyrics and melodies during sessions. Tracks like “Beautiful Day,” “Walk On,” and “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” showcased a stripped-back yet anthemic style, merging Larry Mullen Jr.’s steady drumming, Adam Clayton’s grounding bass, and The Edge’s trademark chiming guitar textures. “Beautiful Day,” written late in the sessions, almost didn’t make the album—initially the band thought it was too conventional—but its soaring chorus and hopeful lyrics became the album’s centerpiece. “Walk On,” inspired by Burmese activist Aung San Suu Kyi, became another anthem of resilience, while “Kite” and “In a Little While” revealed a more reflective, human side of the band, shaped by Bono’s growing awareness of mortality following personal losses and his father’s declining health.
Upon release, All That You Can’t Leave Behind received widespread critical acclaim, hailed as a return to U2’s classic sound after the divisive reception of Pop. Rolling Stone called it “their third masterpiece,” comparing it to The Joshua Tree for its emotional clarity and timeless production. Many critics praised its blend of spiritual optimism and sleek rock craftsmanship, though some felt it leaned too heavily on nostalgia. Fans embraced it enthusiastically, seeing it as the band rediscovering their core identity after a decade of reinvention. The album won seven Grammy Awards over two years, including Record of the Year for “Beautiful Day,” and was later included in numerous “best albums of the 2000s” lists by publications like NME, Q, and Pitchfork.
Commercially, the album was a major success. It debuted at No. 1 in 32 countries, including the U.S. and U.K., and sold over 12 million copies worldwide. The lead single “Beautiful Day” became one of the band’s biggest hits, topping charts across Europe and earning massive airplay in the U.S. Other singles such as “Elevation,” “Walk On,” and “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” also performed well, reinforcing the band’s dominance in both mainstream and rock markets. The album’s success reestablished U2 as one of the biggest acts in the world entering the new millennium.
To support the album, U2 launched the Elevation Tour in 2001, which marked a deliberate shift from the massive spectacle of their PopMart and Zoo TV tours to a more intimate, emotionally charged production. The stage design featured a heart-shaped ramp that extended into the audience, symbolizing closeness and connection with fans. The tour began in March 2001 in Miami and ran through December, covering North America and Europe before a brief postponement following the September 11 attacks. The shows following 9/11 took on a deeply emotional tone, with “Walk On” and “One” becoming tributes to resilience and unity. Critics widely praised the Elevation Tour for its stripped-down staging and powerful performances, and it became one of the highest-grossing tours of 2001, earning over $140 million.
All That You Can’t Leave Behind is often regarded as the bridge between U2’s adventurous 1990s and their mature, humanitarian-driven 2000s. It reaffirmed their ability to adapt without losing emotional authenticity and relevance. With its themes of love, faith, and survival resonating strongly in a world about to change, the album remains one of U2’s defining achievements—a reminder that sometimes, looking back is the key to moving forward.
