Even Better Than the Real Thing

"Even Better Than the Real Thing" is one of those songs that encapsulates the essence of U2's musical search during the 1990s. Its origins trace back to a guitar riff that The Edge created in Los Angeles while working on the album Rattle and Hum. Initially, the band recorded a demo titled "The Real Thing" at STS Studios, but this material was shelved until the Achtung Baby sessions began. Upon moving to Hansa Studios in Berlin in late 1990, they encountered a challenging environment that hindered the progress of the songs. However, everything changed when they returned to Dublin in 1991 and recorded in a mansion called "Elsinore," where the atmosphere became more positive.

One of the key transformations of the song was the acquisition of a DigiTech Whammy pedal by The Edge, which gave the riff a new twist, creating an octave sweep that revitalized the composition. Additionally, the lyrics underwent an evolution: initially, they included the line "There ain't nothing like the real thing," but with the suggestion of producer Brian Eno, it was changed to "Even better than the real thing," aligning the song better with the zeitgeist of the era, where the search for truth was being replaced by a need for instant gratification.

Released as the fourth single from the album on June 8, 1992, the song reached number three in Ireland and Canada and entered the top 10 in several European countries. Though it did not crack the UK top ten, a remix by Paul Oakenfold gave it new life, peaking at number eight on the British charts. In the United States, the track climbed to number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a rock radio staple, topping the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

The music video, directed by Kevin Godley, also stood out for its innovative visual effects, earning an MTV Video Music Award in 1992. The song is not only a reflection of U2's musical evolution but also captures a moment when the band sought to reinvent itself and explore new sonorities, blending alternative rock with psychedelic touches.