Facts About U2's Debut Album, 'Boy'

U2’s “Boy” is a significant album in the band’s history and was their debut record. Here are some key facts about the album:

1. Release Date: “Boy” was released on October 20, 1980.
2. Cover Art: The cover of the album features a photograph of a young boy named Peter Rowen, who is the younger brother of Bono’s friend, Guggi. Rowen would later appear on the covers of U2’s “Three,” “War,” and “The Best of 1980–1990” albums.
3. Singles: The lead single from “Boy” was “A Day Without Me,” followed by “I Will Follow.” “I Will Follow” is a standout track from the album and became a staple in U2’s live performances.
4. Themes: Many of the album’s songs touch upon the theme of adolescence, grappling with uncertainty, and the challenges and anxieties of youth.
5. Producer: The album was produced by Steve Lillywhite, who went on to produce several other U2 albums, including “October” and “War.”
6. Recording: “Boy” was primarily recorded in Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland.
7. Critical Reception: While it didn’t become a huge commercial hit initially, “Boy” was generally well-received by critics and helped to establish U2 as a promising new band on the music scene.
8. Tour: Following the release of “Boy,” U2 embarked on their first international tour, which was called the “Boy Tour.” This tour helped introduce the band to audiences outside of Ireland.
9. Track Listing: Some of the notable tracks on the album include “I Will Follow,” “Out of Control,” “Twilight,” and “Stories for Boys.”
10. Significance in U2’s Career: “Boy” is significant because it marks the beginning of U2’s long and illustrious career. While they had released an EP titled “Three” prior to “Boy,” this album is considered their first major work.
11. Controversy: The original American release had a different cover due to concerns about the original cover potentially being misconstrued. The U.S. version featured a distorted image of the band, but later reissues reverted back to the original Peter Rowen cover.
12. Legacy: Over the years, “Boy” has been recognized as one of the best debut albums of its era. Tracks like “I Will Follow” and “Out of Control” have remained fan favourites and are often played in U2’s live shows.

While U2’s later albums would achieve even greater commercial and critical success, “Boy” is a crucial piece of the band’s discography and showcased their raw energy, ambition, and potential.