Magnificent-U2

"Magnificent" is the second track and single from U2's 2009 album, No Line on the Horizon.^[1] The track was originally titled "French Disco", but was renamed later in the recording sessions.^[3]

"Magnificent" only managed to peak at #42 on the UK Singles Chart, the first time a U2 single failed to make Top 40 in the UK since "A Celebration" in 1982.

"Magnificent" originated from the band's improvised recording sessions with Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois in Fez, Morocco in June 2007.^[4] The track was created out of a series of chord changes in the midst of a jam. The Edge noted that "The basic chord progression had a power that got everyone inspired. I think we all knew that it was inherently joyful, which is rare."^[5] A group of Moroccan percussionists played along with the band, and the result quickly became a band favourite during the sessions.^[5]

Bono noted that the lyrics were influenced by both Cole Porter and Bach, and that the song is about "two lovers holding on to each other and trying to turn their life into worship."^[5] Lanois described the song's origins: "We wanted to have something euphoric and Bono came up with that little melody. And he loved that melody, and stuck with it. Almost like a fanfare. And then I was involved in the lyrical process on that, because we wanted to talk about sacrifice that one makes for one's medium or one's art. I thought it had for a setting New York in the 50s; looking out a small bedroom window. Maybe a Charlie Parker kind of figure."

Remixes

The song has been officially remixed four times, by Pete Tong, Redanka, Fred Falke, and Adam K & Soha. The remixes were to be made available simultaneously with the single release for the song. In the UK the Magnificent Remixes are already highest climber in the Upfront Club Chart at No. 3, and are at No. 4 in the Cool Cuts Chart. ^[6] Will.i.am participated in the creation of an as-yet unreleased remix.^[7]