The internet is a place where opinions clash, and musical tastes are no exception. Recently, a quirky question popped up in an online forum: Does the 90s hit “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals sound like a song from the iconic band U2?
This seemingly simple question sparked a thread of responses, with users weighing in on whether they could hear a resemblance between the feel-good anthem and the stadium rock giants. The debate highlights how music perception is subjective and how familiar sounds can sometimes blur genre lines in our minds. Let’s dive into the forum discussion and explore why some people might find a U2 vibe in this unexpected 90s classic.
The Initial Spark: A Friend Group’s Musical Mishap
The user “Tweet” kicked off the conversation, recounting a funny anecdote about their non-internet friend group. Apparently, several adults in their circle (aged 24-30) genuinely believed “You Get What You Give” was a U2 song. This revelation led to a flurry of U2-related jokes and the core question posed to the forum: “Does anyone on this forum also see this as a potential U2 sounding song???”
Image: The avatar of forum user “Tweet”, who initiated the discussion about the song’s similarity to U2.
Forum Users Weigh In: From “Not at all” to “Maybe a Stretch”
The responses were varied, reflecting the subjective nature of musical interpretation. “Concertgoer” offered a blunt and concise rebuttal: “Not at all.” This straightforward dismissal represents one end of the spectrum, suggesting a clear distinction between the two bands’ sounds.
Image: “Concertgoer’s” avatar, a forum member who firmly stated the song does not sound like U2.
However, not everyone was as dismissive. “Mookie” acknowledged U2’s experimental “Pop” era, suggesting that while it would be “a stretch,” the idea wasn’t entirely outlandish. This nuanced perspective hints at the possibility of some stylistic overlap, particularly considering U2’s diverse musical journey.
Image: The avatar of “mookie”, a forum participant who considered a slight resemblance to U2’s experimental phase.
“Chvrchbarrel” brought an interesting piece of trivia to the table, mentioning that The Edge himself once said he wished U2 had written “You Get What You Give.” This endorsement from a U2 member adds significant weight to the discussion. Chvrchbarrel elaborated, noting the song could fit “perfectly” on U2’s “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” album, aligning with a more accessible and melodic U2 sound.
Image: Forum user “chvrchbarrel’s” avatar, who shared The Edge’s positive view of the song and its U2-like quality.
Why the U2 Comparison? Exploring Potential Musical Links
While “You Get What You Give” is definitively a New Radicals song, there are potential reasons why some might associate it with U2. Both bands are known for anthemic qualities in some of their music. “You Get What You Give” has a soaring chorus and an optimistic, uplifting message, elements that resonate with certain aspects of U2’s discography.
Furthermore, the time period is relevant. Released in 1998, “You Get What You Give” emerged in the late 90s, a time when U2 was navigating their post-“Pop” sound and moving towards albums like “All That You Can’t Leave Behind.” This era saw U2 embracing a more polished and accessible rock sound, which might have some sonic similarities, in broad strokes, with the New Radicals’ hit.
The Verdict: A Matter of Subjective Soundscapes
Ultimately, whether “You Get What You Give” sounds like a U2 song is a matter of personal interpretation. While many forum users were quick to dismiss the comparison, the anecdote itself and The Edge’s comment suggest there’s at least a faint U2-esque quality to the song for some listeners. It highlights how our brains categorize and connect music based on individual experiences and sonic touchstones. Perhaps it’s not about whether it is a U2 song, but rather why some people hear U2 in it – a testament to the power of suggestion and the fascinating world of music perception.
