SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 5:49 Min.
It’s the sixth song off U2’s 1991 album, Achtung Baby. “So Cruel” sheds light on The Edge’s split from his wife, Aislinn O’Sullivan.
REVIEW:
Despite only being played live a handful of times, “So Cruel” tends to be lost in the shuffle of an already star-studded collection of U2 classics. However, that doesn’t diminish this song individually. Bono’s bitter sound powering “So Cruel” doesn’t seem mean-spirited at the same time — which is exactly what the song is supposed to be. The tune describes how you sometimes need to be brutally honest with your partner to salvage a relationship … without getting too specific. In that sense, the song emotionally dives deep – expressing that you can love someone, even if it hurts all at the same time.
This poignant narrative makes the song even more relatable than just for that particular situation. Overall, “So Cruel” is highly recommended, no matter that it isn’t as well-known as other tracks from Achtung Baby.
ROSCOE’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
