3 February 2001
You probably know the story behind ‘Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of’ as a song by Bono about the tragic final years and death of his friend Michael Hutchence. No one’s response to that kind of sad, complicated, frustrating situation is going to be perfect. So, the sincerity of Bono’s intent isn’t up for discussion here. (The Samaritans in Ireland at 116 123 and Pieta at 1800 247 247 are available at those free-phone numbers if you have any similar problems on your mind.)
Simply as a song, ‘Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of’ has more going for it than most U2 singles. The band’s characteristic gaucheness suits a would-be conversation between an Irish alpha male and an Aussie one about their feelings. Lyrically the verses and chorus are probably as unshowy and sincere-sounding as we can ever expect from Bono; I welcome any break from the usual religiosity and rock-isms. Its production is understated and leaves the song’s feelings some space. And the band somehow fashion a clunky title into a catchy chorus.
However, it’s also a song which runs severely out of ideas by the mid-section and coda, where Bono reverts to his usual vapid performative aphorisms (“It’s a long way down to nothing at all”). What’s more, it’s still a song in U2’s regular idiom of soft rock anthemic ballad, a choice that starts any song at a disadvantage. Finally, how can a band with so much money consistently make such bad videos? On balance, though, there are enough flecks of quality and genuine feeling to get this over the line. Yes, we’re starting from the low base of ‘All I Want Is You’ and ‘Discothèque’, but for me ‘Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of’ sits alongside the altogether-different ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ as U2’s best Irish number one so far.
