U2

Whatever is said about them, in my opinion they remain among the best groups of the entire eighties. A stunning initial post-punk trilogy ("Boy," "October," and "War"), two masterpieces produced by Eno ("The Unforgettable Fire" and "The Joshua Tree"), a great live album ("Rattle and Hum"), and an excellent electronic turn ("Achtung Baby" and partly "Zooropa") make them a band of considerable stature. Since 1997, unfortunately, they have been at the mercy of the waves.