The Irreverent U2 Podcast: Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts with the Garden Tarts

U2 nerds unite: the Garden Tarts dig into the deluxe edition of Songs of Innocence, praise Bono’s vocal surprises, argue about punk cred, reveal listener poll winners, and deliver acoustic hot takes with fireworks-level enthusiasm. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

This episode, the Garden Tarts review the deluxe edition of U2’s Songs of Innocence — deep dives on Lucifer’s Hands, Crystal Ballroom, and Invisible, plus a Side B rundown of the acoustic mixes and alternate versions. We read listener poll results (Every Breaking Wave wins!), trade live-show anecdotes, and serve affectionate, goofy U2 analysis for superfans and casual listeners alike.

Show notes — what we cover:

Lucifer’s Hands deep dive: origins, 1984 Unforgettable Fire roots, punk energy, and lyric questions about “Lucifer”

Crystal Ballroom obsession: the building backstory, dancing beats, family memories, and why this track shoulda been a
main-album favorite (four thumbs up, fireworks).

Invisible origin story: 2014 Super Bowl debut, iTunes fundraiser tie-in (Bank of America + (RED)), hidden-track status on the deluxe edition, and touring stats (played 82 times).

Intermission listener poll: top picks — Every Breaking Wave (winner), Iris and Raised by Wolves tied for second; every album track received at least one vote (fan engagement!).
Side B acoustic & alternate takes: Every Breaking Wave (stunning acoustic vocal), California (album vs acoustic tie), Raised by Wolves & Cedarwood Road takeaways, Song for Someone acoustic, The Miracle of Joey Ramone (Busker vs album), and The Troubles alternate mix (female vocal lift).
Live show thoughts: why mistakes are charming, why live ≠ studio, and how Bono’s voice surprised us on acoustic versions.

Listener love: funniest poll replies, emotional fan stories, and weird office anecdotes (U2 cameo video scoop).

U2 Songs of Innocence deluxe, Lucifer’s Hands analysis, Crystal Ballroom meaning, Invisible U2 hidden track, U2 acoustic versions, Every Breaking Wave winner, Garden Tarts U2 podcast, Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, U2 fan poll results, Bono vocal review.

Quotes to highlight:

“I can change the world, but I can’t change the world in me” — lyric moment we can’t stop thinking about.

“This song made my grandparents look cool — old people are secretly legendary dancers” — Crystal Ballroom reaction.

“Invisible: punk-city arrival anthem — sleeping in the station, screaming to be seen” — origin take.

“Every Breaking Wave acoustic: Bono’s voice, naked and refined” — Side B mic drop moment

WHERE TO FIND US:
➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com
➡️ [email protected]
➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts
➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts
➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts

KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts. 
Production by: Jenny Steadman
Graphic design by: Hillary Frank
All music is by December

Jenny and Hillary continue their Tart Talk on U2’s Songs of Innocence with Side B, covering “Volcano,” “Raised by Wolves,” “Cedarwood Road,” “Sleep Like a Baby Tonight,” “This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now,” and “The Troubles”. They dig into grief, rage, domestic violence, Catholic abuse, friendship, and the band’s personal memories behind the songs. Along the way, they talk about live performances, Bono, Edge, Larry Mullen Jr., Guggi, Joe Strummer, and how U2 turns pain into music.

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991

WHERE TO FIND US:
➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com
➡️ [email protected]
➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts
➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts
➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast
➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter
➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts
➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts

KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts. 
Production by: Jenny Steadman
Graphic design by: Hillary Frank
All music is by December

The Garden Tarts kick off their 2026 Tart Talk with part one of a two-part discussion of U2’s Songs of Innocence. In this episode, Hillary and Jenny dig into the album’s release controversy, the Apple/iPhone backlash, the cover art, and the first five tracks, “The Miracle of Joey Ramone,” “Every Breaking Wave,” "California (There is No End to Love)," "Song For Someone" and "Iris (Hold Me Close)." And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️.

This side A conversation goes song by song through the first half of the album, with music analysis, U2 lore, live show memories, and plenty of shots along the way. Stay tuned for part two next week.

TAGS:
U2, Songs of Innocence, U2 Songs of Innocence, The Garden Tarts, Tart Talk, U2 podcast, U2 album review, Miracle of Joey Ramone, Every Breaking Wave, Songs of Innocence Side A, U2 deep dive, music podcast, Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen Jr, Apple U2 album

LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991

WHERE TO FIND US:
➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com
➡️ [email protected]
➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts
➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts
➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast
➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter
➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts
➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts

KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts. 
Production by: Jenny Steadman
Graphic design by: Hillary Frank
All music is by December

In this mini episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts dig into U2’s whirlwind time in Mexico City, including the Street of Dreams video shoot, fan reports from the set, and the growing excitement around new music tied to the FIFA World Cup. Jenny and Hillary also talk about Bono dancing and drinking in public, Larry’s welcome return to the spotlight, and what it all says about this joyful new U2 era.
Plus, the Random Song of the Week is “Shadows and Tall Trees,” which leads to a thoughtful conversation about loss of innocence, atmosphere, and the emotional world of Boy. And of course, there’s one very important question for Bono over whiskey and cake: could he throw us a bone, please, sir?

And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991

WHERE TO FIND US:
➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com
➡️ [email protected]
➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts
➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts
➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast
➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter
➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts
➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts

KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts. 
Production by: Jenny Steadman
Graphic design by: Hillary Frank
All music is by December

In this episode of Kissing Lips and Breaking Hearts, the Garden Tarts play a fun and thoughtful round of “20 Questions” about U2 shows, ranking favorite concerts, toughest nights, most emotional songs, and the eras they’d time-travel back to in U2 history. They also dig into listener reactions to “Miami,” from its summer vibe and live energy to its place as one of U2’s more polarizing tracks, and reveal the next song up for discussion. If you love U2 concert memories, deep-cut song talk, and fan-favorite debate, this episode is for you. And of course, Questions for Bono over Whiskey and Cake™️

LEAVE US A 5-STAR REVIEW! It helps people find the show.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on SPOTIFY ➡️ https://open.spotify.com/show/2zSuKUbHaQgsKFjEmyG8jo?si=8244b36bcc734ca8
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only, please) on APPLE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kissing-lips-and-breaking-hearts-the-irreverent/id1478584991

WHERE TO FIND US:
➡️ http://www.thegardentarts.com
➡️ [email protected]
➡️ facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegardentarts
➡️ instagram: https://instagram.com/the_gardentarts
➡️ threads: https://www.threads.com/@the_gardentarts_u2podcast
➡️ https://thegardentarts.com/#subscribe to our newsletter
➡️ http://www.patreon.com/thegardentarts
➡️ http://buymeacoffee.com/thegardentarts

KISSING LIPS & BREAKING HEARTS: AN IRREVERENT U2 PODCAST is produced by us, The Garden Tarts LLC. 
Production by: Jenny Steadman
Graphic design by: Hillary Frank
All music is by December