In 2001, U2 won the Song of the Year Grammy for “Beautiful Day.” The song was the lead single from the Irish band’s tenth studio album, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, released in 2000.
“Beautiful Day” marked a return to a more direct, anthemic U2 sound after the band’s experimental 1990s work. Bono described its central idea as finding joy and perspective even after losing nearly everything. The Edge’s guitar sound, Brian Eno’s programming, and Daniel Lanois’s production helped give the recording its expansive but focused character.
At the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards on February 21, 2001, “Beautiful Day” won three awards: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Song of the Year honors the songwriting, and U2 was credited as the song’s songwriting team. Record of the Year, by contrast, recognizes the recording and production.