Depeche Mode were working on a new rock vision. But there was never a rivalry. Bono used reverse psychology in his email (requesting the band's participation in the tribute album), saying he totally understood why we'd say no. We just thought, 'Why not?' 'So Cruel' is Bono at his best, words-wise. And we couldn't tackle 'One' – that would be almost sacrilegious." Credits and personnel U2 Bono – vocals, guitar The Edge – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals Adam Clayton – bass guitar Larry Mullen Jr. – drums, percussion Additional performer Duchess Nell Catchpole – violin, viola The Edge, Brian Eno – string arrangement Technical Production – Daniel Lanois Engineering – Flood Engineering assistance – Robbie Adams Mixing – Flood, Brian Eno Mixing assistance – Shannon Strong See also List of covers of U2 songs - So Cruel References Footnotes Bibliography External links Lyrics at U2.com 1991 songs Songs based on actual events Song recordings produced by Daniel Lanois Songs written by Adam Clayton Songs written by Bono Songs written by Larry Mullen Jr. Songs written by the Edge U2 songs