U2

With the simple words "Unos, dos, tres, catorce," quite possibly the largest album marketing campaign of the year and certainly the biggest cross-marketing endeavor were kicked off. As U2's Bono shouted these four numbers in Spanish in the infectious Apple iPod commercial, the entire world was introduced to U2's 14th release, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. The single, "Vertigo," was suddenly ubiquitous. To celebrate the release of the album, U2 (PRS) came up with one of the largest publicity stunts ever by performing on the back of a flat bed truck traveling through the streets of Manhattan. Following this, they staged a surprise concert for roughly 15,000 fans that flocked to the base of the Brooklyn Bridge. All this hype was certainly deserved as their latest music is among the best they've created. "Vertigo" is up for a Grammy, and the band will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. —JB