U2's DNA

[Dr. Lemonseed]

I have a theory that the best artists have at least 3-4 parts of their DNA. Think about Bob Dylan. There is: 1. ballad/nostalgic Dylan 2. snarky piss-off Dylan 3. political Dylan 4. Americana/roots Dylan.

So what about U2? What is their DNA?
1. Political
2. Spiritual-yearning
3. Personal/doubtful
4. Joyful/uplifting/inspiring

Now, each of these elements has a correlated masterpiece, I'd argue;
1. Political - War
2. Spiritual/Yearning - The Joshua Tree
3. Personal/doubtful - Achtung Baby
4. Joyful/Uplifting - ATYCLB

Is there anything left in the tank? What else in their DNA can be expressed? Here are the options:
- reflective
- relationships?
- pop
- story-telling

Otherwise, I'd say they've already hit their peak expressions of each DNA strand. What's left?

 

[Hollow Island]

I think that the political aspect of U2 is overblown. They talk about politics more than they song about it, particularly since Achtung Baby.

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

I'd go with socially conscious over political, even with their earlier material.