Stuck is just one of those songs in U2’s catalog that I very much like, can’t say I love, but find it irritating to talk about.
The production, as others have said is a bit saccharine. It was also kind of the beginning of Bono’s overly wordy songs, but the truth is, I found that aspect to be refreshing and experimental at the time.
It’s a very difficult subject matter to write about, and honestly I challenge anyone that labels it “trite”. There are thousands of songs about this subject, but I’ve never heard one that put it, in such an honest and non-judgmental way. He’s not really offering an answer, nor is he trying to say he completely understands; which are what most of the trite songs of this subject matter try and do.
There are many who still just don’t understand this song, and I get that too. Though, some of the interpretations are just brutal.
At the end of the day, I think it could have been up there with some of the greats if it had production. Even Johnny from Radiohead said it was one of their greatest songs... let that sink in