Snowlock
Refugee
Bomb isn't a bomb by any means, as was stated above, not when you sell 3 million copies in 7 months and not when you sell out a tour in 15 minutes. But the thing that holds Bomb back imo is the lack of a pop hook in most songs on the album. These songs are good, great even, but not that catchy. Vertigo is musical crack. One listen and you're hooked. But ABOY, LPOE, MD, COBL all are lacking that catchy phrase or chorus that will have you humming in your head for the next 3 days. American rock music is driven by hooks, be it through lyrics or melody or both. Look at any top rock songs on the radio now... American Baby, Mr. Brightside, Holiday, Speed Of Sound; these songs are short and catchy; leaning more toward pop than rock. And Pop is what kids are buying.
In the late 80's and early 90's, it was Heavy Metal and Alternative that was being bought by teenagers in the US. U2 did well not just because they are frickin' awesome (!) but because their music fit the times. They're a rock and roll band that played rock and roll songs at a time when rock and roll still sold.
They're still doing their thing, they put out a rock and roll record but the times have changed. Teenagers are more interested in Pop and Rap and Country now. Rock is more of a novelty, they'll buy a song off iTunes maybe, but not a rock album.
And the outlets for rock are limited too. Radio stations that cater to teenagers don't play rock. MTV doesn't play rock on TRL. Rock isn't played on TV shows like the OC and Smallville; shows that are considered draws for teens. And that's the market with the bucks to spend and the desire to be immersed in the pop culture. And to them, HTAAB, a pure rock and roll record, isn't in style.
It's not that the album failed, it's that U2 decided to do what U2 does best, and fuck what's popular.
Though, you have to wonder, what would Bomb have been like with Eno and Lanois at the helm?
In the late 80's and early 90's, it was Heavy Metal and Alternative that was being bought by teenagers in the US. U2 did well not just because they are frickin' awesome (!) but because their music fit the times. They're a rock and roll band that played rock and roll songs at a time when rock and roll still sold.
They're still doing their thing, they put out a rock and roll record but the times have changed. Teenagers are more interested in Pop and Rap and Country now. Rock is more of a novelty, they'll buy a song off iTunes maybe, but not a rock album.
And the outlets for rock are limited too. Radio stations that cater to teenagers don't play rock. MTV doesn't play rock on TRL. Rock isn't played on TV shows like the OC and Smallville; shows that are considered draws for teens. And that's the market with the bucks to spend and the desire to be immersed in the pop culture. And to them, HTAAB, a pure rock and roll record, isn't in style.
It's not that the album failed, it's that U2 decided to do what U2 does best, and fuck what's popular.
Though, you have to wonder, what would Bomb have been like with Eno and Lanois at the helm?
at yimou. I don't know about 'shit for brains' but I agree with him overall and disagree with Bono and Larry. 
