Reggie Thee Dog
Blue Crack Addict
I've already summarized my list of "what went wrong" earlier in the thread, but the #1 problem with Pop is that it wasn't that great of an album.
Zooropa/Passengers/Pop....that's a trifecta of experimentation...but they don't make for great U2 records. There are some very good songs on each of them, but nothing that makes them through-and-through masterpieces.
It's obvious the Edge was in his most experimental period, and he and Bono were REALLY INTO the club scene (music-wise). Pop is an interesting idea that just doesn't ever get to where they wanted it to go. The remixes of the singles are MUCH better (including the remixes on the Best of 90-00...save Discotheque which is one of those songs (like Boots) that they tried too hard to make into something viable and consumable but never gets there).
I don't mind the experimental side of U2 or incorporating dance rhythms, but mix in a string of songs that we can 'all' sink our teeth into...otherwise it's just pandering to yourself, and a small sect of your fan base...or just poor execution.