trevgreg
Rock n' Roll Doggie
Do you not think that they expected to use those songs while in production? Maybe they didn't say, "we will now write our catchy radio hit" but in things I've read it seems like they develop a fairly clear idea of which singles will lead off before the album is wrapped.
Oh, I think they do have those thoughts or discussions while making an album, sure. But I also don't picture Bono rubbing his hands together with a devlish grin when hearing the band make Elevation and saying "Yes, yes... a radio hit!" Maybe they just liked the instrumentation and the hooks and ran with it, you know? If it's catchy and has a chance to attracting listeners or working in a live setting, then more power to it. It's certainly not a bad thing.
I haven't heard that criticism, though I have heard folks say that Edge's work on the last records was rote and safe, "dialing it in". But when they say that, they're saying that he needs to step up and start pushing the boundaries again, so I think it's frustrated love, not guitar hate.
Could be. But I do wonder sometimes. Outside of Edge embracing power chord, shredding, and/or distortion, I'm not really sure what he could do to change it up for some listeners out there.