Around The Sun is more or less what U2 has been doing in the last albums, the difference is that ATS embraces more periods. I can see clear inspirational moments from "Reveal", "Up", "Hi-Fi" and "Out Of Time".
People were expecting a more rocking REM like in the Monster era but they presented us with a more chilling and relaxed mood and bringing again their own know-how.
The problem is that many songs needed to be more worked, because many of them go around in circles and don't get anywhere.