From another forum, where U2 was being discussed. This guy obviously doesn't listen to too much U2.
"This is quite a subjective thread, but I agree that U2 is very over-rated. While they have many fabulous singles, they have not grown much as a band. Nearly all their songs can be interchanged; the 80's songs sound like the 90's songs sound like today's songs. Dave Matthew Band falls into this category as well.
When they did branch out a bit, with "Pop," critics attacked and they immediately retreated back to their old sound.
Although I am not a huge fan of Metallica, they're an example of a band that progressed artistically, changed with the times, and still maintained a fan base.
That being said, here are my picks for best groups of the 80's and 90's. Each one can be noted as a band that has grown artistically. Some are traditional rock, some are not.
Pet Shop Boys
Depeche Mode
Smashing Pumpkins
R.E.M. (although their current material is a bit too laid back for me)
P.S. Bono's big head (the most swelled in the business) has increasingly grated on my nerves over the years as well. That being said, The Edge rules!"