Zoomerang96 said:
that's a well you can only go to so many times.
if you don't have something new to say, and a new way of saying it, then make way for other bands who've got it going on.
pandering to fans and critics is a deathwish to integrity, creativity, and success as a whole.
While I'm not a fan of Radiohead's recent work (even though I continue to get their CD's...), I do agree with this part of your post. And that's a rarity - I'm not sure I ever agreed with you.
Had U2 tried making a JT-2 in 1991, which is actually what Larry and Adam wanted to do, I don't think U2 would be around today. I'm sure sales would have been solid (for a JT-2), but it also probably would have been the beginning of the end.
One could argue that despite the success of AB, "Zooropa" and "Pop" still weren't huge sellers in the U.S. While true, U2's transition from JT to AB always kept critics and the public interested. "Discotheque" became a huge hit based on anticipation alone! Had U2 not made that transition in 1991, no one would have cared about U2 come 1997.
U2's transition from "Pop" to ATYCLB in 2001, also kept people interested. Despite "Pop" failing to find the audience U2 hoped, come 2001, U2 set a personal best record for a debut week in the SoundScan era when ATYCLB sold over 400,000 copies its first week.
As was posted by others, U2 try to stay relevant. Sometimes I think that quest takes them places that are more "popular" than relevant. For example, some songs on "Pop" were more hip for that particular moment in time rather than songs that could "last through the ages". And this is key - U2 have found a way to make songs that are not only hits, but remain fresh for years after their release. IMO, "Pop" didn't succeed as much because U2 emulated a current style, rathern than leading the way as they've done so often.
Regardless, U2 can only go try a certain style so many times. I feel that JT was a refinement of the sounds on UF. Similarly, I feel HTDAAB is a refinement of the sounds on ATYCLB. U2 were able to have these sets of similarly sounding albums sell well and be well received. But by R&H, U2 were already starting to suffer. So U2 defintely can't try their current style again unless they want to endure yet another backlash - this time for not being creative enough!
If U2 continue in the style of "Fast Cars", "Love & Peace" and even "Vertigo" and "Mercy", then this is a good thing. However, if they continue in the style of "Walk On", "Beautiful Day", "Sometimes..." or "Stuck...", then I will be very disappointed, and I think this will hurt them considerably.