Peterrrrr said:
I don't think its unfair, the band can release another masterpeice just like AB, UF and Zooropa. The problem would be solve if they stop thinking that they must produce music that most people like. That was the problem with ATYCLB and HTDAAB, they didnt want to take the risk after Pop.
Maybe they have more confidence now and know that the fans don't leave them only because they choose to do something different. It seems that when U2 fans meet the band members they don't dare to ask the band to do something more deep and dark.
I absolutely agree with this. U2 need to make an album that will be revisted in the future as being a masterpiece, not necessarily liked as soon as it comes out. Lots of people didn't like Achtung Baby when it came out, especially with The Fly as their first single. I don't think they got any #1 singles out of it, but the album sold well, and now is considered in the top 2 albums for them. Led Zeppelin did albums with little single recognition, but the albums did well because the music was great consistently even if the songs are too long for radio airplay. U2 shouldn't be looking for singles but great music that will feel great when their career is over. As long as the music is rich and dense like AB and JT with new sounds that we notice in repeated listens that can be enjoyed in the future it will be GREAT. Achtung Baby is my favorite to me because the music never sounds dated. The songs are vague enough that people can put their own interpretation on them. With modern topics and politics included you can date songs (hello Playboy mansion), but if you put enough of a spin on the songs so that the music can be a part of another generation and enjoyed on it's own MUSIC QUALITY you have something that will last. Why is Red Hill Mining Town still a great sounding song? The melody is beautiful and heartbreaking. I can listen to it many times and it will still sound great. Variety is the spice of life. There needs to be layers and things to be discovered on it; just like in paintings, movies, and literature. When I listen to The Fly today I can hear things in it that I didn't notice when if first came out. I like how Larry's snare drum sounds. I like Bono's falsetto voice. I like Edge's atmospheric guitar (I noticed that right away), and Adam's bass is awesome. The album still sounds new today. I like hearing "Yeah!" in the background on EBTTRT when Edge kicks into the guitar towards the end of the song. Those human reactions and subtlety help. The album is not bland. Listen to Acrobat. What a great song that wasn't a hit! I could go on.
Atmosphere, layers, multiple meanings to different people, originality if possible. That's the key to success for art in order for it to last. It's like the difference between a good wine (ATYCLB, HTDAAB, B, O, W, UF, RH, Z, P), and a great wine with lasting structure and layers of flavour, (JT, AB). I like good wines better than bad wines and be grateful to have a good wine compared to today's "vinegar" bands put out, but I'd be over the moon if U2 gives us a 2005 Grand Cru Bourdeux.
The wine can then be laid down for 20 years and mature with lots of evocative scents and flavours. The tannins will have dissapated leaving a smooth fruity flavour and long finish.
Mmmmm. I would like a nice glass of wine right now.