Er... was there even one post where anybody implied this?
There were a couple that implied it for sure. No one flat out said it. Not really relevant to the discussion, I may have engaged in a little bit of hyperbole, but the point is problems in the 80s are conveniently glossed over or discounted by some here.
For me, I absolutely love the sound of a singer straining to hit a note. It's an essential part of the visceral strength of rock and roll. It is why I would rather hear John Lennon straining than Pavarotti gliding onto a note and sustaining it after three years of vocal exercises with a voice teacher. (I hate opera, incidentally.)
Anyway, I have nothing against Bono's voice now -- it's really rather excellent for someone his age. He's just older and not as raw now, which isn't to my taste, but there you go. Just taste, nothing more.
Is there ever a point where straining turns into just flat out screaming in desperation and futility, not ultimately hitting the note?
I agree with you- I love the singing strength of rock, etc and there is plenty of straining now, but much less screaming. You can audibly tell he is straining to hit plenty of notes on 360, but no painful screaming.
I am with you- Miss Sarajevo and Sometimes are enough of Bono's Opera voice for me- I prefer his rock edge any day. To my mind and ears, Bono has regained a good amount of the power that was lost post Zoo TV. That is what ultimately matters for me as far as enjoyment of his voice.
The people that are pointing out his technical ability of late I think are trying to make the point that it contributes to his sustainability and that has led to less blow outs, no postponed shows, no REAL, GLARING off nights, etc. I would be the first to disagree strongly with someone saying that Bono sang so well technically on Elevation that is does not matter that he did not sound very good.
Bottom line, I do not think anyone is suggesting technical proficiency is an end in and of itself, just a means to an end, especially when Bono is approaching 50!