HelloAngel said:
As the years go by, I like Pop more and more, and like the newer records less and less. And that is my opinion, of course.
Interesting HelloAngel, as I find the exact opposite is true with me. When I listen to "Pop", all I hear are the flaws and weaknesses. Many songs no longer appeal to me at all. Those which I tolerated before (e.g. "If God Will..." and "Staring at the Sun") hold no interest to me. Various rumors state that U2 may play some "Pop" songs in concert - if it's these two, then no thanks.
That said, there are some "Pop" songs that I think are great. "Discotheque" has a fantastic riff... but I just think Bono's lyrics are a bit weak (back in '97 I argued otherwise). Hence why "Vertigo" will always shine compared to it. In direct contrast, "Please" has some of Bono's best lyrics ever - but sadly, I was never a fan of the melody or music. Something about it just didn't work for me. Even in '97, I felt like I *had* to like "Please" because of what it stood for - saying I didn't seemed almost sacrilegious. Still, the lyrics are so strong in "Please" that I can enjoy the song on that level. "Mofo", however, is a powerful song and one of my favorite from U2 ever. I even like "Miami" - barring the screaming section.
Sadly, it's just when I hear the album, I'm sensing something is missing. And it's not because U2 have claimed the album wasn't finished. Rather, over time it doesn't hold up that well for me.
To be fair, though, I also hear this in JT and "Octobere". All 3 albums have brilliant moments with some of my favorite all-time U2 songs - but they also contain some of my least favorite songs as well.
Albums that have held up very well, IMO, are "Boy", UF, AB and HTDAAB. I can listen to those albums all the time and enjoy them. This isn't to say I love every song on those albums (I can think of several that I would jettison), but overall, when I think of U2, these 4 albums are what come to mind.