U2 is a band that truly takes a fan to sign onto a journey. If you ever get stuck in one period, or hop off the train for too long, it's nearly impossible to genuinely enjoy the next stage they hit.
We all know fans that are stuck in the 80-83/84 range. Wall all know fans stuck in the 84 to 88 range, or the 91 to 97 range, etc... But if you are like most people here, who have hung on tight for the entire ride, each release brings something to be appreciated and anticipated.
I for one have been a fan since 85, my most love leaning to the 90's material, and while I never fully embraced any of the 2000's albums in their entirety, it is impossible for me not to be in love with songs like Kite, WILATW, Vertigo, OOTS, COBL, Magnificent, Fez, MOS, NLOTH, EBW, Raised By Wolves, SLABT, and The Troubles...
And if i love 4 or 5 songs from SOE, it will be well worth it.
I don't think anyone here can argue that we wouldn't just love it if the band could shake the "relevance" bug and just put out something free from over-cooking. But it probably isn't what we are going to get.
I also don't think anyone here would be disappointed if the band released an album that actually resonated with the public again and allowed them to go out on a high note in the general public's perception.
I would love to get both of those things with SOE. It will be fun to find out what we end up with though.
So, enjoy the ride. If you've taken too many breaks and pit stops along the way, you'll probably be disappointed no matter what.