I think Rattle & Hum was the ultimate tall poppy album. Its live tracks were raw, edgy and powerful. Its new tracks were those of a band at the top of their game. They were different from JT, they were inventive, but they retained the lyrical and melodic punch which had sent U2 to the top of world music charts.
But they were just too U2 and, as history shows, people simply don't want too much of a good thing.
And, in hind sight, U2 got better. In my opinion, Achtung Baby is one of the greatest rock albums.
October, on the other hand, was unfinished. We know about the lost lyrics, and the 'are we still in a band or aren't we' turmoil. And those things took their toll, to my ear.
Having said that, there are few, if any, more powerful moments in any U2 albums than the one-two of Tomorrow and October.
And SIASL is brilliant...
POP. Well, I still can't quite get Pop. I'm envious of all you who can. There are a few songs I like, but for the most part the over production just makes me so frustrated I have to turn it off.
It's one of those albums that makes you wish you were there during recording, so you could say to the lads 'Hey, look, stop it with the post production'.
But it's not only that. For me, the basic kernel of the songs, the lyrics and melodies, just don't quite reach Bono's usual heights.
So R&H a clear winner for me...
But isn't that the glory of what U2 have done. So many people with such different favourites, but when we all come together at one of their gigs, everyone feels exactly the same way.