With Rubin I could imaging more 'standard' sounds, from bluesy riff rock like Breathe and SUCk to really reverbed classic pop like WITS. Another thing against the idea in my mind, is that Rubin expects the artists he works with to have all the songs written and ready to go. U2 thrive on improvisation in the studio. So I could only see a downside to that.
Don't get me wrong, I like plenty of Rubin productions but I think the fascination with him is a bit overrated. He's more of a 'best takes' guy, playing by ear than adding creative input. They might be better off with any number of different producers than him.
U2, as much as some don't like to admit, benefit greatly from outside creative influence.
Maybe some think the E/L well is running dry but I think they enhance U2 more than anything. If the next album is an E/L production, I am on board. If not, I'd like to see them work with a
musician of some sort at the production desk.
As far as show tunes...eh, I am interested to hear it, just out of curiosity.
I am a little put off with the concept that they might have written some killer tune for fucking Broadway and Stand Up Crapathon can still make the album.
So yeah, after NLOTH, I am excited for the next album more than these other projects.
Kingdom (whatever it's name is) sounds cool to me, what I've heard of it. Harmonies and atmosphere FTW.