Two things I'm not really sure about now:
1: So is Ryan Tedder producing Songs of Experience? Or has he just heard it as someone close to the band?
2: When he talks about how "accessible" an album is, is he referring to SoE, or ATYCLB? It's not so clear to me.
Anyway, to me the biggest news is that SoE now consists primarily of new songs, and very little leftover material from SoI. Many previous interviews with the band indicated that SoE was made up of SoI session leftovers, which I think gave the impression they had a headstart/not too much work left.
Apparently they had an album "ready to go" at the end of last year, now they're still working on it with largely new material; sounds like they decided what they had in 2015 wasn't good enough, but nonetheless didn't scrap album plans, instead pushing the tour back to accommodate a (relatively) quick follow up.
I guess any Danger Mouse influence is gone (which based on how SoI sessions ended, is not surprising).
As for Tedder's comments: well it certainly sounds like any 'rough' or 'aggressive' elements are being replaced with more radio friendly ones. So, typical vibe to post-Pop U2 albums, which is not that surprising, albeit disappointing (I was so curious to hear a more rough, less self-conscious album. Sounds like the 'Get out of your own way' song/mentality was likely, well, gotten in the way of).
Ah well. I still like u2's catchy pop songs and riffs. Not ideal, but I do like the miracle and Sfs, and frankly would rather they try and write tunes that connect than disappear into Passengers part 2 (no offense towards that album, just not my preferred destination).