I was having a few thoughts about the kind of impact the next album could have on the future of the band, and I think it is quite huge. These are just opinionative predictions I've been having.
2 possible scenarios I can see happening:
1. New Album - explodes onto the scene as another successful reinvention of U2 and breeds more experimentation.
Next Album - even more experimentation further in a similar direction; sees a fair amount of popularity
Final Album - band is nervous about releasing a third experimental album because of how they regard POP. So, once again it is a "return to form" of sorts; but this time they know that they almost ran out of steam with those types of albums after ATYCLB and HTDAAB. Therefore, having virtually nowhere to go after this album, they announce they will hang it up after this one. The band pours its heart and soul into this record and scores one of the best exits of all time.
Scenario #2.
New Album - An outcry is heard among fans "This is not the U2 we remember/want". Critics and a handful of dedicated fans still love them for trying something different/experimental/innovative, but it's not enough to keep U2 going in the same direction.
Next Album - "Return to basics" kind of sound...another unnecessary "apology" album (like I felt ATYCLB was for POP); but this time since they feel like they almost ran out of steam on this path after ATYCLB and HTDAAB, they announce this will be their last.
Post-U2 predictions:
Bono - goes on to promote his causes and does guest vocals on other artists' projects here and there.
Edge - becomes a successful producer for a number of bands
Adam & Larry - Retirement is fun!
A Crap-load of compilations/live DVD's/Books/unreleased rarities are released for the next 50+ years or so.
So, basically what I'm saying is that I think this album will be the deciding factor on whether we get U2 for about 10 more years or for only about 6 or so.
I hate to touch on such a depressing topic, but we have to consider that U2 seems to be a band that thinks once you are "out of touch", it's time to stop being a band. That, coupled with the age of the band and the legacy they already have, are the reasons I make these predictions.
Let me know if anyone agrees or thinks it is feasible. This is just food for thought. I'm not backing these ideas 100%; they just seem most likely, in my mind.
2 possible scenarios I can see happening:
1. New Album - explodes onto the scene as another successful reinvention of U2 and breeds more experimentation.
Next Album - even more experimentation further in a similar direction; sees a fair amount of popularity
Final Album - band is nervous about releasing a third experimental album because of how they regard POP. So, once again it is a "return to form" of sorts; but this time they know that they almost ran out of steam with those types of albums after ATYCLB and HTDAAB. Therefore, having virtually nowhere to go after this album, they announce they will hang it up after this one. The band pours its heart and soul into this record and scores one of the best exits of all time.
Scenario #2.
New Album - An outcry is heard among fans "This is not the U2 we remember/want". Critics and a handful of dedicated fans still love them for trying something different/experimental/innovative, but it's not enough to keep U2 going in the same direction.
Next Album - "Return to basics" kind of sound...another unnecessary "apology" album (like I felt ATYCLB was for POP); but this time since they feel like they almost ran out of steam on this path after ATYCLB and HTDAAB, they announce this will be their last.
Post-U2 predictions:
Bono - goes on to promote his causes and does guest vocals on other artists' projects here and there.
Edge - becomes a successful producer for a number of bands
Adam & Larry - Retirement is fun!
A Crap-load of compilations/live DVD's/Books/unreleased rarities are released for the next 50+ years or so.
So, basically what I'm saying is that I think this album will be the deciding factor on whether we get U2 for about 10 more years or for only about 6 or so.
I hate to touch on such a depressing topic, but we have to consider that U2 seems to be a band that thinks once you are "out of touch", it's time to stop being a band. That, coupled with the age of the band and the legacy they already have, are the reasons I make these predictions.
Let me know if anyone agrees or thinks it is feasible. This is just food for thought. I'm not backing these ideas 100%; they just seem most likely, in my mind.