The 80's - The classics
Spielberg: ET, Indy, Empire Of The Sun (granted, Spielberg already made two classics in the 70's, Jaws and Close Encounters).
U2: The Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree.
The 90's - Even more success/experimentation
Spielberg: Steven uses CGI for the first time (in Jurassic Park) and starts to make some more serious themed films like Schindler's List and of course Saving Private Ryan. He also made Hook (not well received).
U2: The band experiments and depart from their distinct 80's sound with: Achtung Baby, Pop, Zooropa (not so well received either).
00's - Mixed
Spielberg: Steven makes all sorts of different movies like War Of The Worlds, Munich, AI, The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can, Indy 4 (later admits it was poor). No classics this decade, and mixed reviews from fans and critics.
U2: The band ''goes back to their roots'' and is at the top of their game with ATYCLB and HTDAAB. Then NLOTH came, which had a lukewarm reception.
10's- ...
Spielberg: Seems like more experimentation with the 3D animation Tintin, and more drama oriented films like War Horse and Lincoln (the biography of Abraham Lincoln).
U2: Also more experimentation with Songs Of Ascent?
I was born on 22-05-1992 that day U2 gave one of their best concerts. Dont you think that that had something to do with me 
