Originally posted by dieder:I think everyone wants another U2 album like Pop or Zooropa but it's just not gonna happen
Not everyone. I'm quite happy that this decade is over. I don't need Zooropop Part 2

I admit it was an important time for the sonic development of the band but I don't want to see them go back there. I just wish they had the guts to do another quick one from leftover parts. There should be enough half- finished stuff lying around to complete. But once they start working on something nowadays they immediately start to overdo it to death. The one thing that I dislike right now about U2 is the complete lack of spontaneity and freshness - and these were the virtues of Zooropa IMHO, although I dislike the computerized sound of that album.
As much as U2 try to convince us about their still burning hunger - I think they lost a lot of it somewhere along the way. They still have the abilities to write, arrange and play awesome songs, but the combination of over- perfectionism and saturation without the actual need to get something released paralyzes them. Instead of going anywhere they move around in circles. If they really want to return to freshness they have to find a different approach to studio work - and they'd better find that quick.
As much as I like NLOTH (which I really do) - I still believe that it would have proven a wiser choice to finish the Rubin sessions instead. Now their circles have morphed into a downward spiral and It's yet unclear how to escape from it. The increased pressure on the next album to sound truly awesome and unique won't help to regain some spontaneity and freshness.
If they don't find a less self- numbing approach soon then I'd suggest a five year break. Everything will be better than an album killed slowly and painfully during five years of work and improvement until the last breath of fresh air is forcefully pressed out of it. This would end in death by overproduction - to which they already came dangerously close for a few times. Better break free and get out of the block - or give it a five year break.
Just my 0.02$, as always. Peace and Love

Alex