Originally posted by pleasegone:
The SOE album has to simply have the best songs, and not be overproduced. U2 apparently are over-reliant on producers. Most popular acts are able to self-produce by the time they are 10 years in a career, but nearly 40 years in, they can't do it. I wish they had stuck with Rick Rubin, as his concept of just listening to the band play is probably smarter than we all could ever know. Having Ryan Tedder, Danger Mouse, or (Insert young overhyped name of any producer here) is not such a great thing. Just make a record and stand by it. You don't need anybody's approval.
THIS. 100% agree